Karim Orphanage 

Karim Orphanage is a beautiful home to 38 children.  Sometimes referred to as the "happiest place on Earth" because of the way that the children love each other and are cared for by Mama Rehema.

Mama Rehema started this orphanage accidentally.  As a single mother, she started taking neighborhood homeless children into her home.  Eventually she had so many children in her care that she needed help to feed/shelter them all.  She partnered with some amazing local business-owners and several caring tourists to build the orphanage, which is now home to 38 children!

Karim Orphanage used to completely depend on monthly or annual donations by people around the world who have visited.  But Mama Rehema always looks for ways to be more financially self-sufficient. So with the help of grants, donations and fundraising, Mama Rehema runs several projects including

• Daycare Center - 84 children come to Karim Daycare Center everyday

• Chicken Project - commercial-grade chicken coop to raise chickens for eggs and/or meat to sell in the market; in peak season, several thousand chickens!

Many projects over the years have created more space and services needed for the children including:

• Perimeter Fence with security - safety is paramount for the children so this 12 foot concrete wall with security alarm on top ensure the kids' protection

• Kitchen - safe cooking conditions for Mama and the "dadas" to cook for all of the children

• Dormitory space - update, expand and providing bedding for the children so that the home can be comfortable and accommodate more kids in need

• House renovations - fixing windows, cracks in the walls, tiles

• Electricity and running water - consistent and inexpensive water and electricity run from the local services

• Additional property and building - expanded the footprint of the property and the new building is used for the older kids when they come home from University, for volunteers to stay, and for a computer lab for the kids