Hello, my name is Kim. I’m 15 years old, and I am honoured to support the Shiphrah Centre, a children’s home in Nairobi, Kenya, founded by Martha Njeri Macharia.

The Heart Behind Shiphrah

Shiphrah Centre was born out of Martha’s own personal adversity and her unwavering compassion for others. You can’t tell the story of Shiphrah without telling Martha’s story.

Together with her daughter Eva, Martha has built a sanctuary for over 90 children, ranging from newborns to 18-year-olds. Today, it is home to 43 boys and 49 girls, each with a unique story of survival, strength, and hope. Many of them have faced abandonment, neglect, or live with special needs. But at Shiphrah, they are loved, protected, and given the chance to thrive.

Martha’s love extends far beyond the walls of Shiphrah. She reaches into the lives of elderly neighbours, single mothers, and struggling families, always guided by quiet generosity and an unshakable belief in the worth of every human life. Shiphrah is not just a children’s home; it is a place of healing and hope, built on sacrifice, faith, and tireless compassion. To Martha, these children are not forgotten orphans, they are her own. She loves them fiercely, protects them without question, and gives even when she has nothing left to give. Recently, she lost a child simply because she could not afford the necessary medical care.

This must never happen again.

With your support and donations, we can help ensure that no child is ever lost to a preventable circumstance.

We can help Martha continue this life-saving work.

What Inspired This Journey

Last Christmas, I organised a music fundraiser at Shiphrah, creating an afternoon filled with unforgettable smiles, music, and a deep sense of belonging. The children reminded us that even in the face of adversity, joy can still rise. The event brought hope to the children and uplifted the entire community. Despite the event being a success, it made me realise that Shiphrah still faces many challenges that can only be addressed financially.

That powerful experience inspired me to launch the Shiphrah Rise & Thrive Fund, with a goal of £65,000, alongside in-kind support to address the Centre’s most urgent needs.

What the Funds Will Be Used For

• Clean water: Drill a borehole to provide safe drinking water and sanitation (£20,000)

• Essential medical care: Health insurance, treatments, and surgeries (£3,000 for one year)

• Dormitory upgrades: Safe, comfortable accommodation to end overcrowding (£25,000)

• Education: School fees, supplies, uniforms, and tutoring (£17,000 for one year)

We Welcome In-Kind Support in the Following Forms

• Make a donation; every pound makes a meaningful difference

• Musicians; perform or teach music workshops

• Mentors and motivational speakers; inspire and uplift the children

• Educators and professionals; offer career talks, academic support, or university preparation

• Tech experts; provide digital and computer skills training

• Volunteers; share your time, knowledge, or resources

Shiphrah relies entirely on the generosity of people like you. Martha’s work proves that a single act of compassion can transform lives. Following the success of the December concert, I have organised further fundraising events, using music to connect and uplift the Shiphrah community.

But I do not want Martha’s story to go untold.

Too often, we wait until someone is gone to honour their work. But why not celebrate her now — while she is still here, still giving, still transforming lives?

This is not my story. This is Martha’s story, told through the eyes of a well-wisher who feels deeply honoured to witness her impact. My role is simply to shine a spotlight on her courage, compassion, and relentless determination.

By sharing her story and raising support for Shiphrah Centre, I hope to inspire others to believe in something greater than themselves; to remind them that there are everyday heroes changing the world, and they deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

This is my call: to honour our unsung heroes, to learn from them, and to help change one child, one dream at a time.

Join me in breaking the cycle of neglect and in building a future filled with dignity, opportunity, and joy for every child at Shiphrah.

Together, we can ensure every child is loved, valued, and empowered.

One Child, One Dream at a Time.

Important Note About Donations

Although all funds are raised for Shiphrah Centre, and they are the final and only intended beneficiary, donations must go through a UK bank account before being transferred to Shiphrah’s official account in Kenya. This is due to platform and banking requirements and is being managed transparently in partnership with my aunt, Maryam Mohamed. We are committed to ensuring 100% of the funds reach Shiphrah Centre.