International Day of the African Child
This week on Tuesday, June 16th, the world observed the little known, International Day of the African Child. This annual event goes back to the early 1970s when the world paused and took note of the incredible suffering that the vulnerable child in Africa was subjected to on a daily basis. Three of the key areas of international concern of the vulnerable child are central to what we at Tumaini have consistently addressed for almost two decades now: quality education, food security, and provision of healthcare. We have discovered that each of these areas has its own complexities and we have tried to address them in context.
This week we focus on food security. We have selected regions that have been impacted the most by the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic and need an extra hand-up. Nicholas, who is heading the food distribution exercise had this to say:
"Given the fact that the kids have been at home for 3 months now, the rate of food consumption in several families is extremely high. Due to the unemployment crisis, the economy is affected negatively hence less money is reaching the pockets of the caregivers."
Working around strict travel restrictions, our staff and regional volunteers have done an excellent job of identifying families in the most affected regions. Out of the 8 counties where we serve across the country, five counties have been hit the most and that is where food distribution has been concentrated. These counties include Kwale, Kilifi, Kitui, Makueni, and Machakos. Over this week, a total of 272 families have received critical food representing 439 of our sponsored children.
We are blessed to serve communities that are grateful for any hand-up they receive from you through Tumaini.” We are very much grateful for your kindness during this hard time”, expressed Veronica, one of our sponsored girls. Elizabeth, a guardian from the town of Kyumbi had this to say ‘’We have been struggling for the last few months to put food on the table due to the current situation. Our kids are at home and we are consuming much every day compared to the normal school days. We thank Tumaini for this noble initiative’’.
We are profoundly grateful for your prayer and financial support. Thank you for joining those who are giving to the cause of the African child, especially this week. You are giving lasting hope in very concrete ways and we are eternally grateful to you all. If you would like to give a donation to our Hope Fund this week, it will go towards meeting educational, healthcare, and food securityemergencies.
Sincerely,
Stanley Mutunga
President & CEO
Today’s COVID-19 Update:
4,257 confirmed cases (an increase by 1,042! Bad news)
117 deaths (from 92 a week ago)
40 counties (from 36 a week ago…the first case in Masii where our offices are located.
But all staff, sponsored children and guardians are safe)