March 17 is a landmark day in the Happy House year — it’s our birthday!
Today, we are celebrating 16 wonderful years of giving a safe, loving home to children in need.
Over these years, we have touched so many young lives, whether they have stayed with us for just a few weeks or for many years.
Some of our earliest children are still with us today and proudly carry the surname Hayward, honouring our founders, Sue and Dave Hayward.
With every passing day, we continue to grow and develop, just like our children — adapting as changing times require.
Our Happy House remains, just as our beloved Mama Sue dreamed it would be, a joyful home for a thriving family who, though not related by blood, are forever bonded by love.
Knowing that education is the surest road out of poverty, we ensure our children receive a quality education, learn essential life skills, and are prepared for a future filled with opportunity, fulfilment, and hope.
Since Mama Sue is no longer with us, Papa Dave continues to carry forward the mission she began and the charity she founded, Children of Watamu.
This would not be possible without our brilliant management team, led by our director Rose Pendo, and our dedicated charity trustees who guide and support our work every step of the way.
And to all those who stand beside us — those who support our work, who fundraise, who donate, and who so generously sponsor a child — we extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks.
Without your kindness, belief, and generosity, none of our work would be possible. We are profoundly and humbly grateful to each and every one of you for helping us to transform young lives and keep the Happy House shining brightly.
In today’s birthday video our children tell the story of the Happy House in their own words, and we hope that you will watch it and share it with your friends.
We always need new friends and desperately need more sponsors for our children, so it is possible our story may strike a chord in a heart!
On our birthday please join us in saying here’s to 16 years of love, growth, and family — and to many more to come.
Happy birthday, Happy House.
