JPEP is the third arm of a collaborative partnership between church and community leaders in Western Kenya and Australind Baptist Church, a local congregation in Western Australia. The other two arms are the Anointed Community Academy which provides primary school e ducation in the village of Murari, near Matunda, and two churches under the leadership of pastors Mathews and Henry in Eldoret. Together these three arms form Jambo! And I have the privilege as serving as an honorary Board member and consultant to this group.
The acronym, JPEP represents the Jambo! Poverty Eradication Project and has as its purpose the alleviation of poverty through improved health outcomes and employment opportunities. The communities in which JPEP operates do not have ready access to potable water, appropriate sanitation or reliable power (when it is available at all). Houses often have earth floors and infestation by the Jigger flea or Chigoe parasite which causes Tungiasis, a parasitic condition of humans and animals is rife. Access to schooling is dependent on the ability to travel, purchase resources and uniforms, and pay fees. High levels of unemployment and competing demands on the little money that is available force choices to be made between school and other basic needs.
While financial support is valuable in alleviating short term need, the team behind JPEP understand that this is not the solution they seek. Through cooperative efforts they are seeking to address the health problems faced by the communities, provide employment opportunities and wealth creation through micro-economic and social enterprise. In doing so they envision a sustainable future in which dignity is restored and dependence on external sources is reduced and ultimately removed.
The conviction of all team members is that evidence of the Kingdom of God is the character of God lived out by the community of God in relationship with the society in which it exists. Justice, mercy and humility are key values which underpin their thinking and planning. The goal is to build the Kingdom of God is built by pursuing the triple bottom line of sustainability – economic, societal and environmental from a Christian worldview.
If you want to know more feel free to message me directly.
Richard W.Foster 