In Kenya, approximately 1.6 million people are infected with HIV. About half of those infected are children. Most of them got the virus through their parents. Children see the family impoverished or experiencing contempt because of the disease. They have to watch their parents die a painful death and become orphans themselves. For financial reasons, many children can no longer attend school. Many HIV-positive children end up on the streets and try to get by with begging, theft and sometimes prostitution.

Vic Paul, the founder of Diguna, saw this need and so in 2005 our Royal Totos Children’s Home was born, specifically for HIV-positive children. Our station is located not far from the city of Eldoret in the west of Kenya at an altitude of about 2000m. Our concern is to show children that their lives are worth living. Under the name “Royal Totos” we raise them in the awareness that they are royal children – beloved children of God. The children are divided into five houses, where they live with their home parents and an unmarried staff member as if they were one big family. Other local employees help out in everyday areas such as the kitchen, carpentry, administration, school, workshop and infirmary.

Since 2016, we have also been helping HIV-positive children in their families at home. We care for them by visiting them regularly and helping them to help themselves. We also provide financial support where the need is greatest, e.g. school fees, clothing, food, medical care, …

Weekly school outreach to various schools in the neighborhood as well as on our own property allows us to share the love of God with young people. We can share God’s Word and inspire students about Jesus Christ within the context of religious education.

We also carry out various sports programs. Here not only physical commitment is shown, but through short impulses the faith is passed on close to everyday life. We want to reach people with the gospel. We also do this by visiting prisons or showing Christian films. Twice a year, a youth retreat is held on our grounds. Here, our teenage children in care are given the opportunity to socialize with people their own age outside of the ward. Many HIV-positive young people need a solid network that supports them and with which they can exchange information.

In 2018, we began offering a Bible training program for pastors in the Pokot area. Bible school teachers teach elders and pastors from various AIC (Africa Inland Church) congregations how to take the love of God and the gospel to the people in their own communities. It is our concern to support the congregations so that they themselves are strengthened for their service as God’s ambassadors.