PBF works in Kenya with the local Community Based Organization, One World Network and in partnership with locals to develop sustainable solutions to various problems in the poor and marginalized communities in the informal urban settlements and remote rural areas. Since 2013, we have been buying Sanitary Pads for school girls in Mathare Nairobi.
Access to healthcare is a basic human necessity. However, getting healthcare services is a major challenge for the destitute in Lalibela and marginalized communities of the Manja and Fuga tribes in southern Ethiopia.
PBF commenced the construction of a new classroom at Debaray Satellite School since the previous classroom was in a state of severe disrepair and classes being held in a makeshift tent.
The water problem we have had at the farm is finally solved. We are thankful for the funds we got at the end of last year to drill a permanent borehole that provides an unlimited amount of water for our farm use as well as domestic use for the local community bordering our farm. We are using the renewable solar-powered pump to feed our storage tanks with water that we use for irrigation using gravity. Our garden and the whole farm in general have an abundant variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. We have planted more than 1000 trees of different species, both indigenous and exotic.
Easter is a season of renewal, hope, and compassion. For many communities, it is also a time to extend generosity to those in need. PBF has consistently prioritized humanitarian outreach during major holidays. PBF has continued its longstanding tradition of providing flour and oil support to destitute families during the Easter holiday, ensuring that even the most vulnerable can celebrate with dignity.
Microcredit programs are vital for financial inclusion, providing loans ranging from as low as Kes.5000 to Kes.50,000 (aprox $ 50 to $ 500) to small-scale entrepreneurs, living in the informal settlements (city slums) and rural communities. Most of the recipients are women who are often excluded from traditional banking.
Individuals with disabilities are referred to as differently abled in the “spirit of PBF”. This is because it emphasizes their unique abilities and strengths rather than focusing solely on their limitations. This shift in language promotes inclusivity and empowerment within the community. These are PBF’s main targets for support.
I grew up with bees and have always been fascinated by their importance in our ecosystem. The field of nutrition I have studied has shown me the potential benefits of bee products beyond just honey, and I am excited to explore the possibilities in Lalibela. Lalibela’s honey production has the potential to provide a sustainable source of income for the community, offering an alternative to tourism.
Living conditions in the Mathare slum are extremely poor. In addition to high infant mortality, the risk of mothers dying from complications of childbirth is very high. Although primary education has been free in Kenya since 2003, the illiteracy rate among the residents of Mathare Valley is unusually high. The children often have to contribute to the family’s livelihood, for example by collecting and selling garbage, or they are AIDS orphans and have to care for younger siblings.
For the last two months PBF has started training unemployed people in the art of weaving, providing them with a valuable skill to generate income and support themselves. It memorializes our first training in Segnogebeya 20 years ago.