Gladys’ Journey of Possibility

24th July 2026

In Kenya, many children from low-income families who have been born with clubfoot, a condition where one or both feet twist inward, are unable to access treatment. Families face rejection and can be ostracised from their community.

Together with our local partner, Dreamland Mission Hospital, we provide life-changing treatment that helps children with clubfoot to walk pain-free. We also empower vulnerable families to build sustainable livelihoods.

The sun begins to set over the rural village where Gladys and her family live. Gladys is getting her children ready for bed, and she marvels at the change that has happened in just a couple of years.

Two of her children used to struggle to walk and stand without intense discomfort and pain, and even sleeping was extremely uncomfortable. But today, her children can sleep peacefully.

Not only that, but for the first time, Gladys is contributing to the household income; she now runs a flourishing business, and through her profits, her husband has been able to expand his business and employ others.

Thanks to your generosity, Gladys and her family are thriving. They are a beacon of hope and inspiration to their neighbours and wider community. Gladys is a business owner, mentor, and proud mum. As she says, “we areon another level of life, all glory to God.”

“We are on another level of life, all glory to God.”

Family losing hope

A few years ago, two of Gladys’ children, Daisy and Kennedy, were living with disabilities. Daisy had clubfoot, and Kennedy had knee issues. Gladys and her husband believed there was nothing they could do.

Gladys’ husband was a carpenter, but he struggled to provide enough for all of them, and Gladys wanted to contribute but felt she didn’t have the resources to get started.

Life-changing treatment

One day, a Dreamland Hospital advocate approached the family and shared with them that treatment for their children was available, and that there could be help with the cost of surgery. This was the start of a transformative year.

Daisy and Kennedy without pain

In February 2022, Daisy and Kennedy received surgery at Dreamland Mission Hospital. The operations were successful, and both children made good recoveries.

Today, they are able to walk and stand without pain.

During the family’s time at Dreamland, Gladys and her husband were invited to take part in a brand-new programme to equip parents to set up small businesses and strengthen their livelihoods.

Building a business

Gladys and her husband decided to build a chicken coop and purchase some chicks. Once they were laying enough eggs, some were sold, some fed her family, and the rest were hatched to become the next generation of egg-laying hens.

Although Gladys and her husband faced some challenges, such as keeping the chicks warm in colder weather, their business began to flourish.

With the profits, they ensured that their children were well fed and able to attend school. They also paid for the National Health Insurance Scheme, which covers any medical needs for the whole household.

Year two of business

As Gladys continued to work hard and the business did well, she began to diversify. With some of the profits she bought a sewing machine and used it for dressmaking.

Additionally, some of the profits were used to boost her husband’s carpentry business, and a few months later, her husband set up a carpentry shop and started employing three people to help with manufacturing and selling furniture.

Inspiring others in their community

Gladys and her husband became active members of the business support group, where they share their experiences and mentor others in their community.

Last year, the family also received an award from the Dreamland team in recognition of their exemplary work.

Today, Gladys and her husband continue to work hard and support others. Gladys is the chair of the business peer support group in her area, and continues to nurture and advise new families starting their own businesses.

Thank you for supporting this family. Your generosity is changing lives.