5359_10000_13SP_KE080406225846

education, drilling water,

Description of Opportunity:

When the post-election violence broke out in Kenya, many VHLI workers were on Christmas break with their families. Thomas, a VHLI Director , has been visiting affected families in the western region of Kenya  one of the most affected areas of the country when he heard the news. Thomas rushed back to the office in Nairobi, to begin responding to the crisis. As the situation changes daily, it is clear that children have been greatly impacted by the crisis. Many families have been displaced, forced to move from their homes, and some children have been separated from their parents. Families livelihoods have been affected as their work-places have been destroyed and their mobility restricted. Many children have not been able to return to school due to the insecurity, while both women and children are at high risk of sexual violence in the slum areas. Value for Human Life has been mobilizing community leaders, parents and youth to form Child Wellbeing Committees to promote safety in their neighborhoods and monitor and provide assistance to vulnerable children. About 200 young people are also being trained and mobilized in the slum areas to become positive agents of change, helping to promote safety for children and women.