Rachel Ruto, Chinese First Lady partner to embrace orphans

First Lady Rachel Ruto has partnered with China First Lady Peng Liyuan to warm children's hearts at Mama Fatuma Goodwill Children's Home in Eastleigh.

The Chinese Embassy in conjunction with the Office of the First Lady, provided food, sanitary towels, health and medical supplies donations.

The event which took place on May 31, 2023, was led by the Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy Zhao Xiyuan and a representative from the Office of First Lady Edward Ngaira.

“After the outbreak of Covid-19, Prof Peng called for donations of medical supplies and vaccines for African children, youth and women in the name of the Chinese government in 2020 and 2022,” Xiyuan said.

Ngaira appealed to society to embrace vulnerable children and take care of them deeply. He urged people to reach out to them.

“I make a statement to our society. A society that does not take care of their children, does not have a future. It moves me to stand here and look at these children because each of them represents a destiny. Each one of them represents a bright future, possibilities of what they can be and do in this life,” Ngaira said.

“I want to tell you, dear future boys and girls, that your future is bright. Look at the people who have gone through this institution and have become something in life, you need to be encouraged that you also will become someone great in this life,” Ngaira said.

He reiterated that they are determined to stand together with the Chinese Embassy and government, to make a difference in children's homes in Kenya.

The centre was established in 1966 and was initially called Goodwill Children Home, however, it later changed to Mama Fatuma Goodwill Children's Home in 1998.

The home in Eastleigh, Nairobi houses about 80 orphans and vulnerable children saved from the streets.

According to the home's chairman, Hussein Shariff the centre has produced doctors and police officers.