The ‘Harambee Group’
On Friday April 15th, 28 mothers and fathers from nearby Harambee families congregated at Gai Primary School for a meeting. They were called at the suggestion of our local guide, Rose Mali Kieti, who translated for us as we led them through a brainstorming session based loosely around the three topics of Education, Health and Agriculture. Problems and concerns were voiced, and many solutions suggested by the families themselves. The meeting ended with a short health education talk, then the group decided to form a representative committee. Ben Mutua, John Mbiti and Joyce Musyoki were elected, and decided to call regular meetings in the future. We hope that the ‘Harambee Group’, as they named themselves, under the guidance of Rose, Ben, John and Joyce, will continue to help each other and their fellow villagers.

Meeting in session in the Standard 6 classroom

Group photograph afterwards

Katindi Mutua, pictured left with her two grandsons, was thrown off her late husband’s land after he died. This is a common occurrence in Kenya. With nowhere else to turn, she moved in with her single daughter and two grandsons in a rented room, and is now saving up to buy her own land and materials for a house. The family of four is now sponsored by Harambee. Kasyoka Muthui, pictured right, proudly shows us baby Purity, delivered last year at Gai clinic using Harambee sponsorship. Kasyoka, a single mother, now has five children and has used her Harambee card 13 times since receiving it in September 2003. She wishes to thank you for your support.   Rosie - www.akamba-aid.org.uk