The NCCK CCMP team pose for a group photo with their Indian counterparts during their visit to that country
The Church and Community Mobilization Project will soon be reviewed, aimed at developing a hybrid model for Kenya. This follows a one week visit to India by a 26 member team from the National Council of Churches of Kenya. The team, led by Grace Muthungu, NCCK’s Senior Programmes Officer for Capacity Building for Membership, comprised various church leaders as well as CCMP’s coordinators in Kenya.
During the visit the team, whose main agenda was to draw vital experiences on how self-help group approach works so as to integrate it in CCMP, held discussions with various groups including community resource persons and social auditors. They were keen to learn on how to walk with the group so as to ensure effective financial management systems.
Speaking to Jumuia News, NCCK’s Programmes Officer Laban Ashioya, said that the team was now planning a one-week forum aimed at concretizing lessons learnt from India. He said that the hybrid model that will be developed, will help Kenyans churches to engage communities and reach out to the poorest of the poor.
“I learnt and wish to encourage people in Kenya to earn income then save and spend the balance after savings. Sadly most Kenyans earn, spend and save the balance. And that is the lesson that I carried from India.”
The team visited Karnataka state and Mysore district where they experienced the impact of Self-help groups on local communities and got to understand their features.
Among the church leaders who travelled were Moderator Nicodemus Koech (RCEA), Rev. Jane Jilani (PEFA) Rev. Rebecca Mukabi ( Africa Interior Church) Pastor Mary Mwaura (ABC) Rev. David Gikunjo ( National Independent Church of Africa) Sister Alice Ayuma (Lyahuka Church of East Africa) and Pastor Erick Agadi (Friends Church).
NCCK Staff included, Alice Mutile, Laban Ashioya, Stephen Amusala, Zack Awino, Grace Mercy and Nessy Kageni.
