14-Year-Old Philantrohpist Changes Children's Lives in Kenya

BETHEL, CT — While most students were spending their spring break at Disney, on a cruise or with other activities, one special 14-year-old was giving back to those in need in Kenya.

While on safari in Kenya in 2014, the Deep family saw beautiful and exotic wildlife and amazing scenery. But on day 8 of their journey, they visited "What Matters Ministry," children's refuge program in Nakuru, Kenya, and their lives were changed.

Janice Deep explained:

"We want to provide the beautiful children and families that we were privileged enough to meet with as much love and happiness as they brought to us during our visit. My family had brought along 2 duffel bags filled with school supplies, pencils, stickers, balls, and other little treats for the kids. A friend of mine donated 30 handmade 'comfort pillows' from the nursing home where she works. Our tour guides brought the kids some special cookies as a treat (which the kids at the orphanage were very quick to offer to my children without a second thought). The smiles on all of their beautiful faces will stay with us forever."

Susannah Deep, 14, along with her mother Janice, traveled back to Nakuru, Kenya on April 14, 2016. The pair spent 4 days at What Matters Ministry, a safe haven for impoverished children. The ministry ensures the children receive a healthy meal each day make sure they are attending school.

"We visited two of the local houses of the families from the program. Far from being actual houses, they were actually shacks the size of an average bathroom here in the U.S. with no electricity or running water. While we were there, we distributed supplies that we collected over the last year," Janice said.

The family was allowed to bring 200 pounds of luggage to check in on the airlines. They brought clothing, flip-flops, jump ropes and balls, school supplies, stickers, books, soap and toiletries to the 53 children there. They also raised $1,400 on a GoFundMe page which they presented to the director. If they are able to work, families typically make $1 a week.

Alex Thuku, owner of All Seasons Safaris, donated to the pair's hotel accommodations and provided them with 2 days of safari in the Masai Mara as well as 3 overnight accommodations at an Eco-camp in the heart of the Mara.

"We formed an incredible bond with the children, and also with the staff at the program, while continuing to grow our friendships we had established upon our first visit. It was an eye-opening experience, especially for Susannah, to see how little these people have as far as materialistic things, but are still happy simply to be alive and have each other," Janice explained.

"It was very hard to say good-bye. The only thing that made it a little easier was the promise that we will return in April of 2017."

Click here to read more or to donate to next year's trip.

Image by Janice Deep