THE FRANCISCAN MISSIONARY SISTERS FOR AFRICA

Sister Miriam Duggan from Limerick to Nairobi, Kenya and a lot in between.

Our amazing aunt Sister Miriam Duggan of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Africa needs your support. She is currently working in the the slums of Nairobi, Kenya at the Mother Kevin Centre founded in 1952 by Wicklow-born , Mother Kevin.

Kenya Nairobi Slums 
Two and a half million people live in the Nairobi slums , one of the largest in the world.
The dire conditions cause poverty, homelessness, starvation, unemployment and making orphans, forcing them to live alone on the streets.

The recent documentary ‘ Hector Africa A to Z’ shown on TG4 in October this year gave us a glimpse into life in the slums of Nairobi for children and young people.  Hector Ó hEochagáin met and spoke to Sr Miriam at the Mother Kevin Centre.

Sr Miriam has spent 51 years working in Africa  making a difference to thousands of people’s lives in Africa . Working as a Doctor, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. She was also involved in the training of midwives and doctors, she founded The Home Base Aid services for those ill with HIV/AIDS and Youth Alive as Prevention Programme.
Upon her retirement she  continued to help set up HIV/AIDS programmes in South Africa and this programme was so successful in reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS it was extended to 21 other African countries.
In 2001 she was appointed as Congregational Leader for 12 yrs and was the Chairperson of the Irish Missionary Union .
This remarkable Limerick lady remains humble, selfless and a charismatic person .

COVID-19 Global Pandemic- Effects on Nairobi 

The ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on the people living in these slums. Widespread unemployment has led to worsening conditions for these vulnerable people.
Unfortunately, the government does not provide any unemployment benefits which has left people destitute.

Education in the Slums of Nairobi 
The Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Africa run two primary schools and one secondary school to educate poor children identified as not going to school due to poverty.
As part of their life skills training, they run an eight- week ‘ Out of School’ Youth Programme for Out of School Youth after which they sponsor them into vocational training so that they can get employment and find a way out of chronic poverty. On completion of the programme,  their is a requirement for sponsorship for each person to start skilled vocational training leading to employment and a way out of poverty.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to school and education. Sr Miriam, along with the Hands of Care and Hope , responded to the pandemic by distributing 1000 food parcels every two weeks  achieved through donations of money and food. This involved mobilising some of the youth to help with bagging and packing the food parcels.
We can only imagine the relief and joy of receiving a food parcel after not eating for days. Some of the youths sponsored in tailoring work  were shown how to make face mask and these were distributed among the community.
The provision of education programmes to the community about the COVID-19 virus were introduced to prevent its spread. The delivery of education packs by teachers to families encouraged them to continue with their studies.
It is planned that schools and training programmes will resume shortly . Funds are much needed for the children and youth to continue with their education and training. Also , for the continued distribution of the much-needed food parcels and face masks.
The cost to Sponsor a child in primary school per annum is €227 and in secondary school school €428. 
To sponsor a youth into Vocational Training varies from €350 to €560, depending on the Training.
All money raised will be put towards education and the continued supply of food .
If you would like further information on sponsoring a child in education on an ongoing basis, please contact me . 

Thank you for taking the time to read about this great cause and for your kind donation.

Regards Margaret and Gráinne Duggan

We have attached a video clip from the show Hector in Africa and would highly recommend watching the documentary in full online TG4.ie
Sr. Cecilia Kathleen Sweeney of The Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa is Sr. Miriam Duggan's accountant who looks after all fundraising donations.