UPENDO celebrates its 15th anniversary!

15 years ago, the implementation of the idea to provide orphans in Kenya with a loving home in a large community began. The German UPENDO Children’s Village Association was founded by initiator Dr. Michael Fretter, a suitable plot of land was found and the construction of the orphan village began.

In the meantime, we have achieved a lot. Many children have found a replacement family in 15 years. Many of them still visit the orphanage today. And they were especially happy to do so on the occasion of the anniversary. Everyone was invited to celebrate together: all the Upendo children and staff, the alumni, the teachers from the schools, neighbours, friends and colleagues from other orphan villages in the area, the pastor and staff from the relevant offices and authorities. All in all, it was a colourful party. A large part of our German core team also travelled to Kenya.

All of them were committed and lent a hand to celebrate the anniversary with everyone on site. The children had decorated the grounds with garlands they had made themselves and painted pictures, creating a great backdrop. Our cooking team, together with volunteers from the neighbourhood, served traditional Kenyan food from huge pots: pilau – rice with chicken, chapati – dough patties, black beans, sliced fruit, salad. After some greetings, Richard, one of our first children, and our Chairlady Terry Gitahi did not miss the opportunity to thank the sponsors, the association and all UPENDO supporters for their great commitment.

The anniversary was a wonderful celebration, with great talks, with music, dance and acrobatics and many laughing and happy faces.