Nestled in the Githutha hills, 30 kilometres northwest of Nairobi, Kenya, lies a traditional farming community.
Life is a challenge for the people of Githutha. Here unpredictable weather conditions cause havoc with crop yields. More often than not, the subsistence farmers don’t have enough food to place on the table. Traditional family structures have been ravaged by HIV and AIDS and many in the community have turned to the local homemade alcoholic brew just to get through the day.
As always, it’s the most vulnerable who are hit hardest. Githutha’s children are subject to hunger, child labour and abuse.
But thanks to the Compassion project run by Githutha Church, things are changing.
The community’s poorest children are being given new hope through the Compassion programme.
Every project day, children gather together to share devotional time and sing songs of worship. Children are introduced to the God who listens to their prayers and answers. Thanks to their sponsor, every child is given the opportunity to attend school and receive additional educational lessons at their project. Children are also taught the Compassion curriculum which covers everything from staying healthy to managing your money well! Children are given nutritious food during break times and lunch. Any children who are identified as malnourished are put on specific feeding programmes and given extra food packages to take home. There’s a focus on developing good hygiene practices. The project even has a demonstration garden to teach children good farming practices to improve crop yields. In a country where the youth unemployment rate is estimated at 25 per cent*, teenagers are taught vital vocational skills. Supportive project staff members give young people guidance in identifying their strengths and giftings. The project is a safe haven where children are known, loved and protected.
Hartford Methodist Church 
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