Our names are Naomi and Nina. For more than three years, we’ve been working with a small grassroots community-run project, Badilika Uishi, based in a slum area of Nairobi, Kenya, called Kawangware. The program focuses on helping the most vulnerable community members including drug users, sex workers, and their children. It provides life-changing support: connections to health care and drug treatment, emergency assistance, community education and counseling, and a space for people who have nowhere else to go.

The hardships faced by community members and staff alike are overwhelming. At the same time, their resiliency and dignity are ever-present. As volunteer supporters, we have become deeply drawn to help them.

There have been many challenges - political unrest, community violence, profound poverty - that impact the team's ability to do their work. At the same time, there have been wonderful accomplishments - helping former drug users move from active addiction into recovery and jobs; getting children into school for the first time and keeping them enrolled; assisting victims of gender violence get connected to care; and helping local women find safe ways to support their families - to name a few.

We're inviting you to join us in supporting Badilika Uishi through a fundraiser that will provide direct community care. Every dollar goes toward a specific tangible need, ensuring that your generosity has a direct, immediate impact.

For this fundraiser, we are targeting three specific needs:

Sexual Health & Safety: Access to condoms keeps the community safe, supported, and empowered. But the cost is too high for most of these vulnerable community members, putting them at high risk for both sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. $50 would purchase 150 female condoms or 375 male condoms

Children's Education: School is not free in Kenya. Uniforms and school supplies must be purchased. Plus every child is charged a fee that covers breakfast and lunch. $125 = one child’s annual school costs. We are currently supporting costs for five children whose parents have a history of substance use:

Rebuilding a Community Center: Up until 2 years ago, Badilika Uishi operated a vibrant community center that provided meals, hygiene support, social connections, and a safe place to recharge. But land developers kicked them out and destroyed the building. After two years, the team has identified a new site and willing landlord and is hoping to re-open. Your contribution would help cover:

We hope you will add Badilika Uishi to the list of causes you support. We personally have been inspired by Badilika Uishi’s ability to support their vulnerable community members using their minds, hearts, and a few donated resources.

As you may see from the cost estimates above, your donations go far in a place like Nairobi. Aside from the small GoFundMe fee, there are absolutely no additional administrative or overhead costs. Every dollar you give goes directly to cover the expenses listed above.

We’d be honored to have you as part of this circle of support.

You can also learn more about their work at https://www.badilikauishi.org.