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Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing one of its gravest food crisis in decades. Millions are suffering from this food crisis and require urgent humanitarian assistance. Kenya is among these countries with approximately 4 Million people facing hunger and starvation. Severe drought, due to the failure of four consecutive rainy seasons, has led to millions of people in the country, facing hunger and thirst. This has been compounded by high inflation, conflicts and displacement that are putting people’s lives across the country at serious risk.
The hunger crisis in Kenya is also leading to school drop outs, conflict for resources and higher rates of child marriages. Though DW, CNN, Reuters, CBC and other media have reported on this crisis, it remains largely low key, unknown and overshadowed by other events.
Sewa Canada International Aid Inc., is collaborating with Sewa Kenya under Hindu Religious & Service Centre (HRSC) to provide food relief and wipe away hunger for as many people we can with our resources at hand.
Sewa Kenya, our partner on the ground in Kenya have so far served 6000 families in three counties (Kilifi, Machakos & Mamba Village) of a total of 29, in Kenya. Our local volunteers are distributing food packages and water, reaching 15 villages and 15 schools in these counties. Each family received a food kit weighing 20 Kilograms. However more needed to be done urgently.
Updates on our Fundraiser for Kenya & Progress
Sewa Canada International raised C$ 10,000 through the above fundraising campaign on GoFundMe, Facebook, Corporate donations. 100% of the funds were transferred to Sewa Kenya under Hindu Religious & Service Centre (HRSC).
On 12th March 2023, these funds were use to provide 900 families with 15 Kilograms each, of basic food rations by via Sewa Kenya under Hindu Religious & Service Centre (HRSC), at Syumile Health Centre outside Makindu Town, Makueni County, 190 kms from Nairobi. The Sewadars of the Makindu Sikh Temple (Gurudwara Sahib) also participated in this selfless service or Seva, with Sewa Kenya. Gratitude to all of our donors who helped us raise CAD$ 10,000 for this “Hunger Crisis in Kenya” effort.
The Sewa Kenya team departed with loaded trucks to Nairobi at 5.15 am local time. They arrived at the Makindu Gurudwara Sahib at around 8.30 am, where they were welcomed by a delicious hot breakfast. The volunteer team arrived at the famine relief location at 9.40 am. The food ration distribution began at around 10.00 am local time. The recipients of the aid were relieved and delighted at receiving this aid during this famine in many counties of Kenya, and other parts of Eastern Africa.
The exercise to distribute aid to 900 families was completed by noon. The volunteers of Sewa Kenya were then served a scrumptious hot lunch served at the Makindu Gurudwara Sahib
Letter of appreciation from Syumile Community, Makindu
“Dear Friends, Appreciation for the Food Intervention to Syumile Community at Makindu on 12th March 2023.
On behalf of the community of Syumile/Makindu community, I reach out to you to most sincerely thank each and every one of you for the food support that you mobilised and delivered in person to about 900 families that are currently struck hard by the on-going food shortage in the country. Since you left the village, I have been contacted by different community members, young and old, women and men including village leaders, all with the same message that I deliver their message of great appreciation to you.
It is not hard to imagine that HRSC is an Organisation larger than its members who showed up physically at the event. We therefore thank them all, most of who worked behind scenes to make it possible. Special appreciation to all those who showed up physically at the village and helped in all the different ways they did so tirelessly till it ended well. This also includes the children who came and supported in the ways they did. Also special thanks to the Coordination and Logistics team that kept all the involved parties informed, advised, guided and engaged for the success of the event.
May the Divine shower each one of you with abundant blessings!
With the highest appreciation, Kavingo Matundu – on behalf of Syumile community”
