Immanuel Afrika is a new project that AE is supporting. It is managed by Peter Nduati and the projects mission is to rescue boys and young men from the streets of Nairobi where they lead a life of drugs and crime. Peter, under the direction of Anna Cuthel (who is originally from Wellington Point and lived in Kenya), rehabilitates, educates and vocationally trains these young men, essentially empowering them to become independent within their communities. There are currently 54 boys in the project many of which face huge challenges, including being HIV positive, however with the support of Immanuel Africa, the lives of these young men are being transformed.
Every child’s story is a tragedy and bringing these boys back into society is a challenge. Hosea, 9, is one of three brothers at the orphanage who were forced to witness their mother burn alive during tribal and political violence in 2007. As a result of post traumatic stress Hosea has not physically grown since the event. The mean streets of Nairobi tell a thousand stories like this and projects like Immanuel and the work of Anna Cuthel is invaluable.
Many of these boys, born HIV positive struggle to survive in the prejudiced environment. With proper diet and care these boys can lead a full and healthy life. They are desperate to be contributing members of society.
AE in partnership with Immanuel Afrika and has in addition to supplying educational and medical support ,started a number of micro enterprises. Funding micro loans and goods (donated from Australia) as seed capital for street people has resulted in many families sustaining their own existence.
The boys also manufacture arts and crafts which supplement the projects cost. The bottom line for these beautiful children is that they are not without a future-they are lacking the resources.
General living conditions & outlook for the boys at Immanuel Afrika has improved dramatically with the injection of funding after Peter Nduati's visit to Australia. Peter visited plenty of places in Australia including Canberra, Mackay, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, raising awareness of his project. We currently have 21 sponsors for IA donating $11,340.00 per year in sponsorship.
We still need more support though as Peter has a massive task in front of him to vacate their current premises, as it has been condemned. They have purchased some land 20km outside of the city centre, and are working hard to fund the construction of the dormitories and workshop. There will be a small portion of land for cropping.
Peter will be continuing his outreach in the slums. Gold Coast rotary donated wheel chairs which were shipped in one of our containers. Peter has been busy distributing these wheelchairs to the disabled in the slums. Another 6 containers arrived in April, and were released from Customs for Immanuel Afrika's use in May 2011. Another 3 containers were sent just before Christmas 2011. The Containers are packed full of clothing, footwear, bikes, rainwater tanks, and medical equipment, all donated through African Equity. This will create a massive amount of revenue for the project, and some of these goods will be sold by the IA senior boys (too old for School), which should make them very successful street vendors.
If you are able to make a donation, big or small - it will be greatly appreciated, every little bit goes a long way!
For more information on the Immanuel Afrika project visit their official website at www.immanuelafrika.org
