This morning I was able to visit ChemChemi, a malnutrition and domestic violence center about 30 minutes outside of Mwanza. ChemChemi means "spring water". For years, Kivulini has supported this organization with training, network building and funding.
Mothers, and many grandmothers bring their under-5 children here each week for a meal of hot porridge, and check-up. Most of these women have little to no education, and cannot read or write.
ChemChemi teaches the women how to prepare uji, a kind of porridge made from sorghum and maize, with extra nutrients for their malnourished children. The women also learn more about maternal health and important childcare skills, and can be tested for HIV at the center.
One of ChemChemi and Kivulini's goals is to raise the "economic literacy" of these women, and give them skills in starting small businesses. Today, the women discussed using their pot of shared funds to gain cooking skills, and invest in chickens or ducks to raise income.
As always, ChemChemi's efforts meet with mixed results. Some children are able to gain weight, some of the women successfully increase income for their families, while many other children can't seem to keep anything down, and are constantly sick. One of the mothers in the feeding program was severely beaten by her husband recently. ChemChemi staff requested that the husband come in "to talk"--and, thankfully, he agreed and came in today during our visit.
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