A common theme among marginalized communities is the lack of access to basic, life-enhancing technologies such as those that provide clean water, enable basic agriculture, enhance food supply, afford adequate sanitation, provide environment friendly fuel source alternatives, utilize low cost building techniques, and education in any variety of urgent issues including HIV/AIDS, etc.However, these communities are in fact rich, in terms of catalytic personnel and available local resources. Numerous barriers exist to synthesizing solutions that may alleviate problems prevent communities from organizing to realize their potential. Working with partner communities through the Development Initiatives component of Africa Exchange we work towards eliminating these barriers so that the basic needs of people in the community can be met. Development Initiatives provides the groundwork enabling communities to continue to develop in ways they see fit, according their needs and goals. The three key components of Development Initiatives that ensure sustainability and build resilience in communities are the Institute for Transformational Development, Appropriate Technology Solutions and Environmental Conservation.
INSTITUTE FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Institute – a short, intensive teaching or study program
- Transformational Development – an emerging methodology synonymous with “holistic development,” fusing widely recognized community development methodology with core cultural and reli- gious values.
The Institute for Transformational Development envisions a process whereby ‘best practices’ are taught, both in the context of existing institutional frameworks (bible schools, seminaries, universities, etc.) as well as in identified community groups that request such training in an intensive seminar format.
Appropriate Technology Solutions
Water and Sanitation
Minimal access to clean water and sanitation are two challenges that communities face at each ICDC. Development Initiatives ensures that every child at each ICDC has access to sufficient clean water. Projects are designed and implemented according to the specific needs and challenges of each location. The larger community also benefits from these projects with access to the clean water at very low costs.
Food and Nutrition
Good nutritition is essential for child health and development. Through the establishment of Kitchen Gardens at each ICDC, each child receives a highly nutritious and balanced meal each day. The gardens are also developed as models of sustainable agriculture specific to each location.
Micro-Enterprise Development
Working with each ICDC we are developing sustainable means of generating income for each center. Projects include:
- Bee Keeping & Honey Production
- Aloe Vera Harvesting
- Fish Farming
- Water Kiosks
- Tree Nurseries
These projects also serve as models for the communities.
Environmental Conservation
Kenya faces many critical environmental challenges. Among them are deforestation, soil erosion, water shortages, and declining biodiversity. together with each ICDC, we are implementing projects that protect and enhance local environments. These initiatives also model alternatives for the wider community. Projects include:
- Indigenous tree nurseries and tree planting
- Land restoration
- Agroforestry
- Solar cookers
- Community conservation
- Environmental education
