100% of every donation goes directly to the children. UK registered charity 1098731.Sponsor a child

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A place to belong, in Watamu, Kenya

Family for life.
Smiles forever.

Since 2010, Happy House Children’s Home in Watamu, Kenya, has been more than a home. It is a family.

Children grow up here with love, care and a good education, and with people who stay beside them as they become young adults.

Children of Watamu, the UK charity behind Happy House, welcomes support from anywhere in the world. You can join a child’s sponsor family, make a donation or, if you are in Watamu, arrange a visit. We receive no government funding, and 100% of donations go directly to supporting the children, meaning every contribution makes a real difference.

A place to belong, in Watamu, Kenya

Family for life. Smiles forever.

Since February 2010, Happy House Children’s Home in Watamu, Kenya, has been more than a home. It is a family. Children grow up here with love, care and a good education, and with people who stay beside them as they become young adults. Children of Watamu, the UK charity behind Happy House, welcomes support from anywhere in the world. You can join a child’s sponsor family, make a donation or, if you are in Watamu, arrange a visit. We receive no government funding, and 100% of donations go directly to supporting the children, meaning every contribution makes a real difference.

Children of Watamu is a UK registered charity, number 1098731.

Registered in the Republic of Kenya with the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Development as a Charitable Children’s Institution, CS No. 000573

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children live at Happy House today, growing up together as one family.

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children have been part of the Happy House family since 2010. Once a Happy House child, always part of our family.

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children from Happy House and from local families learn at our school, from kindergarten to junior school.

Learn About Our Family

About Happy House

It all began in January 2000, when Sue and David Hayward, hoteliers from Blackpool, England, visited Watamu, Kenya, on holiday. A visit to a local school inspired them to place a collection bottle on their hotel bar back home. What started as a simple act of kindness soon grew into something much bigger, and the charity Children of Watamu was born.

In February 2010, Sue and Dave opened Happy House Children’s Home in Kenya. Known affectionately as Mama Sue and Papa Dave, they built more than a home. They created a family.

Today, with Papa Dave, a dedicated Kenyan team and volunteer trustees in the UK, that family continues to grow. Over 350 children have been part of the Happy House family, more than 55 live here today, and over 300 pupils attend Happy House School.

Still family after 18. Young people generally leave children’s homes at 18, but their Happy House journey doesn’t end there. Our three Halfway Houses provide a stepping stone towards independence, supporting young adults as they continue their education or training.

Our Foundation

Our Aim, Mission and Values

To provide a safe and supportive home that meets each child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs, while preparing them for independent and successful futures.

To care for children aged 0 – 18 who have been orphaned or abandoned, providing a stable, nurturing environment where they can grow into confident and fulfilled adults.

Our values are respect, compassion, opportunity and integrity. Every child is nurtured with love, while we build resilience, confidence and a strong sense of belonging.

A new story from Happy House, every day of the year

Latest stories from Happy House

Every day we share a story from Happy House: school life and home life, the gardens and the kitchen, visitors, and young people’s plans for the future. It is the best way to get to know the family.

Old friends a on return visit

October 28, 2026

Welcome to Happy House

October 27, 2026

So much to be thankful for

October 26, 2026

Good to have a helper

October 25, 2026

Join our Happy House family

Become part of a child's sponsor family

Every child at Happy House is supported by a small sponsor family of up to four people. Together, sponsors help cover a child’s food, education, healthcare and daily care, and sharing the support gives each child stability, even if one sponsor’s circumstances change.

Sponsorship is £25 a month. You will receive a personal video and profile of the child you sponsor, then updates as they grow, and you are welcome to send messages, photos and short videos of your own.

If sponsorship isn’t right for you at the moment, a one-off donation is always welcome.

Happy House School

A School of Opportunity

Our kindergarten, primary and junior school provides quality education to over 300 children in Watamu, Kenya, including children from Happy House and from local families.

