WWANA

Mombasa, Kenya

WWANA (Wetu Watoto Associate Network) links together 38 organisations based in Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi. They work with 8,620 children at risk. The network member projects are involved in a wide range of children at risk initiatives, including work with AIDS orphans, community developments, feeding projects and street children rehabilitation.

Network context

Situated on the equator on Africa's east coast, Mombasa's ethnic diversity has produced a vibrant culture but is also a source of conflict. As a major trading import centre for the eastern side of the continent, the shipping industry is thriving. Unfortunately the impact this has on children can be catastrophic: it is estimated that up 40% of Mombasa’s 10 year old girls are in the sex industry. Other pressing challenges include high unemployment, crime, neglect or abandonment, substance abuse and malnutrition for the many living in poverty-stricken slum dwellings. The already high number of 1.8 million orphans across the country is continuing to rise because of HIV/AIDS, and in fact it is predicted to triple in the next few years.

Network activities

The annual Viva Christmas Party hosted by WWANA is a delight and special treat for the children who attend. In 2008, they successfully reached 1000 children with several parties taking place around the city. Each year Christmas parties are a chance for fun, good food (pilau rice, cake and soda) and a time to share the message of Jesus’ love to forgotten children. The network cannot wait for the chance to light up children's faces with a 2009 party.

The network’s Pastors Conference this year brought together 50 local churches. They were able to engage with the ‘Samaritan’s Strategy’, understanding how to implement lasting and practical transformation in the many communities that they reach out to. The network recognises church mobilisation as being key in meeting the heart of the need.

The network engages in HIV and trauma counselling, particularly focussing on Memory Book writing. Utilising the skills and contacts of the various member projects working with HIV/AIDS affected children they also offer home-based care.

WWANA holds monthly prayer meetings giving members an opportunity to share their successes, challenges, and needs, and both receive and offer support, encouragement and prayer.

Network contact

WWANA
Jomo Kenyatta Avenue, Mombasa
P.O Box 82728, Mombasa, Kenya

M: +254 722 844517
T: +254 412 490172
E: wwana.mombasa@gmail.com

WWANA in action!

After attending a WWANA conference focused on being good stewards of God’s creation and discipling our cultures through active demonstrations of God’s word, three projects from within the network came together to do a voluntary community clean-up. 87 people participated in the event, 40 of which were children aged 10-18. As a result of the event, a waste management project was formed in one of the slums.