Break the cycle of poverty and disease in Kenya

Thanks to your generous support, SOTENI International has made remarkable progress in improving the lives of families across our three Villages of Hope (SVHs) in Kenya—Ugunja, Mituntu, and Mbakalo. Since July 2023, we have continued to focus on expanding access to clean water and empowering communities through health and income-generating programs. These initiatives have not only improved the health of thousands of individuals but are also helping families build more sustainable livelihoods, paving the way for long-term positive change.

Since August 2023, a key achievement in our clean water project has been the transition from distributing P&G sachets to introducing household water filters in partnership with AquaClara across all three Villages of Hope (SVHs). By September 2024, we had distributed over 1,300 water filters, benefiting many families with access to safe drinking water. This shift to more sustainable water solutions, combined with continued P&G sachet distribution, has helped provide clean water to over 17,000 people each month, significantly reducing waterborne diseases—especially critical for families living with HIV. Our AIDS Barefoot Doctors (ABDs) have been integral to the success of this program, ensuring that filters are well-maintained and that community members are educated on how to use and care for them, creating a lasting impact in the community.

Our ABDs have been the heart of our health programs, reaching more than 3,000 people through HIV support groups and home-based care. These dedicated health workers have been on the front lines of supporting families, distributing water filters, conducting home visits, reinforcing good hygiene practices, and leading health education sessions. Beyond health, our AIDS Barefoot Doctors (ABDs) have also led income-generating activities (IGAs), empowering hundreds of clients across 19 support groups to become more financially independent and lift themselves out of poverty. For instance, the Mweronkanga Support Group in Mituntu used a small grant to invest in goat farming, while the Tumaini Joystar Group in Mbakalo focused on creating food security through cereal banking, benefiting dozens of families. ABDs continue to provide essential guidance and support, helping clients grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

In addition to these programs, our clinic at SVH Mbakalo has been a vital health resource for the community. Offering services such as consultations, laboratory tests, pharmacy, clinical care (including circumcision), and maternity services (with NHIF coverage), the clinic serves thousands of people every year. The clinic’s comprehensive care is essential for families in the area, providing them with the healthcare they need to thrive and reducing barriers to essential services.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding these programs, with a goal of distributing 2,000 water filters and continuing to support IGAs that provide families with economic independence. It’s critical that we continue supporting our ABDs, who are the backbone of our health and community programs. Their ongoing dedication and hard work are transforming lives across our villages. Your continued support is vital in helping us build stronger, more self-sufficient communities. Together, we will continue to build healthier, more resilient futures for the families we serve. Thank you for being part of this life-changing work!

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For Kenyan girls and women, menstruation can be a major disruptor to school attendance due to a lack of resources and availability of feminine hygiene products. Combined with limited information about reproductive and self-care options, school-age girls may even drop out due to the emotional stress of being on their period. Yet research shows that when girls remain in school and complete their education, they can break the cycle of poverty and lift their families out of poverty. To ensure that no girl is left behind in SOTENI Village of Hope (SVH)-Mituntu, which has reported high rates of female absenteeism and dropouts, we partner with a program designed to keep girls in school year-round: the Freedom for Girls (FFG) Project.

In 2022, Dr. Ellen Bowman, a SOTENI Board Member, traveled to Mituntu Mixed Day Secondary School (MMDSS) to inaugurate the FFG Project, currently supporting 113 female students. FFG combines a puberty education event with distribution of sanitary towels so that girls can understand their bodies and navigate their education with confidence. Dr. Bowman presented large posters with visuals while local, female speakers encouraged students to open up for a Q&A session about menstruation, reproductive rights, and relationships.

After the puberty education event, the FFG Project requires schools to store packets of sanitary towels and underwear and appoint a teacher to distribute a packet to each girl every month. MMDSS’ Principal states that the project is “a timely intervention to ease the financial burden of purchasing sanitary towels for female students and their families.” Dr. Bowman hopes to renew the project this fall and plans to utilize older girls who participated last year to help the younger students overcome their shyness.