Supporting people and sustaining progress
Supporting Progress
Social and Human Development
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
At North Gem Community Development Programme, we recognize that access to clean water and proper sanitation is not just a basic need—it’s a foundation for dignity, health, and opportunity. Our WASH initiatives are designed to address critical water and hygiene challenges in underserved communities across Siaya County.
We construct and rehabilitate water sources such as shallow wells and protected springs, install water tanks in schools and homes, and support community water kiosks to ensure consistent, safe water access for thousands of residents. Beyond infrastructure, we prioritize hygiene education—training households, schools, and community leaders on best practices in handwashing, water handling, and waste management.
Our sanitation programs promote the construction and use of improved latrines, supported by behavior change campaigns like “Choo Safi” to drive adoption of safe sanitation habits. By reducing the spread of waterborne diseases and improving hygiene practices, our WASH interventions directly contribute to better health outcomes, higher school attendance, and a stronger sense of dignity and well-being within the communities we serve.
Through a combination of infrastructure, education, and community engagement, we are not only providing services—we are building the foundation for lasting health and resilience.
Health and Community Well-being
North Gem Community Development Programme is deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of communities across Siaya County. We understand that good health is the cornerstone of human development, and we work to ensure that even the most vulnerable have access to essential health information, services, and support.
Our health programs emphasize disease prevention, treatment access, and health education. We have implemented targeted interventions addressing pressing health issues such as HIV/AIDS, jigger infestation, and other preventable diseases. Through awareness campaigns and community outreach, over 22,000 individuals—including youth and adults—have been sensitized on HIV prevention, reducing stigma and promoting healthier behaviors.
In our response to jigger infestation, we have carried out community-level eradication efforts that include treatment, hygiene education, and environmental improvements to stop re-infestation. Beyond disease-specific initiatives, we have also worked with local health facilities—supporting them with basic maternal and newborn health equipment, and helping improve access to essential services, especially in remote areas.
Through these efforts, we not only improve immediate health outcomes but also strengthen the capacity of communities to manage their own health through education, peer support, and strengthened local health systems. North Gem remains a trusted partner in promoting holistic, community-centered wellness—because a healthy community is a thriving community.
Climate Change and Environmental Protection
We are at the forefront of addressing climate change and its effects on vulnerable communities. Our climate-focused initiatives are built on the belief that environmental sustainability and human development go hand in hand.
We actively promote climate-smart agriculture, equipping farmers with the knowledge, tools, and resources to adapt to changing weather patterns while increasing productivity and conserving natural resources. Through practices such as sustainable poultry farming, soil conservation, and diversified crop systems, we help build food security and household resilience.
Our programs also support tree planting and reforestation, restoring degraded areas and enhancing biodiversity. In addition, we advocate for water conservation techniques—such as rainwater harvesting and improved irrigation—to safeguard this precious resource for future generations.
Community sensitization and education remain central to our approach. We train local leaders, farmers, and youth on climate awareness and environmental stewardship, ensuring that climate resilience becomes a shared responsibility.
Environmental Sustainability
Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods
we believe that economic empowerment is key to building resilient families and communities. We focus on enhancing household resilience by equipping smallholder farmers especially women and youth with the skills, resources, and market access they need to break the cycle of poverty. Through targeted training, we introduce farmers to climate-smart practices and modern agribusiness models, with a special emphasis on improved indigenous chicken farming. Farmers receive day-old chicks, vaccines, quality feed, and technical support to ensure high productivity. This model is not only cost-effective and culturally appropriate, but also a reliable source of income and nutrition at the household level. Beyond poultry, we promote value chain development, linking farmers to markets and buyers to ensure their products are profitable. Our programs help create local employment, diversify income streams, and increase household food security. We also foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and sustainability by training communities on financial literacy, savings groups, and business planning. By turning subsistence activities into viable businesses, North Gem empowers communities to stand on their own feet stronger, more independent, and ready for a better future.
Advocacy & Community Empowerment
We believe that economic empowerment is key to building resilient families and communities. We focus on enhancing household resilience by equipping smallholder farmers especially women and youth with the skills, resources, and market access they need to break the cycle of poverty. Through targeted training, we introduce farmers to climate-smart practices and modern agribusiness models, with a special emphasis on improved indigenous chicken farming. Farmers receive day-old chicks, vaccines, quality feed, and technical support to ensure high productivity. This model is not only cost-effective and culturally appropriate, but also a reliable source of income and nutrition at the household level. Beyond poultry, we promote value chain development, linking farmers to markets and buyers to ensure their products are profitable. Our programs help create local employment, diversify income streams, and increase household food security. We also foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and sustainability by training communities on financial literacy, savings groups, and business planning. By turning subsistence activities into viable businesses, North Gem empowers communities to stand on their own feet stronger, more independent, and ready for a better future.
Child Development & Protection
Through our Future for Children program, North Gem Community Development Program is committed to nurturing the potential of every child by creating safe, supportive, and empowering environments. We understand that children thrive when families are stable and communities are protective, which is why our approach is both holistic and family-centered.
We focus on life skills development for children, equipping them with knowledge, confidence, and decision-making abilities to navigate challenges and make positive life choices. This is done through school-based Aflatoun clubs and mentorship activities that reach hundreds of learners with engaging, age-appropriate training.
At the same time, we work with parents and caregivers to strengthen parenting skills, promote emotional bonding, and build positive family dynamics. Through group training, economic empowerment activities, and the provision of startup capital for income-generating initiatives, we help families become more resilient and self-reliant.
Equally important is our work in reinforcing community-based child protection structures. We collaborate with local leaders, schools, and community groups to ensure that vulnerable children are identified early and supported appropriately, creating a network of care and safety.
By addressing the needs of both children and their caregivers, the Future for Children program builds a strong foundation for a generation that is protected, empowered, and prepared to shape a better future.
Core reasons North Gem Community Development Program exists
Restoring Dignity through Clean Water
We exist to ensure that every household has access to safe, clean water and proper sanitation. Good hygiene is not just a basic need—it’s a human right that restores dignity and prevents disease.
Empowering Families to Thrive
We support families with skills, knowledge, and economic opportunities so they can become self-reliant. When families are stable, communities grow stronger from within.
Protecting and Nurturing Children
Our programs focus on the holistic development of children—equipping them with life skills, education, and a safe environment. Every child deserves a chance to reach their full potential.
Building Climate-Resilient Communities
We help communities adapt to climate change through sustainable farming, environmental awareness, and resource conservation. A healthy environment is essential for a sustainable future.
Staff Testimonies
★★★★★
“Working with North Gem has been more than a job—it’s been a calling. I’ve witnessed firsthand how access to clean water transforms lives. In one village, children no longer miss school due to waterborne diseases, and mothers now have more time for income-generating activities. It’s rewarding to be part of a team that combines compassion, strategy, and action to bring dignity back to communities. Every borehole we drill is a reminder of the hope we deliver.”