path-from-poverty

Dorcas's Celebration Story

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 23:24:23 GMT

From sorrow to success

Dorcas carried the weight of a sorrowful past. Her education was cut short during grade 5, when she dropped out of school to help her mother fetch water. Without an education or any prospects, she married young. Like many Kenyan women, she shoulders the responsibilities of caring for her home, two elderly parents-in-law, and the four children of her sister-in-law, who works as a housemaid in Nairobi.

Even while she was pregnant, Dorcas’s duties were the same. She spent nearly the whole day fetching water for her family. She describes how the sun was terribly hot, beating down on her as she carried the heavy jerrycans. Her body could not handle the strain, and she suffered two miscarriages. She finally gave birth to a third child, a son.

When Dorcas joined Path From Poverty in 2020, her husband was skeptical that she would ever earn a rainwater catchment tank. “What a joke,” he told her. “Tanks that large are for rich families.” Dorcas was undeterred, remaining hopeful that she could achieve the impossible.

Two years in, the group saved enough for a tank and gave it to Dorcas. The kindness and validation shown to her, a woman often overlooked and burdened, resonated deeply. “That’s when the family believed in the organization," she says. "They were so grateful that they honored me and the group. That’s when my husband started supporting me at home and in paying my group targets."

Dorcas now has a business in Malili Market selling vegetables. She has saved enough money from her business to purchase cows and goats. Her husband, inspired by Dorcas’s determination and hard work, has prepared a garden at their home, envisioning rows of vegetables.

This gift tank is the second tank installed at Dorcas’s home. She anticipates expanding her business and getting her family on stable financial ground. Acknowledging her own struggles, she is determined to give back to her community and share water with those in need.

Cluster Update: Women's Goals Affected by Drought

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 19:49:38 GMT

Kibwezi

This area continues to be challenged by a lack of rain. Some groups have switched from table banking to merry go round. Beatrice prays for the next rainy season to bring enough water to fill the tanks.

Kilome

During their monthly meeting, Susan rallied the members of Kilome to be focused in their groups and as a cluster, to see beyond the present, and to have major goals for the future. She encouraged the women to envision better things for themselves and the community–for example, they can change their environment by planting trees.

Susan has discovered that when the group members do casual labor, their husbands will demand the money they earned and then spend it on alcohol. Women need to hide their earnings so that they can use them for better purposes.

Kisau

This cluster is busy preparing for the Work Team in addition to their usual projects. Bendetta, the field worker, trained the groups on table banking and saving. The cluster continues to train on different agribusinesses, including dragonfruit, mushrooms, and azolla farming.

Most members have been affected by the drought. The high cost of living is preventing members from paying their targets, children’s school fees, and getting enough food for regular meals.

Kola

The group members in Kola are trying hard to succeed at their Income Generating Activities. One group is selling avocadoes at a nearby market. Another group has borrowed a donkey, and is ferrying jerrycans of water to a school that is under construction. Two of the groups are doing casual labor on farms–carrying manure, harvesting beans, etc.

One of the challenges confronting this cluster is that women have been selling their products on credit. Payments to them have been delayed, which is causing hardship. Annah has coached them on making sure they do cash transactions so they have funds available right away.

Malili A

Jenniffer, the field worker for Malili clusters, helps Regina by visiting some of the groups to check on their progress and offer assistance. The groups are hard at work on their income generating activities. Aka ma Uiini Women’s Group has two lorries of ballast ready to sell, and they have knit sweaters and sold them to schoolchildren. Kisuka Women’s Group was able to sell their crops (including beans and maize) at a good profit because so many crops failed this season. The groups are also honoring their commitment to community service. Aka ma Uvoo Museo Women’s Group each contributed money to buy school uniforms for a needy girl. In Kitooni Women’s Group, one of the members lost her sister. The group brought firewood and food to the member, pray with her, and offered comfort.

Drought has been a serious challenge, with many crops failing. The group members have been saving the water in their tanks for drinking and are helping those in need with food.

Malili B

The groups in Malili B mostly make sisal ropes and ballast. One group is buying and reselling vegetables. Another group is doing casual labor working on nearby shambas and selling beads. A new group has joined Malili B. The name they chose is Mbukelye, which means “lift me up.”

Women here are struggling due to the drought - they have little food, and there is not much water left in their tanks. While they have been using the water in their tanks for their gardens, Regina has recommended they reserve it just for drinking. Most members and their families are sick.

Makueni

Sue writes that they are facing famine and drought in most of the Ukambani. Agricultural projects are not doing well due to the drought. One group’s tree nursery has been decimated by the harsh conditions. Many of the groups are doing table banking and merry-go-round banking.

During their committee meeting, the cluster planned out their schedule and goals for 2025. They committed to community service for needy families, will do a training on sisal farming, and will tour an agricultural trade fair.

Mbooni

While the groups are being affected by drought and illness, they continue to be innovative in the Income Generating Activities. In Neema Women’s Group, the members are selling clay pots. Some are also planting flowers in the pots and selling those. Tei wa Ngai Women’s Group has joined with other farmers to receive training on planting eggplants, which will be a healthy addition to family’s diets. Kyai Women’s Group has been making and selling uji power, which is a popular porridge made of arrowroot, cassava, peanuts, honey, and hot milk.

Tulimani

Drought is making life difficult in Tulimani. Wikililye Women’s Group has had to use water from their tanks for their vegetable farms because there has been so little rain. Some of the groups are doing well with catering and poultry keeping, while others are struggling to stay motivated and meet their goals. We are excited that Baraka Women’s Group will be graduating next month. This group joined PFP Kenya in 2013.

Yandue

This cluster is really coming along. Of Wise Women’s Group, Agnes says, “Women are enjoying selling boiled eggs, mandazis, and tea in schools and in markets. Women can do wonders.” Hope Women’s Group is making rings, necklaces, keyholders, and table mats using Masaii beads.

Elizabeth's Celebration Story

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 19:18:27 GMT

The Relief of Water

I remember the day a water tank was delivered to the church in our village. Seeing that tank was a turning point for me, and I knew right away that I wanted to join the group that made it possible. I had been struggling for so long in search of water, and that tank represented the solution to a hardship I faced every day.

In our village, we had only one well, and it was deep—about 50 feet down. To get water, we used a five-liter can tied to a sisal rope long enough to reach the bottom. No matter who arrived first or last, the process was always the same. Everyone would scramble to dip their cans into the well and draw up water to fill their jerrycans. It was chaotic, and people were often jostling for position.

To make matters worse, the well wasn’t secure. Anything could fall into it and contaminate the water—insects, small animals, you name it. And still, we had no choice but to use that water.

To make the long trip to the well and ensure we came back with enough water, we had to leave home around 3:00 AM. The danger didn’t stop with the well, though. We lived in constant fear for our safety. Young men in the area were a real threat to women and girls. They would stalk us, no matter what time of day or night it was.

One day, we went to the well as usual, not knowing that these men were out hunting in search of prey. There were six of us women and three of our daughters. We filled our cans, and as we made our way back, we had to be cautious—always nervous about who would lead the group and who would be at the back. It was tense, and sometimes we ended up stepping on each other just trying to stay safe.

That day, the woman at the back of the line screamed out loudly. She must have stepped on something, but instead of checking what it was, she panicked. We all ran, screaming, dropping our jerrycans and scared for our lives.

After everything we went through, I can’t even fully express what having this rainwater catchment tank means. It has brought so much joy and relief to me and my family. It’s not just about the convenience of water—it will provide safety and peace for me and my daughter.

Micro-enterprises Help Break the Cycle of Poverty

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 20:55:23 GMT

Microenterprises are an important tool in the fight against poverty, particularly for women in rural Kenya. These small-scale businesses, often started with minimal capital, provide a sustainable pathway out of poverty by offering economic independence and social empowerment.

Each Path From Poverty women's group chooses which micro-enterprises make sense for their group based on their location, resources available, and skills they can learn or share. Here are three of the main income generating projects in the Ukambani region:

Farming:

Around 80% of Kenya's agricultural workforce is made up of women, who play a pivotal role in the country's agricultural production.

Women in Path From Poverty are encouraged to have a shamba, or kitchen garden. This provides fresh food for their families and sometimes a surplus that can be sold. In order to conserve water, the women re-use what they can to water their gardens. For example, they will wash their dishes and then pour the dish water onto their plants.

Women also do casual labor at neighboring farms - planting seeds, spreading manure, and harvesting crops.

Basket Weaving:

The Ukambani region is known for its baskets. Women weave baskets from sisal, baobab, yarn, and plastic bags. When women harvest sisal, they must strip the plant by hand to get the fibers for weaving. The sap of the sisal plant can cause skin irritation but the women endure this because weaving baskets and ropes is a vital way they earn income.

Making Ballast:

Breaking rocks into ballast, or gravel, for construction is back-breaking work. For many women in dire poverty, it’s one of the only accessible income generating projects, as it requires no capital. Women collect rocks, then break them into smaller rocks using a hammer or a rock. Even collecting the rocks can be dangerous, as venomous snakes can be hiding in the rocks. When the women smash the stones, they risk eye injuries from flying rock shards and hand injuries.

Cluster Update: Changing Seasons

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 23:28:22 GMT

Changing seasons

Kibwezi Cluster - Beatrice:

The cluster trained on farming techniques and are going to try planting earlier to catch the rain. The area is dry, and members are struggling. As a cluster, they shared love, project training, and water with members without tanks.

Kilome Cluster - Susan:

The groups in Kilome continue to work on their projects including beekeeping and livestock breeding and sales. Groups have been learning about a new breed of chickens, and group members who are able are placing orders for the chickens. They are inviting a trainer to teach them about making chicken feed to reduce their expenses.

Susan trained the cluster on keeping good financial records so that group members can understand where their savings are going. Transparency is key to trust and the groups working well.

Kisau Cluster - Sue:

The groups in Kisau are working hard, and each group has plans to purchase 2-6 rainwater catchment tanks. During the cluster meeting, Sue trained members on writing project proposals, table banking, tree nursery establishment and management, and how groups who have graduated can continue to implement projects.

Kola Cluster - Annah:

Members are busy tilling their gardens and spreading manure in their fields in anticipation of the rainy season. One group is making charcoal to sell once the temperatures drop, and another is preparing a tree nursery. Members are struggling to pay their targets, and Annah offers them encouragement to try harder. “There is power in unity,” she tells us.

Makueni Cluster - Sue:

Groups have been preparing their kitchen gardens, and some members attended the Agricultural Trade Fair in Nairobi. Wikwatyo wa Yinthungu Women’s Group continues to build rocket stoves, which are benefiting women, the community, and helping the group contribute to their target. Group members are helping each other collect materials to build bases for the tanks they are purchasing.

The area is so hot that transportation has been a challenge, so the cluster decided to meet less frequently. Sue trained members on tree nurseries and poultry keeping, especially building chicken coops, feeding, and disease management.

Malili A Cluster - Regina:

Group members are working hard, with each group having a few income generating projects. One group is selling sweaters at a market, while others are selling liquid soap and jik to clinics and other customers. In Tei wa Malili Women’s Group, each member contributed two chickens to sell to a local church, and in Aka ma Uvoo Museo Women’s Group, each member contributed three chickens to sell to a school. The cluster trained on bookkeeping, how to medicate chickens, and how to expand their income generating projects.

Malili B Cluster - Regina:

Two groups have each bought four tanks! They worked hard doing casual labor in neighboring farms and selling ballast. Some groups are not doing as well. The group leaders will visit with the members who are not paying their targets so they might understand their problems and offer assistance and encouragement.

Mbooni Cluster - Agnes:

Agnes’s groups are transitioning their income generating activities with the shift in seasons. One group was making school bags but has switched to braiding ropes. Another group that was planting flowers has started making tie dye. Agnes writes that “Many members are helping others in the group to overcome challenges. Others are giving out their clothes to the needy and elderly.”

Tulimani Cluster - Monicah:

The area is very dry, and most groups did not meet their targets due to drought. A health officer came to the cluster meeting and opened the women’s eyes to the risks of cancer.

Yandue Cluster - Agnes:

Groups are engaged in many successful projects. One group purchased two donkeys and are using them to haul sand to sell. Another group is boiling sweet potatoes and arrowroot to make tea. They carry flasks of the tea and baskets of cups and sell the tea to community members.

Agnes plans to consult the Ministry of Health and request help for breast cancer screening. Many women have cancer and do not even know. For their cluster meeting, they met at a group member’s home who has cancer and contributed money towards her treatment.

Christine's Celebration Story

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 23:18:10 GMT

"Our lives will change."

When Christine heard about Ngwatanio ya Aka Women’s Group, she could not believe it was real. Although she attended the group meetings, her skepticism held her back, and she was lax in contributing to the group savings. One of Christine’s friends belonged to another Path From Poverty group. Although her friend also had many challenges, she was participating in her group and received a rainwater catchment tank last year. “I asked myself, ‘Why not me?’” says Christine. “I got serious and started paying my targets well.”

Christine saw how her friend’s burdens were relieved because of the tank. After the rains, she did not have to fetch water and was able to start a kitchen garden and a poultry farm. Her health also improved dramatically with access to clean water.

Now fully committed to the project, Christine braided sisal ropes and did casual labor. She budgeted her money and paid the group targets. Her husband also works and has been supporting Christine, seeing how motivated she is to help their family.

Receiving this rainwater catchment tank is in incredible gift that will free up Christine’s time so that she can start a small business. She says, “It’s like I am dreaming. I cannot imagine that I will get 10,000 liters of clean water! Thank you PFP. Without you, I could not afford to buy a tank. I am so happy. Even my husband and family are proud of me. Our lives will change.”

Cluster Update - New Income Generating Projects

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 19:29:50 GMT

Kibwezi

Group members in Kibwezi are working on making bricks, planting tree nurseries, and beekeeping. It is hard to succeed at these activities without adequate water. The water sources are far away, and Beatrice reports that the women are often confronted by wild and domestic animals like elephants.

Kilome

This month, the training was on a type of poultry called Uzima or Sasso chickens. They discussed the advantages of this breed, the costs, and how to prepare for keeping them. Susan says, “We had a wonderful time, and most members were very interested some immediately ordered for chicks.”

Kisau

Groups in Kisau are doing well and saving to purchase multiple tanks. They trained on vegetable farming and beekeeping. They visited a member with a successful farm to learn about tree nurseries. Older groups are mentoring newer members.

Kola

Groups are working on vegetable and tree nurseries and also doing table banking and merry-go-round banking. The cluster trained on body fitness such as walking and jogging. Annah asks for your support and well wishes so “that every woman conquers every challenge.”

Malili A

Regina says that the cluster is struggling with climate change, and the weather has been unseasonably cold. Aka ma Uiini Women’s Group made sweaters and sold them. Many group members and their families are suffering from illness and hunger.

Malili B

Group leaders are training on record keeping and how to encourage group participation. Groups are selling ballast for construction, making sisal ropes, and doing casual labor at neighboring farms.

Makueni

Women in Makueni are struggling due to the economic situation in Kenya and drought. The leaders are training their groups on how to plant drought resistant crops and starting income generating activities that require less water. Several groups received training on using wonderbags and fireless cookers to save fuel and be more time efficient.

Mbooni

Agnes’s leadership continues to help groups be creative with their income generating activities. Kwiiyumya Women’s Group is “selling avocados like hot cakes. They all carry buckets full of avocado and sell alongside the roads.” Other groups are making school bags for children, harvesting passion fruit and tree tomatoes, and selling firewood and charcoal to help people heat their homes during this cold season.

