TWO African orphans have written to Islanders to express their gratitude for sponsorship that allows them to continue their schooling in Kenya.

Over the last year various fund-raising events have been held in Jersey to raise money for the Kisumu Orphans Education Fund, set up by charity worker Sue Deans (70) to guide orphans through the education system.

It was while on a Jersey Overseas Aid trip to the town of Kisumu – which was torn apart in the political unrest and riots earlier this year – that Mrs Deans took eight boys under her wing and helped them through school. Despite having a traumatic year in their home town and at school, with teachers leaving and a shortage of food and drink, the boys are beginning to bounce back.

In a recent letter to Mrs Deans, who was also in Kenya during the violence and had to be evacuated, Michael Ouma Odhiambo (16), who is an orphan at the sponsored school, said: ‘Last year you gave us some seeds which we planted and did very well. At our home, here is an oasis where we fetch water. Some of the seeds that we planted like broccoli did very well.