1.24.2008

Aid for Kenya

One of my fellow novices is from Kenya. She has been in contact with her Bishop, Most Rev. Cornelius Kipng'eno Arap Korir of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret. He reports that there are over 18,000 internally displaced persons in his diocese alone as a result of the post-election conflict in Kenya. He writes that:
The situation within The North rift needs urgent measures to stop the current trend. We want again to express our sincere gratitude to all people of good will who have come in to assist this community. It is our hope and prayer that a lasting solution could be found and this people could go back to their homes and continue with their normal lives.
Catholic Relief Services is on the ground in Kenya and the Eldoret region.

To date, CRS has provided $250,000 worth of emergency supplies to aid 37,500 people in the worst-affected regions of the Rift Valley and is working closely with other agencies, including the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and Caritas Kenya, to assess ongoing needs and plan longer-term response activities.

"The political crisis in Kenya is far from resolved, and unfortunately we fear that the humanitarian challenges are just beginning," said Ken MacLean, CRS Kenya's country representative. "Of critical concern is the upcoming planting season. Families must prepare fields and plant seeds soon to have sufficient food, but until people feel safe from the threat of violence, they will not take action to secure their futures."

Caritas partners CAFOD and Trocaire helped to fund initial efforts to provide emergency relief. In addition, CRS is developing plans to help communities rebuild trust and eventually enable displaced families to rebuild their lives after extensive loss. CRS is also supporting the peace and reconciliation efforts of the Kenya Episcopal Conference.

To help CRS's efforts in Kenya, visit their website to donate online. And please join our novitiate community in praying daily for peace in Kenya:

Peace Prayer for Kenya
Amani na iwepo duniani.
May peace prevail on earth.
Kenya na iwe na amani.
May peace be in Kenya.

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