OUR HISTORY

HOW IT STARTED

In the 90s, the late Mr. Chidi Ogbonna and Mercy Chidi Baidoo worked with international organizations for over a decade. Driven by a divine conviction to save children’s lives, they founded Ripples International. Initially focused on rescuing abandoned babies and rehabilitating orphans, their mission expanded to broader community development initiatives for women and children in Kenya.

The name “Ripples International” is inspired by Isaiah 55:10-11, symbolizing their commitment to impactful work.

A pivotal moment came when a newspaper headline about a 40% HIV infection rate spurred them to leave their comfortable jobs and fully dedicate themselves to this cause. Despite fears of economic survival, they relied on faith, family savings, and support from friends to start their journey.

In 2001, the death of Baby Gatwiri, an HIV-positive child neglected by her family, reinforced their mission. This tragic event led to the establishment of a rescue home for such children, aiming to provide love, hope, and life.

Ripples International continues to serve, inspired by Christian teachings, to save lives and restore dignity to vulnerable children and families.

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HOW IT’S GOING

In the course of our work, we have discovered a heartbreaking reality: babies as young as 7 days old are being abandoned. Some are left at police stations, others in pit latrines or the woods. It’s unimaginable that anyone could do this to a helpless baby. When we investigated, we found that many parents simply couldn’t afford to care for their children. With no money or livelihood, they saw abandonment as their only option, hoping the police would rescue their baby.

The stigma surrounding HIV also plays a significant role. In many African societies, HIV is seen as a curse, leading parents to abandon their babies out of shame and fear of societal condemnation.

Since receiving our first grant in 2003, we have grown significantly. We’ve secured both local and international funding, allowing us to expand into various programs. We address a wide range of needs, including child rights promotion, care for orphans, community empowerment, peacekeeping, and drought intervention.

We remain committed to saving lives and serving children.