Kenya (BOC/MNN) —
A ministry is marking 10 years of outreach in Kenya at a time when their
resources are likely to face significant challenges due to the famine.
Buckner
International was joined by dignitaries like Pauline Kalonzo, wife of Kenya
Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, who pledged that the Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation
"will partner with Buckner in establishing more projects to improve the welfare
of poor children."
Kalonzo also thanked
Buckner President Albert Reyes and the agency's
team for investing resources and trust in Kenya over the decade to improve the
lives of children.
"It really moved
me when I saw those orphans perform, and I thought to myself, ‘There should be
many more organizations like Buckner,'" Kalonzo said. "Thank you for exercising
what the Bible tells us: ‘Love your neighbor.'"
Reyes thanked
Kalonzo for her support of Buckner Kenya and recognized the work of the Kenya
Baptist Convention and the Arms of Jesus ministry from Canada for beginning the
work. He also congratulated Dickson Masindano, director of Buckner Kenya, for
his 10 years of leadership and for guiding the NGO's (non-governmental
organization) growth. Masindano has led Buckner Kenya to expand beyond Nairobi
to multiple locations across the country.
The ministry cares
for an average of 37 children–ranging in age from 5 to 20 years old in a
residential care program–as well as providing foster care services.
In Nairobi, Buckner provides a vocational training program
with an emphasis on sewing and computer skills. Buckner also offers three formal school
programs in Kenya, with campuses and medical clinics in Busia, Kitale and
Nairobi.
The sites also
include water wells and spiritual development programs in conjunction with all
of the other ministries at each location.
Reyes told those
attending the celebration that the work in Kenya is "a model of the kind of
redemptive work Buckner seeks to do in every place where we work to improve the
lives of vulnerable children and families."
To learn more
about Buckner in Kenya, click here.
