Big smiles from James

I have just returned from Kenya where all is well with the children in Shelter, writes Gerry O'Donoghue. I have attached a picture of a smiling James' (not his real name).

Your readers may recall James's story. An undetected injury incurred during the post election violence in 2008 left him unable to speak or eat properly. I witnessed a visitor to Shelter distributing boiled sweets to the children in Shelter last July. James took his quota of the hard sweets and his friend automatically crushed them between two spoons so that James could put the fragments in his mouth.

Look at him now. Following a successful operation in December, James is now eating, speaking, singing and smiling. He is top of Class 5 in the school which we built at the Shelter and he has been appointed Acting Head-Boy. This transformation in his life and in his life chances has come about through the generosity of the good people who support Maintain Hope. Kilcullen take a bow!

Operation Transformation Kenya style! There are many girls and boys like James, and there is much to be done. But let us pause and celebrate this little boy and above all let us give thanks. More information from maintainhope@gmail.com and 087 2642887. Best wishes to all.