CWSK NEWS!
CWSK reaches out to the Mau Forest Evictees.
Through the Emergency and Response Programme Child Welfare Society of Kenya carried out an assessment of the situation of children and families that were evicted from the mau forest. The report reveals that there is immense suffering of children in the camps. Over 5000 children are estimated to be living in the camps
As an intervention, Child Welfare Society of Kenya visited the children and families as well as donating foodstuffs on Saturday February 20, 2010. The visit comprised of Child Welfare Society of Kenya board of directors and staff
The team visited Kapkembu camp which has a total of 605 households and over 905 children. Some members of the team were overwhelmed and broke into tears due to the deplorable of the children and general condition of the camp. Children walked almost stark naked despite the chilly damp weather in the camp. Three quarters of families live under makeshift shelters that lack plastic canvas.
The shelters were made of tree branches that would hardly shield them from the heavy rains witnessed in the area. From a distance one would see through the shelters that are shared between family members.
Young children and old men and women were the most affected by this pathetic state of life. The area chief Mr. David Busienei reported that 6 people including 2 children, 3 men and 2 woman have so far died in Kapkembu camp. They died as a result of pneumonia, chest infections and a combination of other factors.
Child Welfare Society of Kenya distributed 30 bags of maize, 30 bags of beans and 1200 Kgs of nutritious porridge flour to the families. The food also benefited evictees from a neighbouring Sirigoi camp. According to the chairman of the camp Mr. Joshua Koech, this support was very helpful to families most of whom had nothing to eat.
Child Welfare Society of Kenya truly supports environment conservation efforts that the government has put in place. However, resettlement of families needs to be addressed with the same zeal in order to protect the children whose lives are grossly threatened, says Madam Irene Muriithi the Executive Director, Child Welfare Society of Kenya.
Being a child's- rights based organization, Child Welfare Society of Kenya is committed to promoting and securing the rights of children. The organization urges the government to consider providing alternative settlements to the affected families. There is urgent need for tents, warm clothing, more food, and medical care. We strongly feel that it takes our concerted efforts to see that suffering of children and families is alleviated. We wish to make an appeal from all well-wishers to back our efforts towards this initiative. Please contact us through the listed contacts.
Your donation in cash or kind will save a needy child.
