“I am one among many living testimonies of what Tumaini is doing for the most vulnerable families in Kenya," said Abednego, now working in the medical profession. The 30-year-old graduated with a Diploma in Applied Biology and now works as a Lab Technician. Abednego is married to Priscilla who also has a medical background and works as a pathologist. The couple has been blessed with a 3-year-old son, Caleb.
In a recent interview, Abednego was reflecting on his journey to this point: “My parents passed away in early 2002 when I was in class [grade] two and my young brother and sister were yet to join the school. I vividly recall how life became so difficult…. We were left under the care of our aging grandmother who could not provide us with the basic needs.”
The plight of Abednego and his siblings was made known to Tumaini in 2005 through one of our staff members. Abednego was sponsored in 2005 when he was in grade five through completion of college. Reflecting on his long journey, he had a word for his young brothers and sisters currently under sponsorship: “…there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Utilize the opportunity that has been granted to you because it is a privilege and not a right.” Abednego was most grateful to the family that sponsored him: “My sincere gratitude goes to my sponsors, Mike & Laura, your son Zeke and daughter Mecheyla for believing in my ability. May God bless you and the [your] entire family."
It is the success stories such as Abednego’s that is the heartbeat of Tumaini. We are called to give hope in extreme hopeless situations. You have been amazing partners in this joyous journey. But our work is not done since we still have vulnerable children on our waiting list; children who are vulnerable today but have the potential to become lab technicians and pathologists tomorrow and serve their communities. If you would like to start your sponsorship, please go online TODAY, and give a vulnerable child a pathway to tangible hope.
Blessings to you all,
Stanley Mutunga
President/CEO, Tumaini International
COVID-19 UPDATE:
As of Wednesday, April 28th, 2021
This week the daily positivity rate is averaging at 9.8%, a piece of good news!
Schools remain closed across the country for in-person learning but there is talk of re-opening in early May if the downward trend of the pandemic maintains.
The partial lockdown affecting 5 counties remains in place. People within the 5 counties can only move within and those of other counties are not allowed in. While the move is understandable, it is causing major economic challenges throughout the country.
There were 4,969 new positive cases, a slight decrease from last week bringing the total so far to 157,492.
There were 169 deaths this week bringing the total to 2,688.
Nightly curfews continue from 8:00 pm to 4:00 am.
Some 853,081 people have been vaccinated but still a long way to go.
We continue to thank God for His protection. Except for one guardian who tested positive for Covid-19, all the children and their families that we support remain safe. Our staff is all doing well and continuing to serve.