Helping IDPs Help Themselves

Good question! We are raising funds as a community, not wanting any project to be left out or project funding to be donor driven. But many have asked, how much the projects cost? and, what is a good amount to donate so that my contribution will have an impact? Due to rampant corruption in Kenya, costs are high, causing a barrier to opportunity - in healthcare, education, food, even building materials - that this project is trying to do its small part in its own way to help address. (As much as I would have liked to try to address that issue during my time here, as it is the root of so many other issues, the problem is entrenched as deep as the Rift Valley itself and is sadly going to take tectonic forces to change.) So here is a sense of what the projects, and life, costs - To start the bracelet making group costs around $25 USD. The budget for the craft groups is about $100 USD. Our goat project about $50 USD. To build the rabbit pens and purchase 4 rabbits costs about $150 USD, as advised by the Regional Livestock Officer. (Please note that this amount is more that what the Kenyan Government provided as resettlement compensation to each IDP family following the crisis. It goes to show the status of the IDPs as viewed by the government is about that of vermin.) To finish John's shop securing 6 months free rent for the Cooperative Selling Center (my favorite project!) costs $200 USD. The rest of the projects cost about $100-$175 USD each depending on the specific material costs. You can compare these amounts to the amount you spend on items at home and know that, despite the high costs, your contribution is making a big impact. For the same cost as a nice dinner out in my home town of San Francisco, I was able to provide a sustainable income for six sho-sho basket weavers, not bad. Of course, every donation, big and small, is undeniably appreciated and helps us reach to our community goal. But please also note: We are trying to meet and EXCEED our goal!!!! All projects are scaleable and any funds raised over and beyond the indicated amount will be used to purchase more materials for each group. I set strict and small budget guidelines in order to assist a little to as many projects as possible. But surpassing our goal will allow each project to be bigger and better yet! Thank you for each and every dollar. Baraka (Blessings)