By Jenny Pope
Buckner International
Buckner Kenya Director Dickson Masindano was recognized by Hardin Simmons University as its Outstanding Young Alumni on April 4 for his achievements in serving orphans in Kenya and establishing the country's foster care program.
The award honors graduates under 45 years of age who have achieved a significant level of distinction or have brought extraordinary benefit to mankind.
"This honor humbles me," Masindano said. "It's a tough thing to be the voice of the kids in Kenya. I got a lot of the knowledge I needed to make an impact in my own country through Hardin Simmons."
Masindano graduated from Hardin Simmons in 2001 with a master's degree in counseling and human development. He became the director of Buckner in Kenya that same year.
Under Masindano's direction, Buckner's ministry in Kenya has grown from a one-building orphanage housing 26 children (The Baptist Children's Center) in Nairobi, to a comprehensive center caring for 52 children with four stone buildings, a medical and dental center for the community, a school, and a vocational training program for teenage girls. Buckner has also undertaken another children's home in Kitale called Seed of Hope, which cares for 64 children.
Masindano has been instrumental in shaping the country's foster care program, which now includes the care of children in Nairobi, Kitale and Busia.
"Since I've been at Buckner, I've seen a program develop and it's now all over the country," he said. "People know Buckner and that we care for children."
Masindano knew from a young age that he wanted to help people through Christian ministry. At 3 years old, his parents died and he was placed into the home of a teacher. Although he had everything he needed – food, clothes, a roof – he knew he wanted to help children one day.
"This ministry is what I enjoy," he said. "I enjoy being called Daddy by so many children. Quite a number of them have never seen their Daddy, so I'm glad I can be there for them."
As the father of two biological children, and the foster parent to two more, Masindano takes his ministry personally.
"There is a saying in my country: 'Do good and go away. Do not wait for someone to say thank you,'" he said. "It has always been my philosophy to do my small thing in a small way. I cannot do big things. But the little things I can do."
