Through the Good Samaritan Programme, BSK has reached several community leaders with the message of hope to the people infected and effected with HIV.

Representatives of both Western and Nyanza Support groups observing one of the agricultural projects in Siaya County

A team consisting of Mr. Joseph Irungu, Pst. Anthony Gatonye and Mrs. Lynner Orengo conducted two marriage workshops for the family module and a Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop in Kuria East Migori County and Kisii County at Suneka. The training aimed at equipping participants with knowledge and skills on how to handle HIV and AIDS issues related to marriage and family as well as handling of social and economic issues affecting the family.

The trainers also carried out an economic empowerment workshop in Langala, Siaya County for both Nyanza and Western support groups. The workshop was done in partnership with Send a Cow, a Non-Governmental Organization that deals with sustainable livelihood projects that support groups to help them improve their standards of living. The trained groups have several income generating activities such as table banking, poultry rearing, merry go round and vegetable farming.

A group photo of members of Western and Nyanza GSP Support Groups

Participants had an opportunity to watch the Love, sex and Marriage (LSM) DVD that would help them to clearly understand facts about different issues that face family ranging from communication, finances and African traditions. The participants pledged to carry out marriage seminars in their Churches to help change their communities positively.

‘’HIV in Kisii has continued to increase among couples because men fear to get tested. They assume that their wives are the ones supposed to visit a VCT center. I have faith that through this program we will change this perception in our families before we reach out to other people.’’ Rev Lawrence Omambia said.

 ‘’ Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a huge concern in this community. It is affecting our children and some Church leaders advocate for it. It has made husbands to become unfaithful to their wives hence increasing the spread of HIV. Most people fear knowing their status as it may cause stigma from other community members. This wonderful program will help many couples to be sensitized about faithfulness and on how to live together in harmony. We are going to work as a team to ensure that attitude change is realized.’’ Pastor Samson Nyangi