Agnes started this month’s cluster training with a question: What makes some groups do better than others?” Her answer: spiritual leaders and members, commitment, team work, no gossip, being compassionate, good training before formation, and being transparent and accountable!

Tulimani

This month, the cluster received training on drug abuse among the youth so that they are able to speak to their children and hopefully prevent drug use.

Women are anxiously waiting for the protests in Kenya to cease. The protests are disrupting markets and making it difficult for the group members to sell their ballast and other goods.

Yandue

This new cluster still faces challenges as many members are not educated and are learning to overcome selfishness and meet group expectations. Agnes notes that these are common challenges in new groups and trusts the women will overcome them. Groups have been successful in selling food items including porridge and ice cream. One group is collecting sand from a riverbed to sell and another group has pounded rocks into gravel and sold it for construction projects in Nairobi.

Cluster Update: Ongoing Flood Recovery Efforts

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 19:52:39 GMT

The flooding in Kenya has caused many challenges, but groups are coming together to support members who are struggling.

Kibwezi

The women in Kibwezi have been training on how to work “like bees in their gardens,” and their hard work is paying off. Women with tanks share water with the members who are still working toward their first tank.

Kilome

Many of the women in Kilome do casual labor, but there are few opportunities available now due to the economy. The groups are still pressing ahead, determined to purchase at least one tank. Kwambeu Women’s Group continues to support Lydia, a disabled woman who has been part of the group for several years. Even though she is unable to work and contribute to the group savings, the women offer her support, bring her food and supplies, and keep her company .

Kisau

Groups are training on how to maintain kitchen gardens, how to manage groups, and how to have sustainable income generating activities. Members who have graduated and have successful farms are sharing their techniques.

Kola

Under Annah’s leadership, groups are determined to do well and are improving. The cluster trained on virtues such as love and unity as they support each other. Women visited members who have been sick, and they successfully raised enough money to help one member with her hospital bills.

Makueni

Despite challenges caused by the flooding, the groups in Makueni continue to do well with their income generating projects, including tree nurseries and merry-go-round savings. Twaweza and Aka Oi Women’s Group collaborated with an organization and received sewing machines. They are currently working on an order of 10,000 menstrual pads.

Malili A

Groups are knitting sweaters, selling liquid soap, and braiding ropes. It has been hard for the groups to sell their products due to the poor economy and transportation challenges caused by the floods. Most members’ chickens were carried away by floodwaters, and the women are struggling to find food. Some children have had to stay home from school because school fees are out of reach.

Malili B

Groups are crushing ballast and braising sisal ropes, but even motorbikes have been unable to reach the area because roads are washed out. They are waiting for roads to be repaired. One group has been able to go door-to-door reselling fruits and vegetables with some success.

Mbooni

Group members are working hard to support each other during these trying times. Agnes trained members on how to maintain their gardens during heavy rains. Neema Women’s Group is making bricks so they can build homes for members who lost theirs during the floods.

Tulimani

Monicah reports that groups are unstable, and women have not been able to make their contributions towards their targets. The torrential rains caused significant damage to crops and roads. “The villages are now repairing slowly by slowly.”

Yandue

Members of this new cluster are finding success with selling porridge, making jewelry, and constructing beehives. One group received training from the government on painting houses. Mbooni and Yandue clusters met together. Many members are sick, and some are without shelter after floods destroyed their homes. “During our gathering, I encouraged them to be strong when days are dark and also be brave when life gets tough.”

Joyce's Celebration Story

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 20:43:50 GMT

“My dream has come true.”

Joyce Andrew used to walk eight hours a day, six days a week, for water. She joined Path From Poverty in 2021, and with eleven people living at home, she was worried about their health due to the water-borne diseases sometimes found in the local water.

Joyce is a woman of resourcefulness. Faced with the need for more water and after many long treks, she took matters into her own hands. She purchased a donkey to help cut down on walking time. With eleven people living at home, her primary concern was their safety from diseases like typhoid, amoeba, and bilharzia.

She is very happy to receive this water tank, which will keep her family safe from water-borne illnesses, improve her poultry farming, and allow her to earn her own money.

“My dream has come true. I will preach more and more about PFP so that more and more women can benefit from this,” Joyce wrote.

Cluster Update: Flooding in Kenya

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 22:58:14 GMT

Monicah (Tulimani) – Group reports this month are full of the bad news from the floods – roads and markets closed because of heavy rain, cereal harvest destroyed by rain and worms, and even “poor attendance at meetings because many members cross rivers.” Harvest is anticipated to be poor, too.

Sue (Makueni) – A new group, “Petal Sisters,” has started in Makueni, and they are already starting their savings while they are being trained. Rains and flooding really disturb them, however, so that their challenges this month were “sickness and death among members, floods, mud slides and most homes swept away by water and strong winds.” Their training was on leadership and the responsibilities of their group leaders.

Agnes (Yandue) – Agnes describes her new cluster thus: “Most of the women are not educated, others don’t go to church, many girls are drop-outs from school.” She asks for prayer that these circumstances would change. They were highly motivated by meeting women from all over PFP at the Work Team marketplace, so she is hopefully to see change.

Susan (Kilome) – “Great and very devastating is the floods caused by heavy downpour of rain. Banks overflowed, dams, landslides, farms washed away, and others got leached, falling of houses, dropping of toilets, etc.”

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – Beatrice also talks about devastation in her area, and how in their meetings they discuss how to help members’ families when life is lost. They continue to share as they are able, however, Nyota Ndongo women’s group continues to struggle.

Agnes (Mbooni) – This area has really struggled with flooding and mudslides because it is hilly.

Sue (Kisau) – This cluster is doing well, and with so many groups graduating but wanting to stay involved, so this last months’ strategy was around their targets, meetings and trainings.

Annah (Kola) – Our new RPM is reinforcing the skills and IGAs of the current six groups, while looking for new women’s groups to join in Kola. She just trained leaders in writing minutes. Heavy rains have affected the crops, and women are feeling discouraged.

Regina (Malili A & B) – Floods are a major problem in Malili, affecting houses, health, markets and movement. She says, “tarmac roads are washed away by heavy rains, no vehicle or motorbike can move.” Women have piles of rope and gravel ready for sale, and no buyers because of the situation. For many IGAs, it’s also too muddy to work, such as collecting stones and casual labor, a main activity in Malili. The group that grows and sells vegetables and fruit had to throw out their rotten produce for lack of sales.

Agnes' Celebration Story

Fri, 10 May 2024 15:56:23 GMT

The community views a single mother in a new light

Agnes, a single mother raising a son while tending to her crops and livestock, faced immense challenges. Isolation and rejection from the community and her extended family eroded her self-esteem. The daily burden of fetching water added another 5.5 hours to her already demanding life.

A beacon of hope arrived when Agnes learned about Path From Poverty. Eager to connect with other women, she joined the organization. The group meetings provided a space for her to share her struggles, receive support from fellow members, and participate in valuable training sessions. These sessions not only equipped her with practical skills but also fostered a sense of self-confidence and belonging. The community began to see Agnes in a new light, as a woman who is empowered and resilient.

The arrival of this rainwater catchment tank marks a turning point. Agnes, no longer burdened by the daily water trek, envisions a future filled with possibilities. With the saved time and readily available water, she will focus on improving her farm's productivity, ultimately ensuring a brighter future for herself and her son. Agnes, her spirit lifted, echoed the hope of many – that Path From Poverty's project will continue to empower women like her, fostering a wave of positive change within the community.

Cluster Update: News from Kenya

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:41:35 GMT

Welcoming a new leader for Kola cluster

Annah (Kola) – We are excited to welcome new Regional Program Manager Annah, who was elected by the members of Kola Cluster. While two groups left during the gap of leadership, two new groups have joined the program, and Annah reports they are doing well. However, “Women are struggling with their targets. Working as daily casual laborers as a group and getting pay equally for each member.” Last month, their community service was visiting widowers.

Monicah (Tulimani) – In February, late rains were too heavy, actually damaging bean crops for some groups. Training has continued now for the whole cluster in new tie-dye techniques. Two older groups graduated in January and are deciding if they will continue with another project.

Sue (Makueni) – Sue has added one new group to this cluster, and they just had an election for their leaders. All members have been busy and productive, as it is that time of year, but they will do training again next month. She says, “Thank God for the rains: members have a good harvest and tanks!”

Agnes (Yandue) – The new cluster added two new groups in January and three more in March, so they have a total of 9 groups of over 200 members! They continue their training with Agnes in “kitchen garden farming technologies using plastic materials which can last for over ten years.” While new to PFP, they have already been working hard together. For example, Kavaa Women’s Group has saved for two years to buy sewing machines, and they have just now opened a shop to make uniforms as their income generating activity.

Agnes (Mbooni) – Mbooni hosted the most recent Work Team and ended the trip with a closing ceremony and marketplace of over 650 PFP members! Agnes provided a lot of training for the 19 groups of Mbooni and was exceptionally organized and hospitable for their guests.

Sue (Kisau) – Four groups recently graduated from this older cluster, with three of them electing to stay on and work on a fourth project together. This mentorship role of ongoing members is pivotal to our program.

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – Even Beatrice can now report that it is not dry like it has been the last several seasons. Since this cluster only bought two tanks last year, she is currently training them to start paying their group targets earlier this year.

Regina (Malili A & B) – The two clusters worked together in preparing for the Work Team Marketplace and in their community service to a member who lost her mother. Unfortunately, she says many members didn’t harvest, or they harvested little, and will need to buy food in this upcoming season. They are being advised to not sell the little they harvested but save it to feed the family.

Susan (Kilome) – We celebrate with Kwambeu, one of our oldest groups that just graduated in February. They were highlighted in the 2021 Harambee video – renting a bean field together as young women to advising government officials on dam building in their elder years. Members from Kilome worked hard to go to Mbooni to join the celebration and market, selling chicks to pay their bus fare.

Penina's Celebration Story

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 18:57:47 GMT

“I flashed back and saw how I trekked for water for so many years.”

Penina is 68 years old, has two children and four grandsons, and works as a farmer. Her husband passed away in 2022. Penina says she has been so uneasy many times over the years, worrying about the challenges she has faced around fetching water.

In 2018, Penina joined Wathini Deanery Women’s Group. She appreciates having friends who support her and being able to help other women. The group decided Penina should receive this month’s gift tank, and she could not believe it was hers. Finally, she was convinced! “I flashed back and saw how I trekked for water for so many years,” she says. Penina recalls how she would borrow a cart from her neighbor when possible so that she could haul three to four jerricans of water at a time. Then she would try to ration the water to avoid walking again that day. It was very stressful as she worried about providing enough water for her family.

Penina shares her incredible gratitude for this gift: “Now I feel really relieved from this burden. Bravo, Path From Poverty. This is quite unbelievable. Accept my big appreciation. This is very great devotion. It has overtaken my heart. Be blessed, blessed!”

Kawendo Women's Group Graduates!

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 19:30:30 GMT

A group that has walked the path from poverty.

We celebrate the members of Kawendo Women’s Group graduating from our program! This group of women joined together years ago under the leadership of Susan, Regional Program Manager for Kilome. They started successful income generating activities including beekeeping, keeping indigenous cattle, and farming legumes.

Kawendo Women’s Group has faced many challenges. Its members are elderly and suffer from the effects of a lifetime of hard physical labor. When they could not walk to meetings, they tried to send a family member in their place. During the prolonged drought, the group’s tree nursery failed but they were able to maintain their livestock project.

Susan says, “These women are very special among many.” They have always moved forward as a group. Together, they purchased a single cow. When it calved, the calf was given to a member who was drawn from a lottery. They continued until every member had a cow. When a bull is born, he is sold with the proceeds going to the group.

They have constructed a sand dam which has helped change the local environment to a green valley. The sand dam pond holds water that the community can use for two months to water their animals. Each member has a water pond which they dug as a group. The ponds hold water that can be used for their livestock and vegetable gardens.

Kawendo group members have been dedicated to community service and have assisted community members who are HIV-positive with food and medicine. Many were near death, but they recovered thanks to this care. The community appreciates the group for this good work.

The women worked very hard over the years and have been able to educate their children, many of whom are now attending college.

“I’m proud of these wonderful women,” Susan says. “They have a lot to boast about.”

Cluster Update: Preparing for the Work Team

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 22:53:10 GMT

February 2024: Update from our Regional Program Managers

Monicah (Tulimani) – “We had heavy rains which destroyed crops in some areas, but we have hope in other areas.” At least one group lost all their beans with the flooding, and one chairlady and one member lost their husbands.

Agnes (Yandue) – The new cluster (note the new name) continues their training, as Agnes describes: “Still training on how to go through with IGAs, and also training members on how to do devotions, cook, educate their girls and how to dress.” She hopes for wisdom to overcome challenges in her leading of Yandue.

Agnes (Mbooni) – Mbooni cluster is very busy preparing for the 2024 Work Team wh ich arrives at the end of February. The groups continue in many different income generation projects and are busy making baskets for the W ork Team visitors.

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – The rain has boosted activity, as well as the training they receive d in income generation at the end of 2023. They are also preparing for the Work Team Marketplace. The challenge in Kibwezi is how few women have tanks.

Regina (Malili A) – It’s the season again to make sisal ropes, and groups continue to diversify their income generation with making and selling mandazi doughnuts, knitted sweaters and some jewelry for the Work Team marketplace. In training, treasurers will produce a monthly earnings sheet. But the heavy rains have negatively affected their crops – they do not anticipate a harvest.

Regina (Malili B) – One group sold a lorry-full of gravel, a huge success. They contributed Christmas gifts to needy families in their area of wheat flour, rice, cooking oil , and sweet biscuits. Another group had a Christmas party and helped families with gifts, too, while group prayer partners did a gift exchange. Training continues in record keeping and Regina will oversee the treasurers’ records. As they face the challenges of low harvest, “we agreed to limit the food cooked to be enough for families, so as not to waste food.” One member, a mother of four, just lost her husband – the breadwinner for the family.

Susan (Kilome) – Kilome closed buying 15 tanks, a record for them. Two of the older groups plan to graduate soon, and we celebrate with them. A facilitator came in to train in diversifying income generation .

Cutting Wood for Water

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 20:17:36 GMT

Several years ago, two men on the Olympic Peninsula met regularly to cut and donate firewood to local auctions and families in need. Through the Sequim Sunrise Rotary Club, they learned about Path From Poverty in 2018. The men agreed that Path From Poverty was a good cause and decided to lend their support!

The group of woodcutters grew by several members, men ranging from their 60s to their 90s. Each week, this team of lumberjacks meets to cut wood that has been donated by tree removal experts. The trees are cut and delivered to Jack’s home, where the lumberjacks get to work. They cut the wood into logs and then deliver the cords to the local community. Most of the cords are sold and the proceeds are donated to Path From Poverty, while some are given to families in need. In 2022 alone, the team put in 1,000 hours and drove over 6,000 miles delivering cords of firewood.

Since 2016, the Woodcutters team has donated over $63,000 to Path From Poverty, making a significant impact in the lives of Kenyan women. Jack notes, “Besides the donations we make to PFP, we benefit from the exercise but mainly we enjoy each other's company and have become close friends.”

Read more about the Woodcutters at the Sequim Gazette:

Sequim woodcutters find friendship while raising thousands for nonprofit | Sequim Gazette

Joy's Celebration Story

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:35:14 GMT

"PFP has really empowered me."

