The hidden dimension of vulnerability
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On 15th October 2023, 0830 hours I was stopped by a lady (I call her Risper) on a wheelchair being pushed by a school going boy at St. Martin CSA gates. I greeted them but Risper was in such a hurry to ask for my financial support than in exchange for pleasantries. Apparently, I knew Risper for several years because we had rescued one of her sons from the streets but she kept pulling him back to the streets until we lost the battle. I inquired from the boy why he was not in school. The mother retorted quickly that they did not have anything to eat back at home. By now she was already growing impatient with me. I offered to support them with food for a month and reinstate the boy back to school as we work out a sustainable solution to their vulnerability. She declined my offer and commanded the son to move on, with disappointment on her face. This is not an isolated experience. Many poor people with special vulnerability (real and crafted) are pushed to the streets of our towns by unscrupulous people to beg and pay a commission while others have found an easy source of shillings from charitable Kenyans.
Zero Torerance for FGM
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Female genital mutilation, or FGM, is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights. Yet over 200 million girls worldwide are at risk of undergoing this harmful practice every year, many of them under the age of 15. Many factors contribute to the prevalence of FGM but in every society in which it occurs, it is a manifestation of entrenched gender inequality. Here in Kenya around 4 million, or one in five, women and girls have been subjected to FGM. Although overall these numbers have declined over recent years, they still remain much too high. An estimated 574,000 additional Kenyan girls are at risk of undergoing FGM between now and 2030 unless urgent action is taken to prevent it. St. Martin CSA through the Community Programme for Peace and Reconciliation runs a project known as ‘Awakening Suppressed Voices’ with an aim of transforming communities where women and girls are free from all forms of violence and are empowered to claim their rights, and pursue their own goals.
Competency Based Curriculum - CBC
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Competency-based curriculum (CBC) is the country’s new education system that was introduced in December 2017 to replace the 8-4-4 cycle. It plays an important role in the promotion of individual well being and acquisition of skills and capabilities to contribute meaningfully to the economy and society at large. The focus of the CBC curriculum is the potential of the child and not about memorization of content. It is about being creative, having the ability to think critically, being able to solve problems and also being able to apply the knowledge and skills gained. The CBC is a great opportunity for our children!
International Day of Education
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The fifth International Education Day is an event which is celebrated on January 24th, where the focus is on the role of education in bringing global peace and development. This year the theme of International Education Day is “to invest in people, prioritize education. In St. Martin CSA our mission is to strengthen community capacity to care for and empower vulnerable people in mutually transformative relationships.We endeavor to deepen relationships with communities, the gorvement and other stakeholders to help guarantee quality and holistic child education to the best of our capacity.
Only Through Community
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We are proud to present our latest video documentary.
These are transformational testimonies from different areas of our work.
#UchaguzibilaNoma - Non-violent elections
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"Peaceful elections for a peaceful Kenya" was the message of the peace procession that was held at Nyahururu town. This was an activity of the Community Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (CPPR) before the general elections in Kenya. Similar events took place in the neighbouring areas of Nyahururu; Mochongoi, Ol'Moran and Rumuruti.
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking IDADA 26th June
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As every year, St. Martin CSA celebrates the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking IDADA. This is not only an occasion to raise awareness for the suffering of the people with addiction and their families. It also highlights the community approach of St. Martin CSA and its many volunteers working for the Community Programme of Mental Health. They are essential to restoring the dignity of the people affected.
Claiming my rights
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Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children» is the motto of this year’s Day of the African Child, celebrated on Thursday 16th June. The journey of Helen is an illustrative example.
Annual Report 2021
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The annual report for 2021 is now available. It talks about the achievements of the organisation and demonstrates its impact. It acknowledges all the solidarity within the communities that supported people in need and illustrates this with some examples. We wish to express our gratitude for all the small and big contributions that were made in the spirit of St. Martin CSA.
World Social Work Day 2022 Conference
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In view of the World Social Work Day 2022 (15th March), St. Martin CSA has organised a conference in Nyahururu on 7th April to celebrate the day. 45 organisations involved in social work from the Laikipia and neighbouring counties have attended and exchanged their experiences. Following the theme of the day, "Co-Building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind", we explored possibilities of collaboration and partnering. Watch the recording of the event.
Depression with 12
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There are many ways to violate the rights of a child. In the area where St. Martin CSA is working, neglect is one of the most common. How far this can lead is shown by the story of Jane.
Rehabilitating Survivors of Rape
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In Kenya, one in three women and one in five men have experienced an episode of sexual violence before attaining the age of 18. About 41 per cent of married women and 11 per cent of men have experienced physical or sexual violence. The Community Programme of Peace and Reconciliation uses a multi-sectoral, survivor-centred approach to supporting survivors of sexual violence. Over the years, there have been several capacity-building sessions for various stakeholders and duty-bearers on best practices when it comes to handling survivors of sexual-based violence (SBV).
An article in the March 2022 issue of the Pay Lumina Magazine.
