Turkana County is the poorest and most marginalized County in Kenya. Because of poverty, most parents are not able to support their children’s basic needs including food, health and education. For a long time, the church has played a central role in providing these basic services. The Catholic Diocese of Lodwar in particular has been at the forefront in delivering crucial services to the poorest of the poor.

Currently the Church feeds over 6,700 children in pre- and primary school levels. The school feeding program doubles up as humanitarian assistance and a strategy to improve access to education as it attracts many poor children to school and ensures they are retained. These children would otherwise be out of school possibly engaging in criminal activities like cattle rustling, especially the boy child.

‘Friends of Lodwar’, a group of individuals and organizations who have committed to supporting the children of Lodwar organized a fund raising dinner at the Tin Tin Restaurant in Nairobi on 9th November 2017, attended by about 60 guests. Dr. Dorcas Kiplagat, the GNRC Network and Programs coordinator represented Arigatou International–GNRC.

Speaking during the function, Ms. Dilini Pereira, a development expert attached to the Lodwar Diocese, urged all present to continue giving, not rejects but their most valued and treasured commodities, noting that those being supported were also precious in the eyes of God.

The event realized a total collection of about $7,500. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Dominic Kimengich, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar thanked the guests for their generous contribution and promised to offer special prayers for each one of them. He encouraged everyone to be the present day missionary.