Access to proper sanitation is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of creating a conducive learning environment for children. Recognizing this, The Belwop Foundation recently took a significant step toward improving hygiene and health at Mathingira Comprehensive School in Kieni by building modern toilets for both boys and girls. This initiative aims to address the critical need for clean and safe sanitation facilities, fostering a better environment for learning and personal growth.
The Challenge
Before this project, Mathingira Comprehensive School struggled with toilets that were simply insufficient for the growing number of students. With the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which placed junior secondary classes within primary schools, the student population significantly increased. The existing facilities could not keep up with the demand, leaving many children without access to proper sanitation. For many students, especially girls, this lack of privacy and cleanliness made attending school more challenging. The school community longed for a solution that would improve hygiene and bring a sense of dignity to the students.
The Belwop Foundation’s Intervention
In response to this urgent need, The Belwop Foundation stepped in to construct separate, modern toilet blocks for boys and girls. The project was designed not only to improve sanitation but also to promote dignity, privacy, and a sense of ownership among the students. These facilities are built with durable materials and include features that ensure hygiene and safety.
Impact on the School Community
The impact of the new toilets at Mathingira Comprehensive School is profound:
Improved Hygiene and Health: The new facilities drastically reduce the risk of disease transmission by providing clean and safe spaces for sanitation. This contributes to better overall health for students, allowing them to focus on their studies.
Increased Attendance: With separate and private toilets, girls feel more comfortable attending school throughout the year. This project directly supports gender equity in education by addressing a key barrier to girls’ consistent attendance.
Enhanced Learning Environment: By addressing a basic need, the project allows students and teachers to concentrate on their educational goals without the distractions and stress caused by poor sanitation.
Community Pride: The project has inspired pride and hope within the local community. Parents, teachers, and students have expressed their gratitude, acknowledging the transformative power of this initiative.
Gratitude and Vision
The Belwop Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to its partners, donors, and volunteers whose support made this project possible. This milestone reflects the foundation’s commitment to empowering vulnerable communities and fostering sustainable development through education and health initiatives.
As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded that our work is far from over. The Belwop Foundation remains dedicated to bridging gaps in access to basic needs and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to partner with us in transforming lives and creating brighter futures. Together, we can continue to build environments where children can achieve their full potential. Whether through donations, volunteer work, or spreading the word, your contribution matters.
Together, let’s build a better tomorrow—one step, one school, one child at a time
In the heart of Karatina, Kenya, a small yet powerful story of love, resilience, and community is unfolding. This is the story of Esther Kariuki, fondly known as Mama Pascalina, a 34-year-old mother whose life has been profoundly shaped by her journey with her first child, Pascalina. Now 13 years old, Pascalina was born with severe cerebral palsy. This condition has presented countless challenges but has also been the inspiration behind a bold initiative that is transforming the lives of many.
The Journey of Mama Pascalina and Pascalina
From when Pascalina was born, Esther knew her life would take a different path. Cerebral palsy, a group of disorders that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture, can present significant hurdles. For Pascalina, the condition has hindered her ability to speak, walk, and perform everyday motor tasks that most take for granted. Yet, in the face of these challenges, Esther has become a pillar of strength and hope for her daughter.
Raising Pascalina has been a full-time job. At 13 years old, Pascalina still requires diapers, as she will likely need for the rest of her life. Feeding, bathing, grooming, and caring for her is an all-consuming responsibility. Thankfully, Pascalina has a wheelchair, which makes mobility more manageable, but the care she requires remains physically and emotionally demanding.
Esther’s love and dedication to Pascalina mirror the struggles and triumphs of countless families raising children with cerebral palsy. These families face not only the physical and emotional toll of caregiving but also financial and societal challenges. Esther, however, has chosen to turn her personal experience into a beacon of hope for others.
Building a Safe Haven: Esther’s Home for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Understanding the struggles faced by families like hers, Esther made the courageous decision to establish a day home for children with cerebral palsy in Karatina. This home is more than just a physical space—it is a sanctuary where children with cerebral palsy can receive care, therapy, meals, and love while their parents go to work.
For many parents, the day home offers a lifeline. Cerebral palsy care is not only time-intensive but often expensive, making it difficult for parents to balance caregiving with earning a livelihood. Esther’s initiative bridges this gap, providing families with the peace of mind that their children are safe, cared for, and engaged in activities that stimulate their development.
In addition to running the day home, Esther has taken on the mission of connecting families with donors who can provide wheelchairs. Mobility aids like wheelchairs are often out of reach for many families, but they make an enormous difference in the quality of life for both the children and their caregivers. Esther’s efforts have helped lighten the load for many families in her community.
