In 2006 a connection was made between Akonjo village in Kenya, East Africa and several residents of the North Okanagan/Shuswap.
Local fundraising initiatives were then put in place to support girls in the village and their educational needs. One such fundraiser was the Akonjo Fair in 2008.
“It was organized as a outdoor event to raise money and provide information for the Akonjo Village Project,” said Mike Oosterhoff, one of the organizers. “Four annual Akonjo Fairs have now been held, and money raised has been directed towards the construction of a girl’s washroom/changeroom adjoining the local school.”
He said included in this building is space to house three sewing machines. Girls are taught sewing skills and now produce items to sell at the local market.
A nursery school classroom has also been completed, allowing young students to relocate from their “under-a large-tree classroom” to an indoor space.
“Funds have also been used to support a women’s seed program and a youth farm group requiring seeds and farming implements. Both groups are now self-sustaining.”
Proceeds from this year’s fair will be used to initiate a Life Skills Project to give opportunities to youth who do not make it to high school.
The fair will be held in Enderby on May 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Maud Street parking lot, near the bridge. It will feature a large rummage sale, the sale of bedding plants (vegetable and flower), books, CDs and DVDs. A food, dessert and coffee concession, as well as an information table detailing the many initiatives of the Akonjo Project, will be on site. Also featured will be local entertainment.
Anyone with garage sale items, plants, books or anything to donate can do so the morning of the event or drop them off in the garage at 311 Regent Ave., Enderby, this week.
For more information, please contact Oosterhoff at 250-832-1125.
