KENYA. Narok. As Kenya records new Covid-19 cases on a daily basis, imposing a greater challenge to both the National government and the County government, a Mexican couple is doing a tremendous job to ensure that pastoral communities are kept in good health amidst the fight against the pandemic.
Mauricio del Villar, a Mexican citizen together with his wife Maria have been working day and night to ensure that the pastoral communities in Kenya including the Maasai, Pokot and the Samburu are well informed about the Covid-19 pandemic.
This ranges from communicating to them on the origin of the disease, how it spreads and safety measures to keep their families and loved ones safe.
Photo courtesy-Mauricio del Villar
Keeping the pastoral communities updated
Working with Pastoral Communities Empowerment Program (PACEP), a non-governmental organization in Kenya the couple have been able to conduct several workshops – some of the recent ones being set up at the at the famous Maasai Mara and local trading centre,Mosiro – in Kenyan counties with great success.
As most pastoral communities have a high illiteracy level, being hit by Covid-19 won’t be a surprise. Mauricio and his wife have ensured that this challenge is addressed by translating the pamphlets, posters and flyers into specific vernacular language that local residents can easily understand.
In their teachings they also highlighted that it is important not to be afraid but instead be informed and take care of each other as part of the same community.
Adressing Female Genital Mutilation.
On top of mass Covid-19 sensitization this family also developed a strategy to thoroughly teach the local residents to leave behind highly adopted regressive cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages.
Instea they are turning to productive practices such as conserving the natural resources and its beauty, promoting equity in education among both males and females and promoting good cultural practices that to inculcate modesty among the youth and the children.
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