Since 2000, Long Islanders Aida and Kevin Mann have worked to provide a future for some of the world’s most vulnerable children in Meru, Kenya. They volunteer much of their time with Hope Children’s Fund, a non-profit organization that provides safety, food, clothing, health care and education to children and young adults in Africa. The Manns helped find and build the Jerusha Mwiraria Hope Children’s Fund Children’s Home, which opened in Kenya in 2005. They have also been to Kenya nine times to work with the children.
On February 18th 2019, Aida and Kevin along with Linda Patterson and Kyle and Laura Spillane, traveled to Meru to volunteer with the orphans. During their trip (on February 28th) they celebrated the birthday of their “daughter” Risper Mwendwa who turned 24. Risper was orphaned and came to their Children’s Home in 2005 and the Manns have been mentoring her since 2006. She graduated from Meru National Polytechnic with a degree in Business Relations and now lives and works in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital!
Hope Children’s Fund is a 100% volunteer ran organization, with no employees, office or significant overhead stateside. However, they do employ individuals in Kenya to care for the children they serve.
The home earns money for school tuitions partially by selling Kenya crafts. H.C.F. started the Meru Women’s Cooperative in 2007 and today 29 women in this cooperative are providing for their families through craft sales. Aida and Kevin sell crafts at local fairs and also do private craft parties.
Hope Children’s Fund provides a hand up, not a hand out. They truly believe that Education Is The Key!
For more information about Hope Children’s Fund, or to assist in the effort, contact Aida and Kevin Mann at 631-470-6351 or kevinmannmail@gmail.com.
Pictured: “The Fearless Five” from left to right: Linda Patterson, Aida Mann, Kevin Mann, Laura Spillane and Kyle Spillane.
Photo Courtesy of Kevin Mann
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