Help Project Harambee

Project Harambee

North Riverside, Illinois

Cause Description:
Founded in December of 2004, by Dr. Kathleen Harrison, HARAMBEE (all pull together in Swahili) is a small 501(c)(3) sponsored non-profit organization whose mission is to help Kenyan women impacted by HIV to help themselves. HARAMBEE provides seed money and donated items (sewing machines, vitamins, dairy goats, chickens and solar cookstoves) to help Kenyan women maintain a healthy lifestyle and earn a livelihood in a supportive work environment, caring for themselves, each other and their families. It raises funds for these women by marketing their handicrafts via speaking engagements, a store under construction in Nairobi and e-commerce. HARAMBEE helps to educate those at risk of HIV and also spreads information about the plight of sub-Saharan Africa due to the AIDS pandemic. While antiretroviral drugs are now more affordable for those who are HIV+, the cruel and unjust reality of malnutrition and poor health remain, and women and children die early. When they do, HARAMBEE provides funds for burial, helping the family say goodbye properly and having a dignified burial in consecrated ground. All of its projects are partnerships, not charity, as it is HARAMBEEs belief that it is fair and empowering to expect something back, so that those who are helped can participate in the development of their community. HARAMBEE has a strong sense of accountability to those who entrust it with donations. Its costs are low-all work is unpaid and voluntary and there is no rent or overhead. Every penny donated to Harambee benefits the women for whom it was intended. HARAMBEE also features low-cost volunteer opportunities in Africa for students, medical personnel, and others who are interested in directly making a difference. Prerequisites are cultural sensitivity, resilience, flexibility.

Type: Environmental
Listed on iGive since: October 2007
iGive members supporting: 2

Website: www.projectharambee.org

Raised through iGive: $10.71 across 1 check, June 2008 to June 2008.

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