As the Esharelife Foundation approaches its 7th Annual Gala, it’s important to reflect upon the true purpose of this event and to recognise the significant work AVSI Kenya does every day with the assistance of Esharelife and its supporters.
AVSI has been working in Kenya since 1986 and now has a presence in 31 of Kenya’s counties. AVSI has a longstanding commitment to “doing with”, that is, working with all stakeholders within a community to build sustainable futures for all. To accomplish this goal, AVSI promotes community development through education, vocational training and job creation. Alongside these long-term targets, AVSI provides healthcare and food security to the communities it works with. By assisting communities with these essential needs, it not only provides short-term relief but also allows a greater focus to be placed on long-term solutions.
Education
AVSI recognises the importance of education in community development, a value shared with us all at Esharelife.
This has resulted in some remarkable projects in Kenya, ensuring bright futures for many young people and an opportunity to revitalise economies within communities.
St Kizito Vocational Training Institute is one such project. The institute uses AVSI’s dual training model. By ensuring 50% theoretical learning and 50% learning in industry with one of seventy partner companies, graduates become 150% more likely to be employed than the general youth population. St Kizito has 800 graduates yearly, creating opportunities for many young people in Githurai Kimbo. The institute also employs a 30KW hybrid mini-grid to demonstrate the usefulness of solar energy in creating a greener future.
Childcare and Healthcare
Alongside education, AVSI supports local projects to provide accommodation, food security and healthcare to vulnerable children.
The Shelter Children’s Home, or Simba Village, is one such project. Simba Village is a women-led project in Ngong Forest, Kenya. There are currently 130 children, 80 of which are girls, living in shared rooms. Older and younger children share rooms in order to provide them with guidance as they settle into the home. AVSI and Esharelife have supported Simba Village in creating their own sustainable food sources. The village has a private bakery to make their own bread and cows to provide milk, ensuring affordable food to provide the children with balanced meals. The home also has farming land, where they grow their own vegetables, and a borehole, ensuring a continued water source during droughts.
The Ujiachilie Project for Disabled Children is run by the Missionary Sisters of St.Charles Borromeo, with support from AVSI and Esharelife. The project provides psychological support to families with disabled children, currently supporting 130 disabled persons. The project also holds seminars discussing issues faced by adolescents, such as self-esteem, and organises trips, sports and movies for young people in the community. Alongside the project’s support of the youth population, they organise seminars for parents who are HIV positive and training on topics related to AIDS, such as counselling and nutritional support. With the work the project does, it is fitting that the Swahili word “Ujiachilie” translates to “free yourself”.
Empowering Women
Alongside their work with young people in Kenya, AVSI encourages projects aiming to support women to achieve bright futures.
St Joseph’s Hospital, an AIDS treatment centre, has been supported by AVSI to begin offering maternity care in Kiambu County. The hospital now has one delivery room where women can get scans and ultrasounds, and meet with a gynaecologist. Between AIDS treatment and maternity care, the hospital now has between 200-300 regular patients and sees an average of 30-40 people per day. This project has provided access to essential healthcare for women in the community, reducing the difficulties associated with pregnancy and allowing them to focus on their futures.
The ESM Project, based in Ongata Rongai, is focused on the support of small businesses. The project runs microcredit groups which create opportunities for women to invest in their own futures, and provides skills training for various professions such as tailoring, vehicle mechanics and salon work.
Your Support
AVSI Kenya’s work to provide bright and sustainable futures is having an extraordinary impact on communities within Kenya. Their work is made possible by those who share their vision and their desire for gender equality, education and economic growth.
Esharelife has been a committed supporter of AVSI Kenya since our establishment. We admire their “doing with” approach, and their community values.
It is our supporters who make this assistance possible. We thank you for your care, your time and your donations to support AVSI Kenya!