Maendeleo Hub Impact Story: Vitalis Oguom
Vitalis with his watermelon crop
As a community elder in Kanyawegi, Vitalis Ogwom is devoting his life to improving those of other members of his community. Vitalis grows and distributes food to orphans and the elderly, assists elderly people to access social services, mediates disputes and conducts community meetings, and refers orphans to nearby schools. When we learned of Vitalis’ work at mHub, we realised that we may be able to help him increase his capacity to have a positive social impact. We connected Vitalis with The Pollination Project – an organisation that grants money to grassroots social visionaries. Vitalis was lucky enough to receive a grant of $1000 US from The Pollination Project.
Vitalis used this grant in a number of ways. He purchased a large quantity of maize, which he distributed to elderly members of the community. Food insecurity amongst the elderly villagers was a significant issue due to a poor harvest in the preceding months. Vitalis also expanded his organic farm, which he still currently uses, to support vulnerable community members on an ongoing basis. The grant also allowed Vitalis to plow and seed a plot of land in which he now grows a watermelon crop. While he had a considerable amount of fertile land at his disposal, the costs associated with farming the land often meant that Vitalis could not make proper use of it. The seed grant was pivotal in allowing Vitalis to prepare his watermelon crop.
Vitalis used this grant in a number of ways. He purchased a large quantity of maize, which he distributed to elderly members of the community. Food insecurity amongst the elderly villagers was a significant issue due to a poor harvest in the preceding months. Vitalis also expanded his organic farm, which he still currently uses, to support vulnerable community members on an ongoing basis. The grant also allowed Vitalis to plow and seed a plot of land in which he now grows a watermelon crop. While he had a considerable amount of fertile land at his disposal, the costs associated with farming the land often meant that Vitalis could not make proper use of it. The seed grant was pivotal in allowing Vitalis to prepare his watermelon crop.
Vitalis and Peter
Finally, Vitalis used part of the grant to finance motorcycle transport for elderly villagers which enabled them access various necessary services. Several people were taken to government headquarters so that they could receive the monthly stipend to which they are entitled under the Kenyan government’s Older Persons Cash Transfer program. Without such transport, these people would never have gained access to this valuable money, which was rightfully theirs. In addition, some of the money was used to transport an old man to a nearby medical clinic for treatment for his eyes. The man, Peter Agai, was almost entirely blind. After receiving treatment at the clinic (provided for free by volunteers), Peter’s vision has improved considerably.
At the mHub, we connect grassroots leaders with crucial resources that allow them to increase their capacity to carry out their work. Vitalis' story is an example of just this. We look forward to following his progress in the future and hopefully we will continue supporting him wherever we can!
At the mHub, we connect grassroots leaders with crucial resources that allow them to increase their capacity to carry out their work. Vitalis' story is an example of just this. We look forward to following his progress in the future and hopefully we will continue supporting him wherever we can!
Vitalis with two of the women who he supported to ensure that they could access the Older Persons Cash Transfer
