Empowering Sustainable Livelihood Champions

In 2022 St. Martin CSA in partnership with Fondazione Fontana Onlus and Provincial Autonomous Trentino launched a 1-year Emergency Response Project in Laikipia County to respond to the effects of the drought. The project adopted a twin-track approach which requires immediate humanitarian assistance to end food crises but also long-term support to limit future shortages. In this approach, there is an emphasis on combining long-term interventions to address the root causes of food insecurity with short-term action to alleviate suffering and loss of lives. This project adopts a comprehensive programme to enable poor, food-insecure households to meet basic household needs in food, education and health care and move simultaneously on the twin track of bringing about sustainable long-term improvements in their livelihood. One of the long-term strategies is training community volunteers as Sustainable Livelihood Champions to support their communities understand and adapt to changes in climate.

The project is introducing the champions to the concept of climate variability and climate change, the impact of climate change on local livelihoods, climate adaptation and sustainable livelihoods. Since the livelihoods of the majority of the residents are connected to agriculture, we are also introducing them to the concept and principles training of climate-smart agriculture. This empowerment has already ignited immense interest among project participants. “We have seen desolate fields, drying rivers, empty wells, dying livestock at a magnitude that we have not witnessed in decades. We have to rethink what we have sustainably done over the years and how we have done it”, Lolukio, Sustainable Livelihood Champion. We are empowering Sustainable Livelihood Champions to think globally as all humanity needs to come together in the fight against climate change but to act locally now, even though we understand that greater responsibility lies with those who have contributed most to climate change. The champions understand that every minute spent on a blame game means another life lost!

Upon empowerment, the champions will facilitate conversations with their communities through a self-help group approach framework on how individuals and communities can mitigate, cope and adapt to climate change. We will seek development partners who support these community initiative

: Created: 04 May 2023

What we do

Promote Child Participation

child participation

The project targets 72 primary schools in Laikipia County. In each school, a platform for children to air their views is created through the Children’s Government where children leaders are empowered to become change agents. Children, members of these governments are trained on child rights and responsibilities, meaningful child participation, role of children as duty bearers, lifeskills, public interaction skills and methods of awareness creation.

Dumisha Amani - Sustain Peace

udimishe amani

Building a Secure Environment for Children to Flourish

The Dumisha Amani project is driven by a crucial objective: to contribute to a secure environment where children can grow and develop. We recognize the profound impact of conflicts on children and young people, both directly and indirectly. In our project area, many children have suffered violations, been forced into perpetuating violence, and experienced the loss of loved ones. They have endured physical harm, displacement, education deprivation, and sexual abuse and exploitation. The consequences of conflict extend beyond the immediate, hindering economic and social development and impeding the holistic growth and development of children. With Dumisha Amani, we strive to create a brighter and safer future for every child.

Awakening Suppressed Voices

awakening

Breaking the chains of silence. By empowering communities to take a stand, we're unleashing the strength of women and empowering them to combat gender-based violence head-on. Together, we'll create a world free from fear and oppression. Read more … Empowering Women and Girls: Unleashing the Voices of Change.

Psychosocial support

psychosocial

People affected by drug abuse and mental illness struggle with various life challenges that puts pressure on the mental wellbeing. This is not limited only to those who are directly affected but also the significant others and other members of the family. The programme therefore adopted a household approach in offering counseling services including family therapy to ensure psychological wellness of the entire family. These services are offered under the auspices of the community counseling centre where the programme mobilizes counselors from the community who in turn offer free services to clients using St. Martin facilities.

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