Kenya (MNN) — Though it's been three years since violence
ripped through Kenya following the 2007 elections, 300,000 still remain in
Internally Displaced People camps.
While this number is down from the original 650,000, refugees
are beginning to despair: "They have no home at all to return to. In fact,
they have nothing to return to. So there is a sense of hopelessness that
resides," said Abbie Harkson of Childcare Worldwide.
Even though the government promised them plots of land to
establish a more permanent residence, all their promises remain unfulfilled.
At the Ndatho Refugee Camp, living conditions are hardly
safe: "Within the refugee camp, the largest needs are definitely water and
sanitation. Wherever there is a lack of clean water, there are definitely
sanitation issues that follow," Harkson
said.
The camp is home to 113 families, or around 500 people, but it
only has two toilets for the needs of all these people. As a result, Harkson said
diseases such as dysentery, diarrhea and cholera, run rampant and even cause
some deaths.
A national radio station approached Childcare Worldwide in-country director, John Mwangi, about the camp's dire need.
Mwangi, who had been unaware of the desperation of these
refugees, then informed the U.S. Childcare Worldwide office, and they decided to
step in and help with much-needed toilets and water catchments, which catch
rainwater and provide a fresh water source.
As people an ocean away prepare to help these Kenyans with
their physical needs, Harkson said Mwangi and his staff are reaching out to
them with the love of Christ. Though they still remain in IDP camps unsure
about what the future holds, many are putting their faith in God and trusting
Him with their futures. Harkson said they are seeing people's outlooks
transformed and "seeing a whole new side of people, worshiping the Lord
together, and declaring that there is hope despite the dire need that they have
and the reality that they may or may not at any time soon have a home
again."
Now, as Childcare Worldwide raises funds for toilets and
water catchments, you can join in by clicking here to donate.
Also, pray along with Childcare Worldwide's U.S. team for
Christ to continue to reveal truth in the lives of these Kenyans.
