Follow us over the course of a year as we help the community of Matopeni in Nairobi, Kenya, build clean water and sanitation facilities.
With the project progressing well, during February Matopeni’s community reflected on what they have already achieved and discussed ambitious plans for the future.
Exchange visit brings inspiration
After years of suffering from poor health caused by water-borne diseases and the high prevalence of malaria brought by mosquitoes attracted by stagnant pools, the community has seen a marked improvement with mothers reporting that their children have suffered only minor illnesses since the drains were installed.
Having solved this immediate problem, the community can now put in place plans for their future. During an exchange visit to Kiambiu settlement, women from Matopeni including Everlyne Kithuku and 18-year-old Nancy Ombere met people from slums across Nairobi.
The event was an opportunity to learn from each other, share ideas – and even meet old friends. ‘I met so many people there; friends and some people from Soweto in Kibera,’ explains Nancy. ‘Lots of people were visiting to hear from Kiambiu.’
Kiambiu’s Usafi group runs the settlement’s water and sanitation blocks and the way in which they have worked tirelessly to improve the slum’s environment while also saving to buy their own piece of land was food for thought for those visiting from Matopeni. ‘It was really a challenge for us – that for the people of Matopeni we could buy some land,’ says Everlyne.
And the way in which the community worked together to achieve this goal is something that Nancy believes Matopeni should emulate. ‘People need to be united,’ she says.
International Women’s Day
Matopeni’s women’s group Arise and Shine have worked hard to ensure the community makes the project a success. Set up in 2004 to support the slum’s many single mothers, the group has ensured that women have been involved in all stages of the project.
During February, in the weeks leading up to International Women’s Day on 8 March which this year reflected on how we can ensure decent work for women, founding members Catherine and Everlyne Kithuku, and Veronica Milla had good cause to feel proud of this role.
Women employed through the project not only earned a wage for their contribution but also learnt construction skills which should help them find work in the future.
Find out more from Everlyne Saha Ombere.
