On July 30, Talitha Kum International Kenya marked the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with the theme “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.” Sister Abby Avelino, International Coordinator, emphasized the urgent need to protect vulnerable children and women from trafficking.
We are thrilled to share the highlights from our recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on February 24th, 2024. With 32 dedicated members of the Talitha Kum International Kenya Network in attendance, our gathering was marked by meaningful discussions, reflections on past achievements, and strategic planning for the future.
Celebrating Achievements:
At the heart of our AGM was the celebration of the conclusion of a significant two-year project. We took a moment to reflect on the lessons learned and the profound impact our collective efforts have had on the communities we serve. It was truly heartening to witness the positive changes we’ve brought about, reaffirming our commitment to our mission of empowerment and support.
Charting the Course Ahead:
As we bid farewell to one project cycle, we eagerly embarked on planning for the future. Our discussions revolved around identifying new opportunities, addressing challenges, and setting ambitious yet attainable goals for the coming year. The enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by our members underscored our collective resolve to continue making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
Prioritizing Safeguarding:
A crucial aspect of our AGM was the discussion surrounding the safeguarding policy for children and vulnerable adults. We understand the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of those we serve, and our commitment to upholding the highest standards of protection remains unwavering. We discussed strategies to strengthen our safeguarding measures and ensure that they are effectively implemented across all our initiatives.
Embracing Optimism and Determination:
Despite the challenges we may face, the prevailing sentiment among our members was one of satisfaction and optimism. We take pride in the progress we’ve made thus far and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. With unwavering determination, we are poised to tackle the challenges of the future and continue making a positive impact in our communities.
Looking Forward:
As we reflect on the success of our AGM, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each member for their invaluable contributions and unwavering support. Together, we are a formidable force for change, and we approach the new year with renewed energy and determination.
Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming initiatives and projects. Together, we will continue to be a beacon of hope and empowerment for those in need.
As the world celebrates Christmas, a time of joy, reflection, and the promise of new beginnings, we at Talitha Kum International find our hearts filled with a special kind of gratitude. The spirit of this holy season resonates deeply with the values that guide our work, reminding us of the profound light that shines even in the darkest of circumstances.
Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, a beacon of hope and love in a world often shrouded in darkness. His message of compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering faith in humanity continues to inspire us in our mission to combat human trafficking and support survivors of exploitation.
Just as the star of Bethlehem guided the wise men to the newborn king, we at Talitha Kum are guided by the unwavering belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. We see the light of Christ reflected in the eyes of every survivor we encounter, a testament to their resilience and the unyielding human spirit.
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
The Bible offers numerous verses that capture the essence of Christmas and its relevance to our work. In Luke 2:10-11, the angel proclaims to the shepherds, “Fear not, for I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” This verse reminds us that the birth of Jesus represents a message of hope and salvation for all, especially those who are marginalized and oppressed.
In Isaiah 61:1-3, the prophet foretells, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings to the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” These words resonate with our mission to bring healing and restoration to survivors of trafficking, replacing their pain with the oil of joy and the garment of praise.
Christmas is also a time for remembering the importance of community and coming together in support of one another. In Galatians 6:2, Paul reminds us, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” This verse serves as a powerful call to action, urging us to stand united in our fight against human trafficking and offer unwavering support to survivors on their journey to healing.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us remember the light that shines within each of us, a light that has the power to illuminate the darkest corners of the world. Let us be guided by the compassion and love of Christ, and let us continue to work together to build a world where hope and justice prevail, a world where every person is free from exploitation and can live with dignity and respect.
From all of us at Talitha Kum International, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with peace, joy, and the unwavering light of Christ’s love.
May the spirit of this holy season inspire us all to continue shining our light in the world, making it a brighter and more just place for all.
Thank you for being a part of our community and for supporting our work. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of survivors and build a brighter future for all.
Today, on International Migrants Day, we at Talitha Kum International Kenya stand in solidarity with the millions of individuals who embark on journeys of hope and resilience across borders. We recognize the immense contributions of migrants to our communities, their vibrancy, their strength, and their stories of courage that enrich our shared world.
This year’s theme, “Uniting Voices, Building Inclusive Communities,” resonates deeply with our mission. We believe that every migrant deserves respect, dignity, and protection from exploitation, regardless of their origin or status.
At Talitha Kum Kenya, we witness firsthand the vulnerabilities that migrants face, including the dangers of human trafficking. We see how exploitation thrives in the shadows of ignorance and prejudice. This is why we work tirelessly to:
Raise awareness: We educate communities about the dangers of human trafficking and empower individuals to identify and report suspicious activity.
Support survivors: We provide safe havens, medical care, and psychosocial support to those who have been trafficked, helping them heal and rebuild their lives.
Advocate for change: We work with governments, NGOs, and faith-based organizations to strengthen legal frameworks and policies that protect migrants from exploitation.
As a church entity We believe that our commitment to justice, compassion, and human dignity, has a vital role to play in creating inclusive communities where migrants are welcomed and supported.
The Church has the vocation to be a home for all, and not only for those who are already members of it. It is called to go out towards those who are far off and excluded.
Pope Francis
On this International Migrants Day, let us unite voices, not only in recognizing the challenges, but also in celebrating the contributions of migrants. Let us bridge the gaps of prejudice and misunderstanding with empathy and understanding. Let us build communities where every individual, regardless of their background, can find a safe haven and a path to a brighter future.
Join us in this mission. Support Talitha Kum international Kenya’s work. Donate! to support victims of cross-border trafficking, Educate yourself and others about the realities of migration. Let us make every community a place where migrants are not just welcomed, but embraced as valued members of our shared human family.
Together, we can build a world where every journey, every hope, is met with support, not exploitation.