Joy is a mother to two sons and two daughters. She sells bricks and raises rabbits to support her family. Without electricity at home, Joy has to spend hundreds of shillings every month buying candles and paraffin for her lantern.

In 2015, Joy joined Kyai B Women’s Group. Now she has two rainwater catchment tanks but the benefits of the group go far beyond access to clean water. Joy explains that she has gained knowledge, the support of other women, and the ability to earn and manage money. “Before I joined Path From Poverty, I was very shy and didn’t have any friends. Since I joined, I count more benefits as a woman. PFP has really empowered me. I am very proud of my achievements.”

This solar panel will provide peace and security for Joy and her children. Last year, thieves stole her rabbits but now she will be able to install a security light outside. Instead of traveling to a market to charge her phone, Joy will be able to charge it at home. Joy thanks the donors for this generous gift.

A Thank You from Stella

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 21:13:18 GMT

"When you educate a girl, you educate the whole nation."

Educating girls is vital to increasing gender equality and reducing poverty in rural areas. In Kenya, many girls do not make it through secondary school due to walking for water, poverty, and early marriage. The good news? For a Kenyan girl, even completing one year of secondary education corresponds to over 25 percent increase in wages. Educated girls help break the cycle of poverty, marry at a later age, and contribute to their communities.

Path From Poverty pays the secondary school fees for two girls in need. We are currently sponsoring Stella and Mirriam. Stella has put a lot of effort into studying and will be sitting for her final exams at secondary school soon.

Stella has written a letter of appreciation:

“I would like to inform you that you are of great support to my life. You came into my life when I had no option in my life. I would like to show you that without your support I could not make it.

I am glad that you have been paying my school fees at the right time and also giving me shopping every term. You have been of great help to my family which was unable to provide for my needs. Just for your help I will now be able to provide for my family.”

Agnes, RPM for Mbooni and Yandue clusters, has supported Stella as she works her way through school. She tells us, “Stella could not hide her joy while she was writing this appreciation letter to you. Her wish is to meet with you one day and give you a big hug. She is so Thankful and grateful for your continuous support for four years towards her education. Her main message was, when you educate a girl, you educate the whole nation. After giving that message, she shed tears of joy!”

Thank you to our donors who have made this journey possible for Stella!

Cluster Update: Arrival of the Rainy Season

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 03:43:27 GMT

December 2023: Update from our Regional Program Managers

Kenya has been besieged by torrential rains that have caused flooding, washed away homes, and ruined this season’s crops. Regina tells us, “It has done damage, like destroying houses, and people carried by the river. Our gardens are flooded with water, the crops are turning yellow. The women are worried they won’t have anything to harvest.”

Kibwezi

With the arrival of the rainy season, some group members have been able to start up their projects that require water, including planting tree nurseries and making bricks. Beatrice writes, “In our cluster we must share love, because our members, we are poor.”

Kilome

Groups are setting their goals for the coming year and working hard to meet their targets. Susan writes, “Due to the rain which is pounding down heavily, we’ve encouraged women to work hard in their fields with an aim of harvesting a lot during this special time.”

Kisau

Members continue to be challenged by the high cost of living. They trained on farming, poultry keeping, and irrigation. Two groups are preparing to graduate this year.

Malili A

Like the other clusters, women here are challenged by the cost of living. “Everything is expensive, and there is no money,” writes Regina. Women are working hard to different IGAs such as doing casual labor, braiding sisal ropes, and keeping livestock to earn enough money.

Malili B

Groups are crushing ballast to sell, making liquid soap, and doing casual labor to meet their targets.

Makueni

This cluster has been busy with trainings this month. Members learned about reproductive health and cancer awareness. They continue to increase their knowledge of poultry management and climate change.

Matondoni

This new cluster is starting off with group trainings. Members are learning how to grow crops like cabbage and onions and how to start beekeeping. The cluster faces significant challenges, as many group members are illiterate and married young due to a lack of education.

Mbooni

Members are learning how to grow dragonfruit and broccoli. They also engaged in a community service project to provide food and clothing for deaf and mute children at a specialized school.

Tulimani

Groups are hopeful for the rains and are planting their crops. One group has started table banking and reports it has been successful so far. Monicah reports that “Groups struggled much for targets but tried their best.”

Catherine's Celebration Story

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 21:42:14 GMT

Catherine and her daughter will be safe with access to clean water at home.

Catherine was the youngest child in her family. When she was just 16 years old, her father passed away. She was left to care for her elderly mother and shouldered most of the household chores.

One day, as Catherine ventured out to collect wood for cooking, she encountered a drunk man leaving a market. He assaulted Catherine, and she became pregnant. After giving birth at just 17 years old, Catherine struggled to take care of her baby. Her mother would help with childcare while she went to work at neighbors’ homes, earning a small income to purchase food and other necessities.

Now Catherine is 45 years old, a grandmother, and has been a member of Kyeni kya Ngiini Women’s Group for three years. Having the support of other women has been a great source of comfort for her. Catherine earned one rainwater catchment tank, which enabled her to start keeping poultry. To supplement the water from the tank, she and her daughter still had to walk to six kilometers to fetch water from an earth dam. She worried about their safety after her own traumatic experience.

With this gift of a second tank, they will have enough clean water at home. Catherine will finally be able to start a kitchen garden and plant vegetables. “I thank PFP for making me go this far with two tanks! I can now afford to meet my targets.”

Cluster Update: A New Cluster!

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 20:23:16 GMT

October 2023: Update from our Regional Program Managers

Monicah (Tulimani) – One third of these groups were not able to meet their targets and two are particularly discouraged. They had training on keeping cattle and Monicah reports “Many groups are trying different money generating activities like selling watermelons, firewood and washing clothes.” They are being challenged by scarce water and food.

Agnes (Mbooni) – This month Agnes introduced a new cluster, Matoudoni, with four new groups of 72 members. She says it is an area with fertile soil and she is training the women on growing higher-profit fruit such as passion and avocado. Men continue to show support and interest and she says “When I was forming the new cluster, women were joined by their husband, and they had many questions. Remember for men to be patient for almost 3 hours is not easy.”

In Mbooni, the groups continue to learn new activities, such as “making toys for young ones” and planting tree tomatoes (tamarillo), a fast-growing tree with clustered fruit, which Agnes trained leaders on this month. One of her leaders also trained all the RPMs in planting dragon fruit. Agnes gives thanks for her field worker, especially in this busy time of bank opening.

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – These groups are preparing their gardens and praying for the upcoming rains to be enough for them this time. Beatrice comments that a previous training in table banking has been fruitful for their groups, as otherwise, “to have money is very difficult.”

Sue (Kisau) – Training continues in record keeping and group management, partly in response to encourage the secretaries in their work, especially in the older groups.

Sue (Makueni) – Every group has been able to buy at least one tank this year, and training this month was on health, self-esteem, women’s rights and how to handle stress well. Some members are preparing to plant dragon frui t.

Regina (Malili A) – Wh en members can’t pay targets, they avoid the meetings, and grace is needed to make her feel welcome, and to bring what little she can bring is alright. Regina trains the leaders in understanding and solving problems.

Regina (Malili B) – Only one group was unable to buy a tank this year, and one of these young groups bought three! Regina is doing follow-up training in leadership and record-keeping. They are challenged by members weak in paying their targets.

Susan (Kilome) – W ith dams drying up and three groups slow in paying targets, Susan also astutely names the challenge of “coping with people who won’t reciprocate the good deeds done in our groups…. or see the devotion of their office bearers.” One chairlady uses her tank water to grow greens she sells at discount to neighbors.

Nthenya's Celebration Story

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 20:04:47 GMT

"Being in PFP is a blessing to us all."

Nthenya is 70 years old, married, a mother, and a grandmother. She and her family live in Mbooni. Every day, Nthenya and her grandchildren make three trips to fetch water that she describes as being very poor quality and carrying waterborne diseases.

“Life has never been easy through the years,” Nthenya tells us. “I got married to a dictator who wanted me indoors at all times. I never had friends to share my burdens.” When her husband found her speaking to their neighbors, he would verbally and physically abuse her for hours.

Nthenya found out about Tei wa Ngai Women’s Group from a friend and secretly joined in 2015. She wove sisal baskets and passed along money to her friend to pay the group targets. All these years, her husband had no idea she belonged to a women’s group that was providing her with support and friendship.

“Being in PFP is a blessing to us all,” Nthenya says. She was so happy to receive this rainwater catchment tank gift that will benefit her entire family. Nthenya’s husband was finally proud of what she has accomplished. “Receiving this tank was a total blessing and surprise to my husband. He hugged me and said sorry for all the suffering.”

The Power of Solar

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 17:01:45 GMT

Many families in rural Kenya lack access to electricity, requiring the use of hazardous and expensive alternatives.

Families face an immense financial burden when they have to spend limited resources on kerosene, candles, and batteries. Some women report they spend almost their entire income on energy costs, a huge impediment to breaking the cycle of poverty.

Kerosene lanterns emit carbon monoxide and other pollutants which cause adverse health effects. Exposure can cause respiratory and cardiac diseases and even death. Many girls now need glasses because their eyes have been affected. Lanterns and candles are also a fire risk.

Solar panels make a difference in health, financial stability, and opportunities for women and girls. With solar powered lights, children can study and women can work in the evenings. Outdoor lights improve security in isolated areas and decrease theft. Solar panels also power cell phones, which are necessary for women’s businesses.

Eunice expresses her gratitude for receiving a solar panel: "When I joined Path From Poverty I was not sure whether I would make it but through the encouragement of the group members I have been able to acquire two tanks, and now I have a solar panel. Being in a group is so important because I have learnt a lot and I have been able to get a lot of confidence in whatever I start doing. Having this solar panel I will be able to work after sunset and generate more income for my family."

Cluster Update: Living Life Without Enough Water

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 20:03:10 GMT

August 2023: Update from our Regional Program Managers

Monicah (Tulimani) – This cluster’s monthly meeting included a seminar on Transformational Leadership. One of the group's secretaries had an accident but is getting better. Monicah asks prayers for those that crush rocks that they would be safe from the flying particles.

Agnes (Mbooni) – Training in dragon-fruit continues and one group has started collecting and selling used plastic bottles back to the factory for income generation. Agnes reports that in this dry season different groups are joining together to do beekeeping, “as the government has given the opportunity to use the forest to put our beehives.” We welcome the 99th group: Uumwe.

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – Leadership training has also helped this cluster, and while some groups won’t be ready for next month’s bank opening, they are all working very hard to meet their targets.

Sue (Kisau) – As promised, the follow-up trainings in project management, record keeping and accounting is already being implemented in managing their agribusiness finances. They plan to visit a farm to continue their learning, after the September bank opening.

Susan (Kilome) – Susan and her husband are doing better . Her recent training included “Encouraging members to have a day out from their familiar environment, to visit an educative sight or learn what makes people relax and what this does in our lives or affect us positively.” Her groups are preparing to celebrate the bank opening and the “calm” that has come with a decent harvest season.

Sue (Makueni) – The new breed of chicks is doing well, and most groups will have a starter batch of 10 chicks by bank opening time. In preparation, management skills such as housing, feeding and cleaning are being learned. As Sue says, they “are discussing poultry keeping and tree planting to improve on vegetation cover and climate change.” A lack of food, high prices and animal theft due to the famine-like conditions are their biggest challenges.

Regina (Malili A) – Pray for those struggling to meet their targets – everyone is working hard, but some circumstances such as illness, losing chickens during the drought, or being “left by their beloved ones” makes it hard to set money aside every month. They were trained by an agricultural officer last month on preserving seeds for the next harvest.

Regina (Malili B) – Income generation continues to grow with increased training in everything from record keeping to how to market ones’ product. Regina also did a basic health training, including the needs for check ups and pap smears .

Jedida's Celebration Story

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 20:58:25 GMT

"I am a strong woman who is always there for my children."

One night, Jedida’s husband came home drunk, chased her and her children away, and committed suicide while they were taking shelter at a neighbor’s house. Jedida raised her children on her own after her husband passed away, saying, “Since then, I have been the mother and father to my children.” Jedida is now 40 years old, works to support her family, and walks for water multiple times a day.

In 2022, Jedida joined Kyeni kya Mulooni Women’s Group. The support of other women has been a benefit to her. Since being in the group, she feels that she has more control over her income. Jedida resells fruits and braids sisal ropes to support her three daughters, son, and extended family.

“Receiving this tank in the month of April was a blessing,” Jedida says. Her family’s health will improve, and her daughters will be free to attend school. She thanks the donors and speaks highly of Path From Poverty and Agnes, the Regional Program Manager for Mbooni. “PFP has really led to women’s empowerment. The community appreciates our good job.”

"Confident and Courageous"

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:04:06 GMT

Kenyan women share the benefits of being in a PFP group!

"Before I joined PFP, I was very shy and I did not have any friends in my community. But now I can count many benefits as a member of PFP. For now I can share information, ideas, and learn from one another. I have the spirit of appreciation and generosity, and lastly but not least, I am proud of my achievements." Salome has been in a Path From Poverty women’s group since 2012 and now has two rainwater catchment tanks and a solar panel!

Salome Mutisya - Manee B Women’s Group

“Being in a group has helped me so much. I have learned how to save money, budget, work as a team. I have had exposure and a lot of training. These things have changed my life and that of my family. My husband is very proud of me and has become more supportive. He even goes to fetch water and assists me in house work. I pray that I get the opportunity to reach more women and explain to them the importance of this project. ”

Magdalene Ndunge - Kithito kya Kimandi B Women’s Group

Mutheu has walked the path from poverty! She has two rainwater catchment tanks and just received a solar panel gift. “Being in PFP has changed my financial status since I have control over the money I earn. I have also become confident and courageous.”

Mutheu Mutua - Kyakalongo Women’s Group

Alice longed for a rainwater catchment tank for years. “ I never knew it would be possible but through group work, training, and exposure, I am able to save and earn money to pay my target. With this tank I will now get time to start more economic activities, and this will change the financial status of my family. May this project continue so as more women and families will achieve tanks and together we can change our communities and the Ukambani area at large.”

Alice Kivau - Twaweza Women’s Group

Beth already had two rainwater catchment tanks, and she wanted her community to know it when she received a solar panel gift. "I was shouting with a loud voice, so that my community members could hear and come to prove PFP Kenyan women are capable. Why shout? Because my neighbors and community members used to see me as poor, helpless wretches, needing handouts, but for now they have proved that PFP saw me as capable, creative, and amazingly a hard-working woman."

Beth Naive - Ngoo Nzeo Women’s Group

Faith joined PFP Kenya in 2016. She has a business selling vegetables and a poultry farm. "Being in Path From Poverty one experiences a lot of positive change because what you thought you could not achieve you have achieved. You get a change of attitude and feel you are worthy and important. You get new ideas on IGA [Income Generating Activities], financial management, leadership, and family matters."

Faith Mutua - Wumisyo wa Kisau Waia A Women’s Group

When Catherine joined PFP Kenya she wanted a rainwater catchment tank but did not know how to get one! She learned how to start a small business, keep poultry, and improve her farming. "When I joined PFP and I started saving little by little, I came to realize that teamwork is the best, and now we are getting tanks and also training different ways to earn money. I also have people to share our challenges, burdens, and achievements in life."

Catherine Keli - End Thirsty Women’s Group

Celebrating at Walk for Water!

