Welcome to Flo’s Project Kenya.
Flo’s Jewellery and Gifts has evolved into Flo’s Project Kenya.
I am even more committed to helping African women and children affected / impacted by the HIV/AIDS crisis.
After my first visit to Kenya in Sept 2007, I made a vow to help. I have been working with the Ecumenical Centre in Ngong.
The Ecumenical Centre was founded by Esther Wanjohi; the members are predominantly women. Some are young mothers with children who had no income while other aging grandmothers had to go back to work to care for orphaned grandchildren.
Members receive counseling, group therapy, nutrition coaching and micro loans to help become self employed and empowered. Other members are engaged in sewing school uniforms and making traditional beadwork jewellery. Over the years, I have brought some of their jewellery and sold them here in Toronto.
Over the past few years, our donations have funded micro loans, bought dairy goats, water tanks, school uniforms, foodstuff and blankets.
In 2010, I met Dr Victor Kireti; an Orthopedic Surgeon at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi. Victor lives in Kenya and Canada. My friends and I visited Kenyatta National and presented treats to his young patients.
We also drove 6 hours to Taita Hills, Dr. Kireti’s hometown, and took part in their free medical camp. This camp was quite an eye opener for us. It was most amazing to see folks walk in not seeing properly then walk out smiling and wearing their new eye glasses.
The next day, we visited three orphanages in the area; St Joseph’s, Mwatate Children’s Home and Rescue Centre and Villa 16 Star of Hope.
St Josephs’ is run by the Catholic Association, but the orphanage always needs volunteers; most of the children are under 5 years old.
Villa 16 is home to 20 HIV positive orphans between the ages of 3 and 18 years. The home is run by Albina Mshila, a former SOS mother with 20 years experience. Albina and the children live in her 3 bedroom house on her $100 a month pension.
Mwatate Children’s Home and Rescue Centre is home to 37 children between the ages of 5 and 18 years. Some of these children were rescued from traffickers, abuse, the streets and child headed households. Their stories are heart wrenching. Mwatate Children’s Home is run by Mr. Simon Kiriuki, a Christian Businessman who lives in Mwatate.
We also met some HIV positive adults; they have now formed The Mwashuma Group and are seeking sponsors for micro loans to start small businesses.
If you would like to make a donation to any of these organizations, please contact me.
100% of your donations will go towards helping to improve the livelihood of these women and children affected/ impacted by the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Thank you for visiting my website.
Floreen Forde
Phone: (416) 391-5648
