Kenyan Women Seek Autonomy
Kenya, like many of its neighbours in East Africa, is particularly afflicted by the spreading of HIV/AIDS. The disease afflicts 13% of the general population, and in the village of Kano in the area of Kisumu on the Ugandan border, where Father George Omondi, IMC, works, the number is even higher – 18%.
In a society so marked by this terrible disease, many homes are comprised of only widows and
children. For these women who are alone in providing for their families, it is an enormous challenge to see to even the basic needs of their children – to raise them, care for them, and send them to school.
Group of women with Father George Omondi
In Kano, in the centre of Buoye, a large swath of the population lives far below the poverty line, with less than one dollar a day. In 2009, a group of 11 widows came to the Consolata Missionary
Centre to ask for help and talk about the challenges they faced. The women were not looking for charity, but rather for a way in which they could take charge of their own live.
Several meetings were held to determine a course of action.
During the meetings it became apparent that some of the women had skills: some knew how to sew, others knew how to tend animals. The group realized that the production of milk, eggs, and meat would allow each of them at once to adequately feed their children and give them a surplus that could generate revenues they could use to buy clothes and school supplies. But there was a large obstacle in the way of turning these ideas into action – start-up costs!
Father Omondi, who supports these women’s initiatives unequivocally, is turning to you for help in bringing this project to fruition. He wants to buy 66 chickens and 44 goats, as well as 13 sewing machines. In addition, furnishings are needed to set up a small hairdressing shop. All he needs is $8000. The area to house the chickens and goats is already available.
Thanks to you, this project will bring these widows and orphans closer to realizing their objective of being independent. They will further be encouraged by seeing their living conditions and social status improve. They will be able to take charge of their lives and regain their dignity. The project will directly touch the lives of 150 widows and orphans, and positively impact another 400 people throughout the community. Necessary training will also be given in management and in raising animals, as well as on living with AIDS.
Father George and the people of Kano are appealing to you. Will you answer their plea?
Fr. David Kamau Gikonyo, IMC
Director of Campaigns
To contribute to this project, please send your donation to:
Consolata Missionaries
P.O. Box 5550, 2301 Rt. 27
Somerset, NJ 08875 USA
732-297-9191
