April 2010 . . From Little Things, Big Things Grow

Sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know that counts. Samford Valley Steiner School was contacted recently and asked for its support to help a small Kenyan orphanage.

The Fiwagoh Mission Orphanage, founded in 2003, initially began caring for a few neglected and abandoned orphan children; today, however, they care for over 108 children, ranging in age from four to 18 years old. In a country ravaged by HIV/AIDS, the demand on orphanages, such as Fiwagoh, is immense. Despite this, the aims of the Fiwagoh Mission Orphanage remain simple: to ensure the children are fed a balanced and nutritious diet, to educate them and to instil in them a sense of responsibility. Last year, a group of Australian volunteers offered their services to the Fiwagoh Mission and upon their return home started organising to fill and deliver a 40ft container filled with items desperately needed by the orphanage. They contacted Samford Valley Steiner School to ask for assistance. Touched by the plight of these orphans and the dedication of the volunteers, Samford Valley Steiner School students wasted no time in collecting donations for the orphanage. An assortment of clothing, bedding and towels was donated. Also donated to fill the container were a violin, several bicycles, as well as numerous games and books.
In addition to collecting much-needed items to send to Kenya, high school students from Samford Valley Steiner School raised an impressive $1642 from local business sponsorship and tickets sold for the inaugural graduation party held for the school’s high school students.  Class 12 students presented the cheque to World Vision’s Darryl Brown. As spokesperson for Class 12, Joel Lindsay requested that at least a portion of the donation be spent on child aid within Australia. On behalf of World Vision, Mr Brown received the donation with thanks and commended the school’s fundraising efforts. He also reminded everyone that a small community can make a big difference.
Samford Valley Steiner School runs guided school tours twice a term.