starterkit.jpeg

The solution to problems lies in the community

COVID Support
Only Through Community
starterkit.jpeg

Information enables solidarity

COVID Support
Empower the communities
previous arrow
next arrow

News

Standing Together on Suicide Prevention Awareness Day: A Call for Hope and Action

Read more …

THE POWER OF SELF HELP GROUPS IN IMPROVING LIVELIHOODS IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY

According to the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) of Kenya, Laikipia is among the 23 counties that are susceptible to drought. The Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of this county constitute more than 80% of the country’s total land area. This resulted in over 2 million people facing severe food insecurity in 2021. In this severe drought, the ultra-poor and marginalized individuals, including those affected by gender-based violence, mental health issues, disabilities, and marginalized women and children, face the greatest hardship. Their reliance on agriculture-based livelihoods and limited alternatives exacerbates their struggle to make ends meet.  In response to the challenges faced by the ultra-poor and marginalized individuals, St Martin introduced Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in 2023. The aim was to support these individuals to restart, diversify, and strengthen their livelihoods through training and financial support. The members, grouped into teams of 10-13, voluntarily saved money and participated in capacity-building activities focused on livelihood opportunities resilient livelihoods even amidst the adversities of drought.  Through this initiative, the livelihood programme has made a significant impact. It has supported 238 beneficiaries across 21 Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These individuals have been able to restart, strengthen, and diversify their livelihoods, thanks to the training they received. Despite the harsh climate conditions, they have shown remarkable resilience, adapting their livelihoods to withstand the challenges.

Read more …

AMANI CLUBS

The Amani clubs were Established in 2014 through a collaboration between the National Cohesion and Integration Commission and the Ministry of Education, Amani Clubs are fostering a culture of peace and understanding in Kenyan schools. These student-centered groups aim to promote good relations, harmony, and peaceful co-existence, not just within schools, but also extending to the surrounding communities.

Amani Clubs empower young people to address issues of ethnicity and diversity head-on, planting seeds of tolerance and appreciation for different cultures. They equip students with the skills to navigate challenges peacefully and inspire them to become responsible citizens who promote peace in their daily lives. The clubs stand as a testament to the power of education in transforming societies and building a more peaceful world.

Read more …

YOUTH PROJECT LAUNCH AND EXPO

Technical and Vocational Training (TVETs) is recognised worldwide as critical for increasing employability, better job prospects and potentially enhancing social inclusion.  TVET is a key element of long-life learning systems that aims to equip people with technical skills, expertise and competencies needed in the labour market while providing them also with the personal skills for their future lives in society. Kenya has recognised the potential of TVET as a driving force in addressing youth unemployment, It has recognised that TVET plays an important role in providing the necessary skills to improve employee productivity, occupational integration, economic progression, raise income levels and increase employment opportunities.  St. Martin CSA in partnership with the Laikipia County Government launched the Public-private partnership between the two entities.  The County Government is responsible for providing TVET services and upgrading VTCs. At the same time, St. Martin CSA will support the County TVET agenda by providing technical support for the development of County policies, the setting up of systems and training programs, training of county staff and the increase of TVET attractiveness in the County.  We were honoured to have His Excellency, The Governor County Government of Laikipia - Joshua Irungu, grace the occasion on 30th January 2024, at Rumuruti Stadium. His commitment to the success of our project is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration.

Read more …

Maurice Muthiga - The New Director Addressing the staff

New Year 2024

New Year 2024 with New Director and Renewed Commitment!

As we stepped into the New Year, we were filled with joy as we shared some exciting changes and renewed commitment within our organization. We recently bid farewell to Irene Wamithi, our dedicated Director for the past five years, and welcomed Maurice Muthiga as our new Director. This transition marked a significant moment for us as we continue to grow and evolve.

Read more …

  1. Wheels of resilient livelihoods
  2. Safeguarding vulnerable adults training
  3. Empowering Sustainable Livelihood Champions
  4. Annual Report 2022
  5. Zero Tolerance To FGM

Subcategories

Uncategorised

What we do

Advocacate for Child Protection

 

advocacy

 

The programme works with different stakeholders involved in child protection matters to advocate for child protection and resolve issues of violated children in a timely and child-inclusive manner in line with their best interests. The programme undertakes the following activities; 

  • Educating the public through radio shows and awareness creation on matters of children
  • Collaborating with the government agencies and civil societies on activities that enhance the promotion of child rights
  • Working with local and national networks in the field of child protection.
  • Empowerment of direct beneficiaries by providing information on the existing initiatives by government and organization that provides for their rights. 

Treatment and Rehabilitation

treatment

 

Owing to the high number of people already affected by drug abuse and mental illness who cannot access rehabilitation and treatment services. The project identifies the most vulnerable clients for support to access rehabilitation and medical treatment services. The objective of these support services is to restore the dignity and functionality of those people who cannot independently or with the help of relatives access the retreatment and rehabilitation services. This includes partial payment for psychiatric assessment, inpatient psychiatric treatment and residential drug rehabilitation. Furthermore, the programme implements a community based mental health programme where clients shall be offered outpatient addiction counseling, Intensive Outpatient Rehabilitation, peer support groups etc. 

Capacity Building

capacity building

 

The programme trains the following stakeholders as follows;

  • Community volunteers – They are trained on basic mental health information and community mobilization so that they may be able to identify and refer people with mental illness to appropriate support system. 
  • People affected by mental illness and addiction – As the people directly affected by mental illness and addiction, they are trained on various topics to enable them gain greater insight into their lives, adhere to treatment and take charge of their lives. 
  • Significant others of the beneficiaries – These are the close relatives of the beneficiaries who are trained to build their capacity to effectively support the recovery of their kin affected by mental illness and addiction.
  • Other stakeholders including chiefs, institutions, village elders among others who play a role in addressing mental health concerns in the community.

Empower parents socially and economically 

parents

 

These are parents and guardians of vulnerable children in the community. They are plagued by a myriad of vices which trap them into poverty and therefore are not able to provide for their children. The project works with these parents as a proactive strategy of solving the problem of street connected children. Parents are encouraged to join support groups for social support, counseling, empowerment on parenting skills and economic empowerment. Groups are expected to grow their savings by loaning each other for economic development.

Subscribe to our newsletter