ABAKOFU BELINDA SELF HELP GROUP, P.O BOX 179, NAMBALE. ABAKOFU BELINDA SELF HELP GROUP (ABSHG) P.O.BOX 179, NAMBALE. CONTACT PERSON: SHADRACK OKUKU MOBILE NO: +254 727 504 673. LOCATION AREA VILLAG! BULOMA SUB-LOCATION: NASIRA. LOCATION: BUSIBWABO DIVISION: MATAYOS DISTRICT: BUSIA PROVINCE: — WESTERN COUNTRY: KENYA INTRODUCTION ABSHG was initiated in October 2007 to address problems in = Care & support of widows and widowers ~ Socio economic - Food security & health issues BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABSEG was established to care, support and instigate for members and reduce poverty which is becoming prevalent in the locality by producing food and other basic needs for the members. Members of this group are economically poor. If this group is supported financially could solve some of the problems faced by widows! widowers and their orphaned grandchildren GOALS To raise the living standards of 100 or more widows/ widowers. 29/09/2008ABAKOFU BELINDA SELF HELP GROUP, P.O BOX 179, NAMBALE. OBJECTIVES 1. To reduce the orphans vulnerable to child labour 2. To improve on food security in the community 3. To improve on the economic status of the elderly widows/widowers 4, To reduce untimely mortality rates of older persons. TARGET BENEFICIARIES ‘The ages of the targeted beneficiaries are as from 50 years and above. The majority is widows and widowers but there are some that are paired (i.e. husband and wife). Quite a number of them live with orphans whose parents died as a result of HIV/AIDS Members of this group hope to benefit directly from this project together with their orphaned grandchildren, PRIORITY AREA OF SUPPORT. ~ To care and support the older persons in the community - To cater for shelter and clothing - To build help age centers = To create income in order to sustain the group. SUSTAINABILITY = We hope to start a poultry rearing project so as to sustain the group. ~The group opts for merry go round as a means of raising some cash - Weaving and selling of baskets, mats and ropes among the group members. MANDATE VISION AND MISSION Our mandate is to provide capacity building for the community members in the areas of food production’ nutrition, so as to attain our vision of ‘food security, population and shelter.” Empowering the older persons in order to reduce stress among the aged. To train older persons on how to mange the stigma and support the aged both affected and infected with HIV/AIDS. 29/09/2008 2ABAKOFU BELINDA SELF HELP GROUP, P.O BOX 179, NAMBALE, However, the problems encountered by the community e.g. hunger, poverty and poor health can only be solved by the members themselves. Therefore the group concluded that the best way to assist them is to fund them financially and train them to take ies for themselves. responsi ADMINISTRATION - The executive committee and board members. - This will take the responsibility in planning and decision making. MONITERING AND EVALUATION Monitoring will be done by the relevant convent, thus Sisters of Grace and Compassion, PLANNING AND EVALUATION Project planning will be done in a participatory manner. This will involve all stake holders. The administration, the group members and the beneficiaries will be invited toa planning meeting where by the whole project structure will be discussed. The implementation of this requires that all the stakeholders are involved for it to succeed. That is when the beneficiaries will have to play their role of managing the project. The entire group is willing to co-operate so as to plan the whole project structure. 29/09/2008 3