Kenya, 12 April 2010: Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa makes field visit to Kenya
By Kun Li KISUMU, Kenya, 12 April 2010 – At age 22, Judith Siji already has three children of her own and a stepson. When her husband died from AIDS several years ago, she had to shoulder the burden of supporting the entire family.
To make a living, Judith collects and sells firewood. She has never received a formal education and walks with a limp. “Life is hard,” she said. “I do temporary jobs, and if I don’t, we just go to sleep hungry.” Help gives hope In households like Judith’s across Kenya, a new UNICEF-supported social protection programme is helping to support families with few resources. These households – some of the most vulnerable in their communities – receive about $40 per month through a cash transfer programme designed to meet their basic needs. “When I got the first instalment, the money helped me pay school fees for my children, buy uniforms for them, and also food,” said Judith. “When the children are sick, I use the money to take them to the hospital. The second instalment came when my house had started falling apart. So I kept the money, and started saving – then I bought materials and rebuilt my house.” By the end of 2009, the UNICEF-supported cash transfer programme had reached nearly a quarter of a million people in 75,000 Kenyan households. Lives transformed
“Here we see a woman who is completely transformed – from a helpless young widow with a disability to a head of a household with dignity,” said Mr. As Sy, following his visit with Judith and her children. Like other cash transfer recipients, he noted, Judith now has the “opportunity to care for her children, care for herself and become an integral member of the society.” In Nyanza, the province with the highest child mortality and HIV infection rate in Kenya, Mr. As Sy witnessed UNICEF’s efforts to improve access to health care for mothers and children. He also visited health centres such as the Kisumu District Hospital, where young men attended counselling sessions to learn about reducing the chances of HIV transmission. Working with communities In Kisumu East District, Mr. As Sy visited one community using simple water treatment and safe storage techniques to improve the quality of their household drinking water. With the construction of shallow wells and pipelines – particularly in cholera-prone areas – UNICEF helps communities reduce waterborne diseases and remain cholera-free. “If we combine community mobilization and community leadership, together with partnership with government, then we can design something that respond to the real needs of people,” said Mr. As Sy. He added that community involvement creates a sense of ownership, which will guarantee sustainability and positive results well into the future.
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