In July/August of this year, Chalkboard Kenya Group 13 went to Mama Orphans Children's Home in Busia, Kenya. Whilst here, for 3 out of 5 weeks, we taught various subjects in the adjoining school. Living in the orphanage was one of the most amazing, life-changing experiences any of us have ever experienced, and we truly didn't want to leave. One of our main reasons for not wanting to leave was one boy, who made a massive impact on our lives. This boy is Emmanuel. Emmanuel arrived in our second week at the orphanage, during the school day. He had been found in a maize field, with his mouth tied shut by a piece of cloth. He had been abandoned, left to die. He is 5 months old. As soon as he arrived, we knew that he was severely ill and in need of urgent medical attention. However, in Kenya, medical treatment does not come cheap. We took him to the nearest hospital where it was discovered Emmanuel had malaria and sickle cell anaemia, and was in urgent need of a blood transfusion. He was so weak, they struggled to find a vein. After eventually pulling through the worst after multiple blood transfusions and the curing of his malaria, we managed to get him home to the orphanage where we spent the remainder of our time with this incredibly loving little boy. At the point where we had to leave, Emmanuel was doing well and seemed very healthy for a boy with his condition. However shortly after our coming home, Emmanuel was back in hospital in need of further blood transfusions, to combat his high fever and other ailments. We agreed as a group that he couldn't live with such uncertainty over the treatment of his condition and that we would try our best to fund for his health insurance. This cost comes in at roughly £1200 a year, which needs to be paid upfront. Without this Emmanuel could be in danger of not receiving medical treatment he urgently needs due to the high cost which the orphanage cannot afford. If anyone could help contribute even the smallest amount to ensure the safe keeping of this amazing little boy, we as a group would be eternally grateful.

Thank you so much,

Jamie, Amy, Adam, Nikita and Costa (Chalkboard Group 13)