Feed and Empower Domestic Violence Survivors-Kenya

Thanks to the plentiful rain this season in Kenya, the gardens at Agatha Amani are flourishing.  An international volunteer has provided solid guidance in sustaining our Permaculture program. She put together classes for the residents and tracks their progress in learning the principles of this approach to agriculture. As the residents progress, they take on roles with more responsibility. EMI has one resident who was selected for an internship as Farm Supervisor. Another resident has begun work as Farm Caretaker, with her earnings set aside to provide funds for when she transitions to the community. EMI is intentional in providing growth opportunities for individual residents, in order to prepare them for independent living.

The residents have been working to write their personal stories, as a means of both healing and empowerment. They have also been assisted in writing resumes. As many are still quite young with limited work experience, strengths assessment is important. Their resumes may be aspirational at first, but this exercise provides focus for the future.

We continue to plan for our expanded capacity. EMI has secured an agreement to purchase the adjoining property, and are working with an attorney to secure the title and finalize the purchase. We have funding for the new fencing that will be required. Once that is completed, we plan to purchase and equip a greenhouse.    

We appreciate those donors and volunteers who support our work to provide healing for survivors of gender-based violence. At Agatha Amani House, we are working to provide these women and their children with hope for the future.  

EMI is pleased to report continued progress toward expanding the capacity of Agatha Amani’s agricultural component. We have negotiated a price with the owner of the adjoining property, and have an agreement to purchase it. Thanks to funds raised through Global Giving, our annual golf tournament, and two significant individual gifts, we have the funds in hand to make this goal a reality.

Once the property purchase is completed, EMI will tackle the improvements outlined in our project proposal – fencing the property and purchasing and equipping a greenhouse – all with the dual goals of self-sustainability for the shelter and increased skills and healing for the residents.

The shelter population continues to consist of equal numbers of women and young children. While this provides the opportunity for parenting education in the shelter, children pose an additional challenge for residents to find suitable housing, child care and employment upon leaving Agatha Amani House. Staff provides follow-up for residents as they transition to the community; at times, women may return to Agatha Amani House for help in navigating the barriers they encounter in the community, whether related to safety or finances. 

One resident completed the required training for a security certificate. She has obtained employment, however, she continues to seek work in the security field. Another resident is enrolled in a 2-year college program in business. A third continues her training in a hydroponics program.  

We have been blessed with a number of international volunteers seeking a meaningful experience at Agatha Amani House. Their energy and enthusiasm have enriched the programming for our residents, including life skills, exercise, and music.

We remain grateful for the support of donors who support our work to address gender-based violence. At Agatha Amani House, we are working each day to break the cycle of domestic violence and poverty in Kenya.