Newsletter

Having served as a Trustee of our small Charity since the beginning back in 2009, Jill Wadsworth has reluctantly decided to relinquish her role as Trustee due to the increasing challenges faced by us all as we get older. Jill was instrumental in raising the profile of the project through her work, locally and nationally with the Women’s Institute, specifically when Wangari’s story was featured in their ‘Women Reaching Women’ initiative. It seemed at one point that nearly every WI member was carrying a Karuri handbag. The smart uniforms worn by the children at the school are also due largely to Jill’s marketing and promotional skills. She does remain on our Management Committee.

Glory and praise to God our Almighty Father. We thank you, Lord and we honour you with grateful hearts. Thank you God Father Almighty for the precious gift of this New Year 2026. We surrender ourselves to you, O God. Guide us, protect us, bless us and our families. May this year draw us closer to you and each other.

After Wangari’s memorable visit to Northampton during the summer, she is now firmly back in harness at the school- now their springtime of course. The exam season is upon them and the children in Years 6 and 9 are busy preparing. For those in year 9, the scramble for senior school places begins in January 2026.

In May we were delighted to welcome Wangari back to her ‘home’ diocese of Northampton for only the second time since she returned to Kenya to open the Sacred Heart School in 2010.

Although it was partly to have a well earned rest, we managed to arrange a packed programme of visits. Wangari was keen to meet and thank the very many people who have supported her over the last 15 years and by the time she left on 26th May I think we can safely say that she did this.

Unbelievably, it is 15 years since Wangari returned to Kenya and opened the Sacred Heart Primary School, in buildings which were basic to say the least.

So many people have supported her and Wangari is visiting Northampton in May this year to thank and meet as many of them as possible-and of course to talk about the children and how we can continue the work.

Dear Friends – a Blessed and happy New Year. Receive our special gratitude from the depths of our hearts. The Sacred Heart School celebrates each one of you – you are our Good News We started this journey together 15 years ago – not to make wealth or operate a business but to make a difference in the lives of orphaned and destitute children.

This has been a difficult term for Wangari on several fronts. First the death of her beloved mother Angelica at the great age of 88 was a moment of great sadness and I am sure that all our supporters will offer their condolences and prayers for the repose of her soul.

As mentioned in the last newsletter, this year’s major fundraiser will be an epic endurance walk totalling 88 kilometres around Northampton, known unsurprisingly as the Northampton Round. The walk will take place on Saturday 29th June, starting from Brixworth Country Park in the early hours. The walkers intend to complete the walk within 24 hours – 4 intrepid souls have signed up although more may join.

In June this year, a group of intrepid (foolhardy?) supporters intend to walk the ‘Northampton Round’ in aid of the Karuri School Project.

This is a truly epic endurance 55 mile walk along roads, footpaths and bridleways through villages surrounding Northampton, to be completed in a 24 hour period. The walk starts and ends in Brixworth. Exactly how many individuals will be attempting this is not yet clear. More details, including how to sponsor the walkers , will be outlined in the Spring newsletter.