The Problem Amidst the verdant hills of the Tea Highlands and the Transmara district of Western Kenya one is struck by the colorful uniforms of school kids who are walking along the highways to school. Beneath the shaven heads and similar shirts, blouses and sweaters are vibrant smiles and welcoming calls. Curious visitors wandering around the uttermost parts are sure to bring excitement. In ten minutes over 1000 children can assemble in a school yard to greet us. Politeness and curteous applause assure us that all is well in the school system of Kenya. But, the hidden secret are the others staying at home because there is no money for uniforms. As we went door to door praying with mothers, too often the lack of money for uniforms came up. "Please pray that my children stay in school, or that my son will return to school." "Oh," we said, "is there a problem at school?" "No, they have no uniforms. We don't have the money." Read how we solved this problem by providing jobs AND uniforms. Some of the Abosi women with             Mer, Sylvia Tanui (sewing project - Cathy and Mer                                       coordinator) and Cathy Launching Day Graduation Day November 25, 2006 Profile of the sewing school

The Solution      Mer  Tenney is a woman seeking solutions wherever she goes. Traveling with her in 2004 had been a joy and pleasure.  With abounding grace she had gone with us to Kenya to help with women's reproductive issues.  We met with groups of women in Litein and Abosi, not really knowing what to expect.          Much to our surprise when Mer asked them sincerely what we could do to help the women they responded with a list of projects....a health clinic for women and children, guest cottages, and a sewing school.  As she prayed and wrote to Women's Corp ( a faith based organization) back home in the US., she could see the possibility of women joining forces together to solve a problem. A sewing project looked like a good place to start. Back home the Women's Corp International fund drive yielded over $8,000 and the Abossi Sewing project was born. Women and a few honorary men from 14 states and 2 countries joined together across denominations and various spiritual beliefs to help this group of women they'd never met. Ron and Cathy returned in 2005 to ensure that a board was formed, the funds secured in an account with at least two signatures and that the leaders were identified who would oversee the project. Today fourteen treadle sewing machines and a knitter have been purchased, two instructors hired and twenty-four students are awaiting graduation in November, 2006.  In an area that is entirely agraian, this is a boon to the youth seeking alternative employment. A micro finance fund will be set up with some of the funds to help the women  give back to the community some of the grace extended to them through the capital donations. Some of the profits from the sale of clothing will  be returned to this fund to be lent out to other business ventures.  Small loans are made to individuals, primarily women, within small groups to ensure accountability. Training for managing loans and pay back schedules is provided by several organizations in the area.  While micro finance is not new to Kenya or to some of the mature women in Litein, it is not widespread in the rural areas. Thanks to all that contributed in helping improve the lives and possiblities in Abosi and the surrounding communities. CURRENT NEEDS