Community Transformation: Virtues Project in Kenya

The Virtues Project is expanding in  Kakamega’s schools, communities, and institutions. Through their newly formed Community Based Organization,  Virtues Work for People (VW4P), the Five Strategies are being introduced to awaken virtues leading to  positve transformative changes across different sectors of society and among all age groups. The success of the Virtues Project in Kakamega is a testament to the work of virtues facilitators, chanpions and enthusiasts to spread The Virtues Project to everyone..It is truly amazing how far and wide the Five Strategies of the Virtues Project have influenced this region of Kenya.

Schools like Mwiyenga Primary and Kakamega Primary, with over 4,665 children between them, have adopted these strategies, resulting in more successful students and teachers. Most head teachers confessed that initially, they were skeptical about integrating the The Five Strategies, as they thought it would add to their workload and that of their teachers. However, upon implementation, teachers have come to realize that implementing the Five Strategies has reduced their workload significantly. The children are more disciplined, confident, and collaborative, making it easier to teach and inspire all to be their best selves.

The positive effects extend beyond the classroom, reaching to all sectors of the community. Programs like the Watoto Watunzwe (Child Protection) Desk, and other empowerment initiatives for widows and vulnerable groups, formed to help foster a culture of care and responsibility. Focusing on economic empowerment and community-driven projects like farming enables sustainable livelihoods while integrating Virtues into everyday life. 

Key societal leaders, including the Deputy Registrar of the Judiciary, and religious figures like the Catholic Parish Priests and Bishop, play pivotal roles in introducing The Virtues Project within their communities and organizations. Kakamega's judiciary is now exploring how Virtues can be applied in mediation processes, while the Catholic Church has embraced Virtues training in its schools, church groups, and community programs. 

This transformative journey would not have been possible without the funding of VPIA’s supporters, and our gratitude is deep and ongoing. Through our collaborative efforts, Virtues can be woven into society's fabric, creating lasting positive change.

The Virtues Project is having a growing impact on the development of healthy communities in Kakamega County, Kenya. Within schools, churches, organizations, and families, Virtues Facilitators are growing in numbers and influence, offering counseling and guidance based on the Five Strategies of the Virtues Project. Groups with recently trained facilitators on board include the Lufumbo Catholic Church and the Lutonyi Catholic Parish.

Locally trained Virtues Facilitators continue to organize and expand ongoing efforts to provide orphans and vulnerable children with school supplies as well as scholarships for secondary school. Additionally, facilitators are working with police, doctors, the children’s department, and local administrators to rescue children from abusive homes, providing them with safer spaces, offering treatment, and seeing that justice is served for them against their abusers.

We are collaborating with an orthopedic specialist who connects us to sponsors to fund correctional surgeries for children with disabilities at Kijabe Mission Hospital. One girl who suffered from gangrene was provided with life-saving surgery courtesy of such sponsors. Although she had to have both her legs amputated just below the knee, she is now doing well and has been attending school this year. Another child was born with webbed fingers and toes and is currently undergoing corrective surgeries thanks to these generous donors. 

Virtues Facilitators with knowledge of agricultural practices are training groups in small-scale farming of vegetables, corn, and beans, as well as practicing the same. This helps to ensure everyone has enough food for the families as well as a surplus to sell, earning some income. We also continue to pursue table-banking, as well as training groups in the community in this practice.

Infusing the Strategies of The Virtues Project is strengthening our community and beyond. Thank you for your understanding and generosity in supporting and sharing our reports with friends and family!