One of the main concerns of the average African family is foodstuffs and marketability of the crops that are grown. Most of the farm soil in the outlying areas has been depleted of nutrients. The rural farmers do augment their soils with small amounts of manures, however many incorporate the wrong kind of chemical fertilizers into the soils. Unfortunately they have not been taught the importance of soil pH, salinity, high percentage fertilizer rates, minor nutrients, and various other pertinent facts required to grow high yielding crops. Seminars about soil, fertilizer and pesticides have been given to further farmers’ knowledge.
They think the frost is snow.
The idea of Toto Love, an orphanage for HIV positive children, came about in 2004 by Ruth Ndwiga, from Embu, Kenya. Ruth, a Social Worker in Kenya, witnessed the suffering of AIDS children in Kenya, many of them not being accepted into local Orphanages because of their condition. She approached other women who had also been trained/equipped with Home Based Care skills, some of whom were living with HIV or whose children died at an early age due to lack of proper nutrition and basic health care. Toto Love opened its doors December 2005. Immediately, eight children were received into the tiny, three bedroom rental home. Five of which were already in the final stage of full-blown AIDS and unfortunately died within the first year. The remaining three children are still alive and are now maintaining a better quality of life. This is a result of proper medication, balanced diet and living in a caring environment, which is instrumental in promoting healthier living. Ultimately, this results in a higher survival rate for these young children.
On October 13 2009, three women from Canada embarked on a life-changing journey to Kenya to offer financial support and improve the living conditions of Toto Love Orphanage. Leah Grafton, Hillie Dejong and Denise Dore, all mothers themselves, were initially shocked and amazed at how the ten children and two housemothers were crammed into the tiny home! Two of the 11-year-old boys were sleeping in cribs without mattresses. There was no room to maneuver, there was very little storage room, and the home desperately needed proper nutrition, new beds, food and repairs. Within 5 days, the team of Canadian women worked side by side with the young volunteers of Embu, We painted, moved furniture, organized and joyfully provided the necessary food and household items desperately needed. The exterior and interior of the house were painted and new curtains were hung. A fence and gate were built, five sets of bunk beds and mattresses were delivered, and new school shoes, bulk food and essential toiletries were also purchased. This was a result of generous donations from Canadian friends and family. Toto Love residents were very thankful and conveyed their thanks through cheering, hugs, laughter and tears of gratitude. It will be a memory none of us will forget. And it took so little money; only our time, effort and love.
Funds from community well-wishers provide sporadic care for the Orphanage. Paying monthly rent,(90.00 CAD) purchasing food ($120/month) and essentials is a monthly struggle for Ruth. She relies heavily on the community for donations, as well as her team of the two “house mothers”, who provide the essential care without pay. There are many months that Ruth does not have enough to cover the school fees for the children, which is the greatest expense for Toto Love children.
