Meet Serena
Aged 7, Kenya
Serena lives with her parents and brother in a single room house, which they rent. The house is made of cement and together with another thirteen households they share three toilets and bathrooms. Water is collected from a shared well. There is a hung bed sheet in the middle of the house which separates the living room from the bedroom. Serena’s mother washes some clothes for another family so that she can earn enough for them to eat at night. This is their only source of income. Serena's father does the same and they work as a team to ensure that their children are well cared for.
By being part of the Stand by Me sponsorship programme, Serena accesses a quality education in a loving environment, along with regular meals and has access to healthcare.
Serena is a very bright girl. Serena will always do her own homework and will always do it well. She loves reading and learning new things. Serena enjoys playing with her peers and playing games. She has a passion for dance and loves to sing.
Where Serena 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 Serena 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.
