Kenya is a welcoming, sun-drenched country, known by tourists for its stunning native wildlife and safari holidays. There are many areas of Kenya, however, that are suffering in deep poverty. The region we are shipping to, in the south-western corner of the country, is a remote area of about 9,500 people, where unemployment is very high, and most people live a hand-to-mouth existence growing what food they can. Some villages have no access to clean water at all, meaning children become frequently sick from water-borne illnesses, and because education is scarce, HIV/Aids is 15% higher in this area than the national average.
Traditionally, women in this area who want to start a business or take out a loan for a new venture find it almost impossible to get credit, and are thus stuck in their poverty, regardless of their talent, motivation and creative ideas. This organisation, as well as running widespread successful HIV educational campaigns, has started a micro-loans scheme, helping women such as Mrs Nguono, a widow with 7 children. Mrs Nguono was desperately trying to care for her children, with no income and living in a rundown hut. After receiving a loan through this organisation, she was able to start her own small business, repay the loan, and build a new house of galvanised metal for her family. She is now proudly supporting her family comfortably.
