Kamboo Dispensary
One of the poorest regions in southeastern Kenya, Kamboo was desperate for a rural health clinic to service its extensive community of 4,000 people. Penny, her husband Paul Verleysen, and several family members joined forces to build the much-needed dispensary in 2005.
“We brought water all the way in from Makindu into Kamboo and continue to raise money to keep operations up and running, and for building maintenance. Along with the Ashley Pittman Foundation, we’re currently trying to raise money for a maternity wing,” Penny confides.
Now, instead of having to walk over 30 kilometres to the hospital in Makindu to, say, deliver a baby, locals have immediate access to a variety of health services and ongoing health education. Currently used as a baser by AMREF for women’s health, Kamboo Dispensary takes care of approximately 200 patients every day.
Kathiani Primary School
Also located in the underprivileged Kamboo area, this primary school was established by Penny, her family and friends from Belfast. Kathiani started with five children studying under a tree, but now boasts eight main classrooms, a staff office and a basic kitchen, encompassing an enrollment of up to 300 students. Offering grades kindergarten through Standard 8, it services a community of children within a 15-kilometre radius.
“Previously, many of these kids had no clean drinking water or food to eat at home, both of which we’ve since addressed. And since then, we’ve received significant donations from the Ashley Pittman Foundation,” elaborates Penny, “which has helped enormously in feeding the students, and with building and classroom maintenance. The foundation has also provided aid to create a playground and garden for the children.”