Women for Women in Africa Foundation

“We cannot solve all the problems of Africa but we can make a difference to the lives of some of the people living in Kibera. In doing so we may also make a difference to our own lives”.

On the 16 October 2007, Maria Baden flew to Melbourne to attend a Luncheon at Kooyong Tennis

Centre to raise funds for The Women for Women in Africa Foundation (WFWIA). Accompanying Maria was Margaret Purcell SM. The Foundation was formed four years ago at the invitation of Br. Frank Chappell, retired Provincial of the Christian Brothers Melbourne and past Vicar General of the Christian Brothers’ Congregation world wide, who had worked with Marguerite Ryan in Melbourne before leaving to work in the slums of Kibera, Kenya.

Kibera is in the centre of Nairobi and can be seen from the road to the airport into the centre of the city. In the eyes of the government and many wealthy in Kenya, Kibera and its people do not exist. Kibera covers 630 acres of appalling slums. One million people live in sub- standard buildings, without sanitation. Scarce employment results in women heading families while men leave to find work. Many do not return.

The abuse of children and young men and women is common. HIV/AIDS affects one third of the population and thousands of children have been orphaned. For thousands of children there is no hope of ever going to school. WFWIA are helping the women and children living in Kibera to develop through education life skills.

The inspiration and vision for Women for Women in Africa come from a small group of Victorian women. This small group do more than raise funds. They travel to Kibera once or twice a year to connect first hand with the women and children, and to continue to support Br. Frank in his challenging work. What drives the women is the belief that self-help is the best way to improve living standards and uphold the dignity and self esteem of needy women and children. $15 a week will provide a student with full secondary education in a boarding school where they are protected, fed, and educated, 50cents a week will provide lunch for a child at school.

Yet, in spite of all the challenges that the people in Kibera face they have a joy and hope that continues to energize WFWIA and their supporters.

Margaret Smythe