Submitted by Health on Mon, 2012-09-17 16:31
- STORIES FROM MAAI MAHIU, KENYA -
Projects commonly known as income generating activities (IGAs) are one of the major focuses of the GAPA Program. These projects support over 130 grandmothers living with and caring for children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS related illnesses. Every Tuesday and Friday, the Grandparents Against Poverty and HIV/AIDS (GAPA) within Maai Mahiu and surrounding areas (Suswa, Longonot, Olorropil, Oleirourowa and Duka Moja) come together under the guidance and support of the GAPA Program, a component within CTC’s Health initiative. During their weekly meetings, the grandmothers assemble at their respective centers for economic empowerment training and lessons on group savings, table banking, loans and financial management.
Pictured are grandmothers in a recent training session on basic financial literacy. These groups have all undergone training on various income generating activities depending on their choices, preference and market availability. Some of the activities include detergent soap making, mat weaving, Maasai bracelets making and handbag weaving.
Feedback from these grandmothers has reported that they can now cater for the needs of the orphaned children under their care. The profits earned from these products are pooled and shared amongst these grandmothers.
The GAPA program aims to expand beyond these limits by introducing new skills to supplement their current activities. Amongst the planned activities for the future are: dairy goat keeping, poultry keeping and international marketing of the beadwork products. Stakeholders and any well-wishers are welcomed to make these projects successful.
Blog By:
Belinda Atieno, Kenya Assistant Health Officer
