Harambee is a designated fund within AAF, set up and organised by Rosie Crane of King’s College, Cambridge. As part of her studies, she spent three weeks at Gai clinic in Kenya in 2002 and witnessed the poverty which prevented many people from seeking health treatment. In response Rosie has encouraged a growing group of fellow students at Cambridge to regularly donate to “Harambee” (Swahili for Cooperation) which issues plastic cards to the known poor families of the area, enabling them to receive 50% discounts on all heath treatment at five clinics in the district. After 18 months, there are now 23 students who between them are contributing sufficient funds for 92 families to benefit from affordable health care. This represents over 600 men, women and children.

Ten year old Nduku was rushed to Gai clinic on 17th. Aug. 2003. comatose from meningitis. Nurses were prepared for the worst, thinking she may not last the night. But here she is three weeks later, smiling and ready to go home. Nduku is one of seven children cared for by single mother Mbuthye who was thankful that she was one of the 25 families who received the latest batch of Harambee cards, and could claim a 50% discount on her daughter’s treatment which came to £40. Without the card Mbuthye could not have afforded to attend the clinic, and Nduku might not be here to say ‘Asante sana’ (thank you very much)

For more information about 'Harambee' click on cards