seminar for its Home-Based Care (HBC) volunteers

 On October 31, 2024, Shirikisho Dispensary held a comprehensive seminar for its Home-Based Care (HBC) volunteers, led by Br. Michael, to introduce and guide them through the newly launched HBC Guidebook. This seminar aimed to equip our volunteers with practical insights and hands-on guidance, reinforcing the dispensary’s commitment to quality and consistency in caring for people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions. Facilitators provided an in-depth overview of the guidebook, focusing on its structured approaches to patient care, ethical guidelines, and care standards. Key sections of the guidebook were discussed, including patient assessment protocols, palliative care methods, psychological support techniques, and infection control practices. Volunteers were encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions on real-life applications of the guidebook’s principles, making the session highly interactive and insightful. The seminar enhanced volunteers’ skills in: Patient Assessment and Monitoring: Volunteers were taught techniques for effectively assessing patients’ physical, emotional, and social needs, stressing the importance of consistent documentation and follow-up care. Infection Control and Hygiene: Volunteers were guided on best practices for infection control, including the proper use of personal protective equipment and hygiene measures to protect both caregivers and patients. Emotional and Psychological Support: The guidebook includes strategies for offering psychological support to patients and their families. Volunteers practiced communication techniques for providing compassionate care and learned ways to help patients cope with emotional distress. Nutritional and Medical Assistance: Emphasis was placed on helping patients with dietary guidance and adhering to medical schedules, which are essential for managing long-term health. The seminar was highly effective in helping volunteers understand and apply the guidebook’s content. Volunteers expressed appreciation for the clarity and practicality of the information, with many feeling more confident in their roles as caregivers The HBC seminar was a crucial step in empowering our volunteers to deliver consistent, quality care using the HBC Guidebook as a core resource. We anticipate that the guidebook, along with the knowledge gained in this seminar, will significantly enhance our future efforts in home-based care.

Home-Based Care (HBC) Guidebook

 On October 31, 2024, Shirikisho Dispensary proudly launched the new Home-Based Care (HBC) Guidebook, a comprehensive resource designed to strengthen and support our ongoing care for people living with HIV/AIDS. The guidebook provides volunteers and caregivers with structured, evidence-based approaches to enhance palliative care, medical assistance, and holistic support, reinforcing our commitment to providing compassionate, community-based health services. The HBC Guidebook was created to serve as a foundational tool in our future planning and development of care strategies. By offering step-by-step guidance on managing patients' physical, emotional, and social needs, the guidebook will empower our volunteer caregivers to deliver consistent, high-quality care. Additionally, it includes practical advice on infection control, nutritional support, and psychological counseling, ensuring that care remains comprehensive and patient-centered. The guidebook will be instrumental in standardizing care practices across our teams, enhancing the effectiveness of the home-based care program. With this resource, Shirikisho Dispensary is better equipped to train new volunteers, improve service quality, and expand the reach of our support to more families in need. As we look forward, the guidebook will also serve as a key reference as we adapt to emerging challenges and evolving patient needs. 

The launch of the HBC Guidebook marks a significant milestone in the Oyugis Integrated Project’s dedication to compassionate and sustainable community care. We extend our gratitude to all who contributed to its development and look forward to the continued impact this guide will bring to our caregivers and the community.

Empowering the next Generation

Shirikisho Crafts Students Design African Bags and Build Their Own Brand Shirikisho Crafts, an empowering initiative under the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP), is transforming lives and fueling dreams in Oyugis, Kenya. Recently, a group of young women enrolled in Shirikisho's craft program has embarked on an exciting venture: designing authentic African bags with the goal of creating their own brand. Driven by their passion and guided by mentors, these students are crafting vibrant, stylish bags that celebrate African heritage and creativity. The project is as much about skill-building as it is about sparking entrepreneurship. The students work with various materials and techniques, blending traditional African designs with modern aesthetics to make bags that stand out in the market. This fusion of heritage and contemporary style gives the girls a unique position in the growing world of African fashion and accessory design.

Through this journey, Shirikisho is instilling essential skills that go beyond the workshop. The girls are learning to craft high-quality products and understand branding, marketing, and financial literacy. With support from Shirikisho Crafts, they are being groomed to become entrepreneurs who will one day run their own businesses, manage their own brands, and uplift their communities.