Felistar knows the power of your legacy.

“As soon as I finished primary school my father decided I should be married. I was mistreated by my husband
and beaten. But participating in the Imarisha Maisha program has changed my life.”

Now in her late 20s, Felistar lives in Laikipia Kenya, where the Anglican Diocese of Mt Kenya West is working through the Imarisha Maisha program to train and empower community members to tackle the many challenges that keep them poverty stricken.

The Imarisha Maisha program works with agricultural communities to strengthen community-based structures that promote gender equality, vulnerable group inclusion, and child protection. The program also supports the formation of community livelihood groups to achieve a sustainable income.

“Things have changed in Maasai land because of Imarisha Maisha’s training. I can make decisions for my family and my husband now respects and listens to me, so we are doing well.

“My children will succeed in their education and not be affected by harmful cultural practices – because I have a say,” she adds.

“I am now the secretary of a Maasai women’s group with 21 members. It’s through the Imarisha Maisha training that we learnt about the benefits of forming groups and now we see a lot of benefits in cooperating with other tribes.

“As a group, we set up a traditional house to attract buyers for our livestock and beads. We now make beads that we sell to support our families.”

Felistar is a wonderful example of how empowering women, focusing on gender equality and providing practical training can transform the lives of all members of a family and a community.

She and her community have had to withstand drought and famine, but with the support of the Imarisha program and their growing resilience, Felistar looks forward with hope.

As her life testifies, a gift in your Will can impact the lives of countless people and continues for generations to come.

Your generosity fuels our ongoing mission to transform lives, foster community growth, and advocate for a fairer, more compassionate world.

When you leave a gift in your Will to Anglican Overseas Aid, you are joining us in an ongoing commitment to lift up and empower those who face the daily challenges of a poverty stricken life.