Monday, November 7, 2011

Kibisom: Come and Learn



KIBISOM (Kiagasa Breast Feeding Single Mothers/Orphaned Child), translated from the local language, Luo, means “come and learn.”


KIBISOM, a community-based women’s organization on Rusinga Island, Kenya, aims “to mobilize global and grassroot responses to address the needs or orphans and vulnerable children, people living with HIV/AIDS, and local, neglected, illiterate women. Since 1996, KIBISOM has grown to include 150 members, empowering and educating around healthcare, HIV/AIDS, and water. They have also developed economic activities and are working toward food sufficiency.

One of the main aims of Kibisom is to help increase access to education.

"Study after study has taught us that there is no tool for development more effective than the education of girls. No other policy is as likely to raise economic productivity, lower infant and maternal mortality, improve nutrition and promote health, including the prevention of HIV/AIDS." - Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General

Primary school fees were eradicated in 2003, but some associated costs for uniforms and other school supplies still exist. In addition, when students excel, secondary school fees can be as high as $500/year, and prove to be a substantial obstacle to completing an education.

Esther, the founder of Kibisom, works within the community to support those in need, provides a school for orphans in the area, and also helps increase young young, promising students access to a complete primary and secondary education.

Your donations will help her with this important work.






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