Report from BHW Kenya Partnership Facilitators Following Visit

Key Person: Isaac Basegere

We were able to drive out to Nguluni to meet with Isaac and the team. We met with the team for a welcome and project update and then had a tour of the school, clinic, greenhouses and Forward Green Hostel.  

Recent Events

General Situation

A number of people have reported that generally things are currently peaceful in Kenya. However, they also fear that the economy could potentially crash. The new government are imposing new taxes, but the Kenyan people are not seeing any benefit from them. 

The impact of Covid-19 is still being felt nationwide. Loss of jobs, death of bread winners and low level of production due to company closures. They wish to thank Bright Hope World for all their support during this difficult time.  

There has reportedly been less rain over the last two years especially in the East. This has impacted food production and contributed to inflation. There is now a prediction of a 3-month heavy rain fall. This brings risk of flooding which brings devastation. 

Isaac reports that they are doing well at the moment despite the challenges.  

Clinic

They are very grateful for the support to purchase the laboratory equipment (haematology and chemistry analyser). Having this equipment has enabled them to get accurate diagnoses so they can offer a higher quality service and also generate income to pay their monthly fees. 

They are also very grateful for the support in purchasing a 3-phase power generator which now helps run the clinic smoothly. As soon as the power disconnects, the generator kicks into action and then automatically switches off once the power is back on. This is especially important for the laboratory machines and the oxygen support machines.

Church

The church is going well with around 100 members who are mostly youth. They have set up a music studio and are producing music videos, with Isaac playing instruments and mixing it. The youth are involved in creating the videos for YouTube. 

School

The school is doing well academically scoring 312 out of 500 in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education. Previous students have gone on to join secondary schools across the country and are reported to be doing well in their studies. The students did well in the national Kenya Music Festival Competition up to the National level. 

Personal Stories

Isaac employed a young lady to work in the lab. She was not a Christian when she started but now she is an active member of the church, met and married her husband, and is a role model for the youth.

Partnership's Influence within the Community

This partnership continues to have a positive influence in their community providing health services, education, and spiritual direction to a number of youth. So many families have not been able to pay their fees with the difficult economy and the clinic offers these patients free healthcare while still maintaining sustainability from able paying clients. 

Ideas for the Future

Eunice has now completed her study in midwifery and is working at the clinic. Their vision is to create a maternity ward to provide needed services to expectant mothers in the community. We have asked Isaac to provide more information on the details of how this could look and work.

They would also like to purchase an ambulance for emergency responses, referrals to other hospitals, a mobile clinic and outreach in the community. 

Isaac has seen a need for the youth to study and gain employment and also a need for quality medical and teaching staff. He has the idea of a scholarship program which will allow the youth to go through medical and teaching training and be employed by Ponu Clinic to continue the work. We have asked for more comprehensive information on this for consideration.

Current Issues and Challenges

There are a number of issues the clinic and school are facing:

1) There is the issue of patients not being able to pay their bills dues to the tough economic situation in the country and post Covid situation. 

2) Inflation has seen a rise in the price of drugs, petrol and consumables. 

3) The Forward Green Hostel students (KEN03e) owe $2,000 in school fees. The school has borrowed money from the clinic to pay the school fees.

4) Due to new government requirements and taxes, it is proving difficult for schools to be sustainable. The school has decided to drop their older grades and focus on pre and primary grades so they do not need to employ as many teachers. 

6) They are also having a challenge with the acid levels in the soil in their green houses. Bright Hope World helped them install two greenhouses for food production. With the help of the bore hole and pump they were able to irrigate the plants, but they have been having issues with the water having high levels of salt in it. As their soil is now very dry, they have been told to move the greenhouses which they have requested funds for. I have put in a request for Jessie and Francis (KEN07c) to visit and train them in Foundations for Farming.

Prayer and Praise Points

1) Although the team saw a number of Covid patients through their clinic, none of the staff ever had it which they give credit to God’s protection.

2) They are pleased to report that the borehole is fully running and supplying enough water for the hospital, school and to fill the storage tanks.

3) Praise for Eunice graduating from midwifery and now helping at the clinic. 

4) The school doing so well. 

5) They would love prayer for God’s provision both financial but also for food sustainability. They would like to be able to produce their own food and so getting the soil right so crops can grow again is vital.

6) They are seeing people and staff being saved and baptised at the church. The Sunday school, youth and music programs are doing well. 

Comments

The clinic is doing really well. The school, however, is beginning to be a drain financially on the clinic and is no longer sustainable. This is largely due to the Forward Green students that attend not being able to pay their school fees. They are $2,000 in debt from the fees of the Forward Green students. This has been an ongoing challenge and will need to be reviewed and discussed with Robert. 

The cost of food is also a challenge which we are hoping Foundations for Farming can help. They have requested money for food, but we have reminded him that we are keen to support what will continue to provide them with food for the long term.