Fri, 26 May 2023 18:22:49 GMT

Gathering for a walk, a Kenyan tea, and community

Each year, Path From Poverty holds its spring fundraiser, Walk for Water. The Walk has grown from a location at a local Seattle park to a virtual event that brings teams together in several states. Team captains lead groups of 1-30 people as they raise funds for our mission of empowering women. On the day of the Walk, each team gathers to celebrate their fundraising. Some groups walk with heavy jerricans to experience what our partners in Kenya do, and some celebrate with food and friends.

This year, Mary and Gretchen hosted a party for Team KenyaOly(WA)ter in Olympia. Team members from Pamoja joined as well. In the morning, we gathered at Mary and Gretchen’s home. The house was decorated in a safari theme, and food was being set up in the kitchen.

Those of us who were walking headed outside. First, we tried picking up the full jerrican, which weighs 44 pounds. It was hard to imagine carrying this over miles of uneven, dusty ground! We left the jerrican behind and did a walk in the neighborhood. We had walkers of all ages and one canine participant.

The day was starting to heat up, and we were glad to return to the party to experience a Kenyan tea, modeled off what the team experienced on the spring Work Team trip. Kenyan chai was available. Mary found a recipe for mandazis (Kenyan doughnuts) and collaborated with a local baker to have them freshly made. Gretchen cooked mukimo, a traditional dish made with corn, potatoes, and peas. Laura brought vegetable samosas from Safari, a Kenyan restaurant in Seattle. Each dish, including the popular mangoes, was labeled with a description of the food or origins.

We filled our plates, grateful for the food and company. Photos from the Work Team 2023 trip played onscreen. Members of Pamoja Team shared what it was like to grow up in Kenya, the strides women have made towards equality there, and the challenges they still face. We celebrated the work that is being done, that these friends and supporters make possible.

Here is what our hosts, Mary and Gretchen, said while thanking the friends who supported them in raising enough funds for two water tanks and a solar panel:

“It is not often that we can say we are a part of something impactful, life changing – even lifesaving; something that truly makes a difference, an effort that creates untold opportunities. This is one such effort. Your donation will be a part of a lasting legacy that will make a difference for decades.

Our goal was to raise $3,400 – enough to support women on a path from poverty through the purchase of two water tanks and a solar panel. You and we, together, raised $3,500!

In Kenya, when a woman receives a tank, her group members, family, and community gather to celebrate with song, dance, prayers, and food! Today, let us celebrate the giving of this gift of two water tanks and a solar panel to our Kenyan sisters.

YOU made a difference! Thank you!”

Rose's Celebration Story!

Thu, 11 May 2023 17:31:48 GMT

"I am thankful for this project. I have learned a lot."

Rose and her husband, Bonface, were happily married with four children. Bonface worked in Nairobi until he started to struggle with mental illness. He was laid off and had to return to their home in Makueni. Rose shouldered many responsibilities to keep her family going. She says, “I was left all alone to provide for the family.” She hardly has time to do casual labor, farm, and keep chickens. Rose earns only $3 each week, making it difficult to cover the school fees for her sons and daughters. Finding water has been one of the heaviest burdens. Rose walks for water six hours a day, six days a week. Her children also walk. The river water they collect is polluted and causes health problems.

Since 2019, Rose has been a member of Twaweza Yinthungu Women’s Group. She has learned how to earn money and improve her hygiene and gained social support. Seeing the challenges Rose faces as a mother, the group decided she should receive this gift tank. Bonface worked hard alongside members of the 2023 Work Team to build a base for the new tank. Rose was happy to see her husband doing so well and told him repeatedly how proud she was of him.

Work Team volunteers remember how joyful Rose was and how exuberant she was upon receiving this tank. Now that the rains have come, the tank will have a big impact on Rose and her family. Instead of walking for water, Rose will be able to work more and improve her farming. She hopes to expand her poultry farming and start keeping goats, as well. Her daughters will be able to attend school instead of helping her walk for water. Rose is grateful for this project and looks forward to a brighter future for her family.

Cluster Update: The Rains Have Come!

Mon, 01 May 2023 22:30:14 GMT

April 2023: Update from our Regional Program Managers

Agnes (Mbooni) – “The month was full of ups and downs, but God has seen us through. Right now we have rain. Glory to God!” Agnes trained women in small business and reviewed the recent Work Team trip with appreciation. She asks for prayer for peace, unity, and stability for Kenya.

Monicah (Tulimani) – Although rain is not heavy, there is enough to work in the fields and with the tree nurseries. Her tie-dye groups have tried the new ‘spiral tye and dye” they learned about in Makueni during the work trip, and they love it!

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – Cluster meetings are taken up with discussions around hunger and how the market is doing for the women, but they continue to pay their targets in hope. Mumo’s tree nurseries are growing with the rain that has fallen in Kibwezi.

Sue (Kisau) – With many in their third project, Sue is trying to energize these groups in the home stretch. They had training on climate change and kitchen gardens. Prayers for those struggling with illness and the newest group: “Young Star,” with 15 members.

Sue (Makueni) – This cluster continues with rigorous training – group management, tye-dye, climate change and conservational farming. Rains have been a big encouragement, and group members are preparing a new poultry project “on another level” with ‘improved chicks’ they will raise and sell as a cluster. Two new groups are organizing in Makueni as well.

Elizabeth (Kola) – Since Elizabeth speculates the rains might be done for Kola, she is already training the women in saving food from their planting. Cows dying in the drought has affected how they farm – “we use our members for the challenge of how to cultivate our gardens,” she says. She asks for prayer for those sick, including her brother who has had to go to hospital. Praise God for full tanks!Susan (Kilome) – Thankfully, rains have brought growth to the fields in most of her areas, and they’ve started a “cell group” idea for casual work like weeding so that the women move together in their work. They are preparing to meet a government trainer in livestock rearing next month. Also pray for Susan personally, as she continues medication for high blood sugar and weakness.

Regina (Malili A) – Regina is teaching her groups what was reinforced during our visit – women benefit significantly from several IGAs at once, and are also trying to keep more chickens. She trained leaders in listening to and welcoming the needy among them. And God is good – there is enough rain for the crops and livestock. She requests prayer for the negotiations of her daughter’s dowry, happening soon.

Regina (Malili B) – A govt official will come next month to train this newest cluster on agriculture, and Regina has started them in tree nurseries and chickens, following in Sue’s footsteps. They are happy the rains have started, but buying seeds is too expensive for their weaker members, and they are having to share what they can.

Reginah's Celebration Story

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 18:57:04 GMT

Reginah is 43 years old and has six children. Each day, she walks six kilometers to fetch water from an earth dam. She carries her baby on her front and the heavy jerrican on her back. Her family suffers from diarrhea, ringworm, and amoebas from the dirty water.

Reginah is a member of Kitooni Women’s Group which became part of Path From Poverty Kenya in 2020. The group started by saving money and buying each member a 20-liter jerrican. Then they moved on to buying 100-liter drums. She says, “At first we were not sure if we could afford buying 10,000-liter tanks. We believed such tanks were for rich people. I thank our coordinator Regina. She never got tired of training us. She also taught us how to pay our targets bit by bit. Every woman in my group is more hard working, and we know how to budget our income.”

Each week, the members contribute to the group savings with money they earn making sisal ropes and doing casual labor. Reginah received training on how to earn income, but she also learned things like how to cook an inexpensive and balanced diet for her family.

Now that Reginah has a tank, she will be able to spend more time caring for her young children and expanding her micro-businesses. She will make more ropes and keep more chickens. Regina looks forward to sharing water with her neighbors and improving her community.

Water is Work

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 22:26:04 GMT

Written by Mary McBride, member of Work Team 2023

In rural Kenya, gathering water is a physically demanding, time consuming responsibility that almost always falls to women and sometimes to children, especially girls.

Kenya has been experiencing severe drought conditions for the past 3+ years. A drought so severe that the crops Kenyans rely on for food are dying in the rock-hard, parched soil. A drought so severe that the traditional water sources women use to get water have dried up. The water the women are able to access now is farther away, dirtier, and less available.

Women and children collect the water in “jerry cans”, bright yellow plastic containers that were originally filled with cooking oil. The empty containers are cleaned and then reused for water collection and storage (families purchase these in bulk in community markets). When full, the container holds five gallons of water and weighs around 44 pounds. Women carry the filled containers on their heads or backs. How long would five gallons of water would last you when you need it for drinking, cooking, laundry, watering animals, washing dishes, etc? How far could you travel with a 44-pound jerry can on your head?

Women often go every day to fetch water or at least multiple times per week. Before going for the water, a woman must figure out where the available water source is located that day. Because of the drought, it may change week to week. She does this by starting out in the direction she used before, talking with women as she goes along to learn if the water is still available at the old spot. Women walk and carry the water because they have no other options. They are among the poorest of the poor. Some women have recently started using donkeys to transport the full jerry cans–but only those who can afford to purchase and care for a donkey.

As the drought continues, the traditional sources (streams, rivers, and lakes) have dried up and become not only scarcer but more contaminated. These open water sources serve animals and humans. Donkeys, goats, cows, and wild animals use these sources to drink and bathe. Often the water source will run through many communities and carry other contaminants (trash, industrial waste, medical waste, etc.) Although women use a cloth filter to strain the water, they must still boil the water before it can safely be used for consumption. Even then, it looks dirty and may still harbor a myriad of impurities.

Once the water has been collected, the woman must then take it home. Imagine walking in 90-degree weather, over steep and uneven dusty paths, carrying 44 pounds of water.

Regardless of age, women are the primary water gatherers followed by children. This greatly curtails a woman’s ability to do much else besides get water and cook for the family. Her opportunities for earning income are limited. For children, fetching water for the family is often cited as a top reason they drop out of school.

The solution to relieve women and girls of this burden is simple–provide access to clean, safe water at home.

Work Team Trip 2023

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:51:39 GMT

Reflections on an inspiring journey

In February this year, eight volunteers met PFP staff members Kim, Kathryn, and Laura in Nairobi, Kenya. These volunteers had signed up for the Work Team 2023 trip to find out what life is truly like for women living in the rural Ukambani region of Kenya.

In Nairobi, the team visited the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The staff there are raising baby elephants who have been orphaned due to the drought and human-wildlife conflicts. The team also fed giraffes at the Giraffe Center and shopped at an open-air market for souvenirs.

Then we were off to visit the Makueni cluster, led by Regional Program Manager Sue Musyoka. Each day, the team split into small groups and headed out to build bases for rainwater catchment tanks. Volunteers worked alongside PFP women’s group members and the Kenyan fundis (foremen) to build the bases. Team members were also building relationships with the Kenyan women, learning about the challenges they face day-to-day, and sharing information about life here in the U.S.

Mary McBride, one of the Work Team volunteers, shared more details about our day-to-day: While enjoying tea with the Kenyan women, we were sharing stories, listening, learning. Our Path from Poverty Regional Program Manager served as an interpreter making sure we all understood each other. We heard stories this week that made us laugh, cry, be in awe, surprised, and dumbfounded.

After tea time, we would help with any finishing work and then a blessing of the base, a little celebratory dancing, lots of hugs, and we were off to join other team members for lunch. Lunch was always at Mary Musyoka’s, who is the chairlady of Methoi ma Aka Women’s Group. Each day, group members gathered to help prepare our lunch which always consisted of rice, roasted chicken, roasted goat stew, sweet potatoes, yams, casava root, githeri (beans and corn mixture), and mangoes and oranges fresh from the trees.

After lunch, we had community service or learning activities. One afternoon, we brought food and supplies to a school for special needs children. We also learned about the income generating activities that PFP groups do–everything from tie dye to soap making to poultry farming.

At the end of the week, water tanks were delivered to several homes. This was a highlight of the trip, and we joined the group members in joy, singing, and dancing. When the rains come, these women, their families, and neighbors will finally have access to clean, safe water.

The next day, hundreds of PFP group members traveled to Makueni to celebrate. They set up a market, and the team shopped for handicrafts such as sisal baskets and tie dyed materials. Money earned at the market can go towards group savings.

Finally, the team said farewell to all the friends they had made and traveled to Amboseli National Park for two days of safari game drives. We were able to relax and reflect on the previous week. Volunteers shared that they were humbled and inspired by the time spent in Kenya. PFP staff is grateful to have traveled with team members who were so compassionate, dedicated, and generous.

Josphine's Celebration Story

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 00:52:30 GMT

Josphine is a member of Kwambeu Women’s Group. She and her husband, Kundi, have six daughters and a son. The children are all still in school, and Josphine has many tasks to keep her household running. She says, “As a mother, I underwent many challenges related to water.” Josphine has to search for enough water to sustain her family, till the land for planting crops, and look after the animals. These have been her responsibilities for many years. On the weekends, Josphine’s daughters help as much as they can, walking four kilometers to collect water that is not fit for human use.

To earn a living, Josphine plows farmland for people with the use of her two bulls. This is work not done by many women in Kenya. It is especially in demand during the rainy season. Josphine describes her life as a series of ups and downs with little rest.

The group decided Josphine should receive this rainwater catchment tank. Josphine is having trouble believing this gift tank is real and struggles to find words to express herself. “I thank my God for opening up my eyes to join Path From Poverty Kwambeu Women’s Group, which has enabled me to receive a gift tank from PFP U.S. Bravo PFP U.S. and the cheerful donors who can assist a woman like me. I’ll now be at ease. I’ll age slowly and carefully with less stress.”

Cluster Update: New Income Generating Activities

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 18:50:31 GMT

January 2023: Update from our Regional Program Managers

Monicah (Tulimani) – While some are still waiting for rain, two groups have had worms destroy their vegetables and crops. Many income generating activities are not doing well due to the drought, so the groups met to exchange ideas on different activities to try. Monicah asks that we keep them in our thoughts because climate change is causing alarm: “Some areas there is no hope in harvest. Others very little.”

Agnes (Mbooni) – After training, every group has planted vegetables in used tires, which retains moisture. Every group is also preparing seed beds for April rains. Agnes again requests: “Please pray for young girls who are being sold by their fathers due to drought crisis.”

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – The dryness of this region continues, although “there is something in our garden,” and the women are trying their best. The group that has two tanks per members are trying tree nurseries from seed, a true step of faith.

Sue (Kisau) – Women met to reflect on the year’s achievements and challenges and planned for 2023. At least one group is aiming to finish their “path from poverty” by the end of the year, with each woman having 2 tanks and a solar panel.

Sue (Makueni) – This young cluster is busily preparing for the work team as well as some new income generation – silkworm farming (planting the foliage the worms need) and castor oil seeds. They’ve also started planting a new type of drought resistant hardwood tree that grows fast. It’s still hard to find seeds for planting, and rains have been too short or little. This cluster is being with preparations as they receive the Work Team in exactly one month!

Elizabeth (Kola) - Groups keeping chickens and making ropes are doing well; however, there has not been enough rain to irrigate crops and tree nurseries.

Susan (Kilome) – Groups’ livestock is doing well but nurseries are failing because of the drought. Conmen have been moving around the villages and stealing, so the cluster taught themselves to be watchful. Susan’s husband is doing poorly, and she asks for prayers as his condition worsens.

Regina (Malili) – Malili “A” celebrated Christmas, and helped poorer neighbors celebrate with food and clothing. Income increased for groups like Kisuka that made doughnuts as city dwellers came home for the holiday season. Some are still waiting for rain, and members struggle to attend meetings from lack of money. They hope that the government will help lower food costs.

Regina (Malili “B”) - This is our newest cluster, made up of the most recent groups in Malili. As such, most women don’t have a tank yet, and walking for water is a daily burden. To make matters worse, the rope market is down because cows have died due to drought. Regina is training them on resourceful poultry farming and “supporting weak members by being close to them.”

