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.

Such a special visit

November 1, 2026

Abdul sets himself a goal

October 31, 2026

An Italian flavour to lunch

October 30, 2026

Happy news from Victor

October 29, 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

Another very happy Saturday to our friends and family #KidsClub

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Another very happy Saturday to our friends and family #KidsClub

Abdul is hard at work revising for his national exams while many of our children enjoy their holiday break. He knows these exams are important for moving on to junior secondary or high school, and he`s staying focused and determined to give it his all.

It’s inspiring to see our children, like Abdul, put in the effort and commitment to reach their goals. Their success is supported by the generosity of sponsors who make daily life at Happy House possible. Every bit of support counts as they chase their dreams.

#EducationMatters #Determination #HappyHouse #SupportOurChildren #FutureLeaders #Watamu

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Open post by childrenofwatamu with ID 18155715631536452

Abdul is hard at work revising for his national exams while many of our children enjoy their holiday break. He knows these exams are important for moving on to junior secondary or high school, and he's staying focused and determined to give it his all.
It’s inspiring to see our children, like Abdul, put in the effort and commitment to reach their goals. Their success is supported by the generosity of sponsors who make daily life at Happy House possible. Every bit of support counts as they chase their dreams.
#EducationMatters #Determination #HappyHouse #SupportOurChildren #FutureLeaders #Watamu

Lunch at Happy House had a delightful Italian twist today with Esther and her team whipping up lasagne. This meal was inspired by Lewis, a trustee and family friend who frequently visits and always brings thoughtful ideas.

Our children jumped at the chance to help prepare the meal, learning new skills and enjoying the process of cooking together. It’s moments like these that highlight the importance of the ongoing support from sponsors, who make daily life at Happy House possible.

#HappyHouse #Watamu #children #sponsorship #community #home

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Lunch at Happy House had a delightful Italian twist today with Esther and her team whipping up lasagne. This meal was inspired by Lewis, a trustee and family friend who frequently visits and always brings thoughtful ideas.
Our children jumped at the chance to help prepare the meal, learning new skills and enjoying the process of cooking together. It’s moments like these that highlight the importance of the ongoing support from sponsors, who make daily life at Happy House possible.
#HappyHouse #Watamu #children #sponsorship #community #home

Happy International Day of Care and Support from all of us at Happy House! 🧡

This is Aunty Eunice giving baby Reuben, the youngest member of our family, his feed. Spoon in one hand, Reuben held safe in the other, and all the patience in the world.

Every day our aunties and uncles feed, comfort and look after the children at Happy House, and that loving care is what turns a house into a home. Today we`re saying asante sana to every one of them, and to all of you whose support makes their work possible. 🙏

You can be part of our family too: sponsor a child from £25 a month. Link in bio.

Family First. Smiles Forever.

#InternationalDayofCareAndSupport #HappyHouseKenya #ChildrenOfWatamu #Watamu #FamilyFirst

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Open post by childrenofwatamu with ID 18080155646450660

Happy International Day of Care and Support from all of us at Happy House! 🧡
This is Aunty Eunice giving baby Reuben, the youngest member of our family, his feed. Spoon in one hand, Reuben held safe in the other, and all the patience in the world.
Every day our aunties and uncles feed, comfort and look after the children at Happy House, and that loving care is what turns a house into a home. Today we're saying asante sana to every one of them, and to all of you whose support makes their work possible. 🙏
You can be part of our family too: sponsor a child from £25 a month. Link in bio.
Family First. Smiles Forever.
#InternationalDayofCareAndSupport #HappyHouseKenya #ChildrenOfWatamu #Watamu #FamilyFirst

Victor just shared some great news about his Environmental Studies exam. He has made significant improvements, and we couldn’t be prouder of his hard work and determination. It’s inspiring to see him so motivated to return to school and strive for even better results in his next exams.

This progress wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support from our sponsors, who help make daily life at Happy House a place where our children can thrive. Their contributions keep the focus on education and personal growth for all our kids.

#EducationMatters #HardWork #HappyHouse #Watamu #SupportOurChildren #FutureLeaders

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Open post by childrenofwatamu with ID 17924567082243657

Victor just shared some great news about his Environmental Studies exam. He has made significant improvements, and we couldn’t be prouder of his hard work and determination. It’s inspiring to see him so motivated to return to school and strive for even better results in his next exams.
This progress wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support from our sponsors, who help make daily life at Happy House a place where our children can thrive. Their contributions keep the focus on education and personal growth for all our kids.
#EducationMatters #HardWork #HappyHouse #Watamu #SupportOurChildren #FutureLeaders

Louise and Alice arrived in Kenya with 40kg of donations for Happy House, including crocs, toiletries, clothes, and even a badminton set. They were excited to deliver these much-needed items in person, having gathered them with the help of friends back home. Their ongoing support means a lot to us, especially since Louise has been a part of our journey since the early days of our sponsorship scheme.

It’s always a pleasure to see familiar faces like Louise and Alice, and we appreciate their generosity in bringing smiles to our children`s faces. Their connection to our community and the love they share make a real difference in daily life at Happy House.

#HappyHouse #Watamu #donations #communitysupport #sponsorship #charity

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Open post by childrenofwatamu with ID 18401355952206850

Louise and Alice arrived in Kenya with 40kg of donations for Happy House, including crocs, toiletries, clothes, and even a badminton set. They were excited to deliver these much-needed items in person, having gathered them with the help of friends back home. Their ongoing support means a lot to us, especially since Louise has been a part of our journey since the early days of our sponsorship scheme.
It’s always a pleasure to see familiar faces like Louise and Alice, and we appreciate their generosity in bringing smiles to our children's faces. Their connection to our community and the love they share make a real difference in daily life at Happy House.
#HappyHouse #Watamu #donations #communitysupport #sponsorship #charity

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

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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.