Letter From The Girls

So much time has passed and I'm sorry for the extreme delay on updates.

As some of you already know, I am back in the States. I just got back a few weeks ago and have been trying to adjust to life on this side of the world. I have come back to finish school and create a stronger program for Karama House.

Despite the many challenges that we were faced with, the program turned out to be quite successful. Both Deborah and Ann are living independently in an apartment in Nairobi, and attending college. They are managing their own finances which includes paying for school, rent, food, bills, etc. Deborah and Ann have gone above and beyond what I thought anyone in the program would have done. I could not be more proud of their hard work and determination.

Both of the young women wrote letters to everyone who has been supporting their efforts this past year and I want to share them with you.

Hi,

My name is Ann Wairuri. I am twenty-one years old.

I graduated from high school in 2007. The main reason for writing this letter is to thank everyone who has supported Karama House. Whether it be through finances, clothing, food, shelter, or prayers; I am thankful beyond words.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Larissa very much. She has been taking good care of me while I’ve been in the program. She has paid my fees for a two-month computer class so I can be a step ahead of everyone else starting college. She has also encouraged me to enroll in college and help pay for my school fees. I am very excited to start classes this month on the 6^th. My focus will be marketing which is a three-year course.In the program I had the opportunity of learning many things I was not aware of like HIV/AIDS, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, just to name a few. I also learned how to make jewelry using beads. With the business skills I was taught combined with the knowledge of beading, I was able to start my own small business selling my handmade products.

We are doing well, but thinking about Larissa going back to the States to complete her schooling does make me sad. However, I do believe she will come back to continue with the project when she has completed her degrees . Even if Larissa is not with us here in Kenya, Karama House will still exist for us during our time in school.

Thank you very much.

From,

Ann Wairuri

Hello, my name is Deborah Kemunto. I am 21 years old. I graduated from high school in November 2008.

The aim of writing this letter is to express my gratitude towards the Karama House Program. Its has been of great help to me because once I finished from high school, I didn’t have any hope of getting support to go to college. Now, I am happy because Larissa is making sure to support and encourage us to join college so that we can achieve our goals.

Secondly, I would like to thank each and every one of you who gave a hand in order for this program to come up and grow to bring up girls who can be responsible of their own lives. That includes being active in society and educating others who are in need as well.

Most importantly, I would like to thank you for supporting us in many ways including; financially, with prayers, clothing, providing us a home, and last but not least the love you have shared with us. This has really encouraged us and made us feel like there is nothing that can stop us from becoming what we want to be in life.

Thank you for allowing Larissa as the director of this project to come and be with us. She has really been of great help to us in so many ways. So far, she has been teaching us how to associate with people in the society, sex education, finance, and encouraged us to do a few jobs at the Shelter. The jobs included; teaching certain subjects at the school for the younger kids, washing clothes for the babies, cooking, and even working as the office secretary. We’ve also learned how to create various small businesses like tie and dye, which I have become very skilled at. Others in the program were doing beading and soap making.

The most exciting news for us is that soon in July and September we will be joining our various colleges. I will be joining in September for either nursing or disaster management, and I can’t wait to start. I will work very hard to get the grades that will allow me to start working as soon as I graduate so I can be responsible and help the needy as well.

It’s really sad that Larissa has to go back for more studies but there is nothing we can do about it. We really hope and pray that the Almighty God who sent her to be with us will still enable her to come back and continue with the project. I believe it will be of great help to many girls throughout Kenya. She has really done a lot for us by loving us and keeping us from harms way. May God uplift you all and shower many of blessings upon you for what you have done for us.

Love you all.

Deb

We are still supporting the young women financially due to lack of part-time jobs offered in Kenya. We are hoping to find jobs for the girls in the near future. Until then, its up to us to support the girls and make sure that they are able to finish school and reach their goals.

Thanks for sticking with us, and if anyone has questions please feel free to comment or email me at karama.house@gmail.com.

Larissa