Kenya 2019 – Do Something

HOUSE REPAIRS AND SUPPLIES FOR AGNES

We first met Agnes when we came to see the garden that Isaya had created for her. Agnes is deaf and mute. She communicates through a modified sign and definitely gets her ideas across.

Agnes’ story includes the death of 7 of her 8 children. She was a third wife and after her husband died the first 2 wives took much of her land. She has no contact with her one surviving child.

She was worried for her security at night. Her few belongings were strewn around her house and grounds and mostly useless. Pots had rusted holes, her mud home was termite infested, her door insecure, lights not working, plastic plates and cups had been eaten away by rats and that’s just for starters.

Thanks to SOCKS donations, Agnes’ home had it’s inside dung walls stripped, floors levelled with gravel, concrete laid on the oor and all interior and exterior walls, electrical wiring fixed and individual switches installed. She was given extra bulbs, matches, strong steel door with a window and padlock, 2 real windows with glass, (replacing open holes with heavy wooden shutters), repaired chairs and table, new pots, kettle, utensils, plates, cups, food, oil, blankets and a big metal box to store and lock away her belongings .

Thanks to Isaya’s organization, contacts and the support of another of former student, Apsolon, workers were found, supplies bought and Agnes’ living conditions and security has improved tremendously.

Support from generous donations to SOCKS Canada – priceless!

SEED GARDENS

The ‘seed and garden’ project is the newest SOCKS undertaking. One of our board members, who has taught in Kenya, keeps in contact with a former student named Isaya. He is educated and has experience in agriculture. He has always wanted to be a farmer.
Perfect match!
Isaya took on the project with great enthusiasm. He approached local chiefs and churches in nearby rural areas to and vulnerable seniors. Isaya visited and heard the stories of 8 ladies who he felt would benefit from their own vegetable garden. He tilled the soil, dug posts, fenced around the perimeter, divided the garden and taught the ladies about sustainability. The garden is organized so that there are always plants going to seed, some ready for harvest and some just sprouting. The ladies will soon be able to care for their gardens independently. Some have even dug and created a second garden. They have planted more crops to sell and bring in a little money.
Isaya will continue to check on them from me to me but is sure they are ready to fly solo.
The strength and independence in these senior ladies are an inspiration.