Rosemary Receives a Tank!

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 18:21:17 GMT

Rosemary and her daughter walk six hours a day, every day, for water. Her head aches after carrying the full jerrican, which weighs over 40 pounds. The water causes diarrhea, typhoid, and skin diseases. Rosemary crushes stones into ballast to sell, keeps poultry, and does casual labor. With all these projects, she earns about $2.50/week.

Rosemary is a member of Ngwatanio Ya Aka Women’s Group. They decided she should receive this month’s donated rainwater catchment tank. “I couldn’t believe it when my chairlady called and told me I have a gift tank. That was the happiest day in my life,” says Rosemary.

Her relatives, who live seven kilometers away, walked to her house to see the tank with their own eyes. They rejoiced and celebrated together. With the water from this tank, she will be able to grow fruits and vegetables to sell. Her family will be healthier. Rosemary says she is now safe and happy: “I will pay my targets well and help those who don’t have tanks with drinking water.”

Cluster Update: Preparing for Rain

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 22:02:19 GMT

December 2022: Update from our Regional Program Managers

Monicah (Tulimani) – “We have greens in our gardens – a big boost,” says Monicah. With rain comes a little more energy and hope, and the women are feeling that. Groups continue to improve their skills in basket making and catering and are resuming their tree nurseries. “Pray for the rains to take our crops through.”

Agnes (Mbooni) – It is such a relief to read that ten of Agnes’ groups have finished planting, and others are helping each other to finish this important task. Some women have prepared the ground, but “many have nothing to plant” and Agnes is helping where she can. She has trained the cluster on vegetable farming in used tires and hopes this will help with better harvests. They will share with those who need it this holiday, as usual. Agnes requests: “Please pray for our young girls, cause due to drought crisis, they are getting married.”

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – Half of Beatrice’s groups she reports as “not doing well,” and they are discussing what to do as it is now three years (five rainy seasons) of drought. We are thankful for their continuing spirit of mutual support and pray with them for relief. “We share everything because of the drought in our area which has led to financial crises.”

Regina (Malili) – They are still waiting for rain in Malili. “Prayer request for rain: the rains have delayed; dams are dry, tanks have no water.” They are very thankful for all the tanks they were able to buy this year, and for a government agricultural officer that came and trained newer groups on terracing gardens and water conservation. One of Regina’s new groups, Kavyuni, made and sold 400 ropes for $98 last month – “a hard-working group,” as she says.

Elizabeth (Kola) – It is raining in Kola! Groups are all saving for their targets, and had a training on transplanting tree seedlings as several groups prepare nursery shades. Elizabeth has also been training and preparing two new groups that will join us in the new year. We pray for them as they join the Path From Poverty family, and for good health in Kola, as she reports many women are sick.

Susan (Kilome) – While the rains have started, Susan says “seeds are rare and very expensive.” Drought has dried up the tree nurseries and even affected honey production for the groups relying on beehives for income. In Kwambeu, they visited and took food to Lydia and Grace.

Sue (Kisau) – W omen are so busy planting and attending funerals they couldn’t meet last month. Pray that the rains sustain, and for the health of the cluster, as many women are sick. Sue continues to train them in “agribusiness and climate change adaptation, such as planting crops that can withstand the harsh climate change.”

Sue (Makueni) –It makes us so happy to read “members are busy on their farms,” and Makueni is full of these reports. As a cluster, they have trained on harvesting water, but there are areas in the region that are still not getting rains. We remember them as “The rains are not sufficient, and some areas have no rain. The economy is too harsh and food items are very expensive.” Pray for this Cluster as they prepare to receive the 2023 Work Team in February.

"Water to Water"

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 22:51:29 GMT

Kitsap Rowers join together to help women!

Terry Tripp recently hosted a dinner to share the mission of Path From Poverty with her friends. Inspired by the event, women from the Masters Class of Kitsap Rowing Association were motivated to open a bank account together to raise money for PFP. Calling themselves “Water to Water,” this group of 15 women has committed to giving monthly in 2023 in order to save for a rainwater catchment tank! This communal savings effort mirrors the work being done by PFP women’s groups in Kenya.

Terry tells us, “There are 15 women giving to this endeavor for 2023. There may be more who sign up as the year goes on. But for now, we will cover one tank plus installation. There is an invitation to keep giving beyond 2023. I am so excited for our club to see themselves giving beyond what they get from rowing!”

We would love more supporters to host events that will spread the word about empowering women in rural Kenya.

Here are some ways you can do this:

Hosting a dinner party at your home
Sharing our work with your book club
Invite us to your Bible study or Sunday school group
Holding a fundraiser at your restaurant or place of business

Please contact Kathryn with your ideas at kathryn@pathfrompoverty.org.

Sharing our message transforms lives! Your friends, family, and colleagues can help us grow our organization so that we can help more women on their journey out of poverty.

PFP Receives a Rotary Grant

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 18:20:09 GMT

Path From Poverty was honored to receive a grant from Poulsbo Rotary and Rotary District 5020 this year. Rotary’s International Service Committee is committed to “sustainable projects in other countries where there is a critical need to improve the health and education of children, provide clean drinking water, provide facilities for the sanitary disposal of human waste and provide opportunities for economic development.”

This grant will provide 16 rainwater catchment tanks to PFP group members. The tanks will be distributed to women in the most drought-plagued regions of the Ukambani.

These rainwater catchment tanks will improve clean water access and sanitation, reduce the time women and girls spend walking for water, and improve economic and educational opportunities.

In February 2023, Rotarians will join the Work Team trip to Makueni and work alongside the Kenyan women to build bases for the water tanks. Five of the tanks will be delivered to women in the Makueni cluster while our team is present.

We are so grateful for Rotary’s ongoing support of our mission and their dedication to providing clean water to people in great need.

Ruth Receives a Solar Panel

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 16:44:41 GMT

Ruth has been a member of Mke Mwema Women’s Group since it formed. She has found camaraderie and support among the group members. They have been working together since 2012 and now each have two rainwater catchment tanks. Still, Ruth walks for water during the dry season and to collect extra water for her animals.

Lacking access to electricity has created barriers for Ruth and her family. Each week, they spend 1,040 Kenyan shillings (almost $9 U.S.) on energy costs. This is more than Ruth earns weekly as a farmer, so their family depends on her husband’s income. Buying kerosene is their largest expense and also harmful to their health, as the carbon monoxide affects their lungs and eyes.

Mke Mwema Women’s Group members have been working on their solar panel project. Ruth knew that having a solar panel would help her daughters excel in school and provide security for her home at night. With this solar panel gift, she will be able to work during the evenings, and her school-aged children will be able to study. Ruth says, “My family, my tank, and my chickens will be safe because most wild animals attack when it’s dark. Our health will improve because we will not inhale carbon monoxide, and I will save the money used to purchase kerosene and batteries.” Having two tanks and a solar panel has truly set Ruth and her family on the path from poverty.

Cluster Update: Celebrating Tank Purchases & Mourning Lean Months

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 20:18:44 GMT

October 2022: Monthly Update from our Regional Program Managers

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – “As a poor area we are sharing everything: water, food, even dress – if you have two, you give one to your partner member.” She shares food as she is able. Poor member contributions means 1/3 of Beatrice’s groups can’t buy a tank this year and over half can’t meet their targets. She gives us the context, “This year we have the challenge of five seasons without rain, so activities needing water don’t do well: making bricks, tree nurseries, poultry-keeping.” Pray for Kibwezi.

Regina (Malili) – This large cluster has mustered together funds to buy 34 tanks this year, a huge praise. The work team visited Malili in June, and saw how far women have to walk for water, and how hard they work at making gravel for very little money. Regina asks for prayer for low attendance at group meetings – how disheartened the women must get when there is so little rain. “They are tired and sometimes don’t have food,” she says.

Monicah (Tulimani) – While Monicah reports all but her newest group bought tanks this year, most members did not reach their targets. It’s sad to record groups that did poultry-keeping for income are reduced to making gravel and ropes because drought is forcing them to change activities. She writes of Wenda Ukooka, “This group is starving due to water shortage – they depend on a well which is drying up.” One group lost a member’s shop from a fire – they held a Harambee to give her support.

Elizabeth (Kola) – Each group bought one tank this year, a decrease from past years. It’s heart-breaking to report several groups sold their chickens to buy this year’s tank. Many of her members are turning to table banking at this difficult time. One group plans to make and sell dyes, and she wants to train them in preparing gardens.

Agnes (Mbooni) – Mbooni celebrates with the 44 tanks and 25 solar panels they were able to buy this year. With so much blessing, they will now help Kibwezi with support. Agnes says, “Many women are facing challenges due to drought and as a leader I have to share the little I have with the affected women. The privilege to work is a gift. The power to work is a blessing and the love of work is success.”

Susan (Kilome) – The community contribution of our women continues, as Susan says in August, “Most groups are joining in communal work e.g. stopping soil erosion in gulleys, used as pathways. They use cement bags to fill them with soil and place them across the pathways.” Drought and famine continue to take their toll, and this year, 1/3 of her groups didn’t meet their targets, and another 1/3 couldn’t buy a tank. "Well-wishers" from Kilome have gathered some food stuffs for their sisters in Kibwezi, even though they are at only 1 meal themselves.

Sue (Kisau) – Only Sue’s clusters mention preparing for the coming rains in their reports. Kisau has purchased tanks and solar panels and started planning already for 2023. Prayers for the continued high prices of food and fuel, hoped-for rainfall and “financial break-through.”

Sue (Makueni) – Remember the new group, Msamaria Mwema? They’re going to buy 3 tanks! She says, “Members have been able to learn more on drought-tolerant crops and conservation agriculture.” They have plans to visit a silk farm and weaving industry as a field trip, as that is a low-water activity. Sue asks for prayer to get seeds for planting, and for members to embrace methods adaptable to climate change.

Cluster Update: Adapting to the Changing Seasons

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:13:14 GMT

September 2022: Monthly Update from our Regional Program Managers

Women in every cluster are struggling with famine due to food scarcity and the high cost of living. Groups that raise livestock are contending with the high cost of feed for their animals. Leaders were thinking about the elections and encouraged their group members to vote wisely.

Kisau

Most of the group members have tanks, and they continue to work on financial management and encouraging a culture of savings. They’re also training on agribusiness.

Sue asks, “Pray for peace in Kenya during the election period, pray for rains, pray for our bank opening which will be in September.”

Kola

Many water tanks are dry. Members are sharing water and figuring out how to purchase water while they pray for rain. Groups are working on table banking and preparing their shambas in anticipation of the rainy season.

Makueni

Their cluster training was focused on “livelihood measures” such as kitchen garden establishment, poultry keeping, and goat rearing, because these activities can withstand climate change.

Sue writes, :”The challenges we are facing is the harsh weather conditions, lack of enough corn flour, and water scarcity. Most of the time is wasted on fetching water.”

Kibwezi

In Kibwezi, some groups are pivoting their activities to find more success. Beatrice notes that the women are sharing everything to try to get by, including water, food, and even clothing. If a woman has two dresses, she shares one with a partner.

Tulimani

Monicah is impressed with the craftsmanship of the goods the women brought to Malili for the Work Team trip. Groups are working on bead baskets, sisal baskets, and making kangas. Overall, the women’s income generating activities are improving. Monicah hopes to interact with other clusters to share knowledge so that the women can learn new skills.

Mbooni

Groups in Mbooni have changed their activities to adjust to the seasons and the elections. Agnes trained the women on how to plant onions in worn-out buckets just outside their kitchens. She asks us, “Pray for rain, pray also for peace, love, and stability for our country.”

Kilome

Susan writes, “I request prayer for the cluster to have a big heart to share to one another especially food stuff even to the entire community. Many families have only one meal a day. Pray for us leaders to be able to recognize the hardship and have a way out.”

Mirriam Receives a Tank

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 23:35:44 GMT

Mirriam is 26 years old, married, and a mother of two children. She walks for water alone, as her children are too young to walk with her. The water she collects is “not fit for human consumption” and prone to bilharzia, a parasite that causes severe health effects if not treated.

As a young mother, Mirriam saw women in her village getting water tanks and asked one of them how that was possible. She was motivated to join Twone Mbee Women’s Group in 2021. Mirriam has learned so much from the other women, including how to look for money, manage her time and finances, and take care of her health.

This gift tank brought happiness to Mirriam, her husband, and her family! Mirriam will be able to improve her poultry farming and tree nursery so that she will be financially stable. She says, “I am so confident that my life will change. My projects will improve. May God bless you all who made this possible.”

Regina's Story

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 18:54:45 GMT

Work Team members met Regina on their trip to Malili

Regina is part of the Kitooni Women’s Group of the Malili Cluster, which she joined in 2019. She lives with her mother-in-law, four sons, and a 19-year-old grandson in a tiny, dark house built 40 years ago. The tin roof is filled with holes, and the rain leaks in, soaking everything. Regina’s husband is frequently away for months at a time looking for “cash work” around Nairobi. He returns when he wants, perhaps with something to contribute or perhaps not. Either way, she welcomes him back because that is what a wife does.

Regina’s only source of income is making sisal fiber ropes. Since she can only carry one jerrican, she walks 2.5 hours, twice a day, to fetch water. As Regina walks, she makes her rope, holding the rope in her mouth as a “third hand” while she braids. Sisal is mildly poisonous and even when dry, the fibers irritate her mouth. Regina has no choice but to braid rope while she walks because the rest of her day is filled with collecting firewood in the bush, cooking, and caring for the family.

Unfortunately, because many of the area women make and sell sisal rope, supply and demand has driven the price down from more than 25 shillings each to 18 shillings or less (15 cents U.S.). Regina can sell about 15 ropes each month, earning 270 shillings. Meanwhile, inflation has increased the cost of a 2kg bag of flour from 120 to 220 shillings. Chapatis, a traditional wheat flat bread, has now become a treat instead of a food staple.

Being part of a PFP group, Regina knows that when she puts the money with the group for a tank, it keeps it safe. Alone, she can’t keep it as there is so much demand and so few shillings. She would love to see her grown sons married and out of the house, but custom demands a dowry be paid to the bride’s family.

Regina’s explanation of Dowry requirements:

When a young man wants to marry, he comes to the girl’s family home. He sees how the girl is accustomed to living, then negotiates the dowry accordingly. Of utmost importance are three goats, two to cook for the negotiations and one remaining for the dowry. Beyond that, he may need a house plus an amount of money. Regina has none of these things and so it is hard on her to have her sons remain in the house unmarried, especially as it doesn’t appear they contribute much. One son and the grandson helped building the water base, and Regina might break traditional gender roles by asking her grandson to help with fetching water.

In the meantime, Regina knows that she needs to replace her house roof in the next couple months so that she can catch the next rainfall in her new tank.

“I’m proud to be in this organization,” Regina says. “Before I joined PFP, I was so lonely and had no one to talk to.”

Cluster Update: Challenges and Successes

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 17:52:28 GMT

Monthly Update from our Regional Program Managers

Life in Kenya continues to be very challenging. The women are encouraging each other to accept life’s difficulties while also being hopeful for the future and working hard towards their goals. They share information and comfort each other during times of illness and loss.

Groups were very busy preparing for the Work Team trip and looked forward to meeting the volunteers. Women worked on goods to sell and procured local materials for construction of the tank bases.

Agnes (Mbooni): Women’s groups in Mbooni are creative and pivot their income generating activities to overcome difficult conditions. One group is selling second hand clothes. Another group is successfully selling charcoal, as it is the cold season in Kenya.

