It is Friday evening and we are in Voi.  Voi is located along the Nairobi/Mombasa highway and is somewhat central for activities in one of our three counties – Taita-Taveta.  We arrived here yesterday and are spending five days in this area – visiting some water pan sites and attending three food distributions before we head further to the coast to visit the other two counties.

Ready for the Distribution!

Don’t look now, but last week we said we would be describing the various steps involved in a food distribution, in some detail.  After reviewing our previous blogs we realized that we have already spent considerable time discussing food distributions and it would be repetitious for us to do so again.  As we prepare for round two of the distributions which occur next week, we will no doubt be commenting further on some of the things we experience during this upcoming round.

We did think it was worthwhile to mention the critical role of the Local Committees in this entire process.  As you know, there are 17 food distribution ‘locations’ – each of these locations consists of numerous small communities that may be scattered over an area of 30 or more kilometers.

Each of the 17 locations has a “Local Committee” – 10 committee members and 10 distribution assistants.  Ideally, the committee is balanced in gender, age and faith backgrounds (Christian, Muslim, etc.)  Their knowledge of the particular community in which they live  is a strong asset allowing them to make wise and difficult beneficiary selection decisions .

Unfortunately, some of the committees are male dominated because of the inability of many women to write.  The committee members receive good training from our partner’s Relief Coordinators and their effectiveness is routinely monitored.  Each committee has a Chairperson and Secretary.  It has struck us that a significant side benefit of this project is the leadership training and skill development which occurs at the local level.  The Committee’s role includes such things as:

Committee in Training

“Thumb-printing”

  • Selection of beneficiaries from their community, who meet the criteria
  • Ensuring that eligible beneficiaries do not appear on lists of other relief organizations which may be in the same area
  • A narrowing of the list down to the number of beneficiary households which have been allocated to that distribution location
  • Preparing a ‘beneficiary card’ for every eligible household – ID #, details on number of household members and the presence of terminally ill, orphans or other vulnerable children, etc.
  • ‘Posting’ of the beneficiary lists in prominent locations to ensure transparency of the process
  • Organizing the off-loading, storage and security of the supplies from time of delivery to distribution (usually 2-3 days)
  • Administering the registration and distribution process on the actual day of the distribution– the head of the household ‘signs’ that they have received the correct quantity of food – in some of the locations these signatures take the form of a fingerprint because sadly, many of the beneficiaries are still illiterate
  • Ensuring that beneficiary households adhere to the ‘work’ part of this “food for work” project i.e., that they contribute the required number of days of work for the water pans
  • Ongoing ‘monitoring’ of the beneficiary list to ensure continued eligibility

Intruders Interrupt a Committee Discussion

That’s it for now.  Look for a future blog on water pans!

10 Responses to The Critical Role of the Local Committees

  1. Mike says:

    Thanks for taking time on these informative blog updates. I pray for wisdom for the local committees in deciding those most in need and for smooth delivery of food to them.

    Blessings.

  2. Ada Kloet says:

    Greetings to the both of you and thanks again for sending us this update- I look forward to these postings and have forwarded them onto family members who are also interested in the work you do. The information you share with us helps me (so far from the action) to see some tangible results of the planning, praying, gifts given and work done on the ground in order for the vulnerable people in our world to be cared for. May God continue to bless you, uphold you and care for you as you continue this work .

  3. Nico and Cindy says:

    Hi Harry and Annie,

    Thanks again for sharing. Two things that I picked up from the photos are how orange and dry the dirt is and how beautifully vibrant the colors are that the ladies wear. I guess because we’ve had rain all day and I’m wearing my fall dark clothes. Hope you are still enjoying your time, we are continuing to pray for strength, health and patience on this new chapter in your life. Love you guys! May you continue to be a blessing to those that are blessing you!

  4. Mary Jagt says:

    I spent the day with my grandchildren and I know how you must miss your grandchildren. But your work in Kenya is helping many, many children and grandchildren to grow up strong and healthy so they can make their country strong in the future. God give you strength each day for just what you need for that day. Praying for you both! Love Mary

  5. Margaret says:

    They couldn’t have better advocates than the two of you! May God continue to bless you in Kenya. We miss you!

  6. Dick Devries says:

    Thank you Harry and Annie for the informative update. Liz and I are following closely. As you are spending time away from your family and friends, you are gaining rich experiences to share with everyone. Your grandchildren are blessed to have grandparents who are being a great example of showing love in action.
    Our prayers are with you always, Dick and Liz

  7. Dia and Gerry Terhaar says:

    I see you just don’t go out there and feed the poor. What an oranization! It’s not a simple task. Thank you Harry and Annie for answering the call to use your God-given talents for organization and administration. We pray that God will continue to bless you with strength and good health for each day. We love you, Dia and Gerry

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