WEEP - Women Equality Empowerment Program Graduation 2011

BACKGROUND

WEEP project operating in impoverished areas, is designed to save the lives of mothers suffering from advanced stages of AIDS and are widowed or abandoned; therefore, their children are spared from becoming orphans.

WEEP commits to providing nutrition, vitamins, rent assistance and access to ARV drugs and other medical care. It also ensures that their children have school uniform and other necessary resources to attend school. Once physically stable, the mother is taught a trade at a WEEP center where she becomes self sufficient and breaks through the vicious cycle of poverty. The trade training is important especially in a country where unemployment is estimated to be 40% (CIA World Fact Book - 2008). Beyond the devastatingly high unemployment level, the lack of information and the Stigma associated with AIDS makes it nearly impossible for an HIV positive woman to secure employment, support her children, or access ARV drugs. WEEP's objective is to keep mom alive, healthy and employed and her vulnerable children from becoming orphaned.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

To address the problem of unemployment WEEP provides skills training to the ladies in the program. Participants learn to make school uniforms, clothes and bed nets before graduation. They also learn how to make jewelry, handbags and variety of other crafts. Training in basic business management skills is also provided and is key component of the program. This 18 month program has three phases: 1) stabilization 2) Skills training and 3) Sustainability.

During the third phase of the program each woman is required to come up with a business plan and begin her new business. HEART through our partners then provides seed money to help this new business grow and develop.

2011 GRADUATION

The 2011 graduation was held on October 1st at the HEART compound. The ceremony was the second of its kind, the inaugural ceremony having been held on the 21st of August 2010 when 12 WEEP ladies graduated from the program. Jane Akinyi, alumni has since become a supplier of fish to one of the biggest supermarket chains in the country (NAkumatt).

During her speech at the 2011 ceremony she spoke to the graduates saying, "I was presented the opportunity to better myself for free as have you. Please note it's not just about the wearing of the gown; it's reaching out to the next person and making her aware too. Giving others hope."  I got a chance to talk to Jane after the ceremony and ask her what she really had in mind. She explained to me about her home village in Nyanza, and how she is tired of receiving death reports and felt the need to go there and reach out to the people there. She said she has already initiated conversation with the local leaders. "You see, these people don't need my money, they need education about HIV/AIDs and hope that even though infected they can live... and that is what I can give them." Jane was representing the other WEEP alumni present.

2011 graduation saw thirty-four WEEP women graduate. The women were from the WEEP centers in Mathare, Kibera, Ngong, Embulbul and Mombasa. The preparation for the day started months in advance. Business plans were drafted and evaluated and profiles updated.  The center Coordinators; Mary Maithya, Gladys Odhiambo, Mary Wanderi and Delina Mwakio worked tirelessly to ensure the ladies were ready.

Early Saturday October 1st,  with flowers and ribbons everywhere, project banners hanging and display tables arranged the HEART Lodge compound had turned into an elaborate display of elegance, with the colorful final touches added by the Bayside Women's team!  With the arrival of Mrs. Judy Gration, wife to the US Ambassador to Kenya, Mrs. Lynn Adrian, of USAID and Mrs. Valarie Thieme, a member of American Women's Association that volunteers regularly at the WEEP centers  we were ready to start the program!

The ceremony began with each of the 34 graduates walking with a hesitation step to the Graduation square in a single file led by Vickie Winkler, HEART Founder and Executive director, marching to the song,  "Go light your world", by Chris Rice.

Mary Maithya, HEART WEEP Coordinator welcomed everyone and offered a word of prayer.


Before the ladies proudly walked down the aisle in their  sky blue caps and gowns to receive their diplomas, Valorie Thieme shared a Poem and Mary Wanderi spoke words of encouragement. As they received the diplomas it was evident how enthusiastic the ladies were looking forward to launching their own businesses! Mary Lou Naylor conducted the Graduate charge, and the message was clear; GO LIGHT THE WORLD!!!  

So clear that in her vote of thanks, Evelyne Shangala, 2011 graduate said "Each and every one of us has our own gift. Mama Vickie yours is to have a heart to help others and we are forever grateful. It poses a challenge to us to go out and use ours as you do yours and change the world."

The graduation ceremony would not have been the same without the support of the Bayside Women's team who were on an eight day trip to HEART. They were very instrumental from early morning preparation of the grounds to setting up of the decorations to documenting the event on camera. So when they got to do presentation of the gifts to the Graduate it felt heavenly. "You have blessed us with your love and compassion," Isaac Mzee, the days MC said while introducing the Team. 

It was a high spirited day and this was complimented by moving poems from Valarie Thieme, Mama Vickie, and Celina Wangare from Mombasa WEEP. The graduates had entertaining presentations and to top it all, the joy in their faces was a sight to live for. 

Evelynne Shangala (2011 graduate) while giving vote of Thanks summed it up perfectly. She stated, "When we felt desperate you gave us hope to live again. It takes God's 'heart' to do what you do and you are testimony that if everyone would do their part the best way they can, the world would be a better place. With this chance we have now, WE SHALL WEEP NO MORE!"

What a great day it was for them and for HEART!