We are in Samburu, more precisely amongst the communities of Tuum, Barsaloi and Lodongowke found on the shore of the river Wasonyiro, at the foot of Mount Nyiro, in the heart of the Rift Valley en route to Lake Turkana. It is in these rural communities and pastures that the welcoming Turkana and Samburu people live, roaming their land in search of fresh water and green pastures for their livestock. Their children combine looking after the animals with a joyful schooling attitude. These youngsters dream of bright futures for themselves and their country, while women show how a life of scarcity is not an obstacle to a caring and loving existence. And the elders transmit the secrets of their past. It is for us a source of joy to make this place our home and support those in need from these communities to provide water, food, basic healthcare, education, basic services and dignity. We want to be a place for the promotion of women´s rights, equipping them with the tools that can help them and their families to live securely and with dignity. As a religious community, we are also proud to support them in attaining a fraternal and peaceful existence.
Our mission in Barsaloi offers a basic hostel service to travellers, volunteers and all those that are willing to experience, first-hand, the Samburu people and culture.
The Barsaloi Mission dispensary is coordinated by the Sisters of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus offering primary care and emergency services in addition to prevention and vaccination programs, especially for pregnant mothers and children under 5 years of age. Frequent visits are also made to the most remote communities that do not have access to health services, the main objective is prevention through information, training and vaccination of children under 5 years of age. Prenatal monitoring is also carried out and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and permanent access to medicines for patients are promoted.
The Samburu community has been steadily transitioning from a semi-nomadic lifestyle to permanent settlements where access to basic services such as clean water, healthcare and housing have become a priority.
The empowerment of women is a clamour to be able to speak of true social development, from the Barsaloi Mission we have been working with a constant group of women who are dedicated to other crafts and jewellery to the care and breeding of chickens. All this work is complemented by constant training through workshops and seminars. This group of about 25 women is a space for expression, freedom and sharing.
Evening schools for shepherd children have been extended to offer the same opportunity to adults, mainly women and young warriors "morans". For cultural reasons, Samburu families choose among their members the boy or girl with the most "intelligent" natural capacities and abilities to graze, care for and guide animals (cows, goats, sheep and camels). Because these children work all day they do not have the opportunity to go to public school or have a hot meal during the day. The "Lchakuti" shepherds' school is presented as an option that is very well received by the community.
Our local development projects focus on access to clean water through the excavation of water wells, the purchasing and installation of water tanks in schools and communities, the renovation of rooftops and other building structures to enable rainwater collection and the rental of water-carrier trucks to ensure clean water is available in schools and small population centres during the increasingly lengthy draughts most likely a consequence of climate change.