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Sponsorship 2022
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Brief HistoryIn 2009, the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) in Africa visited the Diocese of Hamilton to present the Notre Dame Children Outreach Project. The NDCO planned to assist the many needy and orphaned children living in Nyalieng’a parish, an area of Kenya hard-hit by the HIV/AIDS epidemic but needed financial assistance. St. Michael’s parish embraced the project and over the course of the next few years, there were PowerPoint presentations, guest speakers and litugical musicians, fundraising events etc. There was even a Harambee Book Club and some Harambee Pub Nights.
In 2013, at the request of the NDCO, St. Michael’s put together the Harambee Child Sponsorship Program whereby donors here in Canada are matched directly with a child in Kenya. Annually, updated profiles of the children are provided to sponsors so that they can follow his/her/their progress. Currently, more than 120 children are being supported directly through this program. It is wonderful to see “your” child succeed and graduate as a nurse, an electrician or an engineer. It is also heart-breaking when young people succumb to social pressure and drop out.
When the Covid pandemic struck in 2020, everything in Kenya was shut down including the banks. St. Michael’s was able to send funds directly to the NDCO so the staff could provide food, medicine and education needs for the children and their families.
Over the course of these years, St. Michael’s has hosted many SSND from the NDCO and lasting friendships and relationships have been formed. With better internet service in Nyalieng’a and the advent of Zoom, communication has become easier and these relationships continue to grow.
Our journey with our brothers and sister in Nyalieng’a continues!
The Project Logo This logo is unique and clearly identifiable.
The continent of Africa is encircled by people holding hands in support of one another. Canadians are red and white. Our partners in Africa are coloured black, red and green. The continent of Africa is yellow representing the hope that our solidarity brings to the children.
All of us are working together – “Harambee”
and united by a common mission.The Harambee Solidarity Pole
In 2009, when the parish embarked on this project, a decision was made to have a strong, visible, permanent reminder of our solidarity with the Notre Dame Children Outreach project in Nyalieng’a Kenya.
A solid piece of BC cedar, strong and resistant to weathering, was prepared and installed in the front of the church. Much thought and discussion preceded the installation – colours, wording, placement…
At the top of the pole, the bands of red and white represent Canada. Black, red, and green are the colours of Kenya. Yellow signifies hope.
There is writing on the pole.
Facing outwards are the words:
Notre Dame Children Outreach – Kenya
Harambee – Working Together*
As we exit the church, we are reminded of our mission:
St. Michael’s – Waterloo
2010 – 2012 – 2017 – 2022 (- 2027 coming soon!) **
The pole has now been in place for more than 12 years! It is looking somewhat worn but it is still solid and strong as is the parish commitment to assisting the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Nyalieng’a Kenya as they work with the children of the Notre Dame Children Outreach project to achieve the fullness of each child’s potential.