admin

Building Hope: The GWASA Family’s 2025 Widow’s Project

In the heart of Gongo Village, Gem Sub County, Siaya County, a remarkable story of community, compassion, and concrete action unfolded. The Gongo Warom Alumni Students Association (GWASA-CBO), through its Welfare & Benevolence Department, successfully completed the 2025 Widow’s Project, a testament to their unwavering commitment to giving back. The beneficiary of this project was Florence Adhiambo, a poor widow who had lived in a small, dilapidated 6×6 flat-roofed house with polythene paper lining the inside to keep the rain from reaching her children’s beds.

The project was meticulously planned with a total budget of KSH. 97,500. The financial strategy was divided into two phases, with the main objective of building a new, secure home for Florence and her family.

GWASA Family handing over a house constructed for a widow.

Phase 1: The Foundation of Support

The initial phase, which began on March 12, 2025, focused on laying the groundwork and acquiring essential materials. An initial deposit of KES 16,000 was received from an Equity bulk account. This was quickly put to use, with funds allocated for crucial pre-construction activities.

A total of KES 15,707 was spent in this phase, with the largest portions going towards the sawing of timber and wall poles. A significant portion of the timber was provided by the widow herself, a key detail that helped the project remain within budget. Other costs included transportation for the timber and “feettoe,” as well as a small amount for airtime.

Phase 2: From Budget to Building

On April 1, 2025, the project moved into its second and most critical phase. An additional KES 72,500 was disbursed, allowing the team to begin the actual construction. This phase saw the purchase of major building materials, including 32 iron sheets that were 3m long and 30G thick, costing KES 41,600.

The project wasn’t just about the physical structure. It also included provisions for meals to support the workers and volunteers during the construction process. The team purchased items like meat, milk, and sugar, facilitating a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.

A Successful Conclusion

The success of the project was a result of meticulous planning and execution. It was spearheaded by Project Lead Peter Ouma Aluoch and approved by Bethsheba Oyuga on behalf of the Welfare & Benevolence Department.

The GWASA Family 2025 Widow’s Project is a shining example of what a community can achieve when it unites for a common cause. By providing a safe and dignified home, they have not only built a house but also restored hope for Florence and her children.

A Home Restored: The Story of Caroline Ohito

For years, Caroline Ohito of Mala Village, Siaya County, faced a daily struggle that no mother should have to endure. She lived in a small, dilapidated mud house with a crumbling thatched roof, a structure that offered little protection from the elements. But the deepest pain came from knowing she couldn’t provide a safe haven for her six children. With no proper shelter, she was forced to send them away to live with relatives and friends, a heartbreaking decision that left her feeling alone and ashamed.

Caroline’s story is one of resilience in the face of immense hardship. She never gave up hope, and through the generosity of the GWASA Family CBO, that hope has blossomed into a reality. Today, her life has been transformed. She now lives with newfound dignity, peace, and security in a restored home that is no longer a source of shame but a symbol of her strength. Her children have returned, their laughter now filling the rooms that were once empty.

This remarkable transformation was made possible by the dedicated efforts of our community and the careful planning of the 2024 Widows’ Project, an initiative driven by the GWASA Family Community-Based Organization (CBO).

Understanding the Budget: From Proposal to Reality

The project team, after careful consideration, presented two budget options for the house, with the main difference being the type of fittings used. After careful review, the majority of the team voted in favour of the more economical wooden fittings option. This decision, along with an existing contribution for the project, helped us achieve our goals efficiently. We were also able to reduce costs further with a generous contribution from Caroline herself, who provided enough wood to be used for the timber needed for the project.

In overall the project costed us as follows:

• Material and Transportation Cost: KES 96,350
• Labor Charge: KES 8,000

Total Cost: KES 104,350

The Call to Compassion: A Biblical Mandate

The GWASA Family’s commitment to this project is rooted in a deep-seated belief in the biblical call to care for the most vulnerable among us. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes God’s heart for widows and the poor, reminding us that true faith is not just about words, but about actions.

• James 1:27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
• Psalm 68:5: “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”
• Proverbs 31:8-9: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
• Deuteronomy 10:18: “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.”

Caroline’s story is a powerful reminder of how a safe and stable home can restore dignity and provide a foundation for a better future. The GWASA Family is proud to have contributed to this project and to have been the hands and feet of this biblical mandate. Thank you for your continued support in making a tangible difference in the lives of widows like Caroline.