GERMAN AMBASSADOR VISITS SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGE ELDORET

The German ambassador to Kenya, Margit Hellwig-Boette, was greeted by a jubilant crowd of children and staff as she paid a courtesy call to the village last week. The visit was to assess areas in which German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) can work in close partnership with the village. On hand to receive her was the Village Director Mr. Peter Mungai who together with the school principal, Mr. Elijah Omobe hosted the envoy.

Upon arrival in the company of two officials from GTZ, the envoy planted a commemorative tree before embarking on an extensive tour of the village, family strengthening programme and the school. She later held a meeting with the mothers and other co-workers at the craft center and thereafter was treated to a sumptuous meal in family house number 4.

The envoy seized the opportunity to congratulate SOS Children’s Villages on the good work done which has helped many needy people from the community. She thanked the staff for making her feel so at ease and for taking such good care of her adding that her experience at the village was very comfortable and pleasant. “I would just like to thank you for such a unique experience in this village” she acknowledged. The envoy was very impressed by the friendliness describing the work done by SOS Children’s Villages as special. She added that she was deeply impressed by the facility, the dedication of work and that this place was truly a home. “It is unique to have one father and so many mothers looking after children”, she quipped amid laughter.

Beginning of a long lasting relationship

She mentioned that although at the moment she would not be able to promise anything, the visit was a beginning of a long lasting relationship with SOS Children’s Villages. On a lighter note, she promised to come back to check on the progress of the tree she planted.

While giving her remarks, the GTZ head of gender based violence and human rights, Ms Jane Onyango mentioned that GTZ works in three key areas mainly; water, health and agriculture. In health, they support survivors of gender based violence (GBV). She underscored the need to prevent violence whether to children or adults. She urged the organization to sensitize children so that they can know what to do in the event of violence.

While echoing the same sentiments, the GTZ coordinator, Gottfried von Gemmingen, who also accompanied the ambassador, commended the village for being an island of peace especially during the post election violence that badly affected Eldoret. He added that the children we educate will be well prepared for a better Kenya.

The village director on behalf of the team thanked the envoy for giving the team the opportunity to meet her.