an update from nkunga

Highfield Church has undertaken, in partnership with Food for the Hungry UK (FHI), a programme to support the people of Nkunga – a village in Kenya. Members of the congregation and local residents have joined together to financially support this programme over a period of about 10 years, until the community and its people are advancing towards their God-given potential. For more information about the partnership, click here

Recent rains have produced a good harvest for the first time in three years and maize is now ripening in the fields. Food for the Hungry have been teaching farming families to grow vegetables in containers near their houses, using waste water from washing up to water the vegetables, which provide a much needed supplement for the villagers' diets. Everyone is hoping that the long rains will start soon and the soil is being prepared for the next planting of crops.

A new headmaster has been appointed to the school, and Food for the Hungry are working to encourage him to be proactive in addressing the needs of the pupils. The school remains understaffed which is imposing severe strains on the teachers, and reduces the quality of education that they are able to offer. The government has so far not responded requests for more teaching staff.

In partnership with the Ministry of Health, Food for the Hungry are organising a health screening session for children at the school and it is hoped that this will identify medical problems among the children before they become chronic. 250 students who attended a recent event volunteered to undertake an HIV test and analysis of anonymised results will help Food for the Hungry and the community to better understand the level of infection in the village. Food for the Hungry continues to educate the young people about how the virus spreads and how abstinence is the only certain method of avoiding transmission. 

Local churches have agreed to collaborate on running training events for young people who have completed secondary school but are unable to progress further in the education system and have not yet found a job. There will be advice on HIV AIDS, careers and the mechanics of starting a business. Members of different congregations are also helping one another out much more with practical things and this is improving the quality of life for everyone in Nkunga.