Kambi Teso Feeding Program

The Open Arms Feeding Program began in July 2008, in the slum area of Kambi Teso in Eldoret, Kenya.

More than 100 children benefit from the hot and nutritious lunch provided Tuesday through Friday, and for many of them it is the only meal they eat all day. The children are part of the program because they have been identified by the local elders as having particularly acute social needs; some are from child-headed households, some are looked after by elderly grandparents following the death of parents, and some have other social needs. Many of the older children turn up with a younger sibling in tow, or riding on their back, as they have responsibility for the younger members of their family.

The meal is prepared every day by Betty and Susan at the Open Arms Kenya office and then transported up to Kambi Teso for distribution by the two of them, plus Metrine, who is the feeding program coordinator.

As well as receiving nutritious food, the children also benefit from the regular contact with OAI staff, who keep an eye out for any social and medical issues that may arise. The children hear a Bible teaching, learn scripture verses, and sing songs every day with the staff. The mothers of some of the children in the program are being counseled in life and business skills, teaching them how to earn and save money and care for their children.

There are also regular children's and adult ministry, and during the past year there have been regular medical clinics and a fumigating program to remove the jigger fleas from the homes of many of the children.

If you would like to support this program, please email Camille, child sponsorship coordinator, at camille@openarmsinternational.com.