In Nangili Consolation supports its former mentee known as Bernard Makanga in addressing the jiggers problem since 2020. Bernard was a mentee for the period 2021 January to December 2022. As a mentee Bernard assisted in providing technical assistance to a women group known as Modeling Peace Women Group (MPWG). By the time he was finishing his mentorship, Benard had assisted the group to establish a table banking and IGA endeavor and to get formarly registered. The group has also become a force in empowering other local women on various issues including addressing gender based violence (GBV).
The passion of Ben however has always been how to address the jiggers problem facing a number of families in the Kongoni Sub-County, a work he has dedicated himself to, since the year 2020. The passion for this work has led Bernard to mobilize different sections of the community including the Churches, business communities, families and the government. “I approached the office of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) in Lukuyani during the year 2021. They promised that they would provide me with medical supplies to address the problem. The officer who was then working with KEMSA later left and until today I am patiently following the promise.” Makanga is never tired of mobilizing the community in assisting him to address the jiggers problem. He is at the moment contacting various government personnel.
“I am in touch with Abraham (Abu) Samoei who now works in the office of the president to assist me in getting government resources. He has assisted in connecting me to the area MP Hon Innocent Mugabe. I have also been able to talk to our area MCA Hon Robert Makhanu too on this and he also is quite interested in the project. He asked me about the extent of the problem and how the Ward government can assist in addressing and alleviating this problem.” Bernard indicates that he will never be tired, he will continue mobilizing the community to respond to the jiggers problem in Nangili.
“Recently I conducted a landscape analysis that covered the Tairi Mbili and Nangili Soko area. I came accross 20 families that are highly affected the jiggers problem. I have also tried to find the root cause of this problem. I realise that it is connected with the problem of sanitation. I am trying to conduct hygiene trainings to the affected families while trying to assist in removing the jiggers. Consolation has been quite instrumental in assisting me time and again to address the jiggers problem. The community members too have been quite supportive.” Bernard thinks that he may need to establish his own organization that will assist him in this mission. GO BERNARD GO!
