PARTNERS
WENZI KWA AFYA/ALLIANCE FOR HEALTH was founded in 2009 by two former Peace Corps Volunteers who served in Samia, Kenya, in the late 1960s. Building on friendships forged during the following decades, it offers vital resources to a community struggling to help itself improve health services and education. Wenzi kwa Afya is also committed to promoting mutual exchange between this under-served region of western Kenya and our partners in rural New England, reflecting the Peace Corps experience that typically benefits American volunteers as profoundly as it does people of other nations. Wenzi kwa Afya is a 501(c)(3) non-profit incorporated in Vermont.
RIVER VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, part of the Community College System of New Hampshire, is located in the small city of Claremont in the western part of the state.
For many years River Valley has had a strong focus on the health professions with a curriculum leading to the Associate Degree and certification in nursing and related fields. While community colleges generally do not have a major international presence, RVCC recognizes the value to all its constituencies of the relationship with Kenya. The faculty, administration and students welcome the opportunity to participate in this venture and look forward to expanding the areas of collaboration. Visit River Valley Community College website
ST. CECILIA NANGINA GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL is a government boarding school, initially founded by Nangina Catholic Mission in 1966. It now serves over seven hundred students.
These girls study under difficult conditions that include an uncertain supply of running water and overcrowded dormitories. Still, they work hard at a rigorous course of studies and are competitive on national exams. They are also enthusiastic about co-curricular activities, winning national choir contests and fielding successful sports teams. Many of the students are committed to serving their communities but there are very limited opportunities for post-secondary education.
HOLY FAMILY HOSPITAL, NANGINA was founded in 1937 by Mill Hill missionaries from the Netherlands, and is the only hospital in Samia District.
The hospital receives some support from the Kenya Government but operates on a shoestring. It is often without a permanent physician. Medical equipment and trained personnel are in short supply both at the hospital and outlying clinics. Among the principal concerns of the hospital are pre-natal care and the prevention of difficulties in childbirth (including HIV/AIDS transmission during birth). This kind of outreach is as important as hospital care for the general well-being of the community.