Luo Care raises money to buy health insurance for the poorest widows with children in Simbiri and surrounding areas, Kenya, so that they can have hospital treatment whenever they need it. But how do you know what happens to money you donate? Why widows? And who decides who is most needy? Hopefully, the answers below will cover your questions. If not, please email us and we’ll be glad to deal with any queries.
Amelia receives her hospital insurance card.
What happens to the money?
Donations and standing orders are deposited in a bank account in England. Money is then transferred to a Kenyan bank and goes straight into an insurance scheme to take out new insurance policies or renew premiums.
How much is spent on administration?
Every penny of the donations and direct debits is spent acquiring health insurance for the widows. The small administrative costs are paid by the trustees. Everyone working for Luo Care is a volunteer.
How long must my direct debit last?
For as long as you like. £45 a year pays for the hospital insurance of one widow and her children, up to the age of 18. Luo Care needs donors to take out standing orders to pay £45 annually because then we can guarantee long term health care for the most needy families. The longer it lasts the better.
What happens to my details?
We retain your name, address and email address so that we can notify you when necessary for Gift Aid purposes. Nothing is passed on to any third party.
Can I Gift Aid my contribution?
Yes. Luo Care is registered for Gift Aid.
Are you affiliated to any other organisation?
No. Luo Care is independent and has no affiliation to any other organisation. We work closely with Simbiri Nan Bell Health Centre, a charitable trust providing medical treatment in the area and with Community Health Workers who are volunteers.
Why widows and how are they selected?
This area has one of the worst rates of HIV related illnesses and deaths in Kenya, so many men die leaving young widows with babies. According to their culture, these women are then “inherited” by male members of the husband’s family. In theory, they should be cared for. But in practise they are often abused and abandoned when they become pregnant. They can then be inherited again by another of her husband’s relatives. So young widows end up desperate, penniless, and in sole care of the children. The most needy widows are recommended by Community Health Workers living in Simbiri, then endorsed by the local Chief and Luo Care’s administrator.
Contact:
Dr Ann Egan annegankenya@gmail.com 07806.621367
Sheilagh Matheson sheilaghmatheson@gmail.com 07889.291659
HMRC Charity Ref: 1167786
Luo Care 