In 2017, I had the honor of working with the Good Samaritan Community-Based Organization (CBO) in Homa Bay, Kenya, where I saw firsthand their impact on vulnerable women and children. Recently, I caught up with Nixon from Good Samaritan to learn about their current initiatives and challenges.
When asked about my motives for this self-funded trip, I find it difficult to articulate beyond saying it was a deep, soulful calling. I was profoundly connected to the project's energy, which compelled me to act. The experience was life-changing, eye-opening, and heart-nourishing.
Donations are welcome here.
A Little History
In 2017, after 14 months of planning a health project to support a Community-Based Organisation (CBO) in Homa Bay, Kenya, I arrived!
The Good Samaritan team warmly welcomed me. Meeting Nixon in person for the first time was beautiful; our initial contact had been through workaway.com in November 2016. Nixon's vision to support vulnerable women, children, and families resonated deeply with me, leading me to spend 14 months fundraising through various events. Donations from friends and family provided reusable sanitary pad starter packs for 50 girls, 50 mosquito nets, food for a private school, land for future agricultural projects, and more.
Homa Bay, located on Lake Victoria—the world's third-largest lake—buzzed with life, and filled with shops and stalls. I stayed with Nixon and his family, whose home overlooked a breathtaking valley. There was no electricity, running water, or toilet, so I lived a truly simple life. During my stay, delicious Kenyan meals were prepared for us each evening, including favorites like Ugali (a cornflour dish resembling thick mashed potatoes), fried beans, and kale.
My first day in Homa Bay included a visit to the Pedo School, two miles from town. A government-funded school, which provided education for children aged 3-14. I was teaching about malaria, menstrual health, and sexual health. The second school, Pro-Active Private School, which catered to children aged 3-10, relied on donations.
I had the honor of visiting Mama José, a legendary local healer, this was an enlightening experience. Her herbal remedies and intuitive healing practices were incredibly inspiring. Born in 1951 and taught by her grandmother, she had been working with herbal medicine since the age of 10. Her home, shared with patients and family members, was more of a small hospital. She had just delivered a baby on the floor hours before we arrived! Despite low resources and high demand,
Ok, let's get into the conversation.
Interview with Nixon: Empowering Kenyan Women Through Tailoring
Good Samaritan CBO
This year I checked in with Nixon to see the progress of Good Samaritan CBO, we speak about the tailoring project. Nixon shared how the initiative has evolved and continues to impact the lives of women and their communities.
What keeps women connected and positive?
Primarily, job creation and income generation play a significant role. By providing employment opportunities and developing practical skills, such as tailoring and hairdressing, women achieve self-reliance and financial independence. This, in turn, helps in poverty reduction and improves living standards. Furthermore, changing societal attitudes towards women’s roles and enhancing their skills build their confidence and resilience. Economic, social, and political empowerment are essential in promoting gender parity and equity.
What is the current situation in Homa Bay and the biggest challenge for the locals?
With an estimated population of over 1.1 million, the area struggles with significant socio-economic issues. The impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic is a principal concern, leading to high death rates and a loss of human resources. This has resulted in increased medical costs, heavy funeral expenses, and a rise in orphans and elderly dependents.
Additionally, the low level of education exacerbates unemployment among youths and women, creating financial dependence and lack of knowledge about contraception and STDs. This contributes to high birth rates and the spread of diseases, further straining the community.
Climate change also poses severe challenges. Prolonged droughts and floods have led to extreme hunger and poverty, particularly as many families rely on farming or fishing. Food shortages are common, particularly during adverse weather conditions, affecting both agricultural and fishing activities.
What is the biggest issue faced by women, mothers, and children?
Women, mothers, and children in Homa Bay face a range of pressing issues. For children, the rampant violation of child rights remains a significant concern. Despite various campaigns to protect minors, cases of abuse, neglect, and defilement are still prevalent, often going unreported and unaddressed.
Women and mothers face challenges that frequently prevent them from completing their education. Early pregnancies, early marriages, and poverty contribute to high dropout rates among girls. Additionally, factors such as lack of funds, orphanhood, and disabilities further hinder their ability to pursue education and improve their circumstances.
What is the strength of the people in your community?
Nixon emphasized the resilience and strength of the Homa Bay community, characterized by qualities such as friendship, kindness, confidence, and courage. The people exhibit hope, wisdom, and humanity, along with adaptability and generosity. Their endurance and steadfastness reflect their determination to overcome adversity and improve their situation despite numerous challenges.
What is the intention and vision for the project?
The intention of the Good Samaritan CBO project is to transform lives through tailoring. By providing vocational training and creating sustainable income opportunities, the project aims to nourish community growth and improve the status of women. The mission is to create an integrated community-based project that involves a bottom-up development approach, focusing on girls and women.
The organization’s main objectives include reducing extreme hunger and poverty locally, promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, and enhancing access to health education to combat diseases like HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the project supports educational initiatives, such as sponsoring school fees and feeding programs, and fosters global partnerships for greater impact.
Through tailoring, the project not only generates income but also supports other critical activities, such as providing menstrual pads to vulnerable girls, offering mosquito nets, and distributing school uniforms. The overarching goal is to create a self-sufficient community where women contribute actively to societal progress.
How would you like more support?
Nixon stressed that financial support is crucial for the Good Samaritan CBO to regain momentum, especially after recent setbacks like a fire that impacted their resources. Adequate funding is necessary to restart and sustain initiatives, particularly the tailoring program that is central to their efforts.
Your financial contributions help provide essential training, sewing materials, and resources for women. Support also facilitates equipment purchases, skill development workshops, and essential programs such as sanitary pad distribution and HIV-AIDS education. While the goal is to achieve self-sufficiency through income generated from the tailoring project, external donations remain vital for innovation, expansion, and responding to emerging needs.
By contributing financially, you help build a foundation for the CBO, enabling it to support women in becoming economically independent and making lasting changes in their community.
Donations are welcome here.
Thank you for reading, Danielle
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