Urban Guardians

The Urban Side of the Guardians of Hope

Walking the labyrinth of narrow streets that make up the sprawling Zimmerman Estate in Northeastern Nairobi, we are on our way to visit three groups of women who are accessing micro credit through their Guardians of Hope groups. These loans make it possible for them to support their families through small business.

While we often think of the Guardians of Hope as a rural program, that helps groups caring for AIDS orphans and supporting people living positively with HIV and AIDS, urban ministry is an extremely important side of the GOH.

AIDS is a dire issue in urban centres throughout Africa, where millions of people come to find work and a better future for their families. But in reality, unemployment and poverty lead to high rates of prostitution, addiction, and violence. Without a little land to grow a basic kitchen garden, families desperately need cash to feed themselves. The steadily rising food prices in cities like Nairobi make this even more difficult.

Earlier this week, it was encouraging to meet with Guardians in places like Eastleigh, Haruma, and Zimmerman. Impoverished corners of Nairobi, where Guardians of Hope are determined to make a better life for themselves and their community. From a couple of women selling beans and maize on the street to day labours, to a patient mother knitting school uniform sweaters and hats to sell to her neighbours, Guardians are accessing small low interest loans to build sustainable incomes that provide for their families.

Beautiful Creations

Patty and Erica meeting with Joyce & Agnus in their two room apartment that they share together with another woman and eight children. Together they have taken loans to build a stock of socks and underwear that they buy at wholesale and sell throughout Zimmerman walking along the streets. Over the past few years, they have expanded their business to also sell sandals and homemade necklaces that they make together in their home.

Patrick Miana (ACC&S Guardians of Hope project officer) and Henry Mwangi (ACC&S director of developement), with Erica, Patty and Guardians of Hope beneficiaries in Zimmerman, Nairobi.