Thank you so much for checking my page!  Money raised goes directly to the charity to support non-government organisations (NGO) around the world with volunteers.  Your money allows people like me to dedicate my time and skills in Kenya.  This assists poor and deprived communities.

Kenya experienced the Westgate Mall attack last year.  Somali terrorists are the likely perpetrators.  United Nations (UN) reports indicate that poverty and human insecurity are directly linked.  To challenge this, the work of NGO organisations is vital.  Providing support groups, advice, workshops, information and rights promotion to those impoverished in Kenya can help increase the community capacity in the region.  Justine Greening, UK secretary of state for International Development, describes that development work overseas can contribute towards safety in the UK.  It can lessen  famine and insecurity in developing countries; thus effecting outbreaks of violence and adding protective factors against attacks around the world.

As a social worker I am committed to challenging oppression and working with individuals, groups and communities for them to reach their full potential.  I have worked with BME young people involved in the criminal justice system, those experiencing mental illness and adults with learning difficulties.   There are many reasons to volunteer in Kenya and one of the key reasons is that I believe in global human rights and challenging injustices amongst humanity; no matter where the underprivileged or marginalised groups live.  The project I will work on aims to do the following;

1. Tackle poverty.

2. Support women’s rights.

3. Community development work.

 Your support of my endeavours and those of ICYE assist to promote the above issues in a cross-cultural way.  Funding raised will assist with the above work for a local Non-government organisation in Kenya.  These grass roots organisations rely on grants as they are not fully funded by Government.  Therefore, it is imperative that the work they do and outcomes achieved are transmitted around the world.  This could have a direct impact on our society in the UK, as stable nations reduce the likelihood and threat of international violence.  To achieve a more stable nation work needs to be done amongst communities to ensure basic human rights and access to resources.

Key Statistics

• 45% of population is in poverty (poverty in Kenya is a lack of access to clean water, hunger, lack of shelter).
• Kenya ranks 145th out of 185 countries for human development under the United Nations (UN).  This includes life expectancy, standard of living and education)
• Approx 18% of women aged 15-49 have HIV/AIDS.
• 1.2 million children have been orphaned by parent death due to HIV/AIDS.
• 47% of women have experienced domestic violence.
• 44% of men think it is okay to 'beat their wife' due to reasons such as burning food and arguing (Kenyan National Bureau of Statistics).
• 27% female genital mutilation amongst women.
• 14% of women illiterate.
• 46% of rural population have no access to an improved water source.
• 60 years is the life expectancy.
• In 2030 Kenya's poverty rate will be more than Rwanda and Barundi.
• 61% youth unemployment.

Reasons for marginalisation and effects on vulnerable groups

UN Kenya National Human Development Report (2006)

• Poverty and human insecurity are interlinked; chronic poverty causes competition over resources.
• The poor tend to be; landless, disabled, female headed households, households headed by those without a formal education, orphans, slum dwellers, unemployed youths and infected with HIV/AIDS.

Kenya Vision 2030: second medium term plan (2013)

• Rapid population growth has effected poverty rates.
• High dependence on rain-fed agriculture and low agriculture productivity have contributed towards poverty.  Agriculture is the main source of employment for Kenyans.
• Threat of attacks from bordering countries such as Somalia.