To The Ladies, Men and
Others Who Engage in Livelihood Project Activities at The Nature Network
Resource Center Livelihood As Part of Health Promotion Advocacy
They were dismissed incompetent and that all they can do is have a merry life.
They were told they
were always feeling entitled and that there is a “donor” to pass out money
anytime they asked for it.
They were told they
will never do anything good for self and community.
Well, they have demystified
all those negative remarks.
In fact they ensure
they deconstructed all the negativity and replaced it with positivity.
It started with creating
into themselves a formidable viable group whose mission was to establish and
maintain a safe space for refugees.
They identified among
themselves knowledge, skills and other resources. They turned these into a way
of life. But, before they did this, they had to bond. They were ready to go
through experiences of group dynamics. We are talking about 2014-2015. They
were younger then, but it did not stop them from engaging in income generating activities.
But, this is not all they did. They went ahead to engage in community based
rapport building activities. This was a strategic plan to ensure they connected
with reality and host communities. They are as driven and presently have
different planned activities that improve their quality of life.
To cut the long story
short, they now:
1.
Provide planned community clean up
campaigns where we team up with neighbouring households to clear bushes; clean
roads; pick up litter; use social services; and other activities geared at
improving relationships with local host communities.
2.
Provided TB, HIV, Malaria and
COVID-19 related information, education and communication events where
participants are drawn from far and wide and are invited to participate without
discrimination. This has increased self-care mediated practices and led to
establishment of public hand-washing stations in the communities.
3.
Provided health promotion and
quality life campaigns in which we mobilised communities to show need for rent,
food and sanitiser subsidies. We contributed to the critical need for support through
which not only refugees benefited but citizens of Kenya as well.
4.
Improved food, sanitiser and
resources supply chain which we linked to the Traditional African Altruism and Philanthropy
networks. Many more persons are now able to access COVID-19 response and
recovery resources. We had built solidarity, trust and acceptance structures in
the local host communities.
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