It’s been just over a month since #FiLiA2021 and we have been busy with our sisters in Kakuma, thanks to your generosity. We have worked with them to help support the issues and projects most important to them. The first thing they mentioned was their school which was destroyed in the last arson attack. We have bought the materials to enable them to build and equip a small school for the children and lessons have already started. The children are loving learning and the school led by Shifra now also has a phone so that the older children can access some online lessons.

We have also been able to get some essential basic supplies for the women. They lost nearly everything in the arson attack except for what they were wearing that night. We have been able to provide mattresses, underwear, clothes, and some basic foods such as rice, lentils and oil.

When they spoke with us at FiLiA, they talked of how they were often ignored, or refused treatment when they go for medical help, so we were able to support them by buying some basic medical supplies from dressings and disinfectants to anti-biotics and painkillers. Now for minor ailments they are able to sort those issues out themselves.

And they have needed some medical care; we were excited to welcome a new daughter to the Kakuma when Brenda gave birth by caesarean section to Tarah Tracy. There were some post birth complications, but all is well now thanks to her being able to access medical care.

We were also able to help Reginah whose baby Patricia tragically died last year following an attack from the local police. Her grave had become damaged and as you can imagine, Reginah could not rest while water was entering the grave. We were able to repair and rebuild the grave so that Reginah knows that Patricia can now rest in peace.

We have also been able to start work (thanks to another wonderful volunteer) on gathering the information to progress the women to refugee status, so that we can eventually get them to a safe country. Kenya is planning to close the entire camp in the summer of 2022 and our fear is that the women will be sent back to their country of origin, where of course they will be in real danger. So, moving this forward as soon as possible is essential.

There is still lots to do. The supplies run out quickly and for the women to access support such as counselling or advice they need funds to top up their data. We are working with other agencies and supporters to ensure there is a food programme for the children as the provision is only for one meal a day, which isn’t much for growing children. We also want to ensure that we always have enough for any medical emergencies. We would also like to help them have some extras to celebrate the coming holiday season. If you can help, it’s easy to donate, just click here and choose the Kakuma Campaign.  The funds go to a separate account which is sent direct to the women in Kakuma. I will leave the final words to the women of Block 12 Kakuma:

Deeply, deeply and deeply I do thank you for the work you are doing for we lesbians here at block 13. Shamim

Thanks to the donors ..we real appreciate u guys ....😘💓 one love.  Shirat

I thank all donors for supporting as lesbians in block 13, we appreciate for your support and care, love and may God bless and protect all donors thanks.  Kendra

A big hug to our donors, seriously you do love us and we too, you been so much attached to our issues though UNHCR have neglected US. Thanks so much for the love and care your giving us. Latifah

Learn more about our campaign here.