Hello Everyone,

My name is Lucy Clark and I am a University student currently on my year abroad. I have been presented with the amazing opportunity to volunteer with the Marafiki Trust in the Kawangware settlement of Nairobi, Kenya supporting two incredible community projects: RHYCO (Real Hope for Youth and Children Outreach) and the Joyful Hearts Centre.

Both these centres do life changing work with children who have faced unimaginable hardship. Many have grown up on the streets, experiencing poverty, neglect, abuse and abandonment. The Joyful Hearts Centre supports children with cerebral palsy, providing an environment where every child is seen, valued and supported. RHYCO, based at the Bella Ciao compound offers a respite safe house, drop-in centre, homework club and holiday scheme, providing education, counselling, medical care and a safe space to over 100 children. The safe house provides 24 hour care for up to 20 children in urgent need, while others access the centre for support during the week. RHYCO was founded by Martha, Bubba, and John, who all grew up on the streets themselves and now dedicate their lives to helping others find hope and a brighter future. Their work is truly inspiring and I hope to contribute everything I can to improve the lives of these children, making them feel loved, supported and cared for as they deserve.

I will be volunteering directly with these projects, integrating myself in a variety of ways, such as tutoring, playing games, assisting in home visits, helping the children develop essential skills and hope to provide them with a sense of confidence and self-worth.

The money I raise will go entirely towards helping to cover my accommodation at the Bella Ciao compound, transport costs and supporting the children's education and wellbeing. Any excess funding will go towards the Marafiki Trust.

I am incredibly grateful for any way you can support me, whether that is through donating or sharing this fundraiser.

Thank you