Community Transformation: Virtues Project in Kenya

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!