Toto Love Needs Your Help
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.
Once a child is infected with HIV they face a high chance of illness and death, unless they can successfully be provided with treatment. HIV treatment for children slows the progress of HIV infection and allows infected children to live much longer, healthier lives. Sadly, the vast majority of children who could be benefiting from this therapy – an estimated 90% – are not receiving it. Almost all HIV positive children contract the disease from their mothers during birth or breastfeeding.
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.
While the paint was drying, an opportunity to visit the Orphans’ school was presented and we gladly accepted. School supplies from friends were distributed to the classrooms, with a great deal of excitement and cheering. It was made aware that the Catholic School was the only one in the area to accept children with HIV/AIDS. The stigma within the community still exists.
Ruth informed us that their Mothers and Fathers abandoned many of the Orphans at a young age.
Some of them remember the very day they were left at the Market or in a public place and their parents not returning again. Most contracted HIV through birth and one girl horrifically contracted HIV from an incestual relationship from her father at the age of 6 years. Very few have any living relatives. Although the circumstances and history of each child is devastating, the love that was displayed between each other and with us as new volunteers, was very emotional and overwhelming. We experienced an incredible mission, filled with hope for the future and love for those who are so innocent and deserving. Each of us as visitors commentated on how stable and secure they felt, and how loved they felt from Ruth and her family, the two housemothers and local volunteers.
This was a very moving experience for all of us, sparking a desire to continue to support the children in the Orphanage. Witnessing the deplorable conditions of the tiny rental home, it was evident during that initial visit, that a larger facility would be necessary, not to mention healthier for all. We enthusiastically maintain frequent contact with Ruth and the children at Toto Love. They await our return with much anticipation and hope.
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.
It is our hope to continue to support Toto Love, working as partners to provide a safe, clean facility within walking distance to the school and medical office. Approximately $20,000 CAD would be required to purchase the land, and an additional $60,000 to construct a larger two-story building to house the imminent, growing need to care for HIV Orphans. This will ultimately ensure the adequate care for the young children for years to come. It is our dream to accomplish this together, as Canadians, who have so much to be grateful for. Together, little by little this dream can be accomplished. Many lives can be changed.
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith.”
-Franklin D. Roosevelt
Feel free to read about the Orphans at: Totolove2009.blogspot.com
Submitted by Denise Dore,
Langley, B.C.
September 27, 2010
