LITTLE LAMBS, BIG HOPE - JOHN MACHARIA

John Macharia was born on 19th May 2019 in Wanjerere, Murang’a County, about a three-hour drive from Kijabe. He is the fifth child in a family of six children born to Mwangi and Ruth Wangui. (His aunt could only remember his father’s first name.)

John’s father lived in Murang’a town, where he earned a living selling household items and clothes. Ruth remained at their rural home in Wanjerere, taking care of their children. Later, Ruth and the children joined her husband in town, where they all lived in a small, single-room rental house.

In December 2020, Ruth fell sick and passed away, leaving the six children in their father’s care. However, when he realized the responsibility of raising the children on his own, he abandoned them in their small rental house and did not return.

When the neighbors realized that their father was not coming back, they contacted the children’s grandmother, Ruth’s mother, and asked her to come and take them. Caring for all six children was a very difficult task for their grandmother. To help her, Ruth’s siblings agreed to share the responsibility, with each taking two children into their homes.

John’s aunt, Milkah, took him and his younger sister to live with her family in Mbauini village, in the Kijabe area. Milkah lives there with her husband and their four children.

Welcoming two more children into a family that already had four placed a great strain on the household’s limited resources. Milkah and her husband depended on the wages they earned through casual work in the neighborhood. Providing food, clothing, and education for all six children was a major challenge. Because of these difficulties, John was unable to start school at the appropriate age.

Towards the end of 2024, Milkah learned about Shepherd’s Little Lambs and visited the Green Pastures (GP) center to request that John be considered for admission into the program. After the staff verified his circumstances, John qualified and was admitted into Little Lambs in January 2025.

Because of his age, John completed his PP1 and PP2 studies within one year. He then qualified to join Grade One at Kiambogo Primary School in January 2026.

John is a quiet boy and a good pupil who enjoys playing football.

John’s story reminds us of the challenges that children can face when they lose a parent and the burden that falls on relatives who step in to care for them. Milkah opened her home to John and his sister, doing what she could with the little resources available to her family. Through Shepherd’s Little Lambs, John now has an opportunity to receive an education and work toward a brighter future.

With the support of caring families, dedicated staff, and generous partners, children like John can continue learning, growing, and discovering the possibilities that lie ahead.

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