AKAMBA AID

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Akamba Aid works in the north-east province of Kenya, in the Horn of Africa, one of the most arid parts of the world, among some of the poorest people in Africa. Most are living on an income of less than one dollar (60p) a day. Famine is a constant neighbour, and needless to say because of the poverty, basic Education and Healthcare are difficult to afford. Since 1999 Akamba Aid, a small Somerset based charity has been trying to give the communities some of the basic essentials of life, that we enjoy and have done for generations.

WHAT DO WE DO?

Clean Water  Together with our sister charity the "Wishing for a Well Appeal" we construct shallow wells (60 - 100ft. deep) and fit Afridev hand pumps in suitable locations to provide clean, fresh, safe water, for the first time. For many this is the first time they have tasted water free from the many diseases which contaminate the traditional sources.

Food   In times of drought and famine we provide emergency food aid rations to poor families, especially the elderly, children and orphans. This is to supplement the rations given by Kenyan government and UN supplies.

Affordable Healthcare  We build new health facilities and support several others with building maintenance and equipment.  Our "Harambee" scheme offers discount cards to the poor to halve the cost of out-patient treatment at rural clinics, and pays the premium of  the state NHIF insurance scheme which gives free in-patient care at state hospitals.

Education  Primary education is now compulsory and "free" in Kenya, although buildings and equipment must be provided by the communities who suffer from poverty. AAF builds new classrooms for schools where needed to a higher standard  and helps with equipment.

We also have a small number of bright students who receive assisted sponsorships at secondary schools.

2009-09-02