Philippe Gestido's Action and Visit
Back in 2006, my friend and collegue Philippe Gestido was the spark for an altruistic action.
He decided to approach his colleagues for help in collecting money to help the Children of Upendo.
He put time and energy in to the effort and eventually made it to Kenya to give some hands-on charity assistance !
Phillippe collected 1000 euros to provide the UPENDO community with equipment and supplies, including :
- A water pump
- Tools to work in the garden
- Tools for the kitchen.
- 100kg of clothes ( 2 packs of 50kg each that were bought locally)
- Shoes for all the children, 2 pair each actually, 1 for outside activity and 1 for the" house"
Also, the children had been taken to their first restaurant meal and bought food in town to bring back to their place.
Some help to repair a solar panel had been provided as well for the priest who was serving the community.
Please see below a few pictures shared by Philippe.
Message from Philippe 23rd September 2012
" The other day I called Eunice in Kenya to get news from her and the girls...6 years already! time flies and life continues, sometimes good, sometimes bad, but it is probably more difficult for some people and I wanted to remember and continue what had taken shape during this unforgettable journey in Kenya: dedicate a little part of my time to others... "what can I do for you brother?"
My good friend François wanted to join when we flew to Nairobi and drove to Muranga with a group of pleople all coming from Ireland. At that time he had his obligations, being a father does not allow you much time, I know it now that I am a dad and expecting our second boy, "comme je te comprends François!", I have no time for me now!!
A few years after this impacting trip, I am amazed when I hear that the girls are successful at school, and I know just a small part of what they have gone through in their first years, many of us would not have survived.
So if you think this project reflects your concern about others´ lives and stories, this site will give you the means to participate and help a community that is incredibly courageous, excited about learning, knowing the outside world and sharing their knowledge with their own people back home.
If they can study, maybe when they go back home, they will have the knowledge and ressources to lead their community to a better life.
