In July 2001, Martin and Mary Print were on holiday in Mombasa Kenya where they went to visit twelve orphaned children being kept in a ramshackle house in a dangerous area of the town. Martin was soon involved in a game of football with the boys. The ball was made of screwed up plastic bags tied up with string (very soft on bare feet, but not much bounce!). This, and an old beach ball seemed to be all the toys they had. After playing football, the children took us on a tour of the grounds of the house to see the beans they were growing (each child had his or her own ‘patch’), and then we tried to entice the local monkey to come for some nuts that were thrown for it. The monkey wisely stayed out of reach!
As they made their way back to their hotel, they decided that they had to put their Christian faith in action and do something to help these desperately needy children. They talked to their hotel manager who agreed to provide a regular “food drop” for the children each month charged against their credit card.
When they returned to England, Martin and Mary talked to many of their friends and work colleagues. Everyone they spoke to reacted in the same way: “How can we help?” So Footsteps International was born, and was registered with the Charity Commission in March 2002. Footsteps International focuses on caring for children in need, supporting education and training for poor children, and fighting poverty and disability. It aims to connect those who want to help with those who need it.
Top: Bedroom.
Bottom: Ramshackle'home'.
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