Meet the Team
Patrick’s story: the best lesson I ever learned is to give back to society
Patrick is our volunteer computer tutor. He trains the kids in the after school program and during school breaks (April, August and December). Patrick’s background, drive and achievements and his positive “can do” attitude make him a very strong role model for our kids. Here’s his story in his own words:
Written by Patrick Wainaina, volunteer computer tutor
My name is Patrick Wainaina and I was born on May 1st, 1981. I grew up in Dandora slum, Kenya. My mum gave birth to me when she was seventeen.
I grew up with my grandmother and her five daughters. My mum was the eldest and she had already secured a job as a house girl in Parklands. She was working for a German family who also assisted in paying my school fees.
I remember back in 1990 when my mum started falling sick and she was in and out of hospital frequently. I used to like my mum so much for so many reasons. She used to listen to me and gave me advice that up to now I find useful in my life. For instance she asked me to treat all the ladies with respect and if I was chosen by one I should stand up and be a man.
I thought I was too young for that kind of advice then but now I do appreciate it because I already have a girlfriend (Rose) and we are getting married next year in 2011.
I still recall 13th June 1991 when my mum passed away. We were just the two of us at home and since she was bedridden I served her breakfast on bed. I gained enough courage to ask her the condition of her health and up to now I still recall the final words my mum told me. She asked me not to indulge myself in my premarital sex otherwise I would end up like her. She told me that she was suffering from a deadly disease called HIV/AIDS. She sent me to bring her a glass of water and when I came back my mum was no more.
My aunts were in secondary and colleges and so my grandmother could not afford to pay for my school fees and in 1994 she took me to St. Nicholas Children’s Home in Karen. I completed my High School in 2001 and got a mean grade of B- and later joined Daystar University. I studied Computer Science.
The best lesson I have learned in life is to give back to society. I am currently working at St. Nicholas primary school as a computer tutor. St Nicholas is where I lived for several years and where over 20 of the HHFL kids go to school. I am also working as a volunteer at HHFL helping them to learn the computer.
I would like to thank St. Nicholas, HHFL, Church of Apostles and all the donors who support St. Nicholas and HHFL.
Thank you so much for putting a smile on the faces of the needy children in Kenya. May God Bless You all.
Patrick Wainaina
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Benson’s story
My name is Benson Onyango Odima and I am Chairman of HanneHowardFund/Lenana. I was born and brought up in Lenana, one of the slums of Nairobi. In 1984, I joined Ngong Forest Primary School, which is about 1km from Lenana slum for my primary education. Life was tough but ok, until I reached class eight. Reality cropped in that I would not join high school due to poverty unless a miracle happened. My dear mum knew I was bright and that I might pass! She hated the idea of her kids staying home and not getting a proper education. Therefore, she started asking around and got wind of Starehe Boys Centre and School, a well known and respected National secondary school in Nairobi.
As a formality, I filled the application forms. I was told all I had to do was pass my exams really well and I could join Starehe Boys Centre! With hope provided, I worked so hard and passed really well. I got the sponsorship not only to Starehe and but also through college where I earned two diplomas in computer Engineering and Network administration, plus several certificates in Information Technology.
I met Hanne and Ted three years ago when I got a call to look at their computers. That’s how I learned about the work of HHF in the Lenana slum. I went through a system which helped bright students from poor backgrounds achieve a good education and career. Realizing that HHF had a lot of HIV orphans and other needy children that could benefit from my experiences, I joined as a volunteer and became a mentor and role model to the children in the HHF project. I am honored to have recently been appointed the Chairman of Hannehowardfund/Lenana, the community based organization, which manages all of the programs funded by HHF and other donors.
Education is the key to many things, so I encourage the HHF children to make the best use of the educational and other opportunities provided them. I believe that you cannot dream yourself a character, but you must hammer and forge yourself one!
Born to be an artist
I’m Duncan, the art director. I love art, especially oil painting and glass work. I’ve been helping the children for a long time in arts. At first, I found it very hard to work in the slum, but I have started having a lot of fun every day after learning to be more disciplined and team orientated. Through the availability of materials and new techniques we have managed to get far with art and craft work!
Through the use of the materials many of the kids have discovered their artistic talents as a result of the practice we have done. Two of our donors (Ron and Stephanie) visited us recently and provided us with knitting materials and woodwork tools. Ron taught us how to make picture frames and simple furniture.
Today I feel encouraged because he said that he saw potential in Simon and I and added that he hopes we will pass it on to the young stars!