Heshima is a British based charity that has links with children in Kisumu, the third largest town in Kenya. Kisumu is a bustling rural town, set on the shores of Lake Victoria.  Heshima means ‘respect’ in Swahili.

As well as giving advice, support and information to many new parents, Heshima helps families to plan their future carefully. Heshima runs regular family planning clinics and gives advice on safe sex. Teenagers are encouraged to participate in creative workshops to explore a range of health issues and then they share their drama, art, writing and films with other teenagers in schools, youth clubs and churches. Parents are also encouraged to mentor new and struggling families in the community and therefore they become part of their own solution. In addition all families are given advice, information and support in preventing diseases such as malaria and low income families are given further practical support in the provision of resources, such as nets.

What will Heshima Do?

  Provide a well resourced play and activity centre, where children can have fun while learning new skills

  Promote Kenyan culture through workshops and classes, such as: music, drama, oral story telling, dance, arts and writing.

  Create a library for children and adults.

  Improve health advice and information for the local community.

  Sponsor local artists so they can focus on developing their work and mentor talented young people.

 Give children from low income families one balanced meal a day

  Provide family planning clinics and train local representatives to work within their own villages to help prevent common illnesses like diarrhoea, malaria and HIV/AIDS. 

Produce a range of educational resources to be used both in Kenya and Britain and organise partnership projects.

Every donation is essential, however small. It costs 3 pounds for a mosquito net. 5 pounds will pay for an hour session with a trained health visitor.  It costs 10 pounds an hour to run a family planning clinic.          

Skydive for Heshima and brighten the future for these children !

For further information please contact www.heshima.org.uk