WORLD ORPHANS DAY REPORT

World Orphans Day (WOD) is commemorated every 2nd Monday of

November.This is a global event to facilitate public awareness and recognition

to the plight of orphans and displaced children around the world. This year,

2012 it was celebrated on the 12th November. Cheryl Robeson Piggott the

founder of WOD day worldwide endorsed Scars to Stars Foundation to be WOD

champions in Nairobi.We, representing Kenya, joined 22 other countries

including Gambia and Ghana in Africa.

Scars to Stars is an orphan family support group. It comprises individuals aged

between 15-35 year who have lost both their parents due to various

circumstances.80% of the members have been orphaned as a result of HIV and

AIDs.

The days’ program began at 8.30 am with handing out of ribbons and fliers to

the public. At 9.30 am we did a peace march in the CBD flagged off by Hon.

Clement Wambugu, Member of Parliament of Mathioya. At 10.30am we

congregated at charter Hall Nairobi and did a series of events. This included;

entertainment from Adwanage Band, presentations from individuals and

Children Homes. We had a sheet where people were writing names of their

deceased parents.

We also had a speech from the Honorary chair, Mrs. Judy Gration wife of

immediate former US ambassador. Thereafter Hon. Yussuf Hassan Abdi,

Member of Parliament of Kamkunji, led us in reading and signing the

proclamation which was being read in all countries. Finally, a few minutes to

1pm we had the candle lighting ceremony.

90% of the persons present were orphans. The culmination of the event was

providing them with something to eat. Aphia Plus put a smile on many kids’

faces and the hosts as well by donating refreshments for 1000 people. They

provided sodas, milk, water, cakes and glucose. We shared the refreshments

with the 600 people present and shared what remained with all the homes

present for one or two breakfasts. This was overly appreciated.

Among the organisations and homes present were, Scars to Stars Foundation,

Destined children’s Center, Oxcic Children’s Home, Give Hope Children’s

Home, Getathuru, ABC Children’s Home, Streetnizers ministries, Scream Africa

and Present Children’s Home of Africa Network

.