Greetings! Several years ago, I met a special friend named Joshua Kiswiriri who was supporting orphans by housing many of them in his OWN HOME! He had reached out to me for help with books and other school supplies for these vulnerable children. Since that time I have assisted with educational and incidental expenses--and have received many thoughtful videos of the children holding their new books with big smiles on their faces, saying "thank you, God bless you!" It is an honor to be able represent them and share just a bit of their story with you, today!

You see, many of these children came right off of the street--they had no security and nobody to help them with basic needs, or with their education. But Joshua had a real heart for them, and he began to offer what he could, even daring to offer them a place in his own small home. But after almost a decade of this, Joshua and his mother and the children had outgrown the apartment where they had been living. So, about one year ago, we made the decision to begin building. And so we broke ground in October of 2025.

It was a thrill to see photos and videos of massive piles of bricks and sand being delivered onsite, by mid October. Day by day the orphanage grew right before our eyes! Our anticipation increased along with the children's! Imagine the satisfaction they felt as they saw their new home appear a bit at a time. Think what emotions they must have felt--and continue to feel as they become habituated. We hear the word "orphanage" and certain thoughts come into our head--but not usually the thought--what if this were my HOME?

...Update: Sept 2, 2026: the infrastructure of the new orphanage was completed near the end of 2025--and the children were able to move in right around Christmas!

The six room structure, built in part by Joshua himself, is now bustling with activity--they really know how to take care of each other!

Recently I spoke with the children on WhatsApp and one of them, egged on by her smiling peers offered, "Thank you...my best subject is math--I want to be a doctor!"

Your decision to help support these aspiring children realize their dreams gives them the advantages they need to rise above profound challenges. I dare you to put yourselves in their shoes for just a minute. And think about how you can really make a difference in their lives by making a decision to be a part of their story, today.

As we approach the one year anniversary of the groundbreaking for the orphanage, we have much to celebrate--and much left to do to uplift and inspire this vulnerable, intentional community. It truly takes a village! So, we humbly request your continued support for the maintenance of the orphanage property and the continued expenses incurred in caring for these 20 young souls who now call the orphanage their home.

Soon, I plan to meet the children in person. During out time together, we will sing some songs, play some games, eat lots of good food, and expand the infrastructure and gardens, installing a workshop and ceramics lab for the community. As a ceramist, it makes me happy to know there is clay nearby! Yes, there is still much to do! Please consider a one time donation, today, or help support the children through planned, monthly giving.

Your generosity will make a world of difference!

Very sincerely,

Mario Caputo,

Kiswiriri Joshua,

and the Children of The Mafubira Orphanage.