Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Narobi (Agenzia Fides) - The most extensive Catholic programme to assist AIDS orphans in Kenya is celebrating 15 years of caring for HIV+ children.
Nyumbani Home, opened by Italian Jesuit missionary Fr. Angelo D’Agostino, marked its 15th year on 8th September with a special Mass of thanksgiving celebrated by Fr. Gasper Sunhwa, SJ, representative of provincial superior general Fr Shirima Val.
The Mass was attended by the children and staff and volunteers of Nyumbani Home in the village of Karen. A similar celebration was presided at Nyumbani Village Kitui, by Fr. Julius Maingi, of the diocese of Kitui.
In her address executive directress of Nyumbani Home Sister Mary Owens, IBVM, said the Home continues to offer high quality care to HIV+ orphans. At present the Home cares for 102 children and young people and one is already at college and has a job. This year eleven children will take the entrance test for elementary school and one will sit the test for secondary school.
Moreover some 2,500 AIDS orphans in the slums of Nairobi, receive assistance thanks to Lea Toto programme and 165 HIV+ orphans and with 25 elderly people receive care at Nyumbani Village in Kitui.
The anniversary celebration was an opportunity to commemorate Fr. D’Agostino, a pioneer in caring for AIDS orphans. The missionary spent his entire life helping those in need, sick people, refugees, children, adults, people of all races, religions and social status. (AP) (15/9/2007 Agenzia Fides; Righe:25; Parole:254)
