I want you to know how your gifts are changing entire families in Kenya. I hope you enjoy this story from Linda, our Communications Liason in Kenya.
"In April, Open Arms began a community training program to help women learn effective and affordable farming methods. The program seeks to ensure that participants can care for their families better.
Four women from the Mlango community surrounding Open Arms Village have been attending the training sessions consistently. As they work with the Village farmers, they earn a portion of the harvest as well as a daily wage.
One participant, Janet, is a 33-year-old single mother of 10. She lives in Mlango in a one room metal shack On the days she is not working at the Open Arms farm, Janet washes clothes and sells vegetables to make a living.
Her struggle to make ends meet is compounded by her chronic asthma which sometimes prevents her from working. Despite the challenges, she has been able to ensure that all of her children go to school.
While on my way to work the other day, I met Janet and some of her children. She was taking them all to school. The sight warmed my heart because I could tell that she was going to use the knowledge, skills and wages she gets at Open Arms to ensure that her children get the education and care they need.
Janet shared, “Because I am leading such a tough life, I would not wish the same upon my children. I will do my best to ensure that they have a better life and that they can fend for themselves. The training gives me confidence in my ability to provide and feed my children and that makes me happy!”
Thank you for giving these children and their mother a chance!
Kaytie Fiedler
Executive Director, Open Arms International US
www.openarmsinternational.org/donate