The Talents Children’s Mission is a small home in Elburgon, Kenya (near Nakuru) for boys orphaned by AIDS. It was established in February 2007 and they now have twenty boys, the youngest of whom is 13 years old. Those who joined in 2007 are now in their early 20s and either in further education or employment; one is studying electrical engineering at university. All of them truly appreciate the difference that being in the home has made to their lives, and could not have imagined where they are now when they first arrived.
Their compound is located about 1 kilometre outside Elburgon, and they have a total of 3.5 acres which provides space to grow food, to keep livestock and for the children to play. As resources allow they plan to build more residential space in order to take in girls as well as boys.
The home is managed by Talents Revival Ministry which is a large network of churches in the area under the leadership of Bishop Samuel Muya, with the main church in Elburgon. They have a board of trustees that oversees the running and management of the home. They have an excellent team of full-time and part-time salaried staff who have the daily care of the home and the children. They are headed up by Susan, the house mother, and Lois, the administrator. All the staff have a real heart for the children, and are dedicated to their care.
Children coming to the home are often malnourished and may be in need of medical attention. Those coming from extended families sometimes show signs of physical abuse. However, the children quickly respond to the love and care that they find. They have been able to get places for the younger boys in good local schools while those in High School (which is usually boarding) may be further afield.
St Andrew’s has been involved and has provided support in a number of ways. Individuals have visited the home, groups have provided sponsorship to the boys and the church and church members have provided funds for a new toilet block and to sink a borehole, to provide clean water for the home, and to help maintain it. Our Sunday School children have also raised funds to buy chickens and pigs, for the Talents Farm.
For more about Talents Children’s Mission please visit their website: www.talentschildrensmission.com
