SPEECH BY AMB. (DR.) AMINA MOHAMED, EGH, CAV, CABINET SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF SPORTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE AT THE “CELEBRATE, DANCE AND DINE FOR A PURPOSE” EVENT HELD ON DECEMBER 20, 2019 AT THE SAROVA PANAFRIC HOTEL, NAIROBI

Mama Martha Moraa, Founder, Faraja Children’s
Home
Human Capital Synergies Africa Limited
Executives
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Let me begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to the organisers of this noble event meant to provide an avenue for us to interact and shape the future of the lovely and deserving children at Faraja Children’s Home. I especially celebrate Mama Moraa for her caring and giving heart. Please put your hands together to appreciate her selfless service to the children of Faraja and to the country at large. (Applause)

More often than not, we take for granted the precious things that we have in life – like the air we breathe, good health and the opportunity to do good – and it is through such events that we are reminded of the words of Winston Churchill that: “we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Giving is the strand that connects humanity and reveals the intended nature of the community: to care for others and to be cared for.

Mama Moraa has set an example for us by giving wholeheartedly, even when she did not have enough material wealth to share. Her life is a lesson to all of us that material wealth is not the core element of giving, rather, it is a well-meaning, intending and empathetic heart. You have all responded to that call, more so, during this period of celebration. By your presence, you have given true value to the meaning of Christmas. All religions agree that ‘loving your neighbour’ is the greatest commandment of all. Thank you for heeding to the teachings of this great commandment.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
There is an Irish proverb that says: “bricks and mortar make a house, but the laughter of children makes a home”. In fact, I would go further to say “bricks and mortar make a house, but the laughter of children makes a country” because the future of Kenya is heavily reliant on the well-being of our children.I do not subscribe to the school of thought that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow because I believe that the youth have what it takes to be the leaders of today! For the children at Faraja Children’s home, their present is under a threat.

It is for this reason that we are gathered here tonight, to seek your support in getting land for the home, donations for building materials for the construction of a new abode, enlistment of technical expertise, funds for children’s fees, and assistance with running expenses for the home such as provision for food, medical, clothing and utilities. These are all basic needs meant to secure a comfortable life for these children.

It is often said that “we have not, because we ask not.” When the organisers of this event reached out to me, I identified with their course having raised many children across our country. I also committed to enlisting my friends and colleagues in government to give towards Faraja. I will continue to pursue the avenues open to me for support but also call on you, friends, to join hands and bring comfort to the children of Faraja.

Irish poet Stacia Tauscher said: “We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.” And she was right. The family that gave the children of Faraja a home has been generous and patient for many years. It is now our turn to pick up the baton.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The hallmark of success is in our ability as a society to support the dreams, ambitions and aspirations of children, which can be achieved through our physical, emotional and financial support.

Appreciably, many well-wishers have been instrumental in supporting the home through the provision of foodstuff and other material. Let us build on these gains to ensure the home realises stability.

I, therefore, call on all of us here today to be part of this great cause and give whatever we can to secure the future of these children.
Thank You and God Bless You!