Health
Rieko Kenya has a community driven approach in everything it does,
particularly where healthcare is concerned.
We work on creating awareness within the rural villages regarding
diseases such as HIV/AIDS, for which organise counselling and free testing on a
regular basis, as well as Malaria, for which we train community health workers,
enabling them to diagnose malaria at the household level and provide treatment
(rapid diagnostic tests). Reiko Kenya aims to empower women on multiple levels,
it has worked on an anti-FGM program alongside other local organisations, as
well as advocating for women so that they can battle gender based violence, own
property and take control over their lives (‘access, control and ownership’).
We support public litigations on cases where women’s rights have been
compromised. Rieko also educates youth on sexual health and reproductive rights
alongside international organisations. We have been advocating for the right of
disabled people (government policy), making them aware of their rights, such as
the right to receiving government benefits and creating awareness around
accessibility issues.
Education
Rieko Kenya has built a school for orphans and vulnerable children (Kids
for Peace) and it has also expanded a local high school. Rieko’s education
program goes further than just supporting schools – we aim to provide whole
communities with the education to build sustainable futures. The Kids for Peace
school offers equal access to education for orphans and vulnerable children, we
support them logistically through providing food, healthcare, to protect their
rights as an orphan. We also support vocational training and skills development
for youth and provide adult education on specific topics.
Environment
Our third pillar, environment, includes agriculture, sanitation,
providing access to clean water. It was chosen because the natural environment
plays a big role on the health and welfare of people, as a source of income and
food. The rural poor communities
entirely depend on the land to provide them with enough food to feed their
families throughout the year and enough money so that they can afford medical
care, clothing and shelter.
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Access to clean water
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Sanitation, defecation-free zones
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Green environment / The natural environment plays a
big role on the health and welfare of people, as a source of income and food.
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Conservation through planting trees
Our History
Rieko Kenya was first founded as a CBO in 2007 by Edward Kabaka, and later became an accredited NGO in 2010. Our work to date has included HIV/AIDS education, outreach and testing, malarial outreach environmental conservation and education, and the support of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). As we expand, we seek to scale up these ongoing initiatives.
Our Mission, Vision, and Goals
Our mission is to amplify the voice of those disadvantaged in Kenya, and alleviate poverty in Migori County. Our vision is for a world free from poverty, hunger, and social injustice. Our projects in each of our core pillars of work to support the overall goal of improving the quality of life in Migori County, and eradicating poverty locally.
Who Are We Looking For?
We are looking for enthusiastic, self-directed volunteers with a passion for community development and an interest in learning from the local population. We welcome people from a variety of backgrounds and with diverse expertise to come work with us. If you have expertise in a specific area you would like to contribute, we are happy to give you free reign to design and implement a program of your choice. If you'd like more support from us, we are also happy to assist you with local training and our own expertise. Either way, we look forward to hearing from you and discussing our common interests.
Why Choose Us?
One of our core principles is sustainable development, and focusing on empowering communities to be self-reliant in the long-term. We take an asset-based approach to development, and aim to build off existing community strengths in all of our projects. We are passionate about social justice and ensuring the community is aware of their human rights. If this interests you, we are confident you will have a great experience here in Western Kenya. We believe in fostering mutual learning between local and international volunteers, Rieko and international partners. Our previous volunteers have found this model to provide an enriching experience, and we have been happy to welcome several of our volunteers back more than once. Karibu sana!