News From Riziki Programe

The Riziki Child Assistance Program is the sponsorship arm of Afri-Lift. Headed by our social worker Mathew Muema, there are currently 25 children in the program. Because of our partners children in primary and secondary school have their school fees paid. As funds allow we also assist with textbooks and uniforms. With the assistance of an international partner some of our children are able to go on to vocational training.

The Riziki Child Assistance  Program Logo

At Riziki we have a number of goals:

-       Give children an opportunity to attend school

-       Enable them to acquire employable skills

-       Give them an environment each month where they can receive Biblical teaching, food and a chance to meet up with fellow Riziki students

On the third Sunday of each month we hold a 2 hour program at the Olympic Centre that Robin and Margaret Aim founded many years ago. We have a theme (hold on to the promises of God, prayer etc) and use songs, stories, object lessons, testimonies, plays and games to teach the principle. Towards the end of the meeting we break off into small groups based on age for a time of prayer. It is a wonderful thing to see young people praying for each other and our nation. At the end of the Riziki Club each child receives a snack which includes a drink, fruit, cake and small item of food. Each month we celebrate birthdays with a cake, candles and card. We always have extra children attending the Riziki Club, those who hope to be sponsored, those who come off the street and those who just like the meetings!

 

 Riziki leaders  during a leadership meeting

This year we have been developing a leadership team for the Riziki meetings. The team meets a week before the Riziki Club for training and to go through the program. This month, all leaders received a team tee shirt, designed by them. There was a sense of pride as the leaders wore their shirts. They have also been learning how to do a 3 minute testimony, leading games effectively and different ways of presenting memory verses. We are aiming to get to the point where each leader can function in all the different roles from a sound technician to meeting leader. We are believing God for a bigger team as our numbers increase.

Some of the Riziki leaders in their new tshirts

Those who are in the Riziki Program have huge challenges in their lives. Some are orphaned, others with HIV, girls who need to go to boarding school before they are married off early and for all – the day to day struggle for survival. If they get sick, families struggle to get the money together to pay for medication. With a huge unemployment rate many cannot find work. Even getting a $5 textbook is a huge task.

Each Monday, the Riziki Team (Margaret, Mathew, Joy & Sharon) meet to go through the challenges and successes of the program and the young people involved. Mathew is on the cold front of the work with most of his week spent paying school fees, sorting out family issues, visiting students in schools and counselling. His main role is to be a messenger of hope to the families he works with.

Joy is the Riziki Administrator. She has a variety or roles but if you are one of our partners she will be the one who you will receive mailouts and emails from. Joy visits families periodically with Mathew but mainly focuses on all of the administrative areas of Riziki. Since she has come on board the level of excellence has sky rocketed. She is innovative in her thinking and has brought in many new idea into the program. Joy has a real heart for the young people and has seen first hand the great needs of those living in Kibera.

Sharon is always on the hunt for new partners in our work. She also has a desire to train up new leaders to get ready for an increase in the number of children. Each month she hosts the leadership team at her apartment but always insists on a good meal beforehand, which goes down well.

Margaret loves children. She has years of wisdom acquired through 30 years of working in Kenya. Margaret goes beyond the call of duty sometimes taking people for hospital visits, food parcels to needy families and counselling in difficult situations. Margaret is always the encourager in the team, she is valued and appreciated.

Beyond this initial team are Pete, Liz, Flavia, Kelvin, Martin, Christabel, Tinga and a new generation of young people who make Riziki happen.

This year we’ve also held tuition days, special events for secondary students and a volunteers cleaning day.

We are believing God for a great future for all of our Riziki students. Will you join us in the call to give every child in Africa an opportunity to reach their God given potential.

The Riziki Children and staff members

Contact riziki@afrilift.com for more information.