Baringo County

In August, we traveled with our Kenyan field partner, Elyon Women’s Initiatives, to Baringo (Northwest Kenya). The intent of this week was to meet the beautiful girls and women who have been engaged in the workshops facilitated by our partner over the last couple of years.

During one of our days in Baringo, we spent time with adolescent girls. What started with 60 participants rapidly grew to over 120. Throughout our session, we discussed topics such as Identity, Decision Making, and Conflict Resolution. Many of these girls encounter significant challenges both at home and in their communities. We hope that as our field partner continues to engage with these future leaders, they will receive the education, tools, and empowerment they need.

We spent another day with 60 women from the Ilchamus community who have been involved in the economic empowerment group led by our field partner. Throughout the day, we focused on topics such as overcoming adversity and building resilience. The day concluded with heartfelt testimonies from the women, who shared how the goats and other income generating actives are making a positive impact on their homes and communities. One of the mothers, moved to tears, expressed her hope of sending her daughter to university, reminding us of the profound significance of this work.

Wednesday was a wonderful day spent with church leaders from the community. Some of the women who participated in Tuesday's workshop joined us again, and it was heartening to see familiar faces and build friendships! We explored topics such as Meeting God in the Bible, Sharing Our Christian Faith, and Effective Leadership. We look forward to continuing our meetings with these women and empowering them as leaders.

We concluded our time in Baringo with a group of women who were displaced in 2012 due to banditry and violence. These women recounted their experiences of pain, trauma, and resilience. A pastor noted that many people make promises about returning but fail to follow through. Together with our partner, Elyon Women’s Initiatives, we aim to continue to encourage this group. Their stories of strength and resilience deeply inspired and encouraged our faith.