Feed and Empower Domestic Violence Survivors-Kenya

EMI is excited to report that we have raised 100% of the funds projected necessary for the purchase of an acre of land adjacent to our property but we are still in need of funds for a greenhouse and fencing. Funds raised through GlobalGiving provided us a strong start, and we employed a diversified approach to raising the remainder through a local fund-raising event, presentations to civic groups and leaders, and following up on leads from strong supporters of EMI’s mission of empowering victims of sexual and domestic violence and their children in Kenya.

EMI has been in conversation with the owner of the property we hope to buy. Further negotiations will be pursued in the coming months. The purchase of an adjoining acre is critical to growing the agricultural component of our programming. In addition, the increased acreage will provide Agatha Amani House with adequate distance from neighbors to maintain the confidentiality required for the safety of our residents and posible room for future expansion.

Once the property is purchased, EMI will continue to work toward the improvements outlined in our project proposal – fencing the property and purchasing and equipping a greenhouse – all with the dual goals of self-sustainability for the shelter and increased skills and healing for the residents. 

We have welcomed new women into the shelter in recent months, nearly all with infants or young children. We have also celebrated residents leaving us for job or training opportunities, and assist them in finding a healthier living situation than the one they fled when they came to Agatha Amani House.

One resident graduated with a certificate to work in the security field. Another is enrolled in cosmetology school, after some initial struggles upon leaving the shelter. We are particularly proud of one resident who has been admitted into a program to be trained in the use of hydroponics in agriculture. We look forward to learning from her, as we strive to maximize our agricultural productivity. We feel confident that this education will enhance her employment prospects when she leaves the shelter.

We remain grateful for the support of donors who are helping make this project a reality. At Agatha Amani House, we are working each day to break the cycle of domestic violence and poverty.

Links:

• https://www.empoweringmindsinternational.org/agathaamanihouse.html