Introducing: The Little Angels

The Little Angels Centre for Destitute Children, a permanent home for orphaned children who have lost their parents to sickness, mental illness, or neglect, serves as a hearth for developmental, educational, and spiritual well being for more than 50 children.

Approximately 60 kilometers north of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, the Little Angels Centre is located in a small, roadside town, called Makutano. “Makutano” means “the meeting point,” as the town rests at a junction in one of the nation’s main highways, where the road splits from Nairobi to the other heavily populated cities in central Kenya, either west to Nyeri or north to Embu. Makutano is rural, small in both landmass and population – the town extends about half a kilometer along either side of the highway, and is home to no more than 1,500 people – and remains relatively underdeveloped compared to the more populated neighboring cities of Nyeri, Embu, and Nairobi. Photos of Makutano can be found at the link to the right.

Founded and led by Mr. Paul Gichuki and his wife Magdalene, the Little Angels Centre houses, feeds, and provides health and education services to the 50+ children in the Little Angels family. While Paul serves as headmaster of the school, Magdalene manages the life services of the children. In addition to Paul and Magdalene, Fr. Hipoliti Marandu currently acts as volunteer chaplain to the Little Angels Centre, leading the children in all spiritual activities. A staff of kitchen attendant, grounds keeper, and primary teacher, fulfill all other Centre duties.

The children, however, are truly the life of the Centre. Ranging in age from 2 years to over 16 years old, all originate from the townships surrounding Makutano. Whether due to sickness or neglect, all have lost their parents and now permanently stay at the Centre. The smallest children - those who have not yet completed primary school - spend their weekdays within the Centre grounds to attend class at the Little Angels School. This age group makes up the majority of the Little Angels children. Those who have advanced from primary school leave the Centre each day to attend local public schools, with the eldest children - those who have reached secondary schooling - leaving the Centre each term to attend boarding institutions, the most common form of secondary education in Kenya. No matter their age, however, each resides in either the St. Teresa Girls Dormitory or the St. Anthony Boys Dormitory within the Centre grounds. Photos of the Centre can be found at the link to the right. When not attending school, the children play in the Centre's courtyard, complete chores - often washing, cooking, and maintaining the grounds - or take care of the smallest Little Angels children. Photos of the children - and of the staff - can be found at the link to the right.

Faith and hope are central to the lives of everyone in the Little Angels community. Prayers are made often, each day culminating with Magdalene leading Bible readings before an evening meal. The frequent visits by Fr. Marandu are always anticipated, and everyone at Little Angels is grateful for all that they have. Still, the children of Little Angels live humbly, and hope to, in the future, overcome their modest childhoods at the Centre to become successful adults.