Events and Updates

When one of the fifth graders from Holy Ghost School in Dubuque, Iowa shared a brochure about St. Clare Centre for Girls, the rest of the class decided to do something to raise money to help.  One of the students suggested returning pop cans to the store for $0.05 per can.  (The cans are collected from the school’s recycling bins and the fifth grade is responsible for emptying the bins twice a week).  Their teacher, Carrie Massey-Watters, figures that she returned 700 cans allowing the class to reach its $35 goal. The students set the $35 goal for the purpose of purchasing a chair and a desk for a student at St. Clare Centre for Girls. Asante sana (thank you) Holy Ghost Fifth Grade!

REMINDER FROM KROGER:  Kroger Plus members will need to re-enroll to continue earning in the Kroger Community Rewards Program to benefit Friends of Kenyan Orphans.

When a person enrolls or re-enrolls in April their earnings (for Friends of Kenyan Orphans) will start MAY 1^st 2013.  Any member who enrolled before April 1, 2013 must re-enroll to continue earning.

All participants must sign up for the program in order to continue earning funds for your group during 2013-2014.

It’s easy for your members to enroll or re-enroll in Kroger Community Rewards. They can visit www.krogercommunityrewards.com, click on “Michigan” and click on “Enroll.” All participants must have a valid online account at Kroger.com and must sign up online to participate.  Friends of Kenyan Orphans’s NUMBER IS 90964.

After watching Brian Williams’ report on NBC news about pillowcase dresses being sent to Africa Brenda Ford and Gloria Waite from United Methodist Church in Flint, Michigan took action.  Along with several members of their church, they made 111 dresses from pillowcases.  The dresses range from simple to very fancy.  Delighted, the girls from classes one through four have been wearing their new dresses with great pride.

Gaining insight into the plight of young Kenyan women provides an awareness of the dangers they face.  Even more at risk are the abandoned and/or orphaned girls in Kenya.  Click the video to learn more about these girls and how St. Clare Centre for Girls is rescuing them.

(The girls practicing in their classroom)

Valentine’s Day traditionally is a day to celebrate love.  But Valentine’s Day took on new meaning in 2013.  On this particular Valentine’s Day a billion women from 281 countries were dancing the same dance to celebrate respect and love.  Their dance promoted saying NO to abuse, and oppression and aimed at breaking the chain of fear and hatred.

The girls at St. Clare joined with women all over the world.  The music for the dance was obtained from the internet and several of the girls practiced the dance for days.  On February 14, the entire school gathered at the podium as these girls danced. They danced to say YES to a world of love and because God made all women beautiful.

(The girls perform on Valentine’s Day)

As we celebrate this Easter season I am reminded that these beautiful children have been rescued from hunger, disease and violence because of all of you.My friends, it is so clear to me, these children have been given life by YOU!!!

Your compassion has returned them to life. At this time of the year I remember YOU are the Easter people who have rolled away the rock and allowed these children to escape the tomb of the streets and abuse.  The resurrection continues through YOU.

So on this Easter 2013 I say THANK YOU to all the sponsors and donors. You truly are Easter People.

Gratefully Yours in the Risen Lord,

Fr. Francis Limo Riwa

JUST A REMINDER!  If you signed up with the Kroger Community Rewards Program, you need to take a few minutes and re-sign up in APRIL.  You can click on to the Kroger Plus Card here and you will be directed to the web site.  You will need your Kroger Plus Card and the number, 90964.  Once you have signed up again, simply swipe your Kroger Plus Card when you shop at Kroger.  Kroger will donate a percentage of your bill to help the girls at St. Clare Center.

The students and staff always welcome visitors to St. Clare warmly. During February, a team of teachers and workers spent time working with the administration and children at St. Clare.  On their first day at St. Clare, the team toured the facility and met the administration.  At two p.m., children carrying green plastic chairs out to the mango tree could be spotted.  The team took the front row and children from classes 1 through form 4 welcomed the team.  The children recited poems, sang songs, told stories, danced and made their visitors feel incredibly welcome.  Some of the performances were in English, while others were in Swahili.  But it didn’t matter because their voices filled the area with joy and laughter.

Through Our Eyes, an exhibit showcasing the photographs of the junior and senior girls at St. Clare Centre in Meru, Kenya opened to a large and enthusiastic crowd on Saturday, March 16 at the Swords into Plowshares Gallery and Peace Center in Detroit.  (The Gallery notes that this was their best opening in 20 years.) The girls from the photojournalism class at St. Clare, under the direction of Sister Kathryn Cliatt OP sent a plethora of photos to Sister Suzanne Schreiber, OP, curator of the exhibit who matted and displayed the many pictures.   Bud and Sue Ozar shared a presentation with those in attendance focusing on St. Clare Centre and its role in providing a safe life for the girls.  In addition, those in attendance were treated to seeing the girls themselves through Skype.  The girls were thrilled to see their work displayed and those at the gallery were thrilled to see the girls.

The exhibit will continue through April 20, 2013.  (Swords into Plowshares is located in Central United Methodist Church 33 East Adams, Detroit.)

Service projects are a vital part of students’ lives at Brownell Middle School in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.  Teacher Joanna Porvin, who traveled to Kenya with the Ozars on the first immersion trip, is  one of the teacher moderators for several groups who engage in service.  Recently, Joanna and her students covered over 100 books for the Ozars to take to St. Clare for the school library.  These same students known as STAND AND GEAR UP also sharpened 100s of pencils.

Asante sana, Ms. Porvin and generous Brownell Middle School students for helping prepare these essential “tools for learning” for St. Clare’s students.  Clearly these students and their teacher understand the meaning of SERVICE.