The Belwop Foundation Visit: A Day of Joy and Sharing
On October 31, 2024, the Belwop Foundation had the privilege of visiting Esther’s day home. The foundation, which has dedicated itself to uplifting vulnerable children and families in Nyeri County and beyond, brought smiles, resources, and a spirit of togetherness to this humble yet impactful home.
The visit was a family affair, with members of the Belwop Foundation bringing their own children along to join in the mission. It was a day of joy and connection, as children played together and families shared their experiences. The foundation brought essential items, shared resources, and extended its support to Esther and the families she serves.
The visit was more than just a moment of charity—it was a celebration of the power of community and the resilience of the human spirit. Esther’s work reminds us that even in the face of adversity, one person’s determination can ripple out to touch the lives of many.
Gratitude and a Call to Action
The Belwop Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to all its supporters who made this visit possible. Your contributions, whether in the form of time, resources, or goodwill, are making a tangible difference in the lives of children with cerebral palsy and their families.
Esther’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and community. It challenges us to look beyond our own struggles and ask how we can support those around us. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness, every action counts.
Looking Ahead
As the Belwop Foundation continues its mission to uplift vulnerable communities, stories like Esther’s inspire us to do more. The foundation remains committed to supporting grassroots initiatives like hers, which are born from firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the needs of their communities.
To those reading this story, we invite you to join us in this journey of making a difference. Together, we can amplify the impact of individuals like Esther, ensuring that children with cerebral palsy and their families receive the care, dignity, and opportunities they deserve.
Conclusion
Esther Kariuki, or Mama Pascalina, is a shining example of resilience, compassion, and the power of community. Her journey with Pascalina has not only shaped her own life but also the lives of many others. Through her day home for children with cerebral palsy, she is creating a ripple effect of hope and support that will be felt for years to come.
The Belwop Foundation is honored to be a part of this story and to have the opportunity to support Esther’s incredible work. As we move forward, we remain inspired by her example and committed to empowering individuals and families in need. Thank you to all who have supported this mission—your contributions are changing lives, one step at a time.
Let’s continue to spread hope, share kindness, and uplift one another. Together, we can make the world a better place for children like Pascalina and families like Esther’s.
On September 19th, The Belwop Foundation had the honor of visiting Naromoru Home for Disabled Children, now known as Sister Elizabeth Vendramini Children’s Home for Physical Rehabilitation. The day was filled with warmth, love, and deep reflections on the power of community support. The home, managed by a team of devoted nuns, provides care to 50 children, all of whom face physical challenges, with some grappling with both physical and mental disabilities.
Our time at the home was not only fulfilling but also deeply humbling. It allowed us to witness the dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts of the nuns who ensure that each child receives the care and attention they need. These children, despite their challenges, radiated joy and hope, teaching us valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of unconditional love. Our visit reinforced the belief that it is not enough to count your blessings — you must also be the blessing that others can count on.
A Special Place with Extraordinary People
Sister Elizabeth Vendramini Children’s Home is nestled in the quiet town of Naromoru, a serene environment that provides a peaceful backdrop for the children’s physical rehabilitation. Established to provide care for children with physical disabilities, the home serves as a beacon of hope for families who otherwise would not have the resources to care for their children’s special needs. It is not just a facility; it is a haven of warmth, love, and understanding, where every child is treated with dignity and respect.
The children who live here face significant challenges daily. Some are wheelchair-bound, others require specialized medical equipment, and some need constant medical attention. Many of these children have conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy. Despite their physical limitations, the children at the home exude a remarkable level of energy and enthusiasm for life. They engage in a range of activities designed to foster their development and independence, from physical therapy sessions to educational programs.
The home is run by a team of nuns, led by a warm and dedicated sisterhood who believe in the power of love and faith. Their devotion to the children is evident in every aspect of the home. From the way they engage with each child to the careful attention they give to ensuring the children’s physical and emotional well-being, it is clear that they have created a nurturing environment where these children can thrive.
The Power of Support: Donations of Necessities
Our visit to the home was driven by the desire to lend a helping hand and to show that the Belwop Foundation stands in solidarity with those who need it most. With the help of kind-hearted individuals and organizations, we were able to donate essential items such as diapers, toiletries, and foodstuff. These items, though simple, go a long way in improving the daily lives of the children and easing the burden on the caregivers who work tirelessly to keep the home running.
