school visit – THE BELWOP FOUNDATION

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.

On a day filled with hope and gratitude, the Belwop Foundation extended its ongoing commitment to supporting communities by visiting St. Luke Karundas Secondary School. This visit, marked by generosity and compassion, saw the Foundation deliver essential items to the students, many of whom struggle daily to access necessities. The Belwop Foundation team, motivated by the spirit of giving, donated school uniforms to needy boys, sanitary towels and soap to girls, and toothbrushes and toothpaste to other boys.

The gesture may have seemed simple on the surface, but for the students and their families, it was profound, offering more than just material items. It was a message of hope and solidarity, a reminder that they are not forgotten, and that the community cares for their well-being and future.

Addressing Basic Needs: A Foundation of Success

St. Luke Karundas Secondary School is home to many students from underprivileged backgrounds. The challenges they face, ranging from a lack of basic hygiene products to insufficient school uniforms, are barriers that can hinder their focus on education. For young boys unable to afford proper uniforms, standing out in a classroom or feeling excluded from their peers is a daily struggle. This sense of exclusion not only affects their self-esteem but also distracts them from their studies.

Recognizing this, The Belwop Foundation stepped in to donate school uniforms to boys who would otherwise go without. The significance of this donation went beyond just clothing; it provided the boys with dignity and a renewed sense of belonging. Uniforms may seem like small items, but they hold the power to transform how a child views their place in the academic world.

Empowering Girls Through Hygiene

For the girls at St. Luke Karundas, the Foundation’s visit was equally impactful. Menstruation, though a natural part of life, can become a source of shame and anxiety for girls who lack access to sanitary towels. Many girls in low-income communities are forced to miss school during their periods due to a lack of sanitary products, leading to absenteeism and affecting their academic performance. The Belwop Foundation’s provision of sanitary towels and soap was a crucial step toward ensuring that these girls no longer have to face these challenges.

With sanitary towels, girls can attend school without fear of embarrassment, allowing them to focus on their education and ambitions. The soap further emphasized the importance of personal hygiene, which is critical not only for health but also for confidence. The Foundation’s efforts helped to dismantle one of the barriers that keep girls from achieving their full potential, reinforcing the importance of equal access to education for all.

Caring for the Boys: Hygiene Matters Too

In addition to the uniforms, boys at the school received toothbrushes and toothpaste, addressing the often-overlooked aspect of oral hygiene. This may seem like a small contribution, but for boys in under-resourced communities, having access to basic hygiene products can make a significant difference in their health and self-esteem. Proper oral care is not just about having clean teeth; it is about fostering good hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.

The Belwop Foundation understands that caring for the whole student means addressing both their educational and personal needs. By providing these basic hygiene products, the Foundation not only contributed to the boys’ physical well-being but also helped to boost their confidence, ensuring they can fully engage in their education without worrying about their appearance or health.

The Power of Partnership

This visit to St. Luke Karundas Secondary School is just one example of the Belwop Foundation’s broader mission to uplift communities through education and support. The success of these initiatives is made possible by the Foundation’s dedicated partners, volunteers, and donors, who all believe in the power of giving back. Together, they are making a lasting impact on the lives of children who deserve the chance to succeed, no matter their background.

The Belwop Foundation understands that the work is far from over. More students across Kenya and beyond face similar challenges and the Foundation is committed to reaching as many as possible. Through partnerships with schools, local communities, and supporters, Belwop is creating a network of care that stretches beyond donations—toward long-term solutions that empower young people to achieve their dreams.

Moving Forward: A Brighter Future for All

As the day came to a close at St. Luke Karundas, the impact of the Belwop Foundation’s visit was clear. The smiles on the students’ faces, the heartfelt thanks from teachers, and the renewed sense of hope were all testaments to the power of kindness and generosity. These donations were not just about providing for the student’s immediate needs; they were about investing in their future.

The Belwop Foundation believes that every child deserves the chance to succeed, and that begins with ensuring they have the tools and support they need. From school uniforms to sanitary towels, toothpaste to soap, these small items are the building blocks of confidence, health, and education.

As the Foundation continues its work, it remains committed to making a difference—one school, one student, and one donation at a time. Through its visits and initiatives, the Belwop Foundation is not only changing lives today but also helping to shape a brighter tomorrow for the students of St. Luke Karundas Secondary School and beyond.

This memorable day at St. Luke Karundas stands as a testament to the impact that collective action and generosity can have on young lives. The Belwop Foundation looks forward to continuing its mission to uplift communities, one step at a time.

A Heartwarming Visit to Sister Elizabeth Vendramini Children’s Home for Physical Rehabilitation