Writing Letters to Kenyan Children
All children enjoy receiving mail from friends, especially the orphans who live in Ahero, Kenya. One of the greatest blessings you could give your child is a personalized letter. Kenyan children value relationships, especially your relationship with them. Below you will find a few ideas to get you started, as well as a sample letter to give you an example of what to write.
Remember, English is not their first language, and they are still young, so be sure to keep your ideas brief and simple.
- They are very interested in:
- Your name, age, grade in school (if applicable), or vocation
- Family: how many brothers and/or sisters, children do you have?
- What was your favorite subject in school?
- Favorite sport to play
- Favorite Bible story
IMPORTANT: Be sure to avoid "sponsorship" language. In Kenya, being a student’s sponsor means something very different than it does here.** We do not refer to you as sponsors when we talk with the children. Rather we refer to you as Friends.
Sample Letter:
Dear __________,
My name is Sarah and I am 7 years old. I live in Charlotte, North Carolina, and I am in the 2nd grade. I have two brothers and one sister in my family. Do you have many people in your family?
I really enjoy school. My favorite subject is Reading. During recess I enjoy playing kickball with my friends. What do you like to play when you are not in class?
I love to read the Bible. My favorite story is when Daniel killed the giant, Goliath, with just a rock and a sling. When I grow up I want to be a teacher. I hope you are having a wonderful day. I am praying for you.
Your Friend,
Sarah
** More Than You Wanted To Know
Kenyan "public" schools are not free. All Kenyan children must pay to attend school. Therefore students collect sponsors--people who pledge a certain financial amount each semester to help pay the student's way through school.
Because Kenya has a highly relational culture, sponsors often support children through all twelve years of their education. The students develop such a strong relationship with their sponsors that they feel the freedom to ask for anything.
As a result, a consistent sponsor knows that their commitment to the student may very well extend into college or the financial investment in the student's vocational plans after school has been completed.
We do not want to make promises we can't keep, and therefore the students in Kenya do not know that you are their "sponsors." They know that you are their American friends. If you were to use "sponsor" language, they would feel the freedom to ask for your financial assistance long after Hungry4HIM was no longer responsible for their well-being.
Now that you've written the letter...
The quickest--and easiest way--for your letter to arrive in the hands of the chlid you sponsor is to send it through us. We routinely send packages to Kenya, and occasionally we have the privilege of hand-delivering gifts and letters to our friends in Kenya. We will ensure that your letter reaches its destination.
Each summer we send teams to Kenya to partner with our friends in various ways. This year's team leaves at the end of July. They will carry a pile of letters with them. If you would like your letter to be hand-delieverd this summer, please mail it to us before the end of June. (Our new post address is Hungry4HIM, P.O. Box 16060, Dublin, GA 31040.)
