Patrons

Tom James MBE

"It is fantastic to see WVP Kenya develop so quickly and successfully since it was first set up in 2006. This is a testament, firstly, to the group of individuals involved but also to the programmes this Charity advocates and applies to some of the communities of western Kenya.

The intelligence behind these initiatives is what first drew me to WVP Kenya. There is a reassuring logic to why this Charity in particular is able to make a difference when many other larger organisations fail to be so effective. This in my opinion comes from the close personal interactions, partnerships and understanding of life in Kenya, which the team of trustees have taken much time and effort to explore. Their holistic and respectful approach supports and empowers the local communities to take control of their futures resulting in a real, positive and lasting impact.

There is enormous scope for what this group of individuals can achieve in this region, however as one trustee passed on to me: ‘it will never come at the expense of sacrificing the quality of support that is required to make a difference’. This self-restraint yet ultimate desire to see that the job is done properly is perhaps the most important value for me and why I’m so happy to be associated with WVP Kenya and confident of its future. After what has been achieved over the past four years, I’m looking forward to seeing further developments as we start this new decade."

Tom James MBE

Tom is a rower and twice Olympic champion. He won gold in the men's four in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and in the London Olympics in 2012. He was awarded an MBE in the 2009 New Year's Honours list in recognition of his achievement. For further details click here

Prof. Catherine Campbell

Catherine Campbell is a professor of social psychology at the London School of Economics and Political Science and is one of the world's leading and most influential academics on HIV and AIDS management in Africa. Catherine is the well-known author of 'Why AIDS Programmes Fail' a book critiquing top-down approaches to HIV/AIDS projects in favour of bottom-up grassroots action. For further details click here

Prof. Catherine Campbell

"Supporting children is an investment in our future and WVP Kenya is providing a growing number of orphaned and vulnerable children with their right to education, care and support. I have followed the remarkable progress of WVP Kenya since its inception in 2006 and I believe strongly in its commitment to ensure bottom-up development by working in partnership with the people they serve in culturally sensitive ways. WVP Kenya is working in difficult to reach areas with some of the poorest communities in Africa.
 
The scholarship programme run by WVP Kenya uses local knowledge to effectively select and support those children who are most in need of support, and offers the scholars what they value most, education, alongside support for their family or guardians. WVP Kenya also runs a ground-breaking cash transfer programme that builds the capacity of rural communities, and enables them to lift themselves out of poverty. 
 
I would like to congratulate everyone in WVP Kenya on your many achievements and I am proud to be Patron of such a worthy children's charity that is building healthy and orphan competent communities through empowerment and education. You can be very proud of your work."