Kenya program details - Mercy Corps

II, to advance recent peace building gains in theRift Valley. Our program aims to strengthen theability of local, district and provincial structures toaddress the causes of post-election violence andpromote sustainable peace and reconciliation.Mercy Corps is pursuing this goal by strengtheningsustainable mechanisms for conflict mitigation andreconciliation, supporting community dialogues andsupporting youth integration. LEAP II is alsoaddressing key causes of violence through youthleadership training, small scale cash-for-workcommunity reconstruction projects and incomegeneration activities.Financial Education for Youth GroupsMercy Corps is using funds from Western Union toprovide financial education to young people whoparticipate in self-help groups. Our goal is to helpyouth better manage the income they earn throughtheir group activities.To date, 600 youth in 26 groups have received firstleveltraining. Participants are already increasingtheir saving and improving their record-keeping andbudgeting practices. The next step of training –which will be made available to 1,200 young peoplein 51 self-help groups – will cover entrepreneurshipand more advanced financial education.Mercy Corps is providing clean water and access tofood to those affected by the drought. Mercy Corpsis also engaging in cash-for-work programs for foodinsecure households to purchase food and spur theeconomy by supporting local traders. Theseprograms inject cash into the economy and createtemporary employment for vulnerable communitymembers.Mercy Corps is also working to build resilience forthe future. Helping affected populations rebuild theirlivestock assets puts them in a better position torecover from future shocks. Once the crisisrecedes, safety net activities will be followed byactivities designed to improve livelihoods andresilience to shocks. Our goal is to help familiesbuild sustainable livelihoods, from a broader baseof activities, that will enable them to be selfsufficientin the future.CONTACTMedia Inquiriespress@mercycorps.orgMercy Corps U.S. Headquarters45 S.W. Ankeny StreetPortland, OR 97204503.896.5000800.292.3355mercycorps.orgLast year, Mercy Corps helped 19 million people turncrisis into opportunity.12-12Mercy Corps provides drought-affected communities with cleanwater, including this family in Adan Awale, Kenya. Photo: ErinGray/Mercy Corps.Emergency ResponseIn response to the drought and famine crisisaffecting northeastern Kenya, Mercy Corps isworking to address some of the most critical issuesnow and is helping rebuild for the future.