Volunteer Visit to Umoja Orphanage Kenya August, 2026
In August, Wayne and Pam Limbrick on their 9th visit to Umoja, were accompanied by Members Ian Powell and Les Mitchell and their wives Jeanette and Robyn. The volunteer group also included 2 couples from Adelaide, 2 couples from Caloundra and a Rotarian from Palm Cove.
While Wayne and Pam have been going to Kenya since 2013, it was the first visit by any of our other club members. The Club became a sponsor and supporter of Umoja in 2014 and has made significant contributions since that time, toward the infrastructure as well as sponsoring Ednah, one of the older children since 2016 and a staff member since the same time. We estimate that the total contribution by the club and members over the 13 years, is in excess of $350000-.
All volunteers worked hard for 10 days at the project, building a cage around the tractor, modifying the irrigation system, demolishing an old greenhouse, painting, sorting clothing, spending time with the children, fixing the soccer nets, repairing spouting and other plumbing issues and general maintenance in the houses. They also took the children to the beach for a day out, which is only possible when volunteers are there, as the house mothers cant swim. The kids love the beach and cant wait for volunteers to come for their next visit.
Life long bonds were forged within the group of volunteers, with pledges to keep in touch. Volunteering is about helping the project, but it is also about the bonds formed with the children and other volunteers who share the same passion.
After the volunteering, the group went on Safari with Patrick, the Project Manager as the leader and Cathy Booth, the Founder of the Orphanage as tour organiser. They had 3 Toyota Troup Carriers and travelled through Tsavo West, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and to Massai Mara. The landscape changes significantly as you move through Kenya and the group saw lots of animals and birds, many villages and cities, farms and industrial areas etc. They manages to witness the Big 5, which doesnt always happen, so were blessed. Lots of Lions, Elephants, Hippos, Rhinos, Giraffes, Wilderbeast, Zebra, antelope, gazelle and much more. They witnessed the magnificence of Mt Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National Park and managed to find the elusive Leopard at Lake Nakuru and Massai Mara. Once group witnessed a Cheetah hunting a baby Warthog which was amazing.
Our club continues our support of Umoja Orphanage Kenya and are working to raise $120k to complete the external brick wall around the 15 acres of land on which Umoja Orphanage is set. 
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Rotary and the United Nations have a shared history of working toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world.
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