Onesimus’s Story
Onesimus lives in rural Kenya. His dad died when he was still in primary school and in his early teens he was forced to drop out of college to care for his dying mum. During this period he came into contact with a HOPEHIV partner organisation who were providing home-based care to his mum and he started volunteering at their ‘kids clubs’, while also caring for his five younger siblings.
HOPEHIV saw Onesimus’ talent and offered him the chance to train as an orphan program leader. He jumped at the chance and three years on he is leading weekly kids clubs, training others and sharing his experiences in other parts of Africa. He told us:
"I am a totally different person to who I was three years ago. Confidence has given me competence in my job and my life".
Onesmus’ dream is to study community development one day. And if an opportunity arises, you can be sure he will grab it with both hands!
HOPEHIV’s Story
HOPEHIV have partnered with the Salvation Army in Kenya since 2003, equipping young community volunteers, many orphaned like Onesmus, as Trainers who can then set up weekly kids clubs and residential camps for orphaned and vulnerable children in their local communities.
These environments are crucial for the development of children across Africa. Games and sports help children make friends, cope with loss and crucially, give orphans some of the childhood fun they have often missed.
Youth officers and community volunteers have been trained across Kenya to offer this support for young people, and over 70 kids clubs have already been set up. Most importantly the trainers continue to equip more young volunteers to take their place.
HOPEHIV want to continue to equip young orphaned people like Onesimus to help other orphans to overcome grief through kids clubs. But we need your help. DONATE NOW.