WVP Kenya

Although this is the smallest group we work with in both Bondo and Lugari, it is the group that has the biggest family feel to it. The members of Marakusi are as warm as the Kenyan sun, and we love working with them.

Founded: 2007
No. of members: 22
No of children supported by WVP Kenya: 10
District: Lugari

Active in poultry keeping and small-scale agriculture, the group had also initiated its own loans scheme by pooling their money together each month for one member to make use of. In this way, each member is able to provide things for children they are caring for that would otherwise have been beyond their reach. If that's not initiative, we don't know what is!

Each group member is also openly living with HIV, showing that from the African stereotype that HIV leads to victimisation and disempowerment, it can be a mobilising force of positivity, hope and change. The group's steps towards this change are a continual inspiration to us an we are truly priviledged to be working with them.

The group is heavily involved in our sports and health programme, which gives the children an opportunity to be active and to engage in health talks facilitated either by local staff members or local health facilitators. We will also be taking a small number of children from Marakusi on our scholarship programme early 2010.