On the Road to Nairobi

Progress on the Owiti Children’s Home And Medical Centre

Monolithic Domes and EcoShells are making a difference in the lives of orphans in Nyamasaria, Kenya. The Owiti Children’s Home and Medical Center, operated by World Youth International, opened its doors in 2004 and became home to more than 50 children.

The community of Nyamasaria is situated 20 minutes south of Kisumu on the road to Nairobi in Kenya.

Four domes

Before construction began, the planning team worked overtime to ensure that all was ready for the building of four Monolithic Domes in Kenya. Mr. Ken Boyce, a dome builder, has devoted many months of his life to the planning and design of the home. Ken worked in conjunction with local engineers and surveyors and taught them the technology involved in Monolithic Dome and EcoShell construction.

The complex includes:

A 20’ EcoShell, painted in a rustic color with a white top, that is the kitchen.

Two 40’ EcoShells for the boys’ and girls’ dormitories. Each dome holds approximately 25 beds, as well as space for study and play.

An eco-friendly toilet and shower, blocked off and fenced for nighttime security, links the dormitories.

The entire compound is fenced and has an impressive concrete entrance.

The complex involved a lot of work. Painting, laying out the grounds, supplying water to the site through the digging of a bore, rain water tanks, guard house, toolshed and fitting out the home for the children was required.

Just 500 yards further down the road, WYI also constructed a 40’ dome as its House of Healing Medical Centre.

The need continues

Ralph Hoey, WYI Director, said, “Labor is cheap, but material costs are about the same price as in America and Australia and in some instances dearer. We are always in need of funds.”

Deb Merchant, Patron of Owiti Children’s Home, speaks emotionally of the home’s opening. “The opening of the home was a very emotional time for us all – seeing our vision finally come to fruition. The hard work and endless commitment from our volunteers was well worth it. For months, I dreamed about the first night the home opened. To be able to put each child to bed, tuck them in and wish them a good night’s sleep knowing they are finally safe and content as they rest with a full belly.”

Ralph Hoey said that when their work is completed they will have made a huge impact, for the better, on the lives of the people within the community and the many orphans in this regions who have lost their parents through the HIV/AIDS virus.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit the WYI website.

^{Reprinted from November 2003}