The County Government of Kisumu has partnered with Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS) and Ericks on a mentorship program to promote skilled parenting and end violence against children.
This initiative focuses on economic empowerment and agribusiness to boost household income and food security, creating a sustainable foundation for the well-being of children and families.
Currently, the program is active in Kisumu West Sub-County, working with Ochok Kadongo Primary School, Bar Union Primary School, and Maseno Mixed Primary School. The effort involves educating parents and caregivers on positive parenting techniques.
One recent mentorship session in the lower Kadongo sub-location brought together various county departments, including Sports, Culture, Gender and Youth Affairs; Education, Technical Training, Innovation and Social Services; and Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Blue economy, alongside community members.
During the session, the CECM for Gender, Hon. Beatrice Odongo, encouraged attendees to engage in economic activities to better provide for their families. She highlighted government funds available for registered groups at a low 3% interest rate and warned against high-interest loans from other institutions.
She also promised that her department would provide experts to train groups on how to apply for youth, women, and trade enterprise funds.
Mr. John Awiti, CECM for Education and Social Services, emphasized the collaborative efforts of both the county and partners to support children’s welfare and assist low-income women.
He reiterated that these goals are achievable through partnerships and community engagement in agribusiness.
The partner organizations were urged to extend the program to other sub-counties within Kisumu.
The program beneficiaries were called upon to share their newfound knowledge with the wider community, ensuring the positive impact of the initiative continues to spread.