Kijani Kenya Trust is a charity which is registered, and operates in, Kenya. It was set up in 2004 with a unique mission – to bring internationally acclaimed music and cultural events to Kenya, to visit major centres around the country to educate and raise funds to support Conservation and HIV / AIDS projects in Kenya.
Also in 2004, Kijani Kenya Trust UK was set up with the objective to fundraise for the main charity.
Kenya is a compelling country. Few visitors fail to fall under its spell. Its magical landscape, amazing wildlife and diverse people. Despite the challenges faced by it’s people, they greet life with happiness and charm.
The challenges facing Kenya are many and varied. The Trust’s job is to assist the peoples in their fight to safeguard the resources of Kenya; to protect and improve the health & conservation of Kenya through initiatives designed to help the people to help themselves.
Rebecca was brought to one of the Pedpact clinics run by Gertrudes Children’s Hospital, for Kijani. The funding has been raised by Kijani UK.
This particular clinic was held at a primary school in the out reach area of Laikipia, in Central Kenya. The clinic is run on a regular basis by Community Health Africa. This was the first occasion when paediatricians were present.
Rebecca was brought to the clinic by Community Health Africa as she had lost her Mother and was severely malnourished. She tested positive for HIVAIDS. Gertrudes doctor recommended that she be taken into care as her home living conditions were so poor. Eventually after several weeks the father agreed and Rebecca spent a week in the Nanyuki Cottage Hospital. A home was found for her nearby with Our Lady Of Perpetual Help and Rebecca now has a friend, also a Maasai girl, good food and medication. The Home is also a school and Rebecca will be able to receive a good eduction.
She does not yet know but her story went out, worldwide, through Associated Press on the programme Horizons on 25th April 2009. Present at the clinic was a filming crew from the UK. We thank them for their help in bringing Rebecca’s plight to so many viewers.
Kijani finds several Rebeccas and giving children a chance to lead a better life is one of the rewarding experiences of working in Africa. £25 a month will support a child like Rebecca.
The cost of running an outreach clinic with qualified paediatricians is £550.
Kijani UK has so far funded 17 such clinics and brought specialist medical care to over 1,190 mothers and children.
Kenya Tourism Board