As Christmas 2023 approached, Cherish Narok’s Children started to plan. In the past years, we’ve been able to sponsor a shopping trip in town for the children. They were able to chose a new clothing item and shoes. Topped off with a lunch in town.
This year, we were challenged with additional children in secondary school and the cost of tuitions, new uniforms for the high school students and the fees associated with these new schools.
It was suggested that Cherish Narok’s Children gift the primary and middle school children with new uniforms and new school shoes. At first, I thought it wasn’t a great idea. New school uniform? Christmas present? However, we were encouraged to proceed with this plan by the director of the home itself. Additionally, a Christmas party was planned. Shelina and her family brought lots of Christmas tasty goodies and the children had a tree and a big party which everyone enjoyed.
The school uniforms were ordered and arrived when school started again in January. To my surprise, the children were ecstatic. The squeals and smiles said it all. Several children told us that they now looked like “everyone else”. I had not realized that wearing very worn, hand me down (many times), uniforms and shabby shoes marked these children amongst their peers. The older children in secondary do receive new uniforms when they are accepted into their new schools. They were thrilled to see the younger students so happy.
These children have lots of hurdles in life. Many have very, very sad stories of their earlier years. Feeling “less than” is a very real psychological state. We feel blessed that we may have been able to remove at least one more block to their educational success.
Sharing their smiles …..
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