The County Government of  Homa Bay, through the Department of Gender and Social Services and the Directorate of Public Participation, conducted a public engagement with the residents of Ndhiwa Sub-County regarding the establishment of a rescue/hope center in Ndhiwa Town, Kanyamwa Kosewe Ward. This initiative is in response to the significant challenges posed by HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence in Homa Bay County, particularly in Ndhiwa sub-county. The center, once completed, will cater to the needs of the entire Ndhiwa sub-county and beyond.
The discussions, led by Hon. Sarah Malit, the County Executive Member in charge of Sports, Culture, Gender, and Social Services, involved local residents, opinion leaders, government administrators, and civil society stakeholders. The project will be a joint partnership between the County Government of Homa Bay and Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO).
Hon. Sarah Malit emphasized the county's commitment to reducing HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence in every village within the county. Additionally, H.E Governor Gladys Wanga has solidified a social service partnership plan with SHOFCO, focusing on transformative projects in education, healthcare, water and sanitation, economic empowerment, and youth development to uplift urban and rural communities.
The collaboration between SHOFCO and Homa Bay County will encompass critical areas such as healthcare, water and sanitation, education, youth empowerment, gender, and the prevention of sexual abuse. The partnership aims to address multiple dimensions of poverty and inequality through programs focused on education, healthcare, water and sanitation, economic empowerment, community mobilization, and youth development.
Over the next five years, SHOFCO and Homa Bay County will work together on agriculture, water, environment, gender, health, education, and youth and women empowerment programs. Specific initiatives include sponsoring 250 TVET students, establishing water pans, safe houses for victims of sexual abuse, and resource centers for the communities, among other interventions.