Kennedy

     Kennedy joined Bright Star School in 2004.  He had lost both of his parents but was living with an older brother in the Fuata Nyayo slum. 

Kennedy is on far left.

     In Kenya and other parts of Africa, it is customary for family members, members of the tribe, or even compassionate strangers to take in a homeless or orphaned child.  Unfortunately there are instances when this child is made to work in the shamba (farm field) or as a housegirl or boy without being given the opportunity to go to school.  Then there are times when this child is treated as a member of the family.  But when times get tough and there's not enough food for the family, this child may be asked to find another place to live or others are asked to help feed or educate this child.  Many of our boarders have come to us in this way.
     Life in Kenya is tough, especially in the slum, even if one is educated and trained.  Jobs are extremely difficult to get so Kennedy's brother stole for a living.  Kennedy didn't approve of it but could do nothing to stop it.
     One day the brother was caught stealing and was chased back to his home in the slum by the police.  When the police entered the one-roomed iron sheet house, they found not only the brother who had stolen some items but also Kennedy.  So the police beat them both.  The brother was killed and Kennedy was taken to the hospital with serious head wounds from being beaten with the policemen's clubs.
     Pastor John heard about the startling event and rushed to the hospital to see Kennedy.  Once there, Pastor John explained to the police that Kennedy was not a thief...that Kennedy was one of his students...that he would take responsibility for Kennedy.  Being highly respected by the community and government officials, Pastor John won the fight for Kennedy and brought him back to the school.
   Thus began Bright Star's boys' dormitory.

     The classroom next to the school's office was converted to a boys' dormitory and a bathroom was added later.  Other boys (photo above) soon joined Kennedy.  Beds, foam mattresses, and linens were purchased.  Each boy came to us from the streets with nothing, so they were given soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toilet paper, lotion, and clothing.
     When Kennedy completed as much education as he was able, he was sent to drivers'/auto mechanic school.  He completed the training but could find no job.  My friends Anndora and George Laflin took Kennedy under their loving wing and gave Kennedy money to purchase charcoal, cereals, and vegetables to sell in order to earn a living.  Steve Currens donated hundreds of new shoestrings for Kennedy to sell for additional income.

     For extra money and a free meal, Kennedy would come to Bright Star and work when construction was going on.

     In 2007, the Nairobi city government gave away plots of land in the slum.  New owners had to build a home on the land immediately or risk losing the land.  So once again the Laughlin's paid for the iron sheets Kennedy needed to build his house.
     Kennedy was eager to show my friends his new home when we visited in March, 2007.

Because we were not safe in Kennedy's slum, policemen went with us.	Pastor and Kennedy are outside his home.	Kennedy was proud of his new home.
As we walked through the slum, we bought Kennedy cups, cook stove...	a thermos, utensils, pots, and cups.	The following photos show our path back to Bright Star.

     When you have a home, you must furnish it.  So the Laughlin's bought Kennedy furniture, bedding, cooking utensils, lantern, etc. to start up his new home.  In the photos below, Peter Serem and Pastor John helped Kennedy with his new things.

     Kennedy is still struggling to make a living and confided that he was not safe in his home.  His slum was where much of the violence took place last December during the elections.  He was thrilled when I asked if he wanted to move back to Bright Star.

     My plan is to build four houses within Bright Star's compound.  One will be for our principal Obed and his family.  Another will be for Kennedy.  He's 20 years old but I can't turn him out into the world...not quite yet.