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G.R.A.C.E. USA Board member experiences the impact of G.R.A.C.E. programs during the visit in December 2011
Suzi (front left), Chizuko (front right) followed by Ms. Natasha Martin (G.R.A.C.E. CEO) in a group photo with IYAP staffSuzi Herhold - G.R.A.C.E. USA Board member, her daughter Abby and Chizuko her friend visited G.R.A.C.E. Africa for a two week site visit to see some of the programs they have been supporting and how they are making a difference into the lives of the marginalized groups in Kenya. Suzi has been active on the G.R.A.C.E. USA board for the last 5 years raising funds for the organization. Abby had worked for Kicoshep in Kibera, (a G.R.A.C.E. partner), and Chizuko is one of the most committed donors to G.R.A.C.E. programs. They were accompanied by G.R.A.C.E. Founder and Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O) Ms. Natasha Martin.During the visit, the team met college graduates who have been sponsored by G.R.A.C.E. since they were young. They observed that these incredible young people, who were orphaned by the loss of their parents to AIDS long time ago, are now ready to tackle the world and make a difference in their country. I was stunned by their inspirational stories and how grateful they are to "Mama" Natasha and G.R.A.C.E.," said Suzi.
They also visited Isiolo Youth AIDS Program and Pastoral Women for health and Education (PWHE) whom for a long time G.R.A.C.E. has been sponsoring and building their capacity to implement their own self determined programs. IYAP are very active in using puppetry and drama in schools to educate young children AIDS prevention, health and human rights. PWHE are focused on promoting the rights of women in the community. Both of them are implementing G.R.A.C.E. sponsored Early Child hood Education Program.
The team then visited the Nanyuki Farm where sustainable farming is taught to locals farmers and learnt that the produce form the farm are donated to people living with AIDS. They met a group of People Living with AIDS who had been given dairy goats by G.R.A.C.E. and were happy to learn how the group is benefiting from the nutritious goat milk and sell of offspring for income. The G.R.A.C.E. CEO still hopes to have a resource/conference center at the farm where people can gather for trainings.
"The people in Kenya behind the G.R.A.C.E. programs are tireless and inspiring; they are helping others to be educated, to have rights, to have a meal and to live. We can be a part of that. Something small give so much and we will continue to do all that we can. Thank you Natasha and G.R.A.C.E., I am grateful to have had this experience and to be a part of your amazing work," concluded Suzi.
Posted on Monday 12th March, 2012