The Springs of Life Children’s Restoration Center (SOLCRC) was founded in response to the increasing number of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs) who sought help at the New Life Restoration Ministries Community Centre in Kibera. Many of these children came from the Kibera Slums, located just 3 km from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Established by Bishop Dr. Paul Mbithi and Reverend Grace Mbithi in the year 2000, SOLCRC’s mission was to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide care for neglected and vulnerable children, primarily from the Kibera Slums.
The Centre began with humble beginnings, caring for only 4 children. Its initial focus was on providing rescue and rehabilitation services for orphaned and vulnerable children. While awaiting government approval for its official registration as a children’s home, SOLCRC’s programs grew to include education and holistic care. In the same year, Restoration Educational Centre was founded with the purpose of offering high-quality academic education to the children under care, as well as others from the Kibera Slums. The educational program also served as part of the healing process for the children, allowing them to interact with children from more stable families.
By the time of the first major fire in 2011, the school had gained a reputation for providing excellent primary education. The Rescue & Rehabilitation Program and Restoration Educational Centre were both located within the New Life Restoration Ministries (NLRM) headquarters compound at Toi Market, along Ngong-Kibera Drive in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi.
At SOLCRC, orphaned and vulnerable children are provided with:
• Shelter and care
• Food and nutrition support
• Education and vocational/life skills training
• Protection and legal support
• Trauma counseling
• Sports, music, and modeling activities to help them realize and develop their talents.
As of now, 103 beneficiaries have passed through SOLCRC, with 28 children currently enrolled in primary school (from playgroup to Grade 8). There are also 28 students attending various high schools across Kenya, and 15 youth pursuing their passions in college, studying a range of courses, from administration and human resources to medicine and hospitality.
Testimonies of Success:
John Paul, one of the original children in the program, has graduated in Administration and HR.
Two former students are training to become medical professionals at the Kenya Medical Training Centre (KMTC).
Two others are pursuing careers in hospitality, with one already employed at Sarova Hotel, a renowned five-star hotel in Kenya.
Ochieng Kevin, another pioneer, is currently studying at Strathmore University thanks to generous support.
However, despite these success stories, SOLCRC faces ongoing challenges, particularly with space and congestion. The centre’s current accommodation for children is cramped, and the administrators often struggle to prioritize the most vulnerable children for admission. There is a long waiting list, and many children in desperate need of care are still awaiting placement.
The challenge of limited space has led the ministry to create semi-permanent temporary structures to accommodate the children. Unfortunately, these structures have proven to be vulnerable to disasters. In March 2019, a fire destroyed all the facilities within the NLRM International headquarters compound, including the children’s center. This tragedy left the children homeless and the centre in ruins.
In response to the devastation, a Master Plan has been developed to rebuild the facility, including the construction of permanent three-story stone buildings for the children’s center. These new structures will provide much-needed space and a better environment for the children’s care and well-being.
Current Situation: For now, the children are being housed in a temporary location while plans for the permanent structures are underway. In the aftermath of the fire, the needs are vast, including but not limited to:
• Construction materials and fittings
• Transportation services
• Dormitory furniture
• Kitchenware and utensils
• Textbooks, exercise books, office stationery
• Food supplies
• Cleaning supplies and toiletries
• School uniforms
• Computers, printers, photocopiers, internet accessories
Call to Action:
We are immensely grateful for the support we have received in the past, but the need remains urgent. As we rebuild and restore the children’s center, we ask for your continued generosity and
partnership. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of these vulnerable children.
Together, with your support, we can provide these children with the care, education, and hope they deserve. Let us rebuild and restore their futures.
Thank you for your compassion and kindness. No effort is too small in helping us achieve this vision.