Children and youth forfeit a meal in solidarity with the displaced families

Following the post election crisis that has gripped Kenya for the last four weeks, children and youth in the organization from the four villages in Kenya (Nairobi, Mombasa, Meru and Eldoret) forfeited one meal a day for a week to make their contribution towards humanitarian assistance for the displaced persons.

SOS Children’s Village Kenya through the Eldoret village, today made their contributions towards the assistance of the displaced persons affected by the post election crisis. Up to 500,000 people, mainly children and women-currently require humanitarian assistance.

Coming from a mission to the displaced camps, we established that food and blankets were in plenty and that such items as sanitary towels, soap, clothes and petroleum jelly were in urgent need.

The donations which consisted of sanitary towels, clothes and washing soap were presented to the Kenya Red Cross Society volunteers at the Red Cross warehouse by the Village Director; Mr. Peter Mungai. Also present at the brief ceremony were the Mothers, Youth Leaders and Mr. Elijah Omobe, HGS School Principal. The National Director, Mr. Keith Castelino coordinated the process.

Violence has rocked many parts of the country since the 2007 general elections were concluded. This has resulted in thousands of people, mainly women and children being displaced. The Rift valley province has been the worst affected with over 300,000 families fleeing their homes for fear of attacks. Flash points in the Eldoret slum areas of Huruma, Jerusalem, Langas and Munyaka remain insecure.

While mediation efforts appear to be slowly gaining ground, insecurity as well as lack of sanitation, hygiene and protection are causing intense suffering among thousands of people.