Elizabeth (Kola): Groups are doing well and paying their targets. However, there has been no rain in the area, and members don’t have food stored. Many women and their families are struggling to feed themselves. At their monthly meeting, women shared information on how to maintain their activities during this time of drought and famine.

Monicah (Tulimani): The women in Tulimani are facing many challenges. Crops of cereal and vegetables are not doing well due to lack of rain. Arise and Shine Women’s Group does not have enough food for their cows. Fire consumed the kiosk of another member of Wenda Ukooka. Monicah writes, “There is famine because crops dried up so life is hard. We are praying for rain - that is the only answer.”

Regina (Malili): Regina is proud of the groups in Malili for working hard, being organized, and completing their projects. The biggest challenge right now is the economy. For example, one kilogram of rice has gone from 120 to 160 shillings. Regina says, “We only give women high hopes to work hard to get food.”

Sue (Kisau): Two of the groups are doing well on their solar projects, and a third group has almost completed their solar project. Wumisyo wa Kisau Waia A Women’s Group: “Most of the members have started intensive farming and animal management.” They have done so well that most have improved from small scale farming and are heading towards commercial farming! At their monthly meeting, the women exchanged ideas on farming and domestic animal management. They’re going to visit members who are doing this successfully so that they can learn from them.

Sue asks for prayers: “Pray for stability, pray for good health, pray for group sustainability.”

Sue (Makueni): The groups in Makueni are doing well. Adult Education Self Help Group is one of the most active groups in the cluster. They are planting trees to help with climate change. So far they have planted 190 seedlings!

Sue says about this month’s training: “We learned more in self-esteem and how to appreciate the talents God has given us.”

Susan (Kilome): Groups are working hard but some members are contending with the poor economy, advanced age, and difficult conditions. Kwamenya Women’s Group has been struggling. They are crushing ballast but have yet to make a sale, so they began collecting croton seeds to sell. Croton trees are an ancient tree that is often used for firewood, but the croton nuts also produce an oil that can be used as a biofuel!

During their monthly meeting, the women “encouraged one another on different challenges in life and each to be alert and aware that any situation in life is inevitable.”

Stella Receives a Tank!

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 20:44:40 GMT

Stella is married and a mother to two daughters. She and her husband work hard to provide for their family. They both walk for water. This is rare in Kenya, and Stella is proud of her husband for helping her.

Stella joined Wovosyo Women’s Group in 2015 when she was just 23 years old. She learned how to earn money and has been selling firewood for about $1.70/week. “I have been working hard to fulfill my dream as a woman. Since I joined PFP Kenya, I have learned a lot. I have learned that if you focus on the hurt, you will continue to suffer. If you focus on the lessons, you will continue to grow.”

This gift tank is going to make it possible for Stella to start farming, which will hopefully increase the family’s income. Her daughters will be able to attend school. Stella thanks the donors and believes she will be at peace because of these positive changes.

Sylvia Receives a Tank!

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 19:35:49 GMT

Sylvia is married and has seven daughters. She says that girls are a blessing because they really help her when it is time to fetch water. Sylvia and her daughters walk five hours each day to collect disease-infested water.

Sylvia crushes rocks to create ballast. It’s exhausting work, and she earns less than $2 per week. Unfortunately, Sylvia’s daughters did not get to finish their education because the school fees were out of reach. Although they aren’t married yet, they have children of their own.

In 2015, Sylvia joined Tusalukye Women’s Group. She learned how to earn and save money. “When I joined Tusalukye Women’s Group I didn’t have the faintest idea of what was in store for me. Today I have nothing to regret because my life is never the same again.”

Sylvia says she is so lucky to receive this month’s gift tank. She and her daughters will feel safer, and her family’s health will improve. The tank has created a great impact in her community. She says, “When my tank came, both my children and my husband were looking after my cows and goats. When they came back they saw the tank, they did not want to get to the house. They only wanted to remain outside watching over the tank.”

Listening, Learning, and Empowering Women

Thu, 26 May 2022 16:29:08 GMT

I’ve given two sermons on behalf of PFP this last month, and I used Acts 9:36-42, the scripture about Tabitha, the woman Peter raised from the dead. Tabitha is a disciple and clearly, an important community leader. The Kenyan women read this story from Acts with great attention – Tabitha is a woman who cares for those in need, and she is a seamstress of notable talent – they hold her up as a role model that is tangible to them.

Tabitha purposefully sought out the poor and widows (the powerless) and actively looked to see how she could help meet their needs. In the first century, when women’s activities generally centered on daily survival for themselves and their families, Tabitha engaged the needs of her community. Her lifestyle showed that love is an active verb intent on doing good for others. She is introduced to us in the text with both her Aramaic and Greek names, perhaps to show that she was following the call of Jesus and ministering to both Jewish and Hellenistic communities.

I come back from every place we have lived in Africa and tell American Christians about the strong faith I have witnessed there, the deep sense of community and care I have been blessed with, and the profound generosity and hospitality I have experienced. North Americans have a lot we can learn from Africans. We are broken in ways we can barely see. My two children are both part of the LGBTQ community, and I had to attend a workshop last week on how to advocate for their rights so that I can do what every mother does – try to protect her children. We think we are wealthy, which we are in water, and things, but we are poor in community and even faith. This is manifest in the high levels of anxiety we experience, from our “first world problems” to the on-going racism and violence around us, such as yesterday’s school shooting.

Honestly, I struggled to write sermons about women’s empowerment. Last weekend, a white supremacist live streamed himself going into a black supermarket and killing 10 people in cold blood. Why? I learned about this thing called “replacement theory”, and an expert on NPR reported that while many people share this fear, only a few will take action, and it is because he felt called to do it to save others, a savior-complex.

And this took me to the book we are reading in preparation for our upcoming Work Team trip to Kenya, which I believe you have all read, “When Helping Hurts: How to alleviate poverty without hurting the poor..and yourself.” It is certainly possible to help in a way that hurts, and the biggest way is to come in with our big white “God-complex,” throw money around and think we need to save people, instead of listening, empowering, sharing privilege, and addressing brokenness in both systems and individuals. I’m glad that Path From Poverty is one of those organizations that try to do development differently, but we need to realize we have not “arrived.” That we still need to be honest about racism and inequities here at home, that microaggressions happen, and we must be willing to hear from people of color how we are hurting them, and provide them space to be honest.

It's also an on-going process to be humble; and every Work Team, actually, every email, we remind ourselves that we are servants to our women leaders. That they are in this mess partly because white colonialism messed up their land and their systems, and now their climate. That our reading of the Bible on what we should do was wrong, and then was wrong again, and that really, this goes back to the very beginning. Back to the garden of Eden and eating an apple that the serpent told us will make us be like God.

This is our fall. It’s not a long-ago origin myth; it’s our sin that needs repeated repentance. The desire to be like God is a current temptation that leads to death, even today.

So we have responsibility for water equity on the other side of the world. Our Christian sisters call out to us for help, and we act. We have to keep our god-complexes and paternalism in check, make sure we are listening and learning, empowering and not patching. Path From Poverty’s mission is to transform lives by partnering with women’s groups, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and live into their God-given potential. The book on When Helping Hurts, defines poverty as the “absence of Shalom in all its meanings,” and poverty alleviation is about reconciling people’s relationships, with God, self, each other, and the land.

Twenty years ago, we were in Kenya doing lots of things – building a school, matching livestock. Then the women there said that if they simply had access to clean, safe water, they could take care of the rest of what their communities needed, on their own terms, and wouldn’t need our big interventions. Getting water is exhausting and depressing – can you imagine spending 5-7 hours a day collecting water? We didn’t have reliable water during our three years in Chad – it is time consuming and stressful to buy water, collect it in the bathtub, boil it, deal with diarrhea – and that’s having the resources to buy it! So that’s why we call this a mission in water equity – helping these women access water is simply leveling that illusive ‘playing field’ so that they can do what we all want to do – take care of our families and communities.

Our Kenyan leaders in PFP would now keep going without us in the US, if we disappeared tomorrow, and in fact, they raise money for more tanks than we can match. They are being Tabitha, and I do believe their communities would insist to the male disciples that they absolutely must be brought back to life, for the good of so many. May we be so inspired.

We did it! Walk for Water 2022 was a huge success!

Thu, 19 May 2022 18:15:04 GMT

Dear Friends,

We came together for Walk for Water 2022 and met the challenge. Thank you for making this event a huge success!

Wow! We are truly humbled and honored by your support. To date, nearly $73,000 has been raised. The excitement is palpable, as donations are still coming in, and we anticipate reaching our goal.

Be sure to open the upcoming June edition of the PFP newsletter. We’ll share the final amount raised and other highlights.

You led teams, walked for water, and donated to the cause. As a result of your efforts, more people learned about PFP and got involved. Individuals were encouraged to participate in the series of challenges and share their reflections. Businesses and civic groups provided sponsorships that helped increase our visibility.

You are truly making a difference. Everyone deserves access to clean, safe water. With water, comes hope and opportunity for a better future for women, girls, and their families.

With gratitude,

Kim, Kathryn, and Laura

An Intern's Perspective

Thu, 05 May 2022 22:12:28 GMT

Hear from Maria, a high school student interning at PFP.

Who am I:

My name is Maria. I am 16 years old and a sophomore at Mount Rainier High School. I love trying new things. I like to tell myself you have to leave your comfort zone in order to grow. I’m in multiple clubs at my school DECA ( business club), Key club (Volunteering), Black Student Union, and Dungeons & Dragons club. In my free time I like to read and journal.

How I found Path From Poverty:

My desire to help others led me to Path From Poverty. The unfair struggles of people everywhere is something I think about often and sometimes feel a little helpless about. I chose Path from Poverty as my top 3. I got placed as an intern here and was excited to learn more.

Thoughts/concerns when joining PFP:

I didn’t know much about what they do here at Path From Poverty. I thought that they would raise money and give it to those in need. They do so much more. Path From Poverty exceeded my expectations, I learned about the strong Kenyan women that Path from Poverty work with, to tackle the obstacles ( The unsafe water, and the time consuming, difficult, and dangerous journey these women go through to collect it. ) in the way of their education and health; While empowering one another and creating a safe space to learn from each other. Path From Poverty doesn't just go to rural Kenya and try to completely change the Kenyan women's way of living and culture. Instead they help cultivate the resources needed to make their lives easier. They don't just barge in with a sense of superiority and say ¨here is this money and here is these western values that we want you guys to have¨. Instead they ask "what challenges are you facing?¨ "how can you support each other?" and "what can we learn from you?¨. It is truly beautiful. There are groups of Kenyan women who work together to teach each other skills, support each other, and pool money.

What I’ve learned so far:

During my internship with Path From Poverty I have learned about the inner workings of a non profit organization and 3 different positions. My site supervisor and her team have been so kind to me and have taught me a lot. I have learned that communication and respect is important in running a successful organization . Also, relationships with other businesses are important to learn from others and have support. Relationships with communities are vital because you can make connections and have more people that want to be a part of your mission. Planning is also important, having a timesheet with all the things needed to be done, which person does what, and when it is due helps stay on track and organized. Each person has a role that contributes to the group. The community engagement manager is in charge of spreading information about the organization to the public and being involved in events within communities. The marketing and communications manager is in charge of the look and marketing tactics of the organization ( website, flyers, traditional mail, emails, etc). The executive director is in charge of keeping the government in touch, informing the board of directors, overseeing the team and finances. During my internship I've also had the opportunity to learn more about the team members' backgrounds and what led them to Path From Poverty. One of the things I learned is that sometimes what you study in college connects to your future career and sometimes it doesn't. I´m looking forward to learning more and continuing to make the most of my time with Path From Poverty!

Cluster Update: Celebrating Women

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 18:09:48 GMT

March 2022 Monthly Update from our Regional Program Managers

RPM Updates:

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – Lack of rain has continued to make income generation hard here, and women continue to look for new ways of supporting each other, like table-banking. Pray for one of the chairladies who lost her husband recently.

Monicah (Tulimani) – Drought and the need for new projects is also Tulimani’s situation. This makes it hard for women to get to their targets, but they are working hard. We pray for Monicah’s son, who is getting married April 9.

Regina (Malili) – Regina is leading her cluster preparing for the 2022 Work Team trip and many of the women are now vaccinated for covid-19. They had a training last month by a retired nurse on healthy diet and washing kitchen utensils. “The challenge we have is we didn’t harvest enough food, our tanks are almost empty, our economy is very expensive to put food on the table…”

Agnes (Mbooni) – One of the groups new business ventures was growing flowers, and this month they were able to sell them to homes and a private school compound. She met challenges with her secretaries but has had a successful training in record- keeping now. “Pray for all members and their husbands so that God can give them courage, knowledge and understanding in this project.”

Susan (Kilome) – The group that started bee-keeping last year has just sold their first honey! Each member was able to sell 15-30 kilos each, a great first return on their IGA. The new group is still trying to find new members to replace those that left, so prayers for them to stay motivated and have a good start. Lack of food in the region affects women’s ability to put money towards their target, but their trainings and meetings include encouragement.

Sue (Kisau) – As Sue readies three groups to graduate, she is giving them advanced trainings in income generation that will add extra value to what they already do, such as crocheting and craft work. Low crop yields and higher prices on everything is proving to create difficult challenges for everyone. “Movement was a challenge,” says Sue as she continues to get about with her broken leg and rely on her phone for communication.

Sue (Makueni) – New groups continue to be trained and are writing up their proposals for income generation projects. Sue is planning a tour of a poultry farm to learn more about marketing and value addition. “Pray for good health, for the cluster, and financial breakthrough.”

Catherine Receives a Tank!

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 23:06:23 GMT

Catherine is married, but she describes herself as “almost a widow” since her husband was maimed by disease. She has five children and eight grandchildren. Catherine is the main breadwinner for her family, earning income from farming and casual labor. She and her children walk twice a day for water. The water they collect is salty and silty, and it causes bouts of diarrhea and worms.

Catherine describes her early married life as calm and enjoyable. Her husband was self-employed and as a family, they “lacked for nothing of life’s essentials.” Then Catherine’s husband was diagnosed with diabetes. At first, this didn’t seem like a great obstacle, as the disease was controlled with medication. In 2015, things took a turn for the worse. Her husband’s right arm was amputated. Then he lost his right leg and later his left, leaving his left arm as his only remaining limb.

This tragedy hit the family hard and especially impacted her husband. Catherine says, “Counselors and clergy worked hard to make him accept himself. I went through these difficulties but God is faithful. I’m strong. I encourage him in life and my children, too.” Family and community members rallied around her husband, helping them buy prosthetic limbs so that he could slowly make his way around their compound.

Catherine joined Wathini Deanery women’s group when it was formed in 2018. She is grateful for the group, saying her life has changed for the better. She has learned how to earn income to support her family and is able to share her burdens with the other members. This water tank is such a gift. She will have time to pursue other economic opportunities, and her family will no longer suffer poor health from the water. As Catherine says, it will make “big change” in her life!

Cluster Update: Groups are Growing & Adapting

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 18:24:08 GMT

February 2022 Monthly Update from our Regional Program Managers

RPM Updates:

Monicah (Tulimani) – The late rains were not enough for the groups needing it for income generation in cereal harvest and tree nurseries.We pray for Monicah’s son, who is getting married soon, and for “every woman to be

financially stable.”

Elizabeth (Kola) – Elizabeth reports that her groups are working hard at their targets, in spite of not feeling well. Her new group is being trained and they have started saving already, using table banking. They visit each other and support each other in these times of illness.

