Since then the orphanage has grown and they now care for 39 orphaned and disadvantaged children between the ages of 3 - 18. The Pastor and Mama have lived in Msae village all their lives. They have seven children who are all involved in the running of the orphanage in some way; the project management of building work, cooking, cleaning and looking after the children. The children have different st
ories; some have been orphaned through parents dying of HIV/AIDS, and had only elderly or sick relatives who were unable to care for them properly. Others were abandoned or thrown out by their parents, some were badly neglected or have had alcoholic or abusive parents. Now at Hope Foundation they are cared for and wanted and are given a bed, food, clothes and in most cases an education. There are a number of local volunteers, some who have been helping at the orphanage for over 10 years and some who are just teenagers themselves. Along with local volunteers, many of Mama and Pastor Mrinas’ nephews and nieces also help with teaching the younger children, cooking, cleaning and washing. The orphanage is not just bed and breakfast for the children, it is their home and some have lived here for almost all of their lives. Many have grown up with the Mrina children and the younger ones play with the Mrina grandchildren; it is much like an extended family. The Pastor and Mama want to provide a safe home for the children who have had a difficult start in life, they also want to provide a better future, this is why education is very important and most of the younger children go to the local school whilst some of the older ones learn vocational skills. Even with very little resources the orphanage is a happy place. Hope Foundation have just this year begun receiving independent volunteers who have helped with building projects, working at the school, playing with the children and working on a volunteer plan for the future. If you would like to find out about volunteering please get in touch!
