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Hope for a Family program unites Kenyans

For more than 20 years, CFCA has provided hope, empowerment and unity to families in Kenya. Outreaches in Meru, Kisumu, and in the capital, Nairobi, are working to improve the lives of families living in poverty by helping their children access better educational opportunities that would otherwise be too difficult to afford.

Kenya’s citizens largely hail from 40 different ethnic groups or ancestral tribes. For much of the country’s history, these tribes have coexisted peacefully. But, after a disputed presidential election in 2006, violent fighting broke out.

CFCA’s Hope for a Family program serves as a unifying presence in the communities where we work, fostering positive relationships between members of different tribes as families join together to build a better future.

Mothers groups offer empowerment, healing

A hallmark of CFCA’s Hope for a Family program is personalized benefits and attention. We don’t believe one size fits all, and we strive to work with families to empower them to make choices and build a better life for themselves.

Several years ago, the Kenya projects introduced mothers groups as a way to do this better. Mothers groups are small groups of sponsored children’s mothers who meet to provide support and encouragement, determine benefits, help shape the CFCA project, and provide small loans and savings opportunities.

“Through mothers groups, we are empowered and we feel part and parcel of the CFCA family,” said Beatrice, a mother from the Meru project. “We have a voice to give ideas, share experiences and also we learn more from each other.”

The groups have fostered a sense of ownership, and have empowered the women to be more involved in budgeting and planning for the future. They understand their responsibility to change their lives and the lives of their children, and are excited to partner with CFCA towards the future.

“Together we will create a brighter future for our children and be a self-reliant community,” Beatrice said.

After the 2006 election, Peter Ndungo, CFCA’s Nairobi project coordinator, said the political turmoil divided Kenyans based on tribal backgrounds. Approximately 200 families served by CFCA felt the impact of the violence. Although none of the family members were injured, several houses were burned and some families were forced to flee to safer areas.

CFCA mothers groups have successfully brought members of different tribes together for work and cooperation in project activities. Groups form based on where the mothers live rather than on tribal affiliations, which ensures an ethnic and political mix. CFCA staff members encourage mothers to work together to prepare food for Christmas and birthday celebrations, for example.

“Most mothers in their groups have come to a realization that despite their differences in terms of tribe and political affiliations, they all have much in common in that they are poor and need to work towards getting out of their present predicaments,” Ndungo said. “The fact they are all sponsored by CFCA brings them together.

Youth groups shine light on hope

The Nairobi project has started youth group meetings to help address the personal challenges poverty can bring in a young person’s life. Sponsored youth over the age of 13 attend the meetings, which are geared toward developing self-confidence and helping the youth realize their potential and dream for the future.

At the youth group meetings, sponsored youth can participate in extracurricular activities such as art, drama, dance and debate. But more importantly, these meetings give CFCA staff members the opportunity ¬¬¬to bond with the youth. Their strengthened relationship helps the staff encourage the youth to continue in school, study hard and develop strong character.

During the meetings, the youth share their challenges at home and at school. Most of them are dealing with similar issues such as fitting in with their school peers and financial insecurity, so they encourage and advise each other.

Since the program started holding meetings with youth, the improvement has been noticeable. The youth enjoy interacting with each other, sharing problems and finding ways to deal with them. They are cultivating a sense of self-esteem and self-worth.

“The program is helping these young adults understand that they are the pillars of hope in their communities,” said Amos Kihoro, coordinator of the program. “It is helping them to discover qualities deep inside such as character, academic excellence and God-given talents.”

Families value education

Kenyans place a high value on education and there are good schools in Kenya, but quality schooling is expensive. The Hope for a Family program provides much needed educational assistance and makes up the largest portion of benefits for most sponsored children in Kenya.

One sponsored youth, Jacklyn, wants to be a nurse and attends a boarding school, which is common in Kenya. She’s currently in high school and is enrolled in chemistry, biology, physics, Swahili and sociology. Despite her heavy course load, she was making excellent grades and couldn’t wait to work in a hospital someday.

Read a letter from the Kisumu project coordinator.

Read a letter from the Meru project coordinator.

Read a letter from the Nairobi project coordinator.

Become a sponsor

You can now select your sponsored friend on our Walk2gether site.
View photos and read profiles of children, youth and aging who are waiting for a sponsor.

Sources:

World Factbook