ECUDARE

What is Ecudare?

Ecumenical Day Care

Ecudare is a Murrayfield Churches Together project which began in 2003.  It’s aim is to provide quality of life and holistic care for women and their families who are living with, and affected by HIV/AIDS.  Women and families affected by HIV have been supported to set up their own businesses and a school has been established.  It has a Christian ethos and is based in Ngong, one of the poorest areas of Kenya to the south west of the capital Nairobi.  It is run by Esther Wanjohi with whom we are in regular contact and who sends updates to us by letter. 

The Covid pandemic  had disastrous consequences for the families in Ngong: lockdown and curfew led to an inability to carry our their small businesses which led to a lack of income and food.  Vaccinations are scarce and expensive. Lack of food became a real issue and many of the gains made by the project were lost.  We continued to support families during this difficult time.

MCT Ecudare Group has committed to the continuation of their commitment to ECUDARE for a further 5 year period from 2023-2028.  This involves running fundraising events throughout the year which are organised by a small group of members form each of the three MCT Churches.

A survey was conducted in the summer of 2023 to seek approval for the continuation of the project from the congregations.  The results showed that ECUDARE is very much supported by members.

 “It is a great support for the needy in Kenya and continuous support required to keep making a difference in the lives of those in great need.”

“Ester and everyone involved are working so hard they need and appreciate our support to continue”

“It appears to be a long standing partnership which has benefitted both sides, makes a difference to people's lives in Kenya, and thereby helps to spread the word of God”

“The project has a two way energy with good feedback from Esther to keep everyone up to date with how the fundraising is used to help the women suffering from HIV aids and their families  .  “

“Good for MCT to look beyond its locality to offer prayerful and financial support to others.  Works 2 ways as we learn from Ecudare too.”

How to support ECUDARE

New group members are always welcome to help with fundraising.  If you are interested in joining the group, please contact The Minister.

We have 2 main fundraising campaigns each year which are well supported:

Christmas  campaign  - funds are required to purchase chapatti flour for families and a range of other items much needed at this time eg goats, chickens, mattresses. 

Funds are raised by selling potted hyacinth bulbs and we also offer  a range of virtual Christmas  gifts which are items identified each year by Esther.  .  

Summer campaign - each year a project is identified by Esther, for example in 2023 we raised funds for a women and girls’  hygiene and sanitary project

We hold a summer themed event to raise funds.  In July 2023 a’ Songs, Strawberries and Sparkles’ event was held in the gardens and halls of the Church of the Good Shepherd.  This presented a lovely opportunity for members from all three MCT congregations to join together for a joyful afternoon and raise funds for ECUDARE.

Donations can be made at any time by Bank transfer or cash and gift aid is gratefully received.

Latest Letter from Esther

 In November 2023 Esther wrote:

“I trust you are well. I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the MCT brothers and sisters for your unwavering support to the women, the school and the community at large. Your generosity and commitment have played a significant role in our success and we couldn’t be more grateful.

We are excited to share  that we recently celebrated a very successful graduation for four classes, with our students moving on to the next level of their education and personal growth. It’s a testament to the positive impact your support has had on the community.

As we officially close our school for the year ,we are busy preparing the classrooms for the new year ahead.

We’d like to extend an invitation to you to join us in our annual Christmas celebrations, where we can come together to bring joy to the elderly and vulnerable members of our community by donating to the woman’s kitty, helping us make this Christmas extra special

Once again , thank you for your ongoing support and for being an integral part of our community. We look forward to seeing you someday.

Every Blessings to you all.

I should also let you know Kenya had a lovely time with King Charles and Queen Camilla over the past one week.

With warmest regards,

Ester – Wanjohi”