• Jackson Wachira

    My name is Jackson Wachira (1978) and I am a social worker. I have been working in an orphanage and I'm proud to say that I've seen young dull faces smile brightly, little innocent people who never thought they will attend a lesson in a class, graduate from primary school. It's a great achievement. I strongly believe children are the leaders of tomorrow, if only they are offered a chance today.

    In Kenya there are so many abandonned and orphaned children. I, toghether with other dedicated wishers, have decided to work for these children, campaign for their rights. Make society accept them through education and counseling and the globe will change for the better.

    I believe if I help only one injured bird back into its nest, I will not have lived my life for nothing!

  • Tessa Janssen

    My name is Tessa Janssen (1978) from the Netherlands. I love to work with children, I believe love and education are the key to their happiness and dreams.

    “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela

    It's a wonderful feeling seeing children, run, play, eat, having fun, getting an education and getting their well-deserved chances! Chances that are not in reach for every child in Africa. That is why I believe in Upendo; maybe we can't help all children in need but, we can help these children!

    I live in the Netherlands with my husband and and sons. From there I gather fundings for Upendo. Luckily I am often able to go to Kenya, to be in Upendo.

  • Patrick Janssen

    Ik ben Patrick Janssen (1947) en trotse vader van Tessa.

    Trots omdat ik het geweldig vind wat zij allemaal doet voor de kinderen in Kenia.

    Daarom heb ik samen met Tessa in Nederland de Stichting Upendo Children’s Centre opgericht met het doel fondsen te vergaren voor het weeshuis.

     ‘Financial manager’ is een hele mond vol maar het betekent gewoon dat ik de penningmeester ben van de stichting. Daar zullen jullie niet vreemd van opkijken gezien mijn fiscale achtergrond. Je kunt er dan ook van op aan dat iedere gift waarmee jullie Upendo steunen, ook daadwerkelijk daar aan komt. Een ‘strijkstok’ kennen we niet!

    Èn we hebben van de Belastingdienst de ANBI status gekregen. Dus jullie giften zijn ook nog eens fiscaal aftrekbaar!

  • Ann Wavinya

    Ann Wavinya

    My  name is Ann wavinya ,born on 1980,and am a social worker.i have been working in upendo children centre and i can proudly say i have seen children's grow,transfoms and becoming better people in the society.

    Working with the children have made me  gain some social values ie  ,intergrity,social justice,compassion.

    Happy when I see a child smile  and am able to help either physically, emotionally or mentally .

    I strongly believe every child got an equal chance  to become a great person in the society.

  • Mary Njoki

    My name is Mary maina[1995] and am a  social worker. Have been working in upendo children's centre and I wholeheartedly  believe in the good of everyone and I feel social work allows me to connect,mentor and help  the children to achieve their goals

    Happy because am able to really understand what they want,how they feel and being able to share  our thoughts  together.

    I have become extremely  grateful for all that I have and realised true wealth does not come from material things.

  • Ivo Janssen

    Ik ben Ivo Janssen, de broer van Tessa. Als de IT'er in de familie ben ik verantwoordelijk voor de website, de email en zorg dat alle QR codes en donatie links altijd goed werken!

    In januari 2024 heb ik een bezoek aan Upendo kunnen doen met Tessa en mijn moeder en dat was een prachtige ervaring die nogmaals bevestigd dat Upendo een belangrijke rol speelt in de Keniaanse samenleving en in het leven van alle kids die Upendo hun thuis hebben mogen noemen door de jaren heen.