Regina (Malili) – Regina is leading her cluster preparing for the 2022 Work Team trip, including getting members vaccinated for covid-19. They had a training on tree planting, but some members are struggling to meet targets since the rains were not long enough for good harvests. She asks for prayer for the many families that have lost elderly relatives from a recent fever, and the continued economic challenges of expensive prices, etc.

Agnes (Mbooni) – Half of Agnes’ many groups came up with brand-new business ventures this year – adapting to the climate and changing markets, they are trying rabbit rearing, cooking, and taking advantage of Mango season by selling mango juice. “The

groups have seen many challenges such as poor harvest, death and illness but the groups have shown their strengths in growing physically, economically, spiritually and socially.” She asks for prayers for the girls receiving scholarships, as they are doing their final exams in March and are busy preparing.

Susan (Kilome) – Remember Kawendo, the group highlighted at Harambee last year? We rejoice with them as they sold a cow, sharing the money with all the members, and transplanting 300 tree seedlings in their tree nursery for future income generation. However, there has been a lot of illness in the Cluster and leadership, specifically. One new group lost several members, so they are working to rebuild so they can get started on organizing for their 2022 targets. Several tanks ordered at the end of 2021 are also delayed in delivery, so this affects morale

Sue (Kisau) – Women continue to be busy with taking their children back to school and dealing with the lack of

rainfall, i.e., low crop yields. Sue lists these specific prayer requests: “Pray for the ongoing rains because they seem to

fail; pray for our 2022 plans as a cluster; pray for the forthcoming elections to be peaceful.”

Sue (Makueni) – This newest cluster just keeps growing – 3 new groups have started in 2022, and we pray for their budding leadership and hopes for future tanks. We pray for Sue’s quick recovery from a broken leg, and for the many women farmers struggling with low yields after insufficient rains.

Podcast: Water is Life in Kenya

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 16:45:49 GMT

With Kim McKoy, Executive Director, and Forrest Arnold, Founder of The Ageless Path

Kim McKoy, Executive Director, joined Forrest Arnold on his podcast, The Ageless Path, to discuss life in Kenya and the importance of clean water. She shares how Path From Poverty empowers women with both leadership training and critical water tanks that bring water storage much closer to home. Water is Life!

Watch the conversation here:

Water is Life in Kenya

Forrest Arnold is a real estate agent with decades of experience. He is also an accomplished musician, speaker, and consultant. He leads development programs that help men create space for compassion, growth, and balance.

Forrest is joining Path From Poverty as a volunteer to lend his talents in voice over work and video production. We are excited to welcome him to the PFP team!

Rose Receives a Solar Panel!

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 02:19:14 GMT

Rose is married with four children and four grandchildren. In the evening, her grandchildren study for school, and Rose knits tablecloths. It is a challenge to light her home for these activities. It costs 670 shillings, or $5.90, a week to buy kerosene, candles, and batteries, and to rent a small solar panel. This is more money than Rose makes as a farmer. Thankfully, her children also contribute to the income of their 12-person household.

Not being able to light her compound at night has also been an issue of security. Over the past year, there have been several animal attacks on her chickens. She also worries about the safety of her water tanks.

Rose has been a member of Wumisyo wa Kisau Waia A women’s group since 2005. Since joining the group, she has learned how to earn money and values the support she receives from the other women. Rose now has two tanks but still walks for water during the dry season, especially when she needs to fetch water for her animals. Rose has been hoping for a solar panel to make studying easier for her grandchildren and so she can charge her phone at home, which she needs for her business.

Rose says she is so happy to receive this solar panel gift. It will be used to power security lights which will keep her chickens and her water tanks safe. Rose plans to start large-scale poultry farming. Her granddaughters and grandsons will be able to study more efficiently and will excel in school. She hopes that many more women will benefit from being a part of Path From Poverty.

“Martin Luther King Jr, Ubuntu, and Being Alive”

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 18:40:13 GMT

by Kathryn Smith Derksen

Please click below to read Kathryn's reflections on Martin Luther King, Jr:

Cluster Update: Joining Hands to Help Others

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 17:35:23 GMT

January 2022 Monthly Update from our Regional Program Managers

Monicah (Tulimani) – Rains came to Tulimani, and we pray they continue since they started late. We rejoice with the news Monicah’s son is getting married in March, and she asks us to pray for safe preparation. We continue prayers for Taa wa Kyamithenge, a group that has struggled and has decided to end once they all have a tank.

Elizabeth (Kola) – Elizabeth reports that many of her members have just received the vaccine but are feeling sick as a result. They meet in December to improve their income generating activities and are training to start new activities.

Regina (Malili) – Regina is leading her cluster in planning for the 2022 Work Team trip, and introduces us to the term “Cluster Welfare,” as she describes how everyone is chipping in money to pay for a sick child’s hospitalization and continued treatment. She reports the extra income women were able to earn in December, thanks to travelers and celebrations. Her new groups have had a lot of sickness, so need PFP Fellowship & Prayer Group January 2022 prayer for health and unity. Prayers for a group leader, who lost her husband in a violent death, and for her own mother, who is unwell.

Agnes (Mbooni) – Agnes’ groups are doing well and being creative in their income generation. As a cluster, they were able to buy 2 tanks for every gift given to them in 2021 – a beautiful example of hard work and motivation that is our PFP model. Agnes continues as an exemplary leader, and her training in Dec included: “I trained every leader on how to start a business; possess skills and resources; be able to identify the needs of your people, learn their problems and lastly spot the business opportunities.”

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – Discussions continue here for new activities as the region continues to be dry, although there has been some rain now. Members with tanks continue to share water as best they can, and two groups celebrated every member having a tank now. Beatrice continues to ask for prayer that every member would get a tank, and for wisdom as they change activities.

Susan (Kilome) – Susan shared that the rains have come to the area and women are busy in their fields. They have shared food and sanitary supplies with Lydia’s daughter, and they look forward to meeting together, as they missed last month.

Sue (Kisau) – We celebrate with Kisau as 3 groups prepare for a graduation ceremony in March 2022. But Sue lists these challenges: “Our cluster faced the challenge of sickness and death among the group members and their relatives. Rains seem to fail, our country’s economy is wanting, prices of items has gone very high due to the pandemic.”

Sue (Makueni) – Sue’s newer groups are now doing small income generation activities in response to the changing times – cooking mandazis and chips, washing other’s clothes, casual labor, and some are starting poultry farming. They will begin new trainings this year. Sue poignantly requests, “Pray for our cluster members so they can achieve their targets, pray for the ongoing rain, pray for me to regain my sight.” We knew Sue was admitted to hospital last week with a bacterial eye infection – we pray for her!

Elizabeth Muindi Receives a Tank!

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 02:01:17 GMT

Elizabeth is 39 years old, married, and has three children, who are still in school. Elizabeth is a farmer, a challenging way to earn a living when there is often not enough water for irrigation.

Elizabeth and her children walk for water six days per week. She says, “Lack of sufficient and nearby water caused me a lot of struggles because I had to leave my children when they were young and go and fetch dirty water to bring to my family. This led to waterborne diseases, therefore most of the time I was in and out of hospital.”

This year, the prolonged drought caused even more challenges. Most of Elizabeth’s livestock died from lack of water, and the rest she had to sell at a loss.

Elizabeth recently joined the Imani women’s group and found support among the other group members. Receiving this gift tank is such a relief after a difficult year! Elizabeth’s family is going to be healthier because of the clean water. Elizabeth will have more time to work and is planning on poultry farming. She appreciates the donors who made this possible.

Cluster Update: Effects of Drought

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 21:12:08 GMT

December 2021 Monthly Update from our Regional Program Managers

RPM Updates:

Agnes (Mbooni) – It is such a joy to read Agnes’s groups are busy planting, working in gardens, and enjoying the rains that have come. One group has “promised to fight with poverty in their homes,” and are generally feeling relief. We are thankful both for Agnes’s daughter who got married on Saturday, but also that she’s been able to train every secretary and treasurer in record-keeping and accountability, and that’s thirteen groups right now! A recent tank recipient, Elizabeth Gideon, asks prayer for a difficult family situation.

Monicah (Tulimani) – Rains are also occurring in this region, and groups are busy in their nurseries and gardens. But she reminds that even in this time of working the fields, there is famine. One group has particularly struggled, Taa wa Kyamithenge, so we pray for their motivation and energy. The chairlady we’d prayed for has recovered, well, and she gives thanks.

Elizabeth (Kola) – Elizabeth’s groups continue to struggle during this time of famine, and have decided that every group will start table banking as a way of surviving. “Our challenges this month is most of our areas are having no food and those who have are dividing it to others.”

Regina (Malili) – Women continue having to buy water at 28 cents a can, which can be half of a daily wage. There are some rains, as several new groups report that they are doing casual labor of planting and working in vegetable gardens for income. Older groups continue with sisal rope making, and one veteran group bought six tanks this year! Regina still asks for prayer for the many dry dams and rivers that are forcing women to walk ever farther for water.

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – The effects of drought continue in this driest region, as Beatrice says, “Some of our activities cannot do well, because we didn’t get enough rains for the last two seasons.” Groups continue to press on, and one group rejoices that every member now has one tank, and the oldest group, Mumo, has completed getting everyone 2 tanks and starts on solar panels next year. We give thanks with them!

Susan (Kilome) – Susan was able to do a year-end review with her leaders of each group and gives thanks for the opportunity to evaluate and start plans for 2022. The group that started beekeeping has had a debilitating issue with ants, but they have managed that challenge and are grateful. November’s struggles continue to be the “severe scarcity of water, which meant all financial resource was directed to food.” Even in the face of this difficulty, “Some groups have planned to share Christmas gifts, especially food items to the needy.”

Sue (Kisau) – Sue’s report is full of positive projections of anticipated tanks and solar panels in 2022, and of a couple groups graduating. We want to prayerfully consider how to do this with them – celebrate and support them. Rains have started in Kisau, and Sue requests prayer “that they will be sufficient, for good health and financial break-through for all members.” Some members are experimenting with baking and sales and small grocery kiosks as a way of dealing with the changing markets.

Sue (Makueni) – News out of Makueni was more sad – Sue reports that lack of rain means that “most of the members livestock died due to hunger.” They continue to have to waste time looking for water and their “educational tour” is still delayed as they struggle to find time since so many are still using too much time looking for water. This affects group attendance, and we pray for rain and for the sickness affecting the region. These groups have also started cooking mandazis and chips and are selling them successfully.

A Kenyan Woman’s Perspective

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 17:15:11 GMT

From Pauline Kamanja

Growing up in rural Kenya, Pauline faced significant challenges and had no dream for the future. Like many girls there, she had extraordinary burdens to carry. Today, Pauline works with women and their children in Kenya to help ensure they have better lives.

Hard labor

At 5 years old, Pauline started working with her parents on a coffee farm. She woke up at 4:00 am to pick coffee beans. After coffee season, she would gather firewood from the forest, carrying the wood on her back. She was also required to fetch water on a daily basis for school and her home. They didn’t have jerry cans and carried water in pots on their heads.

Alongside wild animals

Everything was done in the same river that wild animals and cows drank from and left their waste in. Water from these rivers was used for drinking and cooking. People bathed once a week and washed their clothes in the river.

“I didn’t have a dream. I didn’t have a future.”

Although Pauline attended school, she and her classmates didn’t have hope or plans for the future. The only thing they looked forward to was school holidays. The only role models they had were the teachers, who dressed well and ate good food, but did nothing to help the students plan for a career. There was no guidance for the future. Girls were not told about menstruation by any adults, so older classmates had to explain it to the younger girls. They were shamed and left embarrassed and confused.

Dare to dream

The first true role model that young Pauline had was a nurse she met at a clinic. This nurse connected deeply with her, so much so that Pauline chose to call herself by the same name. This connection sparked her ability to dream. She married, had children, and dedicated herself to getting her children educated. Pauline made a lifelong commitment to help as many girls as possible, so they don’t have to face the same reality that she did.

Women and girls face even more challenges today

Women and girls spend hours of every day walking for water. This takes women away from work and girls away from school. Women have few rights and rarely own land themselves. If they divorce, they lose their land and often their children. The cycle of poverty and homelessness continues.

“When you empower a woman, she will have a voice.”

An empowered woman will stand up for herself, find her voice, and become self-reliant. She will educate and feed her children. She will empower young people, sharing knowledge and wisdom with future generations. Empowered women can break the cycle of poverty.

Fulfilling her commitment

Pauline is the founder of Gloryland Missions, which supports the children of women who are on the streets in Nairobi. She is a strong supporter of Path From Poverty, offering her time, talent, and connections. We are grateful to have her in the PFP family.

Annah Receives a Solar Panel!

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 19:11:31 GMT

Annah is 68 years old and lives with her children and grandchildren. Over the years, she has used many forms of energy to light her home, including kerosene lanterns and battery-powered spotlights. They have all been expensive, and many are bad for her health. Annah makes baskets and keeps poultry. Working 4 hours after sunset each day at these tasks was difficult without a good source of light.

Not having outdoor lights at her compound brought additional challenges. Predators ate her chickens this year. One night, Annah was walking outside and almost stepped on a large snake that she couldn’t see in the dark.

Annah is grateful for this solar panel gift and the security and opportunities it will bring to her family. It was hard for her children to study without a reliable source of energy to light their home. She believes that her grandchildren, 4 girls and 2 boys, will have an easier time studying and do well in school. Annah will also be able to increase her poultry keeping, since outdoor lights will deter predators. “Now I know I will be very safe together with my family members,” she says.

Cluster Update: Giving Thanks

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 22:00:02 GMT

November 2021 Monthly Update from our Regional Program Managers

We give thanks for Bank Openings, New Groups, and More Tanks, in the midst of hardship:

“The Cluster experienced severe drought. Most families are going with little or no food. Economy was very low due to the high prices of items; water was very expensive. Dams and pools have dried up, we are walking long distances to get water.”

Susan, RPM for Kilome

RPM Updates:

Susan (Kilome) –As she says, this was a very hard year – only one of her groups met their targets, and one group wasn’t able to buy even one tank this year. We give thanks with Kiumoni as we see the joy of receiving their first tank. We pray for the struggling group, for the chairlady of Wathini Deanery who suffered a stroke, and for rains for the whole area, since local dams and pools have dried up. Leadership trainings are around income generation, since “many groups’ activities are not productive.”

Agnes (Mbooni) – All but two of Agnes’ groups were able to meet their targets, and they are finally getting some rain and women are preparing their gardens. She requests prayers for the chairladies, secretaries and treasurers of her groups – 42 in all.

Monicah (Tulimani) – All but one group was able to buy a tank this year, although nearly all missed their targets because of drought, famine, and a depressed market. Her report is full of positivity – “they tried their best under the circumstances,” and “willing to do good despite the situation.”

Sue (Kisau) – This cluster reports every group having purchased tanks or panels, and they had an annual review of their trainings and are planning next year’s trainings once planting is done after the rain. Two groups are talking about graduating their members as they complete their personal path from poverty. There is much to give thanks for, but Sue requests prayer for the long-awaited rains and the pandemic.

Sue (Makueni) – All but the two newest groups were able to buy tanks, and their monthly meeting included a review of their income-generating activities. They are planning an “educational tour” for the cluster in November, but they are struggling to find time since so many are still using too much time looking for water. This affects group attendance, and we pray for rain and for the sickness affecting the region.

Elizabeth (Kola) – Two of Elizabeth’s six groups were able to meet their targets for the bank opening as they continue to struggle with drought and Covid. She says again that “Most of our area has no food and water and we request those who have donkeys help each other to fetch water.” Pray for rain!

