HALCHA Youth and Community Development organization is based in Garbatulla, a small town in northern Kenya where the populace are faced with poor living standards, low literacy levels, unemployment, unpredictable weather patterns that adversely impact on food security.
The group was started as a self-help group in 2006 and officially upgraded to a community based organisation in March 2007. The objectives at formation were:
- To improve the socio-economic status of the youth and wider community
- Capacity building and mentorship development.
- The promotion of environmental and wildlife conservation, and
- HIV/AIDS Advocacy.
The organization is not only committed to improving the living standards of the local community but also actively promotes the status of women in decision making by building confidence and raising self esteem so they can fully participate in their own affairs and make informed decisions.
Amongst it's development activities, HALCHA trains members in dressmaking and tailoring to promote self employment. The organization also emphasizes the preservation of local artisan culture.
HALCHA, which has 40 affiliate youth group members throughout the Garbatulla District has partnered with the Kenya Women’s Finance Trust Maua unit to reach more than 200 women, out of which 60 member beneficiaries have received loans. Another project in partnership with Kenya's Ministry of Youth Affairs has benefited more than 2,000 youth with capacity building and mentorship development, enabling 34 youth groups in the district to receive funding.
These milestones have been achieved in spite of the challenges the organization faces. These include financial constraints as well as the lack of working tools such as sewing machines for the tailoring project. Transport and logistic problems also affect the organization based in a remote rural area.
However HALCHA has the manpower and willingness to promote development and continues undaunted in it’s bid to help in the alleviate of poverty amongst the youth and wider population of Garbatulla District.
HALCHA Youth And Community Development (CBO)
Garbatulla District
Email: sirajroka@yahoo.com
P.O BOX 1 – 60300 Garbatulla
Telephone : 254 020 8015687 /0724700862
Source: Report by Ade Roga Hassan, Peacebuilding Mentor, Garbatulla District.
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