Austrian High Commissioner Mr. Luke Joseph Williams has hailed the partnership between his government and Kenya towards uplifting the living standards of children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Trans Nzoia County.
Commissioner Williams made the observation when he toured Kwetu Nyumbani Children’s Home, which is funded by the Australian government, in Kiminini Sub County on Thursday morning.
Williams, who was accompanied by area County Commissioner Samson Ojwang’ and other senior government officers, identified Kenya as one of the fasted growing economies in the world at the moment.
“Kenya is among the fastest growing economies in the world, thus my government’s keen interest at investing in infrastructural projects and programmes across development sectors,” remarked Williams.
He singled out education and health of needy and vulnerable children as some of sectors and areas the Australian government was funding.
“Thus, the reason I am here at Kwetu Nyumbani Children’s Home today to confirm my government’s support towards education of children from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds,” revealed Williams who assured the home for continued support by his government.
The diplomat expressed satisfaction over what he termed as encouraging ongoing infrastructural development at the children’s home.
He strongly praised the diary, bee-keeping, poultry and crop farming activities at the home, saying such projects would not only provide basic needs, but more importantly help the facility to be self-reliant and stable.
“In addition the same agricultural activities will also be relevant as training tools the children as well as exhibitions points for members of surrounding communities,” he noted.
Williams further praised the home’s computer training initiative at Kitale Prisons, which the meeting was informed, had seen several inmates graduate with basic knowledge in the discipline.
Kwetu Nyumbani Children’s Home was establishment in 2011 with Australian Access Hope being its main sponsor.
According to official data, the home currently is currently taking care for a total of 25 total orphans and a further 40 children from extremely humble background who are under Community Based Care (CBC).
Speaking at the event, the institution Director Mr. James Ngatia also acknowledged immense support received from the Department of Children Services.
“We are closely working with the Children’s department toward our mission, which is to achieve a loving and stable home environment by enabling needy children access education and healthcare,” outlined Ngatia, who singled out orphans and vulnerable children as the main target.
He used the occasion and appealed for more partnerships with interested stakeholders and well-wishers.
According to its webpage, Access Hope is a Christian non-governmental organization committed toward providing relief from poverty and helplessness in the lives of underprivileged through advancement of self-sustaining and community based projects.
By Maurice Aluda
