Elisabeth Merkl, Chair of Partners of Change e.V., travelled to the Kisii region in late August/early September at her own expense to look to the future together with Enka Eniya.
Today was a day to celebrate
The volunteers and office staff at Enka Enyia brought their families along today; many have been involved since 2002 and spread their enthusiasm for the good cause amongst their friends and colleagues, in the villages and within their own families. The work in Kisii is set to continue, and the celebration provided an opportunity to get to know one another, as well as a chance to further encourage interest and promote participation in Enka Enyia among younger people.
The spread of the value-centred approach
In Mosocho, Kisii South and Marani, a very solid foundation has been laid for work to combat violence against women and female genital mutilation. On the very first day of Elisabeth’s arrival, another group of community leaders was certified at the seminar centre in Mosocho, following two years of training. The aim is to reach further multipliers, not only in these three Kisii regions, but in other regions of Kenya as well.
The donations are used to fund staff – that is the most important thing. Additional funds will help ensure that more qualified staff can be deployed in other regions. The seminar building also needs to be kept in good repair, and the aim is to connect it to the public water supply.
Under a new (slightly modified) name, Enka Enyia aims to establish itself as a nationwide organisation within the network of initiatives in Kenya working for the rights of women and girls; until now, Enka Enyia has been a community-based organisation.
Last but not least, plans for further development are being discussed amongst the members of Enka Enyia.
There’s an incredible amount going on at the moment.
Arrival in Nairobi …
… and from there to Kisii
The welcome we received in Nairobi from our driver Alfred and in Kisii from Enka Enyia was, as always, incredibly warm!
Learning from others
Visiting LLK and Pandiperi
Thanks to Elisabeth and Roswitha’s contacts, Enka Enyia was able to visit “The Live and Learn in Kenya” in Nakuru and “Pandiperi” in Kisumu, both of which are involved in providing care and education for schoolchildren. Enka Enyia was able to discuss matters relating to organisation, administration and building facilities with the staff there.
Banquet for the families of Enka Enyia staff
The younger generation
The volunteers and staff at Enka Enyia now have children of all ages. Some of the older children are very keen to get involved in this good cause too. The families at Enka Enyia got together to get to know one another. The meal was paid for by a special donation from Germany.
(Please click on the images to enlarge them)
Graduation of the multiplier
In Mosocho (also known as Kitutu Central), in the seminar building, community leaders from Mosocho’s neighbouring regions, Marani and Kisii South, are being honoured for having completed a one-and-a-half- to two-year course leading to a certificate as volunteers against gender-based violence (GBV). The training toolkit includes pantomimes and role-plays developed by Enka Enyia. The certificate is presented by a chief from one of the neighbouring regions.
The police, too, need to take action against domestic violence; they have approached Enka Enyia to enquire about courses that would enable them to implement prevention measures using the methods of the values-centred approach.
According to the Kenya Survey, 36% of all Kenyan women experience domestic violence. The anti-violence courses also form part of the effort to combat female genital mutilation.
A visit to Lencer
From left to right: Magrin and his son, Damaris, Elisabeth, Lencer and Marcella
Rain every evening …
… brings blessings
Elisabeth spent one week in Kenya.
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