Starfish Kenya Pledge Page



The West University and Southside Communities are working together to raise $17,000 to build a science classroom and laboratory for the children at Starfish Kenya's House of Hope.

Starfish Kenya’s House of Hope was created by Margaret and Naftali Basigwa in 1997 to house and educate orphans in Kenya who would otherwise die if they were not rescued. There are 152 children living full-time at House of Hope and an additional 187 children attend school there each day, but do not live onsite.

Life is frightening for orphans in Kenya because they have no rights: no medical care, no education, no way to inherit family property or possessions, and often no documentation. Margaret adopted every child living there so they would have all the basic rights you and I have today.

Our goal for this community fundraiser is raise enough funds to assist House of Hope in building a science classroom and lab for the 339 children attending school.

Q: Where is Starfish Kenya’s House of Hope located?

A: House of Hope is located in a small town in Kenya about three hours outside of Nairobi. In 1997, the first child was rescued from the streets of Nairobi. House of Hope was built in late 2003 when it housed just 20 children.
Now, House of Hope has a full school and plans to expand to accommodate many kids in the local town who do not need to room and board but really want to go to a good school.

Q: Where is Kenya and what are some basic facts?

A: Kenya is located in East Africa on the equator, and borders five countries and the Indian Ocean. Kenya is about the same size as Texas. Nairobi is the largest city in Kenya and also the Capital. English and Swahili are the two official languages but many more are used throughout the country.

Q: How many people live in Kenya?

A: An estimated number of 44 million people live in Kenya with 42% of the people age 14 and under. About 40% of Kenyans live on less than $1.25 a day.

Q: How many orphans are in Kenya? Why are there so many children without parents?

A: As of 2011, it is estimated that there are 2,500,000 orphans in Kenya. Children have lost one or both parents due to AIDS/HIV, Malaria, Typhoid, Cholera and other preventable diseases and either live on their own or with a grandparent or other relative.