2021 Kuda Vana Partnership Annual Report

Page 14

Not Your typical orphanage Gigi’s Journey Home

Gigi has been at Kuda Vana since she was an infant. Her mother died in childbirth, and her father was not able to care for a baby girl alone. Social Services brought Gigi to us and gave us very little information. Gigi is now a quiet, sensitive nine-year-old who almost always has a big smile on her face. She loves school, and especially enjoys reading. Gigi has always known about her father and has always looked forward to the day he might come for her. Unfortunately, it had been several years since anyone at Kuda Vana had heard from him. In 2021, Kuda Vana’s staff began to do further checking into Gigi’s past and noticed that there was a cousin’s name in her file. They were able to locate her and discovered that this individual had cared for Gigi when she was born. We also learned that Gigi’s father had sadly passed away. Gigi & her Cousin

Gigi’s cousin was deeply emotional when she learned Gigi’s whereabouts, and even though it was challenging, she managed to visit her at Kuda Vana this past summer. Gigi was so thrilled to have a relative visit and was told she reminded her of the mother Gigi never knew. Arrangements were made for them to spend more time together, and our team worked with the family as they began a relationship and ensured it was a safe environment. Gigi has now spent two school holidays with her extended family, and they would like for Gigi to come and live with them permanently. Kuda Vana will continue to support Gigi’s education: a very good school has been selected and she will begin attending in 2022 when she moves in with her family.

Your financial support helps ensure we can keep our promise that the children in our care will not just survive but thrive, be it with us or in the care of a forever family. Thank you for helping make this beautiful reunion possible!

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