Empowering Dreams, Building Futures

July 30, 2026

This beautiful wall hanging represents the virtues that members of the Shitungu community aspire to practice daily. These characteristics combined with their hard work are transforming the community and improving daily life.

This positive energy was felt throughout our two day visit to Shitungu.

We were a group of six visitors from Denver, California and New York. For some, it was their first time to sub-Saharan Africa. Our journey began in Nairobi with visits to a few animal sanctuaries, the Kenya Museum and a popular restaurant. After this brief introduction to the country, we took a short flight to Kisumu and then were driven to our hotel in Kakamega.

After settling in to the hotel, we were driven down a very bumpy road to

the rural village. As we approached, we could here singing. We were

greeted with music and dancing from well wishers of all ages. The joy was

palpable and contagious.

Day one was filled with African dancing and introductions with a tour of the village homes and gardens. The villagers set up a tent with chairs so that we were all comfortable and could chat. For our ‘cultural exchange’, the Americans led the group in the hokey-pokey and heads, shoulders knees and toes. And of course we joined in a lovely lunch of local food that included ugali/ the cornmeal staple and delicious greens.

On the second day of our visit, we were given demonstrations describing the soap production and the work at the quarry. More details about these

projects will be in future updates. Of course, dancing continued

intermittently during the second day.

Now that we are home, the villagers have thanked us for bringing some medical and first aid supplies to replenish the modest on-site first aid station. Now the shelves are stocked.

AND we, the visitors, are grateful for the generous hospitality and special opportunity we had to meet each other and begin to understand what we have in common even though our lives are so different.

Thanks to your generosity, KVEO will continue to provide funds to

supplement the diet of all members of the community. This is of particular

importance as the threat of drought and poor harvest looms. The second

fundamental commitment of KVEO is to help pay for school tuition. In the

next few months, we will be purchasing a satellite link to bring internet to

the village. This will enhance student’s ability to complete online

assignments and create possible opportunities for adults conducting

online business.

Do Good: We thank you for your support of KVEO and making sure that the villagers of Shitungu continue on the path toward self sufficiency. Donate KVEO.org

Thank you !

Joyce

How You Can Help

Visit Our Website – Learn more about KVEO’s mission at shitungurises.org
Share the Link – Spread the word through social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.
Donate – Every contribution makes a difference. Please consider contributing to help meet Shitungu’s immediate needs for food, education and work.