Sponsors testimonials
Below you can see pictures of children who have been sponsored along with the testimonials of the people who are sponsoring them. If you would like more information about sponsoring a child or if you already sponsor a child and would like to add your testimonial to this page then please contact us.
Bridget and Jake Carman, Southampton, Hampshire.
We were informed by Mangi about the two girls on the left in 2003 who are orphans. They had been taken in by their aunt but she couldn't afford to pay for their education as well as her own children we made the decision to sponsor one of them (the taller one in the picture). Her name is Smart Pendo and I suppose we have been in the fortunate position to have met her and see how much she has changed in the short period of time we have been sponsoring her. We strongly believe the only way to combat the poverty that exists in Kenya is to provide children with an education so that they can change their own lives for the better. It is a real joy to go to the school and see all the children.
Dave and Carole Stocker. Upchurch, Kent.
We were invited by Mangi to visit the Sonneti Academy in March 2005. Mangi told us about the excellent results some of the students had gained in the recent national examinations. He introduced us to Agnes Kache she had gained a good result and would be going to school in Nairobi if a sponsor could be found. Agnes is very tiny she looks about 10-12 years old; this is due to poor diet when she was younger. We thought about Agnes a lot during the next few days and then we spoke to Mangi about her, we found she was in fact 16 years old, and her ambition is to be a doctor. We decided to sponsor Agnes and hope to help her achieve her ambition and then she will be able to help the others in her community. We hope to be able to visit Agnes again before she goes to school in Nairobi and we know Mangi will keep us well informed of her progress with reports and letters. Agnes took her exams in Novermber and did really well and is now attending school in Nairobi.
Kerry and Roland Featherstone. Southampton, Hampshire.
We have been following and contributing to the progress of the school since Jake & Bridget's first visit there. Because we believe education is one of the keys to helping people out of poverty, we were happy to sponsor Smart's sister, Winnie Neema with her schooling. Although we have not met Winnie Neema, we are kept up to date with her progress through examination reports and newsletters from the school. The very small amount of money it costs us to sponsor Winnie (approximately 28p per day) no matter how hard up we all think we are, is nothing when one considers the potentially dramatic effect it can have on her life.
Jim and Marg Flowers, Richmond, North Yorkshire.
We first met Mangi in 1997 during a holiday at Turtle Bay and at that time he was about to buy a plot of land to build a home for his family. That plot of land has turned into Sonneti Academy. Through direct contact with Mangi and return visits we have followed the progress of the school and contributed where we could. The school intake has a large proportion of orphans and it really needs help to sponsor them. (One of the youngsters we help is the orphaned son of a gardener who worked at the local hotel). Instead of sitting back and expecting others to provide them with a school Mangi has set about doing something about it, he deserves our support. Sonneti Academy is not a registered government school and so relies solely on parent contributions and donations - please help if you can.
Harold and Angela Kombe, Fareham, Hampshire.
We met Mangi and became aware of the school through Turtle Bay hotel in Watamu. Angela was a regular visit and a volunteer nurse in a nearby village. Harold worked at Turtle Bay in the Blue Turtle Restaurant. We married in June 2004 and Harold came to the UK . We decided to support the children in attending Mangi's school; believing a good education is the key to maximising their potential in the future lives.
In November 2005, we returned to Watamu with friends on their first visit and experience of Kenya . They met the Kaingu girls and decided they wanted to help and support. Sylvia started by giving the girls swimming lessons in Turtle Bay ; it was the beginning of a very special relationship.
The Kaingu girls are Pendo (the eldest and 'first born' of the five siblings), Sidi and Kadzo are her twin sisters (Kadzo is sponsored by friends Sylvia and Martin of Chichester, UK), then there is Neema (adopted by Harold when his sister died in childbirth), and finally little Faith who is the youngest of the Kaingu family. Since starting at Sonneti Academy in January 2005, all have improved their grades and position in class. Their English is also noticeably improved, and they are growing in knowledge and confidence.
We communicate and monitor progress by telephone contact, letter and regular reports from the school. In June 2005, we visited the girls in school with Mangi (see photos). We were all very excited to be together again. It was evident that the girls were very happy and progressing well. There was lots of laughter and lots of hugs and happy faces, and lots of interest and enthusiasm. Their teachers were happy to talk with us in person about the girls' progress and future needs.
We, with the invaluable help of Sylvia, Martin, friends and family in the UK and Switzerland support the girls with all aspects of their education, fees, uniform, PE kit, books, stationery, meals and bus fares. Whenever we make return visits, we take them essentials and gifts, and also take them for outings.
Sylvia Rothlisberger, Chichester, West Sussex.
I went to Angela Kombes' blessing in November last year and met her husband Harold's family. I fell in love with Kenya and the warm hearted people. After spending some time with Harold's family, seeing their needs and wishing I could do something to help, I decide to put his daughter Kadzo through school. I especially loved her spirit and her giggles. I firmly believe, to help Africa , is to educate the children, especially girls.
I hope to return one day to Kenya and visit Kadzo's school. In her letters she tells me how happy she is to be there.