THE WILMINGTON ALUMNAE CHAPTER (D.E) DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INC. VISITS KUSARD’S KENYA PROGRAMS
HomepageTHE WILMINGTON ALUMNAE CHAPTER (D.E) DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INC. VISITS KUSARD'S KENYA PROGRAMS
The 5th Mission Trip to KUSARD’s Projects in Kenya
Kithangathini Secondary School
On 15th June 2024, twenty-three distinguished women from the Wilmington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. visited Kithangathini/Kituiuni area in Makueni County, Kenya. The visit aimed to observe the KENYAUSA CHRISTIAN RELIEF DEVELOPMENT, INC. (KUSARD) projects in Kenya, following an invitation from the Organization’s Founder, Simon. This event proved to be a remarkable experience for both the visitors and the local community.
The delegation began their tour at Kithangathini Secondary School, where students welcomed them with music and dance. The Principal Mr. Stephen Muasya, Acting Deputy Fredrick Muteti, and other teachers greeted the visitors. Led by Madam Heather and Marlene Hurtt, the team addressed the learners. Speakers included Madam Heather, Marlene Hurtt, and Sierra Harris, who motivated the students to work hard, aim for their dreams, and persist in their endeavors.
KUSARD supports five students from disadvantaged backgrounds with tuition assistance and provides aid for other needs, such as medical expenses. During the visit, one of the visitors noticed a student without shoes and expressed interest in supporting her, highlighting the widespread needs among students, including worn-out uniforms and basic necessities. The principal informed the visitors about the school’s lack of transportation for emergencies, educational trips, and sports tournaments.
To commemorate their visit, the Sorority team planted five trees at the school before proceeding to a nearby primary school.
Kithangathini Primary School
At the primary school, the visitors were greeted by enthusiastic pupils who performed a traditional dance. Mr. Musau, the Headmaster, welcomed the group, and Fredrick Muteti, overseeing the visit, introduced Marlene Hurtt to address the pupils. Marlene’s speech focused on self-realization, which excited the children.
Mike Maundu, the KUSARD program manager, explained that KUSARD supports the school by providing hot meals for younger children throughout the year. The deputy of the primary school confirmed that KUSARD also supplies breakfast (porridge), significantly improving children’s health in an area once prone to malnutrition. This program has led to increased school enrollment and better attendance, a positive outcome has been reported by teachers across all schools participating in KUSARD’s Feeding Program.
The program, which has existed for over 25 years old, initially supported 17 schools with over 2,000 beneficiaries. However, due to funding losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, only five schools currently benefit from the program.
After the primary school visit, the Sorority team had lunch outside the nursery school classroom, serving themselves from dishes placed on raised ground. This act demonstrated their humility and humanity. After lunch, they presented Fred with a token of appreciation worth $280 and Kshs 9,550 for the community.
Visit to St. James of the Marches Youth Empowerment Program
The team then toured the St. James of the Marches Youth Empowerment Program (SKYEP), a key KUSARD project aimed at providing skills to unemployed youth to help them with self-employment or to acquire formal jobs. The Youth Program Director, Frederick Muteti, explained that the center had five computers, which were insufficient given the high demand for education. Power supply in the area was sporadic, often hampering learning. Fortunately, the program received funding for a solar power backup kit, but additional support is needed for another solar panel to ensure self-sufficiency during cloudy periods.
The Guests posed for a group photo with the St. James Youth Empowerment in the background. The present institution is located in a rented space pending the proposed plan for a more appropriate building to house the Vocational Institution. The Community has donated a piece of land just a short distance from where they were for the permanent erection of the building to serve as the Youth Center offering a variety of skills in demand in the Community and in the country at large. 
Mbuini Health Center
A planned visit to the Mbuini Health Center was canceled due to time constraints. This health center, another KUSARD initiative, has significantly improved the quality of life in the region. After the government took it over, the range of services expanded beyond what KUSARD could provide, marking this one of KUSARD Foundation’s greatest achievements. Some visitors met community health workers outside the Youth Center instead.
People With Disabilities
KUSARD also runs a program for children with physical and mental disabilities. As a final gesture, Madam Heather, accompanied by Frederick, visited Catherine Ndunge, a girl with both mental and physical disabilities who is a mother to a healthy child.
The Sorority team expressed great admiration for KUSARD’s work in community development and promised continued support
The Guests posed for a group photo with the St. James Youth Empowerment in the background. The present institution is located in a rented space pending the proposed plan for a more appropriate building to house the Vocational Institution. The Community has donated a piece of land just a short distance from where they were for the permanent erection of the building to serve as the Youth Center offering a variety of skills in demand in the Community and in the country at large. 
