In May 2011 a grant of $9,000 was given to assist orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Kenya. The funds were divided between educational support, vocational support, farming projects, and income generating activities.

Educational Support

Kenyan children are required to purchase uniforms if they would like to attend school. Although uniforms only cost between $5-8, this amount of money is more than half what most parent/ grandparent caregivers make in a month. The elders that care for orphaned grandchildren in this region of Kenya are caring for an average of 4 children, some care for up to 10 children. With many mouths to feed, uniforms and clothing are often the last priority yet education is critical in the fight against HIV/AIDS devastating epidemic.

In Siaya, Kisumu, Nyando, Migori, and Homabay districts 84 OVC were provided uniforms, writing books and other school supplies.


Millicent, Rosemary, and Lillian are OVC from Alendu Primary School. Rosemary (center) was very happy to receive a new school uniform. She says, “My friends used to laugh at my torn and very old uniform. Thanks to the church that provided the money."
 

Coordinator gives books to OVC
 

Rael, coordinator from Kisumu, district displays the books for her district.

Vocational Support

Twenty-two older OVC, ages 15-17, who had already graduated from vocational training schools received capital in the form of tools in mechanics both in motor cycles and motor vehicles, dress making, carpentry, and welding. The funds purchased seven welding machines, three toolboxes and assorted tools, sewing materials, and wood for carpentry.

    

Millicent Adhiambo from Kisumu district received sewing materials for dress making training (Kisumu Border Center).

 

Rose Akinyi (right) and Lillian Awuor (right) also received sewing materials for dress making training in Migori district (Koderobara Centre).

 

Syproncia Biyaki (right), Joshua Odero (green apron, third right), and Michael Omondi (blue apron, left) receive training to be motorcycle mechanics in Kisumu.

 

Catherine Atieno (background), Veril Akinyi (middle) and Millicent Akinyi are training to be motor vehicle mechanics in Kisumu. They are also training in electrical.

Farming Projects

During planting season, 40 very needy widow caregivers (153 OVC) were provided seeds. These widows had already received training on good farming techniques, plowed their land and gathered manure in preparation for planting. The seeds were of maize, beans, tomatoes, and cowpeas.

 

Seed distribution in Migori district.

 

Charles Owino, caregiver of four from Simenya centre in Siaya district, is uprooting weeds from  Margarate’s garden due to her illness. Margarate had received maize seeds to plant in this garden.

There were 100 widow caregivers (389 OVC) who received new hoes or “jembes” for planting. The handle of hoes were fixed for 25 caregivers. These caregivers had seeds from their previous planting season, as well as fertilizer.

 

A group of caregivers from Luru centre in Siaya district is tilling their land using the farm tools (hoes or ‘jembes’) that were provided.

Income Generating Activities (IGAs)

Water guard Distribution

 

NCM staff (right) provides water guard

Three groups of OVC caregivers were provided 50 boxes of water guard to be used as an IGA. Each small bottle cost Kshs 15.00 and resells at Kshs 20.00.

Poultry Keeping

One group of 75 OVC caregivers (300 OVC) were provided 250 broilers and the group was able to provide all necessary supplies to ensure the IGA will be successful.

      

Sarah from Kisumu district is vaccinating broilers.

Goat Keeping

 

Eighteen older OVC, ages 15-17, had already been trained in animal husbandry were provided with one goat each.