A few months after GNG hired Brian Githehu and added his location in Kenya on the website, we received a Facebook message from Moses, a teacher in a “slum” outside Nairobi. He asked for any help we could provide for his family.

Skeptical of scams but also wanting to help in the most empowering, impactful way, we agreed Brian would meet Moses where he lives. Moses teaches in the community, and his wife, Jane, has a produce stand adjacent to their home. 

Skeptical of scams but also wanting to help in the most empowering, impactful way, we agreed Brian would meet Moses where he lives. Moses teaches in the community, and his wife, Jane, has a produce stand adjacent to their home.

Before Christmas, Brian took Moses and his son, Brian, out to lunch and had planned to take Moses shopping to buy some gifts for the family, but Moses laid out what he could use the $50 (7500Kenyan shillings)for instead:

• • • 1 month back rent before (ksh3500)
    • electricity (ksh500)
    • fruit/veg for produce stand (ksh1000)
    • thrifted clothing for the kids(ksh1000)
    • some home essentials (1500ksh)
      • • • • • • • • • • • • • • kerosene for cooking (500ksh)
                                  

                                  Save 500ksh

Meanwhile, Brian talked to Moses about future goals to improve the family’s circumstances including gaining computer skills and building out inventory for wife’s business.

In January, flooding rains came to the area, and Moses sent his family to sleep elsewhere. Brian appealed to him to find a new place outside the flood zone, promising GNG would help them move.

Once Moses secured an apartment, Brian visited and met with the landlord to explain GNG’s temporary support. The apartment is close to the same community so Jane can maintain her customers. GNG sent Brian $200 to: pay first month, last month and security deposit on the apartment; have the family’s goods moved; buy and deliver a set of bunk beds, mattresses and linens from the local community, and purchase supplies for improvement of the produce stand. Moses also negotiated a raise! Future plans for GNG, Nairobi include assisting Brian with distribution of solarlights through a collaboration with MPowerd to reduce dependence on kerosene, provide light and phone charging. We plan to make 2 shipments/year of materials to improve health, education and quality of life. Brian will continue helping local families acquire skills for better jobs.

From 7516 miles away, Good Neighbors are helping change lives and communities near Nairobi. We are building relationships thanks  to the internet, people’s passion to help and connect… and of course contributions from GNG donors. If you’d like to learn more or to do more, contact@goodneighborsgroup.org.