Thanks to the overwhelming success of Beads & Seeds, Kenya Kesho also benefits. How? Approximately KShs 50,000 is donated every month from eco-jewellery sales.

If you’d like to purchase Steve’s one-of-a-kind designs, please visit the Beads & Seeds Facebook page for more info and to peek their stunning photo album.

Tunga Penetrans, or jigger, is a flea that burrows into the skin, mostly around the toenails and fingernails and feeds on its host. They are extremely itchy and painful if not treated.

Jiggers are a result of poor hygiene and can be prevented with very simple treatments. Children are especially vulnerable. Once the female flea is settled under the skin she starts to grow.  And grow.  If not treated and removed, she will then POP. All her eggs are then spread under the skin and the whole process will start all over again, but multiplied by many times. Heavy infestations can lead to severe swelling, ulceration, toenail loss and in extreme cases gangrene and digit loss.

Kids with severe infestations are stigmatized. Peter and I noticed at a couple of schools we visited little groups of kids, far away from the main hub of happiness, sat out in the hot sun.  When we asked the headteachers why they were sat out there we were told they were dirty kids because they had jiggers. This is when we decided that we would have to do a jigger eradication program.

We started the jigger eradication program last week and to date (5 days) we have treated over 400 children.  We have asked all the treated kids to bring their siblings to school this Monday so they too can be treated.

Kids with severe infestations cannot walk to school because of the irritation and suppuration of the sores. Flies thrive on these sores and make infections worse. School performance drops.
Of course, education is very crucial in the eradication of jiggers and we need to raise funds to implement a solution for people infected with jiggers and worms.

We need to:

• Fumigate playgrounds
• Cement classroom floors
• Supply disinfectants and anti-biotic creams to all schools for continuous treatment
• Employ a community worker to keep the programme going
• Educate the communities on the basics of good hygiene practice.

About Kenya Kesho
Kenya Kesho is an independent charity that receives no Government funding. All donations are thankfully received. Registered UK Charity no 1127182.
Kenya Kesho is recognized by the Kenya Government as a legally registered charity.

In 30 minutes or less, they’ll give you a crash course and ‘down you go’ with an assistant by your side.

One of our partners, Charlie Claws, sells ufutas in recycled coconuts at their world famous restaurant on Wasini Island.

The fabulous wood carvings you see in this blog post were created by a talented individual thanks to assistance from our organisation.

Other self sufficiency initiatives include community members making delicious ufutas which are sold to tourists.

One thing’s for sure…the marine life off Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast is magnificent.

If you’re an outdoors kind of person, why not join the Kenya Kesho volunteer team? You’ll LOVE the adventure.

Related links:

• Going Dolphin & Whale Spotting – part 1
• Going Dolphin & Whale Spotting – part 2

If you volunteer with us, this could be YOUR view from a dhow. Join us, and help eradicate poverty!

Related links:

• Going Dolphin & Whale Spotting – part1
• Going Dolphin & Whale Spotting – part3

One of the kool benefits of volunteering with us here on Kenya’s pristine Indian Ocean coast is the opportunity to go dolphin & whale spotting thanks to our trustees.

If you’d like to help us out — and see some whales & dolphins at the same time — why not become a Kenya Kesho volunteer?

Related links:

• Going Dolphin & Whale Spotting – part2
• Going Dolphin & Whale Spotting – part3

Our volunteers and the community really came together — in order to promote our one guiding principle: ‘Educate to eradicate poverty.’

Keep an eye out for more info on our other community projects. Would you like to help out? Then join us!

Related links:

• Building Mzizima School – part 1
• Building Mzizima School – part 2