Crawfordians Shine Through Service: A Heartfelt Outreach to Ruiru Rehabilitation Center

On Saturday, October 5th, 2024, the Year 13 students at Crawford International School demonstrated the true spirit of giving, uniting the school community in an inspiring initiative led by Imani, Julia, Keza, and Ryan. Their call to action, “Make a Difference to a Child Through Your Donation,” resonated deeply with Crawfordians. The goal was simple but impactful: collect books, shoes, clothes, cereals, and cash donations to support the children at the Ruiru Rehabilitation Center.

What started as a Year 13 initiative quickly gained momentum, with the entire school community rallying behind the cause. Over the course of a week, the school hall became a collection point, brimming with donations, including over Ksh 100,000 in cash. The student committee, working with great dedication, organized the purchase of over 40 new pairs of shoes from Bata Shoe Company, textbooks and stationery from Text Book Center, and a variety of food items to bring joy and sustenance to the children at the center. The visit to Ruiru Rehabilitation Center was not just about delivering goods; it was about sharing time and building connections. Our students danced, played, and interacted with the children, breaking down any barriers of background or circumstance. One of the most moving moments came when each Crawford senior student personally helped a child put on their new shoes—many of whom had never owned a pair before. For some children, these shoes represented not just physical comfort, but also a step towards their future.

Mr. Alfred, the director of the center, shared the heart-wrenching stories of the children—rescued from the streets at a young age and given a second chance at life through education and rehabilitation. He expressed deep gratitude to the Crawford students for their generous donations and time spent with the children. "You didn’t just bring material items today; you brought hope and smiles," he remarked. One of the highlights of the day was the shared celebration over cake and snacks. It wasn’t just the donations that made an impact, but the genuine connections formed. Laughter filled the air, and for a moment, everyone—students, staff, and children alike—shared a simple truth: that in giving, we receive so much more in return.

Accompanying the students on this heartfelt journey were teachers Mr. Maurice, Mr. Tobias, Ms. Anne, Ms. Evah, and Mr. William. Each was deeply moved by the humility and kindness shown by the students. Mr. William remarked, “It was incredibly humbling to see our students embrace the spirit of giving so wholeheartedly. They have not only fulfilled their community service hours but have truly made a difference in the lives of these children.” As part of Crawford’s core values, community service remains at the heart of what it means to be a Crawfordian. Every senior student is required to complete over 70 hours of community service, but this experience was about much more than meeting a requirement. It was about fostering empathy, kindness, and responsibility towards those less fortunate.

As the day came to a close, the joy on the faces of both the children and our students served as a powerful reminder that giving is far more rewarding than receiving. This sentiment was echoed by a quote shared by one of the Year 13 students, "Giving opens the way for receiving, not just in material things but in love, joy, and connection." Another student summed up the experience beautifully, saying, “It’s not just about what we give, but how we give. Today, we gave with our hearts.” Indeed, as the Crawford community learned on this memorable day, true wealth comes not from what we have, but from what we give to others.

On behalf of the Year 13 students and staff, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of our visit to Ruiru Children’s Home. Your generous donations of books, shoes, clothes, cereals, and cash made a profound impact on the lives of the children. A special mention goes to Tsebo for the partial donation of the cake, which truly brightened the day for the children—no event is complete without a cake! Thanks to your kindness, we were able to provide much-needed items and share moments of joy with these deserving children. Your support truly embodies the spirit of giving, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity. Together, we made a difference!

This remarkable community service event will undoubtedly remain etched in the hearts of those who took part, reaffirming Crawford’s belief in the transformative power of giving.