When Shannel was born, her mother left Shannel with her grandmother and went to find work. She found a job as a house nanny and when Shannel reached nursery age, she went to live with her mother at her employer’s home. They were given a room adjacent to the main house, to sleep in but have since moved to a home in the community. They have their own well and Shannel’s mother hopes to start her own business selling fruit and vegetables to help continue providing for their daily needs.
With extra support that will come through Stand by Me and the sponsorship program, Shannel will be able to receive a quality education, food, medical support, and school supplies.
Shannel is a very active young girl who loves playing with dolls. She likes to play pretend cooking, mostly making 'cake' using leaves and mud. She also loves to dance and sing and enjoys going to church. She loves to run and will hopefully join the school athletics team.
The Open Arms Village was founded in 2006 to meet the immediate needs of orphaned and abandoned children in western Kenya who were suffering from a wide variety of life-threatening diseases. After the 2008 political violence left thousands of children orphaned, abandoned and homeless, the project grew to support more children. Today, the Open Arms Village is now home to over 150 children with 10 purpose-built family homes and the Open Arm Academy is educating children and giving them a hopeful future.
When you sponsor Shannel you will receive a pack in the post with her story and photo. Every year you will receive an update about her progress, a new photo and at least one communication from her.
We know our kids love to receive your emails and write back so we encourage you to write as many emails as you like, along with photos and birthday gifts to develop a genuine relationship.
Ask us anything. We’ve helped sponsors change 1000s of kids’ lives, and we know it can be a big decision. We’re here to help you every step of the way.