OYUGIS INTEGRATED PROJECT

At the heart of the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) is a commitment to restoring dignity and building sustainable livelihoods for all, especially the vulnerable members of our community. One such group is the elderly—grandparents who regularly visit OIP for support, encouragement, and community interaction. In a significant step toward long-term empowerment, OIP has recently launched a weekly savings initiative specifically tailored to these grandparents. The saving training, which began early this season, has started on a promising note. The grandparents have been grouped together and encouraged to save a small amount of money each week . The goal is simple yet powerful: to equip them with the financial ability to purchase certified seeds and fertilizer when the next planting season arrives. In many rural communities, especially those dependent on subsistence farming , one of the biggest challenges is the lack of access to quality farm inputs . Many families, particularly elderl...

In a bold and compassionate step towards empowering young girls and promoting gender equity in education, the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) has officially launched a Reusable Sanitary Pads Department . This initiative seeks to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation, while offering a sustainable solution to a challenge that continues to affect thousands of girls in Kenya and beyond. A Vision Rooted in Empowerment For years, OIP has worked at the grassroots level to uplift communities affected by poverty, HIV/AIDS, and gender inequality. The introduction of the reusable sanitary pads department is yet another strategic intervention focused on long-term impact — helping school-going girls access menstrual hygiene products that are not only affordable but also environmentally friendly and durable. These reusable pads, made from soft, absorbent, and washable fabric, can last up to two years , making them a cost-effective and sustainable solution for menstrual hygiene man...

  As the new year begins, Shirikisho Dispensary's Home-Based Care (HBC) program has launched an ambitious HIV sensitization initiative targeting youths. This proactive approach comes in response to alarming statistics from 2024, which highlighted that Kenya has the seventh largest HIV burden globally. With 38% of all new adult HIV infections occurring among adolescents and young people aged 15–24 years, there is an urgent need for comprehensive awareness programs. Recognizing that schools offer a strategic platform to reach young people effectively, the HBC team has focused its efforts on educational institutions. Schools provide an environment where young individuals can be engaged collectively, allowing for interactive sessions and discussions on HIV/AIDS prevention, transmission, and treatment. The Need for Youth-Focused HIV Sensitization Kenya's national progress towards the 95–95–95 targets—standing at 96–>98–97—is commendable. However, the high infection rates among yo...

Shirikisho Crafts, a unique initiative under the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP), is transforming the lives of young women through skill acquisition, counseling, and spiritual guidance. This program is not only an avenue for vocational training but also a safe space where participants can address personal challenges and grow holistically. Every Friday, the students gather for group counseling sessions and spiritual guidance, creating an environment of mutual support and collective healing. These sessions, led by experienced counselors and spiritual mentors, focus on promoting mental well-being, fostering resilience, and cultivating a sense of purpose. The group setting encourages open dialogue, allowing the girls to share experiences and learn from one another. Beyond the group sessions, Shirikisho Crafts offers personalized one-on-one counseling available on any day of the week. This individualized approach ensures that every student receives the attention and care they need to naviga...

  On January 16, 2025, the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) hosted a successful training session for home-based care volunteers at the OIP Social Hall. The training focused on equipping volunteers with the knowledge and skills to identify and manage opportunistic infections in HIV, particularly tuberculosis (TB) and herpes zoster (shingles). Purpose of the Training The training aimed to enhance the capacity of volunteers to support individuals living with HIV/AIDS by providing essential health education, monitoring for signs of opportunistic infections, and assisting in the early identification and referral for treatment. Opportunistic infections remain a significant challenge for people living with HIV, and this initiative underscores the commitment of OIP to improve health outcomes in the community. Key Highlights Tuberculosis (TB) Session The first session of the day was dedicated to tuberculosis, one of the most common and severe opportunistic infections among people l...

 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: Pat...