Familia Moja Newsletter - June/July 2012

BUILDING PROJECT UPDATE

We are progressing well with the building of our very own home. At the moment we are halfway through erecting the first floor walls and aim to install the roof in early August. Once the roof is complete the structure will be almost there, with only the windows and doors to follow.

At the moment we have enough funds to install the roof however we urgently need to raise additional money for the windows, doors, electricity and plumbing. We are asking all our supporters to dig deep and help us finish our very own home. To donate, click here.

In June electricity was
connected to the home

Our new water tank

Thank you to Kamau Njau from the local community for donating a 10,000 litre water tank to Familia Moja. It is so fantastic to see the local community get behind Familia Moja and is a testiment to the vision of Wambui, Jess and the Board, of the home being run by the community for the community.

STAFF UPDATE

Lillian is settling into her role as an intern social worker well. Her help with the children’s education and medical care has been much appreciated. She has also been instrumental in helping our newest children, Clara Wanjiku and Alphine Adhiambo settle into the home.

SCHOOL TRIP

In June the older children went on a school trip to the Rift Valley. They were beaming with smiles and full of stories to share upon their return.

PEOPLE AND PLANET

In 2013 Familia Moja will continue its partnership with People and Planet. A big thank you to the 40 friends and family members who will help us sell 440 calendars and 270 diaires for 2013 and to Aaron Maxwell for designing the latest adverts. You can read more about People and Planet here

FUNDRAISERS

31 PILLOWS

In June the 31 Pillows exhibition in Sydney showcased the artworks of the Familia Moja children along with the works of talented Australian artists Lottie Consalvo and James Drinkwater. Taught by James and Lottie during their time at Familia Moja earlier this year as resident artists and art teachers, the children’s work presents a dynamic showcase of talent, life and enthusiasm for art. I would like to thank the following people:

• Damien for allowing us to use this wonderful space to showcase the amazing artwork of James, Lottie and the children of Familia Moja
• Aaron Sampson from Aaron Framed It – for offering a generous discount for framing the artwork
• Peter Howland – for donating the wine from his private collection
•  Tony Kelly from St Clemente for the cookware
• Louise and Luke from Apple Truck Cider Hunter Valley
• Rick and Trevor from Stone and Wood
• Kitty from Redfern Fruit Market
•  Moo Fish for the Fish
• Our Chef Mitchell Carroll from Sprout Dinning the Honeysuckle in Newcastle for preparing this Kenyan feast
• Michelle Drinkwater from Holly Family for the tables and chairs
• Dylan and Jess for donating their exquisite waitering skills
• Kirsty Bradmore and Darcy from the ABC for making the short film on the art classes that Lottie and James ran at Familia Moja in Jan/Feb this year. 
• Nick and Martine for ferrying the artwork from Sydney to Melbourne
• And finally a massive thank you to James and Lottie for the amazing job of pulling together the exhibition.

You can view the artwork and buy some of the remaining masterpieces here http://31pillows.wordpress.com/

Some of the beautiful artworks

James and Lottie looking
fabulous as always

The marvellous Kenyan dinner

Jess addressing the guests

James - Spirit Dancer

MELBOURNE WATER

In June Melbourne Water held a fundraiser in their office for Familia Moja. We’d like to thank Luke Dykes for organising this event and for the staff at Melbourne Water for their generousity.

CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA

In June Cathedral College in Wangaratta held a casual clothes fundraiser for Familia Moja. We’d like to thank Bella & Bailey White for organising this and Cathedral College for their support.


ANZ BANK
In June Joanne Campo from ANZ Bank held a casual clothes fundraiser for Familia Moja. We'd like to thank Joanne for organising this and ANZ Institutional Finance for their support.

DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD

On the 16th of June, the children celebrated the African Day of the Child. This year the theme was 'protecting the rights of children with disabilities'. 

All the Charitable Children’s Institutions (CCI’s) from the larger Gatundu District gathered together at Gatundu Children’s Home to celebrate this great day. It provides an excellent opportunity for the kids to interact and showcase their talents. The Familia kids were thrilled to win best group song and best solo poem.

The day was sponsored by AFCIC and Gatundu South CDF. Familia Moja are pleased to be hosting the event next year in Gatundu North.

African Day of the Child celebrations

The Familia Moja kids singing

The whole family with their prizes

Margaret Njoki receiving the
 trophy for best group song

MID TERM BREAK

Much to the delight of the kids, mid-term break saw the return of Purity Njoki and Rasto.

Joseph Mungai was thrilled when Elizabeth and Peter went to visit him on his mid-term break at Variety Village Salvation Army.

CALL FOR EDUCATION SPONSORS

Due to the rising cost of living in Kenya, school fees have been increased. In addition to rising costs, we are still in need of six education sponsors to cover school fees. We are urging our supporters to dig deep and sponsor a Familia Moja child's education. 

We value education so highly st Familia Moja and understand that it is the key to a positive and sustainable future for the children in our care. To find out more about Education Sponsorship, click here.