Hopelessness replaced by pride and ambition for children in Kenya
by Helen, Keogh, CEO, World Vision Ireland
It’s often the case that the simplest ideas make the biggest impact. Take a water tank for example. Today I visited two schools in Mutonguni, Kenya that demonstrate what such a simple thing can do.
First, a water tank, which traps the infrequent rain, means that the children have clean water to drink, keeping them free from diseases such as cholera. Secondly, it means that they can now wash their hands. This protects them from becoming ill with a tummy bug that may be easily remedied for you and me, but can take the life of children in some parts of the developing world.
Thirdly, it enables these small schools to set up fruit and vegetable gardens which produce fresh veg and beautiful juicy fruit. This produce not only feeds the children with nutritious food but also provides a source of income for the school as they can sell surplus produce locally. This money is then spent on the less fortunate children in the school, buying them uniforms and books. Fruit and vegetables are sent home to the families of these children, so it’s not just the school children that benefit. Young saplings are also given to these families, so that they can plant their own vegetable patches at home.
And the result of this simple but powerful initiative; attendance has almost tripled since the programmes began five years ago. Although education is free in Kenya, it is sometimes the case that the children are too hungry to attend or if they do attend the little food that is available at home might be eaten by the time they return. Thanks to the programmes at the schools I visited today, the children not only are healthy, alert and able to learn, but also know that they are sure to be fed if they go to school. On top of this they are learning a skill could sustain them for the rest of their lives.
As they sang and danced and laughed today, giggling at this strange foreign woman visiting their school, it was clear to me that donations and funding for World Vision projects such as these really do change lives. These children now have ambition and real hope for their futures, something every child deserves but too many are denied.
The water tanks and the gardens they support did not cost much and are now self sustaining. They have empowered the children and the community. What I saw today is living proof that donations do make a difference, they do change lives. As I was leaving the schools the children waved goodbye and shouted ‘thank you’ at the top of their voices. That thank you is not really for me but is for everyone who has supported these children and children like them by caring enough to support World Vision Ireland. You have made a difference.
by Helen, Keogh, CEO, World Vision Ireland
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