About 35 km north west of the coastal town of Malindi, Kenya a dirt road leads to the settlement of Makumba.

Local residents, who can barely support their own families, are caring for a number of orphans whose parents have died through illness such as Aids, or have been killed by bandits.

Lawrence, a farm owner in the community, has donated 10 acres of his land to use for an orphanage/school.

Some of the local people have got together to form a Self Help Group which has been sanctioned by the local Council.

Their idea is to have a building to provide both shelter for the orphans and a classroom to provide education for both the orphans and local children. There would be a play area and space to grow food in the hope of being self sufficient. Their plans have been approved at local Government level.

Several quotes for the work have been obtained and it will cost around £12,000 for the buildings. Then there will be things like paint, beds/mattresses, cooking/eating equipment, desks, books, etc.

Given their hand to mouth existence, this amount is impossible for them to raise.

However, one thing the people have is hope and a belief that with help their plans will materialise.

Put simply, if we could get 2400 people to donate £5 that would be enough to complete the building. Then we can take a team of volunteers out to help get the job done i.e. clear the site and help oversee the work.

Over one third of the money has now been raised. This website aims to promote awareness and keep supporters informed of progress.

A short video explaining the project is to be found at www.facebook.com/v/1076924140220

The first communication on the project was via facebook and there is a page at www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=149066634349
The nearest major settlement to Makumba is Marafa which is most noted for The Marafa Depression, a strange yet beautiful geological rock formation of striking colours. In the hot African sunshine the temperature soars and it is known as Hells Kitchen. You can find videos of Hells Kitchen on You Tube. One example is www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u3E7cfJLqk .

The Email address for Marafa Johns Orphanage is info@marafaorphanage.org.uk