History
A.C.K. Mothers Mercy Home is located just outside Nairobi and was opened on 7th May 2001. The Mothers' Union was given a challenge by the reigning Bishop of Mt. Kenya South - Rt. Revd Peter Njenga in 1997, that the Mothers' Union is a big body in the Church of Christ and it would be appropriate to start a project of its own which all the Mothers would own for the good of underprivileged children.

The Mothers Union is a dedicated and determined body with the interests of the children being paramount. As can be imagined in a country such as Kenya raising funds for such a project is not easy. For this reason this website was set up in the hope of providing support to the children and assisting the hard working committee.

Mothers Mercy Home children

Children's Recruitment
It was proposed that the target would be 150 children, aged between 3-5 years. The first recruitment of 36 children was done on the basis of five children from each Archdeaconry. The selection was based purely on need, children of all denominations are represented. There are seven Archdeaconaries in the Diocese; Githunguri, Ngong, Limuru, Cathedral, Kabete, Kiambaa and Uthiru. Children reported to the Mothers' Mercy Home on 7th May 2001. They were accompanied by the Mothers' Union Parish members, along with the guardians. The Bishop, the Patron and the Project Committee members together with the Home members of staff were all present to receive them. It was a joyous occasion for the realisation of a vision and a dream come true.

In January 2002, the number of children increased to 40.

A new dormitory is being built and it is anticipated that by January 2003 a further intake of needy children will take place bringing the number at the home to 84. In fact in January 2003 the further intake took place and there are now 44 girls and 40 boys resident.

Accommodation at the home is sparse with little in the way of home comforts and toys etc… Regardless of this the children are very happy and a true 'family' atmosphere pervades. It is comforting, when visiting, to see how considerate and caring the children are to each other.

Monika Richardson, the wife of Major Neil Richardson, the Quartermaster to the British Army Training and Liaison Service Kenya (BATLSK) happened to visit Mothers Mercy Home and seeing the happy occupants decided to help them towards a better life. She is assisted by Graham Craker a retired British Police Officer who spends time both in Kenya and the UK. This forms the UK awareness side and work closely with the Mothers Union. In April 2003 Neil and Monika returned to the UK. Monika will still help from the UK.

So far through friends in the UK and monetary donations the children have benefited from new Masai shukas (colourful blankets) for each bed to brighten up the dormitories, a television and video for educational and recreational use and all now have a pair of wellington boots for the rainy season.

There is of course plenty more to do, in the immediate future it would be nice to obtain some furniture, arm chairs, carpets etc… to help engender the family and produce a homely atmosphere.

Existing kitchen

Kitchen - the kitchen is typically Kenyan with cooking undertaken on a wood burning stove. Diet is mainly beans and ugali. Each Archdeaconry of the 9 supplies food for one month in rotation. A varied menu would also help nutrition. A relatively small amount of money would achieve this.

Educational trust - it is anticipated that children will leave Mothers Mercy Home at the age of 18. The children will be educated at Mothers Mercy Home up to the age of 9, after that they will move to secondary education at outside schools. This will entail school fees, which because of the number of children involved will be somewhat costly.

A purpose built home - At present the home is constructed of corrugated iron, playing space is limited. A bore hole and water tank have been installed at the home by kind donation of Living Water International and Davis & Shirtliff.

The Mothers Union are seeking a guardian angel who could provide the finance to build a purpose built permanent home to give these children a good footing in life in the hope that when they are older they become influential in the community and will be able to understand the plight of others and act for them.

It is thought that the sum in the region of KS 10 million (approx £90,000) would finance the building of a new home.

The Staff
The Home has various staff including Salome Wanjiku Muiruri one of the five school teachers and Eunice Wanjiri Mbugua who is the nurse and social worker. There are also two cooks, three cleaners, one groundsman, one watchman, one reliever and one Mothers Union accounts clerk. Bringing the total number of staff to 15.

All staff are on a basic wage – teachers 6,000 Kenya Shillings(KS) per month (£52-60p), cleaners and cooks 4,000 KS per month (£35). The home would welcome sponsorship of any of the staff.