Longford trio set to fly to Kenya in Ray of Hope bid

Three men from the greater Arva area are preparing to jet out to Kenya in the new year to play their part in helping to put a roof over the heads of victims of the wider sex trafficking industry.

Run by the Sisters of St Joseph, the programme is one which will see locals Robert Vance, Tycusker, Damien Miney, Farrangarve and Sean Briody, Drumalt, join a campaign which has steadily grown in prominence in recent years.

Kenya is often known for its stunning landscapes, diverse terrain, and fascinating wildlife.
Yet, despite the beauty, there are whole host of underlying issues that adversely affect its citizens.
Systemic problems such as high crime rates due to unemployment, lack of access to clean water and adequate social services makes the poor living conditions difficult to overcome.

Kenya continues to be one of the most HIV affected countries in the world, with 1.6 million people currently affected by the disease and 62,000 new cases being reported in 2016.
With as many as 36,000 AIDS related deaths, many children are left without family.

Unfortunately, due to the stigma that surrounds these deaths, extended family are reluctant to care for these children because of fear that they might bring the disease into their homes.
Children , especially girls who have been orphaned or abandoned in Kenya face many dangers, including sex trafficking, abuse and female genital mutilation.

Although it is a practice that is illegal in Kenya, it is rarely enforced. These girls rely on children’s homes like Kenyan Girls Rescue to provide immediate relief from the harsh realities they would otherwise face.

The trio will travel to Kenya on January 8 for ten days to take part in the project.
In order to raisie much needed funds to help improve the lives of young children in East Africa, the group are hoping to raise money locally over the coming days and weeks.

Writing in his local notes last week, correspondent Barney Cully said all donations and support from the local area was greatly welcomed.
“As they need to raise money in advance, we would urge anyone who can afford it to donate to this very worthwhile cause,” he said.
“We wish them the best of luck in what is an arduous undertaking.

“Robert, Damien and Sean would like to sincerely thank all the various individuals and businesses, the Active Age members etc for their generous donations to them so far and assure everyone that it will be spent wisely.

“Everyone has to pay their own way on this trip and the lads don't use any of the money collected.”