Wycliffe works for Karibuni's partner project, Tusaidie Watoto, in Kibra as Deputy Social Worker. He has first-hand experience of the challenges facing many of the families that we work with because he was supported by Karibuni through his education at the same project for 18 years. This gives him a unique perspective and passion that he brings to his role.
Wycliffe says, "I joined the project in 1998 as one of its very first beneficiaries. I was born in Kericho in 1993 and my parents moved to Kibra, Nairobi in the same year in pursuit of a business opportunity. However, the going was not rosy. At the age of four years, I became a street kid. The living conditions at home had deteriorated rapidly, such that food became a luxury. My mum had earlier retreated to the village as she could no longer cope with the situation.
Karibuni Children supported me through pre-primary, primary, secondary and college level. The support received was wholesome in that I got food, school fees, clothing and spiritual/moral guidance from the social workers. I grew up being catered for in all aspects of my life and for that, I am greatly indebted to them.
For my college level, I pursued Community and Public Health at the Technical University Of Kenya. Prior to joining Tusaidie Watoto Project as Deputy Social Worker, I worked with Hospital Support Organisation, later renamed to African Mission Healthcare. The organization was funded by Vanderbilt University and General Electric to work on the introduction and implementation of nurse anaesthesia training in Kenya under Kijabe Mission Hospital. I was stationed in Kisumu and was responsible for managing 14 Hospitals in 9 Counties within Kenya on nurse anaesthesia training, students monitoring and evaluation, global perioperative study and anaesthesia research.
I am lucky to be part of the Tusaidie Watoto, Kibra. It has impacted my life positively. For the period I have worked with the project, I have been in a position to offer first aid to the young kids and staff and mentored the current beneficiaries, making them understand that Tusaidie Watoto, Kibra will always be proud of them. Together with the Programme Manager, Makena, we are coming up with ways that will help us conduct mentorship, drug and substance abuse counselling and behavioural change for effective success of our Children."
Wycliffe's story is a wonderful example of the impact our partner projects have and how the future can look for the children we support.
If you would like to read more about the Tusaidie Watoto project in Kibra, click here.
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