Good Samaritan! Elderly woman converts her home into orphanage in Kisumu

A 70-year-old woman has converted her home into an orphanage in Nyakach, Kisumu County.

Mama Jane Risper founded the Ray of Hope CBO Children home at her matrimonial home in Nyabondo Plateau, Nyakach subcounty in the year 2020.

Mama Jane, as she is commonly known by locals, said her resolve to convert her then small mud-walled house into an orphanage was informed by her passion for children and the high numbers of orphans and vulnerable children in the locality, some of who are homeless hence needed her stretching hand.

"I live with twelve such children in my home, now an orphanage, as I support tens of others living with their guardians, but under difficult situations," Jane told the Star on Friday.

The orphanage is known by many in the region as an epitome of humanity, a place where hope thrives and lives are transformed.

"All the children in our programs have their all hopes and dreams in us. Rays of Hope CBO children's home is a place of warmth, joy and laughter. A place where children truly recognize as their home," Mama Jane said.

She, together with a team of others including several volunteers, manages the home with support from well-wishers alongside Project Rescue Children Kenya NGO popularly referred to as PRC - Kenya.

"It's sad to see how children who don't have parents or those who have vulnerable parents suffer as they struggle to live. Such children especially orphans face lots of challenges since they don't have people to take care of their needs," Jane said.

She added, "Orphans may have relatives who might not be willing to help them. For me, I feel accomplished by supporting such needy children. These are God's children and we need to raise them."

Despite Jane's old age, she has continued to show children under her care love as she extends support to adopted orphans.

Jane said it not only breaks her heart to see babies neglected and abandoned at her gate but also the struggles orphans and vulnerable children undergo.

The home provides shelter, food, clothing, education and healthcare, among other needs to the children.

Jane, however, noted that as an orphanage, they had limited resources and hence needed material and financial support from well-wishers, philanthropists, corporates, institutions as well as donor organisations to help provide for the children and achieve the orphanage's vision.

The home also serves as a children's rescue centre.

"I love these children and think that if we get some support and help them, they will all be happy and successful in life. In April every year, I donate an assortment of clothes, food, stationery, shoes and households to needy households in the locality. This initiative has been made possible through support from well-wishers, friends and relatives," Jane said.

Jane said she is a staunch Christian who had opened her gates for orphans who lived miserable and lonely lives after losing their parents with no food and people to provide them shelter, clothing, education, etc.

"I check around and see how some children live. Most elderly widows living with children are unable to raise them well. We support them through food donations and at times invite them in and we eat together," Jane narrated.

PRC Kenya director Charles Kupa earlier told the Star that the orphanage equally faces lots of challenges due to inadequate resources.

"There are lots of challenges that PRC has faced as a partner. But, we have tried. When we came in four years ago, the house was almost falling. Children were sleeping on the floor," Kupa said.

"We have tried to make changes along the way. We had a ten-point programme that we have not yet exhausted. As you can see, we started with the roof and walling, windows, and doors. We had to replace and doors so that there could be enough light for the children and as well re-enforced them for the minors' safety," Kupa said.

Kupa said the PRC introduced feeding programmes which had kept children both at home and at various schools around.

Jane acknowledged the NGO's support stating it had greatly helped the orphanage.

"They renovated for me this house. That's why it looks like this. I thank God, it was in a dilapidated state," Jane said.

Jane said some children get to the streets to beg for money ending up living reckless lives when they lack basic needs.

"Others seek employment where they at times get exploited and molested while others stay with their relatives and guardians who might not be able to provide for their needs ending up mistreating them," Jane said.

She said some people see orphans as nuisance hence denying them love and care.

Some children visit the home to have lunch and dinner then return to their humble homes.

Jane, however, raised concerns about the proposed policy to close children's homes in Kenya by the year 2032.

She said if the charitable children's institutions are closed, most orphans and vulnerable children will suffer and their life dreams shuttered.

"Other than raising OVCs, CCIs also protect children from trafficking and exploitation. The crime might increase if children's homes are gotten rid of," Jane said.

Nephume Adhiambo, one of the workers at the orphanage expressed her fears of losing jobs if children's homes are closed by the state.

"We are wondering as workers, how will we survive? How will these children go on with their lives? Some are total orphans, others have parents who can't take care of them. So, we are wondering what will happen," Adhiambo poised.

Anita, a minor, together with her younger sister, were rescued from their abusive uncle after being orphaned and placed into the orphanage.

Mama Jane took both the children to school and they have since never known anywhere as home apart from the orphanage.

"I'm thankful to be here. Ray of Hope CBO is my home. They offered me shelter, gave me clothing, and food and took me to hospital whenever I fell sick. They show me love and care at all times," ten-year-old Elvis said.

Elvis moved into the orphanage at an age of five.