Bishop sees 'Life-Enhancing' work of CAFOD in Kenya

The Catholic Bishop of Hallam saw for himself the struggles faced by young people living in Africa's largest slum during a visit to Kenya last week.

Bishop John Rawsthorne met youths living in the sprawling Kibera slum in Nairobi as part of a trip to the east African country with the Catholic aid agency CAFOD, of which he is a trustee.

He was there to find out what life is like for many Kenyan people and to learn more about CAFOD's work and that of the Kenyan Catholic Church.

Whilst in Kibera, Bishop Rawsthorne attended the launch of a youth initiative that aims to address the high levels of violence in the slum and offer young people alternatives.

He then travelled to the Diocese of Mombasa on the east coast, which suffered severe flooding last December. The Catholic community in England and Wales generously donated over £185,000 to CAFOD's East Africa emergency drought and flood appeal and the Bishop was able to see how this money has made a difference.

The Bishop also took part in a radio programme for Nairobi's Catholic radio station, Radio Waumini. The station was recently nominated by the BBC World Service Africa as one of the best on-air campaigns in Africa for its work on HIV and Aids awareness - which was funded by CAFOD.

Bishop Rawsthorne said: "It has been inspiring to see the breadth of the Church's work here in Kenya. From HIV and Aids awareness to emergency responses to floods, the Church here plays a valuable role in trying to enhance the life of the Kenyan people, and CAFOD works closely in partnership to support its work."

Bishop Kivuva of Mombassa, who is the Chair of Caritas Kenya, said, "It's a great privilege for us to have Bishop Rawsthorne here with us in Kenya. Not only do we appreciate the financial support of CAFOD, but also the spiritual support.

"Having Bishop Rawsthorne come all the way here is testimony to the value CAFOD gives to the Churches work in Kenya."

CAFOD programme manager for East Africa, Fergus Conmee said, "Our work depends upon our partners and CAFOD is journeying with the Catholic Church here in Kenya. We are trying to build relationships at all levels, and it is fantastic for the Bishops to have direct relationships with each other and for Bishop Rawsthorne to understand the struggles and also the valuable work of the Kenyan Catholic Church."