By Mercy Otieno | Outreach Care Manager
In the month of February, Kenya’s economy was steadily growing. The hospitality and tourism sector was slowly recovering, in person schooling was in its second month and cessation of movement in and out of the country had long been lifted. This freedom was however quickly cut short towards the end of March when the president introduced new measures in a bid to control the spread of the virus. Among the measures introduced were; close of entertainment and eatery joints countrywide, prohibition of public gathering, cessation of movement in and out of 5 counties; Kajaido, Nakuru, Kiambu, Machakos and Nairobi. These new measures impacted negatively on the livelihood of the majority of Kenyans, especially those who are economically disadvantaged.
During this period, we have continued to support our beneficiaries with various interventions in order for them to cope during these tough times. Our interventions include; mental status examinations for newly enrolled beneficiaries, needs assessment to effectively develop case plans with beneficiaries, therapy, basic needs support, medical aid, legal aid and economic empowerment. In an attempt to strengthen the chances of beneficiaries' livelihood sustainability, we are currently restructuring our economic empowerment intervention. This is being done through the engagement of professionals in the field to develop a manual and train beneficiaries and staff on the same.
From February to April, 25 people received food support, 5 rent payment support and 19 medical aid. 4 survivors were also enrolled in the National Health insurance fund for sustainable medical care. On average, 19 survivors - 17 adults and 2 minors - have actively received therapy from the in-house clinical psychologist. Due to the pandemic we are currently utilizing tele therapy to offer this service. In addition, 5 beneficiaries received basic training in business startup and grants to open up their own businesses.
In this reporting period we continue to appreciate the impact of the support that we offer our beneficiaries through your contributions. A survivor whom we supported with money to purchase food on a monthly basis for 5 months was able to save part of the amount given to her, she leased a piece of land and we have supported her in purchasing seedlings and fertilizers for her to plant maize and beans in small scale. Her plan is to sell the produce after maturity and use the profits to save up and eventually acquire the piece of land permanently for her to invest and change her current economic situation for the better.
Another survivor, who is a minor in high school, benefited with school fees support and transfer of schools. Her performance in her previous school was on the lower side. After the school transfer we have seen an improvement in her performance from being rated as a poor student to an average student. She was also supported with school supplies like books, writing materials and transportation cost to and from school.
Your continued support to our work makes it possible for us to walk with survivors of human trafficking in their healing journey. We remain grateful to you for this.
On behalf of HAART’s fraternity, we say THANK YOU!
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