Faces of Dadaab

A daughter of a Tushirikiane Member at the Dadaab Primary School

In Kenya, much of the work that we do among the Somali people is in partnership with local Somali community groups and organizations. In Dadaab, the largest community based organization that we work with is called Tushirikiane Development Organization. Tushirikiane is Somali for "united or cooperation" -- a spirit that is much needed among the displaced Somali community. It is a small group of concerned Somali men in the village of Dadaab consisting of 51 registered members. They describe their mission as "commited to identify and assist the most vulnerable households in Dadaab in collaboration with Canadian Baptists in relief and development. The future is our responsibility." Over the past six years they have assisted their community in drought relief and food distribution, local water crisises, a Redcross livestock restocking project, an HIV/AIDS abstainers project (with CARE International), and the Dadaab Primary School. Presently, they are organizing a youth project for teens in their community.

We are so thankful for such good friendship and partnerships in our ministry.