The Story of Onesimus Good News Boys Centre
Cameron and Yvonne Wood explain the story behind Onesimus Good News Boys Centre
The story of Shoulder 2 Shoulder begins way back in the mid-1990’s, 1996 to be precise, when a small group of people purchased five acres of land at Kikambala, about forty minutes north of Mombasa. Their plan was simple, to build an orphanage for street boys where they would be safe and secure from the troubles of the city. Little did these people know, that it would take twenty years for the home to be opened.
It would be foolish of me to detail every single part of the history during this period, because frankly I know very little of it. What I do know is that as of 2011, what was then called the Good News Children’s Home was based out of Likoni, a rather deprived area of Mombasa, despite having this land they owned. The vast majority of people would have given up on their dream an awful long time ago, but the trustees have to be admired for their tenacity and determination to make things happen.
Back in 2011, Yvonne Wood visited Kenya to look at various projects to get involved with, on behalf of Staffordshire Scouts. At the time she was Assistant County Commissioner for Activities, and it is safe to say she was, and continues to feel, very privileged for the opportunity she got.
Out of the three projects provided to her, the Good News’ project was by far the most viable, most organised, but also the most challenging. Having discussed these options with Staffordshire Scouts the Good News project was approved and so, Yvonne and myself toured Staffordshire promoting the project. This was split into three distinct phases, although things didn’t quite pan out as expected.
Phase 1: This contingent would consist of Burton, Lichfield and Tamworth Districts and would go out in 2013. It was planned that the first third of the home would be built during this time.
Phase 2: This contingent would consist of Cannock, Stafford and Stone Districts and would go out in 2014. It was planned that the second third of the home would be built during this time.
Phase 3: This contingent would consist of Leek and Stoke districts due to being significantly further north of the remaining areas, and would go out in 2015. It was planned that the final third of the home would be built during this time.
The first thing that affected these plans was actually the difficulty in attracting people from the Cannock, Stafford and Stone Districts in the second phase, and this meant reopening applications from the Burton, Lichfield and Tamworth Districts; in fact in all three contingents Burton and Tamworth Districts continued to make up the bulk of applicants in all three years.
The second thing that affected these plans was the rapidity of the construction in 2013. Quite simply, the first contingent completed the building work set aside for the other two contingents, resulting in the need to completely change the plans for the other two years, which became a plastering and painting challenge due to the previous contingents achievements..
It’s quite safe to say I am proud of the fact that we achieved far more than could possibly have been conceived all of those years ago. Talking of pride, perhaps the single proudest moment for me happened on 27 February 2016. This is the date that we officially opened what became the Onesimus Good News Boys’ Centre.
Work continues to this day with previous contingent members returning and their friends going out to the home on a regular basis. During the February 2017 visit, one room was made into a Library with the contingent building the bookshelves and donating the books.for the boys to use for studying, and for local children. I look forward to the continued support and hard work that is making such a difference to young lives.