The Olives Rehabilitation Centre: How It All Started

Having introduced GVI's new Olives project, we thought we'd introduce you to the Olives Rehabilitation Centre itself, and what better way to kick off than to share the touching story of how the centre was started by Stevens Were, in 2001.

Stevens on the right with teacher Michael (left) and Corti (centre), GVI's Country Director

Stevens was working as a builder in Mombasa at the time, but was concerned with what he was seeing around his neighborhood of Bombolulu. Children appeared neglected, hungry and idle. Some as young five years old were left in sole charge of infants.

Stevens’ observations led him to start questioning local people on their life experiences, and what he heard moved him deeply. Wanting to improve these peoples’ situation, but lacking any financial resources, he was a loss for what to do. So, he began moving house to house praying with local residents for a better life. The parents in one house in particular sent him away, criticizing him for his efforts, claiming he was wasting their time.

Stevens left the house for his own home, not realizing that he had been followed by two young children from the house, aged 6 and 8. The two children knocked on his door, and asked him to pray with them. They prayed for schooling, clothes, parenting, food and basic commodities such as toothbrushes and toothpaste.

What happened the following day however, was the major turning point for Stevens. After hearing a knock on his door, he opened it to find the two children from the day before with forty other children from the neighbourhood, all wanting to pray for a school and a place to play.

Stevens realized at this point he was going to have reorganize his life around these children if he was to make any difference in their lives. He started asking around the neighbourhood for an empty building where a school could be established, and found the site where Olives Rehabilitation Centre runs today.

In 2001, it schooled the original 40 children who had turned up to Stevens house for prayers. Today it is educating, providing uniforms for and feeding around 130 children. The school thrives in the face of intense adversity, but still has many challenges ahead. However, Stevens firmly believes that anywhere a challenge exists, so too does an opportunity.

Tess, GVI Olives Project Manager with a few of the Olives children

Here at Olives Rehabilitation Centre there exists an opportunity for volunteers to make a huge difference in the lives of some of the sweetest children, and most inspiring individuals you are likely to meet.

The Olives Rehabilitation Centre: How It All Started