Life has changed dramatically for Elliot Berry since moving to live and work at Open Arms Village in Eldoret, Kenya last February. At 21 years old, Elliot became ‘Dad’ to eleven boys, rescued from desperate social conditions. Back in UK recently to catch up with family and friends, Elliot confesses to missing the constant noise level of a house full of lively, healthy, boisterous youth back at the village.
Open Arms offers a home, education and that all-important ‘family’ to 82 children who have been orphaned or abandoned. Starting life in some of the most deprived, and often life-threatening situations, once the children are established within the village they flourish in an incredibly short space of time.
It seems fitting that Elliot is now a house parent in Neema (Grace) Home which was built with £45,000 raised by staff and Directors at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues. The boys are now settling down into a routine in their new home and fitting in daily chores after their 9-hour school day which includes two hours of sport which they love.
The staff at English Lakes continues their support for the children at the village, each hotel sending monthly contributions to help feed, clothe and educate particular children.
Each child is supported by:
- Grace and Leon supported by English Lakes
- Steven supported by The Wild Boar
- Dina supported by Low Wood Bay
- Sharon supported by Low Wood Club
- Maurine supported by Waterhead
- Ezekiel supported by The Midland
- Abraham supported by Lancaster House
- Written by: +Tina Taylor
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