In a makeshift kitchen, Amos is making a celebration cake as a farewell gesture for another visitor toD4K. As he puts the finishing touches on the icing, bystanders eagerly await a taste of Amos’ infamous treat!     Goodbye Cake for Mark Orrs (Amos in orange hat)

Baking a celebration cake for SJU volunteers

Now 21 years old, living in his own apartment and fully employed, Amos was a former street child who was abandoned by his family. His story began several years ago when as a young teenager his mother brought him and his six siblings to Nairobi. His mother did menial jobs like washing clothes while Amos herded livestock and did whatever he could to earn money to help his mother feed the family. There was never enough to eat and life was very hard.

In 2005, Amos became aware of an AMREF center, an African health development and research organization focused on Africa’s health issues, including HIV/AIDS, STDs and drug abuse. At the center Amos found mentorship, was taught life skills and developed a knack for cooking! Then one day, upon returning home, he found his mother and siblings had gone and left him behind.

The AMREF Center lead Amos to D4K, where he stayed for another three years. While there, Amos was reluctant to re-enter school after so many years of absence. As an alternative, Amos was granted a vocational apprenticeship at the Maria Restaurant and Training Center. Upon graduating from the program, Amos continued to live at D4K and became a mentor for many other boys.

In 2009, Amos became fully employed by AMREF where he cooks for children, staff and many visitors. He has moved from the Dagoretti4Kids home into his own apartment and is a role model for all the young people that he helps feeds both physically and spiritually.