This Christmas season is a time to reflect on the blessings that have come from people like you.  

Violet is 15 years old and living in Kangemi slums, Nairobi. Her life has transformed due to your kindness and support.  

When Violet’s father passed away, her mother, Rehema, was left raising eight children and one grandchild.  Her family struggled to meet even the most basic of needs.

Violet joined the Jesuit run Upendo Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s Program when her family’s financial difficulties made attending school impossible. 

Through the gift of Educate a Child, Violet was able to receive tailored primary tuition to enable her to enter mainstream education at St Joseph’s Primary School, medical support, counselling and school feeding.  

“I am happy that Violet was enrolled in Upendo. If it wasn’t for Upendo, Violet might be like other girls in Kangemi—caught up in drugs, prostitution, or early marriages. But instead, she is in school, and that is something to be truly thankful for,” Rehema, Violet’s mother.

Violet’s family lives in a small, single-room house made of iron sheets, where they sleep, cook, and eat together.

Rehema’s burden, like that of many families in Kangemi, is heavy.

Extreme poverty meant that her first four children never had the opportunity to go to school, a reality that still haunts her. But because of people like you, her daughter Violet now has hope.  

Violet receives more than just an education—your support ensures she has a meal at school each day, something her family cannot always provide at home.  

“We only have one meal a day. But with Upendo, I know Violet won’t go hungry at school,” her Mother, Rehema, shares. 

Violet’s dreams are now bigger than ever, and that’s all thanks to you!

When she talks about her education, her face lights up with hope.  

“Education will help me achieve my goals. My dream is to become a journalist and tell the world the truth,” Violet shares confidently.  

Beyond her career aspirations, she dreams of building a house for her family and ensuring they have enough to eat every day. These dreams are possible because of your kindness and generosity. 

 “Christmas gives me hope,” Violet says with a smile. “It brings joy to my family and makes me believe that things will change.”  

Even in their struggles, Violet’s family embodies the true spirit of Christmas. Rehema shares how they will celebrate this Christmas: “A village elder will bring us gifts like flour or cooking oil, and we will share what we have with our neighbours.” 

This Christmas, Give a Gift That Changes Lives 

Visit: www.iji.ie/gifts