From Vulnerability to Victory: How Footprints is Changing Lives at Home and Abroad.
When Kerry Watson from Burton-on-Trent boarded a plane to Kenya in 2007, she had no idea the experience would change not only her life, but the lives of hundreds more.
By Scott Milligan
During a volunteer trip, Kerry witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by vulnerable children and their communities. Driven by a deep sense of compassion and a belief in brighter possibilities, she purchased a small plot of land with a simple, powerful vision: to create a safe and nurturing environment for those who needed it most.
Through years of unwavering dedication and hard work, that vision became a reality. Today, The Footprints Family is a thriving community in rural Kenya, providing care, education, healthcare, and opportunity for over 200 children, young people, and families. Footprints empowers individuals to break the cycle of poverty, fostering self-belief, hope, and a stronger future for generations to come.
Kerry Watson’s Journey to Belonging and Purpose
As a working mother from Burton-on-Trent, Kerry Watson’s journey to founding The Footprints Family has been one of resilience and healing.Adopted at just three days old during the closed, forced adoptions of the 1960s, Kerry faced early challenges. At four years old, her adoptive parents separated, leaving her searching for belonging, safety, and hope.
Years later, during a visit to Africa, Kerry met children and families living in heartbreaking conditions — homeless, hungry, and without belonging or purpose. Some of their struggles echoed her own childhood trauma. Moved to act, she founded The Footprints Family UK Charity in 2008, dedicated to giving opportunities and hope for a better life.
Raphael’s Journey from Loss, Hunger to Independence
Ten years ago, Raphael was homeless with no hope. Through the support of The Footprints Family, he received shelter, regular meals, education, and emotional support. Today, Raphael has gained qualifications in business management and now works within the Footprints organisation in Kenya, mentoring other children in the community.
“This program gave me a second chance at life. Now, I’m helping others find theirs.”
The Footprints Family Impact
For 17 years, The Footprints Family has been a beacon of hope for vulnerable children in Kenya. Their journey has impacted and empowered over 200 children and community families.
A Safe Home: Building a secure, nurturing environment where children can heal, grow, and thrive.
Healthcare and Wellbeing: From vaccinations to emergency medical care and counselling, prioritising the health of every child.
Education and Opportunity: Delivering quality education and nutritious meals through the Footprints Early Years Academy — helping to break the cycle of poverty and create brighter futures.
Emotional and Social Support: Supporting young adults through further education and mentorship towards independence.
Family Empowerment: Assisting families with resources and skills to build sustainable livelihoods through a home-based care programme.
Sustainability and Green Energy: Powering the entire facility with solar energy, providing clean water and electricity sustainably, ensuring a better future for both children and the planet.
Be Part of the Change
Donations to The Footprints Family provide vulnerable children access to education, food, healthcare, and a future. Together, it is possible to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change.
In a world where wealth and opportunity are often unevenly distributed, support from individuals and organisations can make all the difference.
By partnering with The Footprints Family UK Charity, supporters can enhance their global corporate social responsibility profile and help build brighter futures for Kenya’s vulnerable children, youth, and communities.
Donate Now
£10 – Helps provide regular meals for a child needing nutritional wellbeing.
£50 – Supports a term’s education and a school uniform for a child who has never been to school.
£100 – Empowers four community families with food and dignity aid packages.
£1000 – Contributes towards a new facility supporting children and future former Footprints youth groups.
Every donation creates ripples of change. Thank you for standing with The Footprints Family to transform lives.
Website: www.footprintsfamily.com
Email: info@footprintsfamily.com
Have a positive community story to share? Email Tom Drysdale at tom.drysdale@burtonecho.co.uk, and we’ll do our best to bring it to life!
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