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – Because of Covid-19, only executive leaders in this cluster have been able to meet, and women are doing their best to share water, since drought continues to affect them in this dry area. “We need prayer because it is very difficult to meet our targets due to hunger and Covid-19.”

Regina (Malili) – Even Regina’s new groups were all able to buy a tank in September, although not all women are able to make their targets yet. But even those women with tanks have no water because of the drought, and even rivers have dried up – they are walking farther than ever. She reports that to buy water is now 28 cents a can, which can be half of a daily wage. One of their leaders attended a function, got seriously sick with Covid-19 and has passed away – please pray for that group, and the health of all.

Dorothy Mutuku Receives a Tank

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 20:21:01 GMT

Dorothy, of the Aka ma Uvoo Museo women’s group, has been married for ten years and has three living children and two grandchildren. Dorothy’s eldest son died four years ago while fetching water. He was driving a cow cart on his way to collect water from Kwa Matinga dam. The bulls were running too quickly as they approached the dam. The boy tried to slow them, but in vain. The bulls ran into the water, taking the cart and the boy with them. All drowned. Since then, Dorothy has been afraid to send her other sons to collect water.

In 2017, Dorothy joined a Path From Poverty’s women’s group. It has been challenging for her to save money while also paying for her children’s education. Her husband raises cows and goats. Dorothy sells chickens and eggs, farms, and does casual labor--all this, after walking for water early in the morning, seven days a week. Despite her struggles, Dorothy says she has been happy since joining the group and receiving the support of other women.

With this water tank, Dorothy will have more time to work on her vegetable garden and raise chickens. Now that she doesn’t have to fear as much for her children’s safety while they fetch water, she is a happy mother.

Cluster Update: Working Together

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 21:23:37 GMT

October 2021 Monthly Update from our Regional Program Managers

Agnes (Mbooni) – Agnes writes that while most of her groups are able to buy at least one tank in the September bank opening, many are disappointed because “they were not able to purchase many tanks due to pandemic and famine.” Her training with all leaders this month was on reducing household expenditures. Her prayer request is to “Pray for rain, broken families and also remember our government especially during this time of politics.”

Sue (Kisau) – We reported last month Kisau’s struggle to meet targets, and we give praise that every group was able to meet their goals for their September bank opening. Sue trained leaders in good health habits especially during the covid-19 pandemic. She thanks us for her prayers for her father’s surgery on his throat, which was successful, and he is now recovering well.

Sue (Makueni) – Women continue to waste a lot of time looking for and fetching water, and the monthly training was how to clean the water they are collecting as best they can. They are really feeling the drought, and domestic animals are particularly struggling. In the midst of hardship, this youngest cluster has added two more groups, who are working hard to get a first tank right now for the coming rains.

Elizabeth (Kola) – While her groups are working hard, they are also affected by the drought and covid, and her training this month was on “how we can live with the families in this time of famine and drought.” She says of their current challenges: “Most of our families have no food and water. Those who have donkeys help each other to get water.”

Monicah (Tulimani) – Unlike many of the clusters, Monicah’s chairladies were able to meet in person this month, and this helps them bolster each other up for a difficult year to meet their targets. But the drought is really affecting them, as she says, “Almost every cent is going to food.” Please pray for good rains!

Susan (Kilome) – Susan’s cluster meeting was able to meet this month, too, the women encouraged each other. The only water is dam water, which is suitable for animals, but not human consumption. They are registering a new group, Kiumoni, that has worked together to buy a tank and put together an income-generation proposal. She asks specifically for prayer “that women know and believe that through unity they’re able to go far.”

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – Drought continues here, too, and with it, hunger. Several groups continue to work at changing income generation activities, and leaders discussed how they can share water. Her new group grew by 7 women – a sign that our PFP groups are beacons of hope in difficult times.

Regina (Malili) – In their cluster meeting, “we note almost every family is buying drinking water, and those with tanks have run dry.” Optimistically, they trained in preparing their gardens, manure fertilizer and terracing, and they are researching how to better market their wares. They request prayers for the two orphans (brother and sister) pictured here that the Cluster is sponsoring for medical treatment. This is especially inspirational considering half of Regina’s cluster are groups that started this year. She asks prayers especially for these new members – because they don’t have tanks yet, they suffer a lot from the dirty water with malaria, diarrhea, and typhoid.

Christine Kinuka Receives a Tank!

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 22:10:34 GMT

Christine, of the Aka Ma Uiini women’s group, has six children and four grandchildren. She was able to escape an abusive marriage, and moved away with her children, which is especially difficult for women in rural Kenya. Christine's husband was an alcoholic and violent. To avoid his constant abuse, she and her children often fled their home and slept outside.

Christine’s parents advised her to divorce her husband and helped her and the children find a place to live. Living in a very rural area, she was isolated and most often had to travel alone to fetch water. On one of her walks for water she was surrounded by hyenas. Fortunately, she was able to climb a tree and escape. Christine now walks for water with her neighbors, usually three hours a day, six days a week, to fetch water for her home. She is safer walking with others.

Christine is 64 years old and walking for water has become increasingly difficult for her. She has arthritis, back problems, and high blood pressure. Sometimes she cannot walk, and her daughter walks instead. The water is collected from an earth dam and is dirty and disease ridden. The dam is also used by wild animals, dogs, and livestock. Buying clean water is simply unaffordable.

Christine says that receiving this tank will change her life. Using the clean water will improve her family's health. Christine is determined to keep contributing to the women’s group so that other members can receive tanks and feel as happy as she does.

Harambee 2021: A Huge Success

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 19:56:58 GMT

Path From Poverty’s board, staff, and partners in Kenya wholeheartedly thank you for your participation in, and support of, our Harambee fundraiser. In Swahili, Harambee means pulling together.

Our event theme was “Worlds Apart. Powerful Together”, and with your help we pulled together and raised $84,760 through the Harambee evening. This amount will continue to rise as more donations arrive over the next few weeks.

We are excited that Harambee highlighted information about our growth, showcased a story of women working together, and had our Regional Program Managers introduce themselves and share the importance of Path From Poverty from their perspectives.

Dirty water kills millions of people around the world. In rural Kenya it is mainly women and girls that walk on average the equivalent of 7 to 8 hours a day collecting disease infested water.

Our work allows and encourages women to generate income, educate their children, establish micro-enterprises, obtain water catchment tanks and solar panels, and keep women and girls safe. Women and their families are moved toward living healthier and breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

Thank you for making a difference. We are indeed powerful together.

With warm appreciation,

Kim McKoy, Executive Director

Diversity in Path From Poverty: Made in the Image of God

sales@associationsphere.com (Blue Hill) — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 16:18:09 GMT

Kathryn Smith Derksen, July 20, 2021

I’ve started attending an online Bible study, co-led by Reverend Rene August, a friend of mine from South Africa, with Lisa Sharon Harper of Sojourners here in the US. It’s called “Decolonizing the Bible,” and when I saw it, I thought it was important for us at Path From Poverty. We are a Christian organization, largely made up of white, Westernized women, serving African women of color. Diversity is literally built into who are, and I hear that those preparing for the Work team unpack things like “white savior complex” and respecting cultural diversity before going. So this study seems like a good foundation for me.

Decolonizing the Bible sounded intimidating to me at first, but really it’s a way of saying ‘let’s look at the Bible in a fresh way – see if we can take off the Euro-centric lenses we’ve been brought up with and taught to see things through, and see what else God is saying.’

We started last week, with Genesis. The first part of Genesis was written during the Babylon exile; it is an origin story meant to comfort an enslaved people. The idea that people could be made in the image of God – is so scandalous! Images of authority, especially in ancient times, were signs of faithfulness – when images are put on a shield, or money, they demand allegiance. Anyone refusing it was declaring war on that king, or at least completely rejecting that authority, like Daniel with Nebuchadnezzar.

Jesus reminds us of being made in God’s image in a powerful way. In Mark 12:13-17, we see religious leaders trying to trap Jesus with a tricky question about taxes – if he answered yes or no, he was going to be in trouble. I’ve been taught this is a story about how clever Jesus was in his answer “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And then we would debate about whether Jesus was pro-government by saying this.

But try looking at this differently – go back to our origin story. We are Made in The Image of God. Every one of us is, no matter the color of our skin, sexual orientation, language we speak, or even whom we worship. Jesus’ answer has much less to do with coins and government, and more to do with calling us to honor the image of God in which we are all made. This is how we are faithful, how we show allegiance to God – loving each other in all our diversity.

In this month of Pride, and June-teenth (a day marking the end of slavery in the US) let’s remember our origins and our calling – embracing the diversity of God’s creation with whole-hearted allegiance.

Thank You For Your Generous Support of Walk for Water 2021

sales@associationsphere.com (Blue Hill) — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 14:30:12 GMT

5/25/2021

Dear Friends,

With your generous support, Path From Poverty raised over $108,000 with our 2021 Walk for Water "Ten Thousand Steps" spring fundraiser. We are delighted to announce this is twice as much as raised last year, which was at the time the most PFP had ever raised with our Walk campaign! That this was done virtually, with COVID lock-down challenges, these last two years is amazing!

Thank you. Your donations helped create this tremendous success and made a difference.

Hopefully, you will internalize the genuine gratitude that I, Kathryn (my only staff), our board, and the Kenyan leaders and the women in their groups, have for your generous support. You are impacting the lives of many Kenyan sisters and their families as we work to change the harsh reality of water inequity so they can stop "fetching" and using disease infested water just to survive. Thank you!

This year, weekly challenges leading up to the walk date helped participants get a better sense of how arduous the daily task of obtaining water is for Kenyan women. Several of you took on one or more. The reflections that folks shared about how engaging in the challenges spoke to the deeper understanding and connection they gained was appreciated. Here is an example of how touched one participant was:

"This morning I was taking a shower when suddenly I thought of women carrying water to their homes and considered how much I had used already. Guilt trip! After turning off the tap, strong images flooded my mind and emotions for the next hour. How heavy was the water carried on a Kenya woman’s back for five miles to and from the river source? Was it clean and disease-free? Could I carry that heavy load? If so, would I have used it more sparingly? I paused...because the answers were difficult. That is why this campaign is important. It gives purpose and dignity to those women who walk for water daily. It reminds me to be more thoughtful in its usage and appreciate what is delivered daily by my local water system.” - Joy L.

Once again, thank you for supporting Path From Poverty as we continue working to fulfill this mission of hope. We could not do it without you!

Sincerely,

Kim McKoy, Executive Director

Margaret Mutua Receives a Tank!

sales@associationsphere.com (Blue Hill) — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 14:29:07 GMT

4/22/2021

Margaret Mutua in the yellow dress, of Methoi ma Aka women's group, the recipient of a water catchment tank from the Poulsbo Rotary Club and District 5020 grant project.

She is standing with one of her sons, Mother in law, and daughter in law. Margret is 52, married, and a mother of 8 children 4 boys and 4 girls. She is a grandmother to 5 grandchildren. She has been fetching water from Athi river which is far away from her home. She travels around eight kilometers thus most of her time has been used to look for water for her family. To get at least water that can be used in her home for a day she would have to use a donkey which carries four 20-liter Jerrycan and she carries another one at her back .Margret has to do this every day.

Having received this water tank she will be able to harvest rain water thus reduce the journey to the river, get time to start an economic activity and her family will be more healthier.

Veronica Ndindi’s Celebration Story

sales@associationsphere.com (Blue Hill) — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 14:27:13 GMT

3/22/2021

Veronica has been a member of the Tei Wangai Group of Path from Poverty since 2015. This is her first water tank! The Group is in the Mbooni region of Kenya. Her family consists of twelve people including five girls and four boys, who attend school. In addition to her family, four additional community members will share the water tank. Veronica is the sole supporter of her family.

Every day she and her daughters walk for two hours to get water. The water is dirty and contaminated resulting in typhoid and diarrhea among other water-borne illnesses.

One of the severe challenges in her life is that three of her daughters were raped while walking for water and each daughter has a baby as a result. She is extremely grateful that with the water tank, her daughters are now safe.

Veronica saved her money for many months by pounding stones to make gravel and selling it. In addition to learning how to earn and save her money in Path from Poverty, Veronica has learned how to save time and share her burdens with other women.

With the water tank, she will also waste less time by having her children in the hospital being ill from contaminated water. The tank will also mean more unity and improved relationships among her family.

Veronica is very grateful to have the water tank and thanks the donors who made it possible.

path-from-poverty

Dorcas's Celebration Story

From sorrow to success

Cluster Update: Women's Goals Affected by Drought

Elizabeth's Celebration Story

The Relief of Water

Micro-enterprises Help Break the Cycle of Poverty

Cluster Update: Changing Seasons

Changing seasons

Christine's Celebration Story

"Our lives will change."

Cluster Update - New Income Generating Projects

Cluster Update: Ongoing Flood Recovery Efforts

Joyce's Celebration Story

“My dream has come true.”

Cluster Update: Flooding in Kenya

Agnes' Celebration Story

The community views a single mother in a new light

Cluster Update: News from Kenya

Welcoming a new leader for Kola cluster

Penina's Celebration Story

“I flashed back and saw how I trekked for water for so many years.”

Kawendo Women's Group Graduates!

A group that has walked the path from poverty.

Cluster Update: Preparing for the Work Team

February 2024: Update from our Regional Program Managers

Cutting Wood for Water

Joy's Celebration Story

"PFP has really empowered me."

A Thank You from Stella

Cluster Update: Arrival of the Rainy Season

December 2023: Update from our Regional Program Managers ﻿

Catherine's Celebration Story

Catherine and her daughter will be safe with access to clean water at home.

Cluster Update: A New Cluster!

October 2023: Update from our Regional Program Managers

Nthenya's Celebration Story

"Being in PFP is a blessing to us all."

The Power of Solar

Cluster Update: Living Life Without Enough Water

August 2023: Update from our Regional Program Managers

Jedida's Celebration Story

"I am a strong woman who is always there for my children."

"Confident and Courageous"

Kenyan women share the benefits of being in a PFP group!

Celebrating at Walk for Water!

Gathering for a walk, a Kenyan tea, and community

Rose's Celebration Story!

"I am thankful for this project. I have learned a lot."

Cluster Update: The Rains Have Come!

April 2023: Update from our Regional Program Managers

Reginah's Celebration Story

Water is Work

Written by Mary McBride, member of Work Team 2023

Work Team Trip 2023

Reflections on an inspiring journey

Josphine's Celebration Story

Cluster Update: New Income Generating Activities

January 2023: Update from our Regional Program Managers

Rosemary Receives a Tank!

Cluster Update: Preparing for Rain

December 2022: Update from our Regional Program Managers

"Water to Water"

Kitsap Rowers join together to help women!

PFP Receives a Rotary Grant

Ruth Receives a Solar Panel

Cluster Update: Celebrating Tank Purchases & Mourning Lean Months

October 2022: Monthly Update from our Regional Program Managers

Cluster Update: Adapting to the Changing Seasons

September 2022: Monthly Update from our Regional Program Managers

Mirriam Receives a Tank

Regina's Story

Work Team members met Regina on their trip to Malili

Cluster Update: Challenges and Successes

Monthly Update from our Regional Program Managers

Stella Receives a Tank!

Sylvia Receives a Tank!

Listening, Learning, and Empowering Women

We did it! Walk for Water 2022 was a huge success!

An Intern's Perspective

December 2023: Update from our Regional Program Managers