Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic, Karibuni’s Trustees were unable to make their usual trip to Kenya in 2021. In June 2022, instead of the normal visit structure, a small group of Trustees visited Kenya for a week. The Trustees involved were Nigel Roberts, Mike Johnston, David Farmer and John Cotton, and they were joined by Abi Saidi, Karibuni’s new UK Operations Manager.
7th June
After meetings in Nairobi involving senior leaders from Karibuni’s partner, Methodist Church in Kenya, the group travelled to Marimanti in Tharaka County where the MCK Tharaka Children and Women’s Welfare project is based.
Tharaka has some striking countryside. Pictured is Mike Johnston, a Karibuni Children Trustee
There they met project managers from the larger projects supported by Karibuni Children for a three-day workshop. This provided a tremendous opportunity to explore some challenging subjects in real depth. Drawing on local knowledge and experience we were able to raise each other's understanding on a number of different subjects including Sustainability, Child Protection, and the new Competency Based Curriculum.
Pictured are (left to right) Wycliffe Odhiambo (Kibra), Johnson Kibali (Embakasi), George Mwabu (Tharaka), Mercy Kendi (Meru), Makena Anampiu (Kibra), Miriam Mugambi (Limuru) and Esther Onno (Njoro)
The Workshop was held in the project’s Community Resource Centre, constructed with the support of some generous Karibuni supporters. This Community Resource Centre, and allied artisan and garment workshops will support this project in becoming self-sustaining.
During the visit the Community Resource Centre was formally opened, and Nigel Roberts and John Cotton planted a commemorative tree.
The new building houses a Library, provided by through Just Be A Child.
David Farmer, a Karibuni Trustee facilitating a discussion on project sustainability under the mango tree.
The workshop covered a wide range of topics and provided an excellent opportunity for colleagues from Kenya and the UK to work together. Participants left with happy memories and extensive ‘To Do’ lists!