The importance of diapers in a home like this cannot be overstated. Many of the children at Sister Elizabeth Vendramini Children’s Home are unable to control their bladder or bowel movements due to their physical conditions, making diapers an absolute necessity. Our donation of these items will help ensure that the children are kept clean and comfortable throughout the day. Similarly, the toiletries we donated — including soap, toothpaste, and sanitary items — are essential in maintaining the children’s hygiene and overall health.
Foodstuff was another critical part of our donation. Proper nutrition is vital for the children, many of whom have weakened immune systems or require specialized diets due to their medical conditions. The food items we provided will help the home maintain a balanced diet for the children, ensuring they receive the nutrients they need to grow and stay healthy.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all the individuals who supported this cause. Whether it was through donations, spreading the word, or volunteering their time, their contributions made a tangible difference in the lives of these children. The visit was a reminder of the incredible things we can accomplish when we come together as a community, united by a common goal of helping others.
Love and Laughter: The Power of Connection
One of the most rewarding aspects of our visit was the opportunity to interact with the children. Despite their physical and mental challenges, the children welcomed us with open hearts, eager to share their stories, play, and laugh with us. Their smiles were infectious, and their laughter echoed through the halls of the home, filling the air with a sense of joy that was both humbling and uplifting.
There was something deeply profound about spending time with these children. They reminded us that while they may face obstacles that many of us will never fully understand, their capacity for joy, love, and connection is boundless.
The children’s resilience in the face of their challenges was perhaps the most inspiring part of the visit. Despite their limitations, they do not allow their disabilities to define them. They are full of dreams and aspirations, just like any other child. Their determination and optimism are a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above adversity.
A Future of Hope: Continuing the Support
As we left the home that day, we carried with us not only the memories of the children’s smiles and laughter but also a renewed sense of purpose. The visit to Sister Elizabeth Vendramini Children’s Home was a powerful reminder of why The Belwop Foundation exists — to help those who are most vulnerable, to spread love and kindness, and to be a source of hope for those who need it most.
But our work does not end with this visit. We are committed to continuing our support for the home and the children who live there. In the coming months, we hope to return with more donations, more volunteers, and more love to share. We also aim to raise awareness about the challenges these children face and encourage more people to get involved in supporting the home.
There are many ways in which people can contribute to this cause. Donations of money, food, and supplies are always welcome, but so too is the gift of time. Volunteering at the home, even if only for a few hours, can make a world of difference in the lives of these children. It is a chance to share love, laughter, and kindness with those who need it most. As the saying goes, “Don’t just count your blessings. Be the blessing other people count on.”
A Call to Action: How You Can Help
The Belwop Foundation’s visit to Sister Elizabeth Vendramini Children’s Home was a beautiful example of what can be achieved when people come together to support a common cause. But there is still much work to be done. We urge anyone who can contribute to our cause to do so in whatever way they can.
Here’s how you can help the Belwop Foundation continue to support even more individuals in need:
Donate: Contributions, whether money, diapers, toiletries, food, or other essential items, are invaluable. These resources go directly toward improving the lives of vulnerable children and families. Donations can be dropped off at The Belwop Foundation offices, or you can contact us for help with the collection.
Volunteer Your Time: The Belwop Foundation always welcomes volunteers to help with various programs and outreach initiatives. Whether it’s assisting in mentorship programs, helping with distribution of supplies, or supporting community events, your time and skills can make a big impact on the people we serve.
Spread Awareness: Help us reach more people by sharing our mission and activities with your family, friends, and on social media. Raising awareness about the challenges faced by vulnerable children and families ensures that our programs continue to receive the support they need to thrive.
Sponsor a Child or Program: Many of the children and families we support require ongoing assistance with school fees, medical care, or basic necessities. By sponsoring a child or one of our programs, you can directly impact the life of someone in need, providing them with a chance for a better future.
By joining hands with the Belwop Foundation, you can help us expand our reach and bring hope to even more children and families in need. Together, we can make a lasting difference in their lives and build a stronger, more compassionate community.
Conclusion
September 19th was a day filled with love, smiles, and hope as the Belwop Foundation visited Sister Elizabeth Vendramini Children’s Home. Our time there was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, compassion, and the incredible impact we can have on the lives of others when we come together for a common cause.
We left the home that day with hearts full of gratitude — not just for the opportunity to help, but for the lessons the children taught us about resilience, love, and the true meaning of joy. As we continue to support the home in the months and years to come, we carry with us the belief that we are all capable of being the blessing that others count on.
Let’s continue to spread love, hope, and kindness — not just on special occasions, but every day. Together, we can make the world a better place for these children and for all those in need.
