Updates
Letters to Supporters
Periodically, we’ve sent letters to our community regarding developments affecting Shitungu Village. Below ↓ is an archive of update letters (from newest to oldest) sent to our supporters.
Check this page from time to time for new updates.
Letters to Supporters
Summaries are shown. Click a letter’s date to see the full letter.
PDF, 14.6 MB
The Kenya Village Empowerment Organization (KVEO) supports the residents of Shitungu, Kenya, in achieving self-sustainability. In 2025, KVEO will focus on addressing hunger, providing tuition support, and growing self-sustaining businesses.
PDF, 2.6 MB
Due to political unrest, KVEO, with support from donors and a grant, has provided emergency food supplies to 20 Shitungu families twice in the past eight weeks. Medical equipment and first-aid supplies were also sent to the Shitungu community. KVEO, now a registered non-profit, aims to establish food stability, meet educational needs, and foster the goal of economic self-sufficiency in Shitungu.
PDF, 34.6 MB
Political violence in Kenya, particularly in Kakamega, has impacted Shitungu, causing school and work cancellations and disrupting the local economy. Because of these challenges, the Kenya Village Empowerment Organization (KVEO) has been formed to provide increased financial and structural support to the community, with a focus on education and economic independence. Donations are welcome and can be made to KVEO to support immediate needs like food, healthcare, and education.
PDF, 6.2 MB
The community of Shitungu, Kenya is facing a crisis due to flooding, requiring urgent financial assistance for food and repairs. Despite this setback, the community celebrates that the pump for the well is undamaged, providing a secure water source.
PDF, 83.7 MB
The Shitungu community continues to make significant progress in improving soap production. Community members participated in first aid training and adult education opportunities. Recent needs include solar batteries for ten additional families ($100 each). Support for tuition fees for primary to university levels is also needed, with costs ranging from $39 to $688 per year.
PDF, 31.0 MB
Joyce Lisbin provides an update on the Shitungu community’s progress, highlighting the community decision-making process and ongoing projects. The soap-making project provides a small but important supplemental income for the families. A water pump was installed at the well to improve safety and efficiency. Support for children’s education, with varying annual fees depending on the level of schooling, is ongoing, and is KVEO’s fundamental priority.
PDF, 27.0 MB
Joyce is returning to Africa on October 17th for a safari in Botswana and a visit to the village of Shitungu on November 6th. The primary goal is to assess the village’s situation and determine the next priority project.
PDF, 40.2 MB
Solar batteries have significantly improved lives of all residents of Shitungu, Kenya. Light bulbs enable children to study in the evening, and expenses for kerosene and phone charging are significantly reduced. The community is hopeful that these benefits will lead to improved academic performance, better nutrition, and a stronger sense of community. Additionally, a wheelchair was gifted to an elderly woman in a neighboring village, showcasing the community’s generosity.
PDF, 102.0 KB
Joyce Lisbin requests donations for the HOPE BLESSED ESTATE SELF HELP GROUP (HBESHG) in Kenya, which provides educational and vocational opportunities for children and youth, support for abandoned teenage mothers and their children, and assistance for abandoned elderly. Donations will help with tuition, school supplies, books, uniforms, digging a well, installing solar panels, and building additional housing units.
PDF, 8.4 MB
The Shitungu community installed 20 solar battery units and eliminated monthly expenses for kerosene and cell phone charging. Despite ongoing drought and food shortages, the community remains focused on education and projects that will improve everyone’s future.
PDF, 4.7 MB
The Kenya Village Empowerment Organization (KVEO) supports the Shitungu community in Kenya, focusing on food, education, and work. Recent cuts to USAID funding have impacted the community’s access to healthcare and other essential services. Donations are needed to help meet the community’s immediate needs.
↑ Click dates to read full letters