CFK Africa Interview

#576 Great.com Talks With... CFK Africa

When it comes to aiding the less privileged in developing countries, various organizations come to mind. However, CFK Africa stands out in offering comprehensive support to individuals and communities in Nairobi, Kenya. The organization empowers them through education, health, and economic opportunities. With their success stories, the organization has earned its place as one of the leading changemakers in East Africa. In this article, we talk with Joshua Omweno, Project Officer, Education & Facility Support Supervisor of CFK Africa and take a deep dive into the journey of empowering Nairobi's slum communities through the experiences of CFK Africa.

A Story of Hope and Empowerment

CFK Africa commenced in 2001 when a group of students from the University of North Carolina discovered that over half a million people lived in poverty in Nairobi's slums. They realized that education was the key to escape this cycle of poverty. Thus the organization began its mission. The organization established the Tabitha Medical Clinic for Kenyans who could not access medical services. The clinic serves up to 500 patients a month with cost-effective and quality services. CFK Africa has also shrunk the gender education gap by providing education to girls by offering sanitary pads, tutoring, mentorship, and scholarships. In 2016, the organization's Girls Empowerment Program suspended 77% of its girls from early marriage and female genital mutilation and increased acceptance of sexual health education.

Through their job training program, CFK Africa provides professional training sessions to youth over the age of 18. These sessions include accounting, entrepreneurship, and computer skills, giving them a chance to learn and start businesses of their own. It further runs an economic empowerment initiative, “Women’s Empowerment,” that enables ladies to take charge and change their destiny by learning vocational skills. The organization also initiated a youth sports program to engage its youth in positive activities and reduce their risk of falling prey to drugs and crime.

CFK Africa works to empower communities and not only individuals by involving the residents actively in various projects. The organization has established over 20 community-led health units that have been successful in reducing child mortality rates. The community members in these units are trained and given pharmaceuticals to diagnose and treat minor illnesses like diarrhea and pneumonia. The organization is committed to keeping up with child health care as it helps Kenyan families raise healthy children who live long and fulfilled lives.

CFK Africa serves as an inspiration that a determined group of people can make significant differences in the world. The organization has stayed true to its mission of growing community leaders' capacity to create long-term and sustainable solutions in the fight against poverty. The group's impact on the communities it serves in Nairobi, Kenya, continues to provide crucial insight into how we can best aid those living in developing countries. CFK Africa's journey serves as a reminder that we can make a positive change. To learn more about the organization, its progress, and ways to support them, kindly visit their website and follow them on their social media handles. Ensure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.