Affordable fees from local families help sustain the school, while giving children the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

Moments in Time

Follow us on Instagram @childrenofwatamu

Today we welcomed Becca, Ben, Wilber, Xander, and Max to Happy House. While on holiday in Watamu, they chose to make a difference in our children’s lives by bringing food supplies. Their thoughtful gesture really makes an impact, showing that there are people who care about our children’s wellbeing.

It’s always heartwarming to open our doors to visitors who want to be part of our community. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us provide for our children. Thank you to our generous guests for spending time with us and supporting Happy House.

#HappyHouse #Watamu #communitysupport #childrenswellbeing #donations #volunteers

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Open post by childrenofwatamu with ID 18125432686810196

Today we welcomed Becca, Ben, Wilber, Xander, and Max to Happy House. While on holiday in Watamu, they chose to make a difference in our children’s lives by bringing food supplies. Their thoughtful gesture really makes an impact, showing that there are people who care about our children’s wellbeing.
It’s always heartwarming to open our doors to visitors who want to be part of our community. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us provide for our children. Thank you to our generous guests for spending time with us and supporting Happy House.
#HappyHouse #Watamu #communitysupport #childrenswellbeing #donations #volunteers

A happy Monday morning with long term friends and family

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Open post by childrenofwatamu with ID 18185450671421260

A happy Monday morning with long term friends and family

Samira took a moment to express gratitude for everyone who supports our children at Happy House. Each of you plays a vital role in their journey, whether through your work here or your encouraging words from afar. Your support gives them confidence during exams and comfort during setbacks.

As we all look forward to celebrating Christmas together as a family on December 16, it`s clear just how much your contributions mean to our children. They understand that your help has made a significant difference in their lives.

Thank you for being part of our community at Happy House.

#HappyHouse #Watamu #ChildSponsorship #CommunitySupport #Gratitude #Family

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Open post by childrenofwatamu with ID 18451622233127941

Samira took a moment to express gratitude for everyone who supports our children at Happy House. Each of you plays a vital role in their journey, whether through your work here or your encouraging words from afar. Your support gives them confidence during exams and comfort during setbacks.
As we all look forward to celebrating Christmas together as a family on December 16, it's clear just how much your contributions mean to our children. They understand that your help has made a significant difference in their lives.
Thank you for being part of our community at Happy House.
#HappyHouse #Watamu #ChildSponsorship #CommunitySupport #Gratitude #Family

James was out in the gardens at Happy House, keeping the grounds neat and tidy. He was happy to have some company when Precious came along to help him out. It’s true that many hands make light work, and having a friend around makes the task more enjoyable.

We`re proud of our children as they learn about responsibility and teamwork while caring for their environment. A big thank you to James and Precious for their hard work. Support from our sponsors makes these learning experiences possible every day at Happy House.

#Gardening #Teamwork #HappyHouse #Children #Support #Community #Watamu

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Open post by childrenofwatamu with ID 18151021297555194

James was out in the gardens at Happy House, keeping the grounds neat and tidy. He was happy to have some company when Precious came along to help him out. It’s true that many hands make light work, and having a friend around makes the task more enjoyable.
We're proud of our children as they learn about responsibility and teamwork while caring for their environment. A big thank you to James and Precious for their hard work. Support from our sponsors makes these learning experiences possible every day at Happy House.
#Gardening #Teamwork #HappyHouse #Children #Support #Community #Watamu

The school year has wrapped up, and our children are home for a two-month holiday, except for those preparing for national exams next month. Ludwin is eager to make the most of her time at Happy House. She plans to help the aunties around the house while also tackling her assignments from school.

It’s great to see our children learn to balance their responsibilities with some fun. Ludwin is determined to finish her schoolwork so she can relax and enjoy her time with her Happy House family. This balance is a big part of what makes our community thrive, thanks to the ongoing support of our sponsors.

