Update: August 2009
This is the story of Kanai Barasa. His life has been filled with hardship but it is a story of transformation and hope. And at the center of the transformation is his church, a Bright Hope partner, who works to impact in their community every day.
Kanani is the fourth child of five. Three of his siblings have died only he and one older sister have survived. Kanani also lost his father and although his mother is still living he now lives with his uncle. When his father died in that year of diabetes, Kananis hopes for a better future were crushed.
Kanani had lost all hope of continuing his education. His education was his ticket to a better life. He had only completed his seventh year of school when his father died. He did his best to continue by attending classes but would often be sent home because his school fees had not been paid. His grades began to plummet. Kanai could not pass his exams because he was absent for so many days of class. Instead of learning he had to spend his days making bricks.
In 2002, Kanani was identified by the church for assistance under the child support program. It has been difficult seven years but Kanani is rising above his challenges. In 2006, he completed his secondary education and today is training in a vocational school. Kanani believes he can create a prosperous life for himself and his family.
He is training to become a plumber and will complete his certification December, 2009. His hope has returned and is filled with gratitude. He could not have succeeded without the help of his church and donors like you!
Update: October 2007
There are some really good things happening in the area of Micro-finance. Many families are having their lives revolutionised by the new freedom it gives them. We spent a lot of time visiting the churches and there were many testimonies about the loans people have received.
The varied businesses these loans have funded and in general terms, the positive impact the loans have had in the lives of people and families. In every church we visited there were stories from the children who are part of the support program.
There have been some very clear outcomes from the recent activities:
Teams went out church planting in 6 locations and 6 churches were successfully planted
8 training clusters for leaders have been set up and are using a training curriculum
All the secondary school fees have been paid for first two terms
Regular visits have been made to the churches to talk about the loan scheme
7 churches have formed HIV intervention committees and many people have tested for HIV/AIDS
A clinic has been established at Matiko, on the shores of Lake Victoria
The current strategy is working well at the grassroots level. Many families have received loans and almost 200 children are going to school. Along with this new churches are being planted and HIV awareness clubs have been started. The following commmittes have been selected to oversee the future:
Leadership Training, Missions and outreach.
Child care and Street children
Loan Program
Environment management
HIV and AIDS intervention
Health, Sanitation and Hygiene
While visiting various churches to meet the beneficiaries of the loan scheme large numbers of people came out to hear the testimonies. In many cases the leaders of the communities came to welcome us as well.
The HIV intervention program has made people very happy and the community people are joining the programs
The local government has provided mosquito nets, jerry cans for water and water purification tablets to the groups
In one place the church has been asked to assist with adult literacy classes.
Tree planting program in every church area
Emergency support fund for those who are struggling with HIV as they often cannot keep up their businesses or support themselves
