South Africa/Yasha/Street Kids

                 I don't even know where to start when I speak of Lydia and Wilco Venter, a South African couple who have adopted eight children from South Africa and Kenya. In spite of their family's objections, they went with their hearts and faith and jumped into the fire. The first several years in Kenya were the most difficult since they had almost no money. Their dream was to start schools in isolated areas and rescue orphans and street children. They have done all that and more. They have started six schools, but I will tell you a bit about the one in Njoro, where I visited. In Njoro, the original homestead of the Venters, there now stands Yasha Guest House and school. One thing about Kenya, there are baby classes and preschools all over the country. Quite impressive for a developing country. Check out the photos below of nap time (about 10 babies in one bed!). The school goes to fourth grade and includes an American curriculum, field trips, hot lunches and recess. The Guest House, which can still accommodate guests at a low price, also houses a new project for street boys. Right now, about six are bunked in one small room, but it is like the Hilton for them. Boys as young as 5 years old are on the streets of Nakuru (and all major cities), struggling to survive. Many of them sniff glue to lesson hunger pangs. Lydia and Wilco look for the ones who are younger and have a better chance at rehabilitation. Most of the kids they adopted were once abandoned or ran away from terrible home situations themselves. Below is a photo of boy named Sammy who Lydia met on the street. Sammy, 6 years old, walked /hitchhiked from Mombassa to Nakuru after his mom died. If she can find a sponsor, he will be the next one that Yasha Ministries will bring into their fold.

                                                                  Venter Family

Sammy, 6 year old street boy

If anyone is interested in volunteering at any of the schools, stay in the Guest House, or sponsor a child, feel free to contact Lydia at <lydiaventer09@gmail.com>

                               A volunteer group from England came to paint on of the classrooms.