By Pooja Rachewad | Operations Manager
Thanks to your generous support, SOTENI International has made remarkable progress in improving the lives of families across our three Villages of Hope (SVHs) in Kenya—Ugunja, Mituntu, and Mbakalo. Since July 2023, we have continued to focus on expanding access to clean water and empowering communities through health and income-generating programs. These initiatives have not only improved the health of thousands of individuals but are also helping families build more sustainable livelihoods, paving the way for long-term positive change.
Since August 2023, a key achievement in our clean water project has been the transition from distributing P&G sachets to introducing household water filters in partnership with AquaClara across all three Villages of Hope (SVHs). By September 2024, we had distributed over 1,300 water filters, benefiting many families with access to safe drinking water. This shift to more sustainable water solutions, combined with continued P&G sachet distribution, has helped provide clean water to over 17,000 people each month, significantly reducing waterborne diseases—especially critical for families living with HIV. Our AIDS Barefoot Doctors (ABDs) have been integral to the success of this program, ensuring that filters are well-maintained and that community members are educated on how to use and care for them, creating a lasting impact in the community.
Our ABDs have been the heart of our health programs, reaching more than 3,000 people through HIV support groups and home-based care. These dedicated health workers have been on the front lines of supporting families, distributing water filters, conducting home visits, reinforcing good hygiene practices, and leading health education sessions. Beyond health, our AIDS Barefoot Doctors (ABDs) have also led income-generating activities (IGAs), empowering hundreds of clients across 19 support groups to become more financially independent and lift themselves out of poverty. For instance, the Mweronkanga Support Group in Mituntu used a small grant to invest in goat farming, while the Tumaini Joystar Group in Mbakalo focused on creating food security through cereal banking, benefiting dozens of families. ABDs continue to provide essential guidance and support, helping clients grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
In addition to these programs, our clinic at SVH Mbakalo has been a vital health resource for the community. Offering services such as consultations, laboratory tests, pharmacy, clinical care (including circumcision), and maternity services (with NHIF coverage), the clinic serves thousands of people every year. The clinic’s comprehensive care is essential for families in the area, providing them with the healthcare they need to thrive and reducing barriers to essential services.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding these programs, with a goal of distributing 2,000 water filters and continuing to support IGAs that provide families with economic independence. It’s critical that we continue supporting our ABDs, who are the backbone of our health and community programs. Their ongoing dedication and hard work are transforming lives across our villages. Your continued support is vital in helping us build stronger, more self-sufficient communities. Together, we will continue to build healthier, more resilient futures for the families we serve. Thank you for being part of this life-changing work!
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
