Our offices at Ombeyi center has continued to provide social services to community members. These include facilitating registration of self-help groups, youth groups, women groups and community-based organizations. We continue to support them in processing all the necessary documents and reduce the expenses that were initially incurred by the groups in traveling forth and back. Our resource center is continuing to provide support to these groups on sustainability and on leadership.
Our team is conducting regular training to these social groups on their needs that ranges from and not limited to leadership and conflict management, business management, access to finances among others.
Supporting the Elderly: Arise and Shine Care Center Champions Social Protection in Kisumu County
In Kisumu County, the Arise and Shine Care Center Community-Based Organization (CBO) is making significant strides in uplifting the lives of the elderly. Recognizing the challenges faced by senior citizens, the organization has been instrumental in facilitating access to essential social protection services, notably the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Program.
Empowering the Elderly through Inua Jamii
The Inua Jamii program, a flagship initiative by the Kenyan government, provides monthly stipends to vulnerable groups, including older persons aged 70 and above. Each beneficiary receives KSh 2,000, aiming to alleviate poverty and enhance their quality of life.
Arise and Shine Care Center has successfully enrolled approximately 600 elderly beneficiaries from Kisumu County into this program. This achievement not only offers financial relief but also restores dignity and independence to the elderly, enabling them to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, and shelter.
Streamlining Access and Ensuring Inclusivity
Understanding the barriers that the elderly often faces, the organization has taken proactive measures to simplify the enrollment process. By assisting with documentation, coordinating with local authorities, and providing guidance on bank account setups, Arise and Shine ensures that the elderly can seamlessly access their stipends.
Moreover, the organization emphasizes the importance of continuous support. Regular follow-ups and community engagement sessions are conducted to address any challenges beneficiaries might encounter, ensuring that the support system remains robust and responsive.
A Model for Community-Driven Social Protection
The efforts of Arise and Shine Care Center exemplify the impact of community-based initiatives in complementing government programs. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, the organization not only enhances the effectiveness of social protection schemes but also fosters a sense of community solidarity.
As Kenya continues to expand its social safety nets, the model adopted by Arise and Shine serves as a testament to the power of grassroots mobilization. Their dedication ensures that the elderly in Kisumu County not only receive financial support but also experience renewed hope and inclusion in society.
