Christmas is the time when our thoughts are especially with our neighbors. Near and far. And on Rusinga Island. We would like to share the joy that our heartfelt project brings with all our supporters.
„Thousands of candles can be lit by the light of one candle without its light dimming. Joy does not diminish when it is shared.“
Siddaharta Gautama Buddha
Ubuntu poultry farming was started with only fifteen families and now we are twenty-five families. This is a sure sign that the members are very committed. It is a revolving fund and members are paying back the loan regardless of the challenges caused by the Covid 19 pandemic. I am happy to report that since the inception of the initiative, members have already benefited from selling as well as taking some eggs for themselves. We, as members, are very focused on establishing a cooperative. We feel strengthened and still ask for a continued partnership.
Karibuni – Welcome / By Susan Achieng, member of Ubuntu
I am Stephen Ouma, one of the students at Tom Mboya High School. Since the pandemic, the schools have been closed from March until today. I have faced many challenges such as peer pressure, drug abuse and ignorance. But I thank the people who organized the library in the community, which has changed my life because I spend most of my time reading and waiting for the schools to reopen.
By Stephen Ouma, High School Sponsorship
KWEPU is an organization established in 2018 to carry out various projects to support the community. One of our main areas of interest is environmental protection and restoration. Since the inception of the nursery, we have been able to make a great impact throughout the Rusinga Island community, with over 2,000 trees planted in the community and our awareness has been proven to lead to positive behavioral change in regards to tree planting.
We therefore consider the tree nursery a blessing to the community. We have created a wooded area towards the lake shore and have already planted 520 trees, which serve as a demonstration area for the entire community.
In addition to the tree nursery, KWEPU has a garden where a number of vegetables are grown, cassava, sugar cane, arrowroot, etc. This is gradually changing the lifestyle of the members as we can now harvest vegetables for food and the community can also transport them without much trouble.
Many thanks to our partners. Together we will succeed.
By Kedrick Okomo, KWEPU member
Trees are essential to our world and provide a multitude of benefits to our environment. The benefits of these trees extend far beyond the villages of Ukowe to other schools and communities. Trees enhance our quality of life. In an effort to preserve and protect nature and ultimately the earth, Eddy Memorial Elementary School received 1,450 seedlings from KWEPU Nursery and designated the project PLANT TODAY, SAVE TOMORROW.
Eddy Primary School is located in a very dry and rocky landscape and far from the nearest natural water source (Lake Victoria). For this, we need an affordable way to get water to irrigate the trees we have planted. Fortunately, KWEPU saw the need to help. Eddy installed the tank, which was purchased by the community, but was unable to complete the installation due to limited resources. KWEPU, through its international partners, managed to facilitate the installation of the tank, the fixing of the gutter and the payment of the material and labor costs. To date, the tank is filled with water and the community’s dream of making Eddy green is now within reach and looking real: Eddy Goes Green is the community’s slogan.
By Dave Oulo, B.O.M. Chairman Eddy Primary School
On behalf of Badilisha Rusinga Island, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our various partners who have supported various programs even during the pandemic. In the past year, our orphan education, health care, library, and environmental protection have been supported, and even in the difficult time of Covid 19, we have received much more support.
These are the accomplishments: more books were donated by the BaRuls group through Longhorn Publishing. Students have access to different types of books. A job opportunity has been created for us. Because we have the library open through the hygiene measures, we can have conversations with the girls because we could not get them closer during school. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our partners and may you be blessed.
By Jane, Staff of Badilisha, Health Care
In our country, agriculture is the economic backbone. In such a society, it is a great challenge to get an education while fighting for basic needs and academic education. When I was growing up, I saw peers drop out of school to make a living because of the lack of school fees, but that is no longer the case today. Many go to school because they are supported and encouraged. Many come from surviving families and are the sole source of hope. As a result of the Corona pandemic, schools, colleges and universities were closed. University and college students were abruptly called back to take exams at a time when the economy is ailing.
You made sure that we could take our exams by paying for our fees. Our society is more educated because of your effort and kindness. We really owe you a lot. Thank you to our second families.
By Brian Omondi, Student Marine Resource Management, University Sponsorship
Just before Ubuntu Poultry Farm was established, I had no chickens in my enclosure and I knew that raising chickens is very costly and complicated. But since then I can admit that it is possible and very useful. This initiative has given me hope. Now I can use some of the sales to buy other things, which is a great boost for my economy.
I want to encourage young people to get into local poultry farming. It is a safe way to generate income.
I thank the initiators and our international partners who funded the program, and I hope for constant communication. On behalf of my group, I would like to say that we are now focusing on forming cooperatives.
Nyasaye ogwedhu – may God bless you.
By Joshphine Akinyi
Many thanks to all our supporters!