#HappyHouse #Watamu #children #education #community #support

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Open post by childrenofwatamu with ID 18149308132560101

The school year has wrapped up, and our children are home for a two-month holiday, except for those preparing for national exams next month. Ludwin is eager to make the most of her time at Happy House. She plans to help the aunties around the house while also tackling her assignments from school.
It’s great to see our children learn to balance their responsibilities with some fun. Ludwin is determined to finish her schoolwork so she can relax and enjoy her time with her Happy House family. This balance is a big part of what makes our community thrive, thanks to the ongoing support of our sponsors.
#HappyHouse #Watamu #children #education #community #support

If you’re in Watamu and looking to experience a little local culture, meet our Happy House family and have some fun, come and join us for Kids Club on Saturday late morning! ❤️

We sing, we chat, we laugh… and sometimes we even dance!

And if you have little ones of your own, bring them along to join in the fun. Everyone is welcome!

#Watamu #WatamuKenya #VisitWatamu #KenyaCoast #HappyHouseKenya

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Open post by childrenofwatamu with ID 18112723415172671

If you’re in Watamu and looking to experience a little local culture, meet our Happy House family and have some fun, come and join us for Kids Club on Saturday late morning! ❤️
We sing, we chat, we laugh… and sometimes we even dance!
And if you have little ones of your own, bring them along to join in the fun. Everyone is welcome!
#Watamu #WatamuKenya #VisitWatamu #KenyaCoast #HappyHouseKenya

Emma and Roland from America visited us at Happy House, and we were glad to welcome them. They reached out beforehand to see if we needed anything for our children, so we took them to our local shop where they bought much-needed food. This support truly helps us manage our grocery bill and ensures our children have what they need.

A big thank you to Emma and Roland for your kindness and for making a difference in our daily life here. Your support means a lot to our family.

#HappyHouse #Watamu #support #community #sponsorship #children

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Open post by childrenofwatamu with ID 17938811142391970

Emma and Roland from America visited us at Happy House, and we were glad to welcome them. They reached out beforehand to see if we needed anything for our children, so we took them to our local shop where they bought much-needed food. This support truly helps us manage our grocery bill and ensures our children have what they need.
A big thank you to Emma and Roland for your kindness and for making a difference in our daily life here. Your support means a lot to our family.
#HappyHouse #Watamu #support #community #sponsorship #children

Priscilla shared a special moment about a surprise barbecue we organized for our children at the Halfway House. Friends from the Netherlands, Eric, Rik, and Door, prepared a delicious dinner with chicken skewers, peanut sauce, roasted maize, sausages, and watermelon feta. It felt refreshing for our kids to enjoy a change of scenery.

A big thank you to Eric, Rik, and Door for putting together such a lovely evening. We`re grateful to everyone who continues to support our children at Happy House, as your kindness makes a real difference in their lives.

#HappyHouse #Watamu #community #support #children #sponsorship

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Open post by childrenofwatamu with ID 18135453418672292

Priscilla shared a special moment about a surprise barbecue we organized for our children at the Halfway House. Friends from the Netherlands, Eric, Rik, and Door, prepared a delicious dinner with chicken skewers, peanut sauce, roasted maize, sausages, and watermelon feta. It felt refreshing for our kids to enjoy a change of scenery.
A big thank you to Eric, Rik, and Door for putting together such a lovely evening. We're grateful to everyone who continues to support our children at Happy House, as your kindness makes a real difference in their lives.
#HappyHouse #Watamu #community #support #children #sponsorship

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Stay Connected

Be Part of the Happy House Family

Follow daily life at Happy House on our blog and on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Visiting Watamu? We welcome visitors by arrangement. Every visit is agreed in advance so that it fits around the children’s school and home routines, and we cannot promise time with the children. Please read our visitor information before you get in touch.

Questions about sponsoring, giving or visiting? Email us at:

happyhouse@childrenofwatamu.org

Thank you for being part of the Happy House family.