Meet Shantel
Aged 4, Kenya
Shantel lives with her parents in a mud house on a compound on land inherited from family. There is a small wooden structure that used to be a chicken coup and for sheep. There is a pit latrine that is safe enough for the family to use. They use firewood to prepare the family meals and they get their water from a neighbour's well.
Shantel's mum has always been a casual labourer working on people's farms, but since she had Shantel's sister it has been challenging for her to do any work. She would also do laundry for people and hopes to go back to work soon. Shantel's father has therefore been working more hours. He is also a casual labourer on people's farms and is paid on a daily wage. He is very good at harvesting maize and also clearing the farms after the harvesting season, which makes him very busy during that time. During the off season, he has to get other forms of work that may pay less but he says that he would rather make some money than stay at home.
Shantel is a bit reserved and her mother says that she is just like her father, but she knows that once she is in school she will open up and become more expressive. Shantel does not know what she wants to become yet, but she really loves her school and the uniform and is already making new friends.
Your sponsorship will provide Shantel with a quality education, daily meals and will resource our care programmes to meet her individual needs.
Where Shantel lives
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.
Why Stand by Me?
What you receive
When you sponsor Shantel 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.
Real relationship
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.
Not sure yet?
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.
