Caritas is the development wing of Diocese of Lodwar (DOL). Caritas oversees the development activities under the following nine (9) thematic areas; Medical and Health Services, Water and Sanitation, Justice and Peace, Cross-border Peace, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) programmes, Education and Nurseries and Safeguarding department.
Caritas works with the Christians and the clergy in the parishes, and with technical support and linkages from the government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Societies/partners.
During the year 2018, planned development and response intervention activities were implemented across the parishes with support from various donors.
Below is a summary of key activities implemented and the achievements realized, budgets that have been approved, partners supporting and the agreements that have been signed so far.
The Social Ministry supports the fortunate groups in the community, with particular attention to the elderly, orphans, the widows, the poor and those suffering from chronic diseases like T.B/HIV/AIDS. The program is also supported by county government on a small scale and a few well wishes.
The social programme overall goal is to improve the living standards of the most vulnerable members of the community through provision of basic needs.
To achieve this, the following specific objective for the year guide the department work;
This is the main intervention of the social ministry to those who can’t afford basic food rations. The food is distributed once a week and each individual receives ten Kilograms (10) of Maize, three (3) Kgs of beans and a litre of cooking oil. People suffering from chronic illness including HIV/AIDS/TB are provided with special diet which includes Milk, vegetables, cereals, lentils and fruits on weekly basis. This is aimed at supporting and improving their immune system.
Provision of decent and affordable shelter is a priority for those in need. This is achieved by repairing old and dilapidated houses (huts) and constructing new ones for those who don’t have. The local community take part in the activity by providing locally available materials and labour.
In 2019, more than one hundred people were made homeless by the floods which affected Lodwar. The project only managed to construct huts for eleven (11) beneficiaries. For those who cannot be provided by the programme, they are being referred to Turkana county government Disaster management office, social services and other emergency offices that are within for more support.
Support for IGA aims at changing the attitude and ultimately reduce dependence by the elderly, orphans and other vulnerable people in the society. The income generating activities is envisioned to provide them with alternative source of income to support their daily needs. Since the beginning of 2019 only fifteen (15) people benefited.
A limited number of students from beneficiaries of the programme, both in secondary and primary schools are provided with uniforms, school requirements and books once a year as they report to schools. In 2019, sixty (60) children have been supported by this program.