Upend♥ Children's Centre
born with a purpose

Below you can read some aspects of daily life in the orphanage, such as the menu and house-rules.

House Rules

  • Big boys and girls help the smaller children in the daily activities.
  • Make your own beds in the morning.
  • Take a shower in the morning.
  • Brush you teeth in the morning and at night.
  • No walking out of the dinner table till everybody is finished.
  • Wash hands before every meal and after using the toilet.
  • Big boys and girls assist the housemother in daily household chores like doing the dishes, washing the clothes and cleaning.
  • Clean up the toys and put them back in place after playing with them.
  • Respect other children.
  • Finish your homework before you go to sleep.
  • Obey the housemother, volunteers, board members and visitors.

 

Daily Schedule

Morning

5.30 - 5.40 housemothers wake up.
5.40 - 6.00 Waking the older kids. Get them dressed. Kids that wet their beds take a shower and put bed sheets in laundry basket.
6.00 - 6.15 Breakfast.
6.15 - 6.25 Brush teeth. Get ready for school, bags, pencils etc.
6.30 Older kids are leaving for school.
7.00 - 7.45 housemother cleans the house.
8.00 Waking the small kids.
8.00 - 9.00 Washing and changing diapers small kids.
9.00 - 10.30 Breakfast small kids, milk bottles, porridge.
10.30 - 12.00 Playing time small kids.

Afternoon

12.00 - 1.30 Lunch time.
2.00 - 4.00 Small kids take a siesta. Housemother prepares food supper.
4.00 - 5.30 Snack, tea, playing time all kids.
5.30 - 6.00 Shower time big kids.
 

Evening

6.00 - 7.00 Supper all kids.
7.00 - 8.00 Homework and playing time.
8.00 - 8.30 Playing time in your own room.
8.30 - 9.00 Go to bed, story time.
 

Guidelines for Volunteers

  • No smoking in the house and no smoking around our children.
  • To use and possession of any drugs is strictly prohibited in Kenya and therefore also on the UCC-premises.
  • Be moderate with the use of alcohol, as it sets a bad example for our children and might bring back bad memories. The use of alcohol in UCC-premises is only allowed after consolation with the board.
  • Assist the housemother(s) and our children in all daily chores and activities.
  • Try to keep quiet in the evening and at night when the children are sleeping when you are in Upendo.
  • Inform the housemother(s) in time if you don't eat supper at UCC.
  • Switch of the lights when you are the last to leave the room. The only exception is the light in the corridor, so that the children are not afraid to use the toilet after dark.
  • Try to limit the number of showers a day to one, whit regard to the electricity bill.
  • You can go on safari or trips whenever you like but always inform the Upendo staff.
  • Be careful with spending your (sponsor) money or with giving away goods. Some people that ask for (financial) support might not really need it and take advantage.
  • When spending money or giving away goods, it.s best to work through organizations and projects known by UCC such as 'Kibira slum', food parcels for various slums, 'welfare for street children', and last but not least UCC itself! You can assist UCC in buying clothing, shoes, toys and other utilities (see list) for the children and UCC. You can also take the children on trips or outings. We would be very grateful.
  • Try to take advice and listen to the housemother(s) and the board members.
  • If you go out after dark, always console with the board members.
  • If you invite people to UCC-premises, always console with the board first.

 

Disciplinary Measures

  • Talk to the child.
  • The child goes to bed early.
  • Take away privileges like watching T.V. or playing outside.
  • The child stays behind in UCC when others go on outings or trips.
  • The child can be counseled by one of the Centers social workers.

In severe cases the child will be reported to the district Children's Officer.