MWENDO Project change stories during COVID-19

Margaret Kwamboka Barake is a highly vulnerable 48 year old widow taking care of her 4 children. The family is staying in a single rented room in Kayole Central Ward in Embakasi sub-county.

HOPE worldwide Kenya through the MWENDO* Project is supporting her with emergency fund cash transfers of KES 2,000 (about USD 20) per month for 6 months. Before the support she was struggling and had no source of income. Through this provision, she has managed to start a mask making and handwashing soap business during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the cash transfer and her small business she is currently able to take care of and support her 5 member family without difficulty.

During an interview with MWENDO program staff, she expressed her gratitude for the support and encouragement she has received. Just a little help can make a big difference.

*MWENDO (Making Well-informed Efforts to Nurture Disadvantaged OVC) is a five-year USAID funded project that targets OVC. HWWK implements the project in informal settlements in Nairobi County through a sub-grant from Catholic Relief Services (CRS). MWENDO aims to ensure children remain healthy, safe, stable and schooled by: addressing the social determinants of health to improve the wellbeing of children orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV; enhance the capacity of caregivers and communities to sustainably provide care and support to OVC; and strengthen institutional capacities of formal and informal structures to respond to child welfare and protection needs.