Omagh generosity reaches out to girls in Kenya

A heartwarming fundraising effort by an Omagh High School staff member is set to make a life-changing difference to vulnerable young girls in Kenya, thanks to an overwhelming show of generosity from colleagues, friends, church members and the wider community.

Linda Campbell, originally from Plumbridge and now living at Orritor, outside Cookstown, has raised £1,015 through a hugely successful coffee morning at Omagh High School in support of the Sikia Dada charity, which is helping vulnerable girls in the Limuru region of Kenya.

Sikia Dada, which translates from Swahili as 'Reach a Girl', operates a rescue centre and safe haven for young women and girls who have survived gender-based violence, forced marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM), or are dealing with early pregnancies.

They provide a judgment-free space for young mothers to heal, raise their babies, receive sexual health education, and get menstrual hygiene kits. They also offer formal education and technical skills training - such as running their on-site demonstration farm - to help the women transition into financial independence.

And the generosity does not stop there. Further donations are expected to come in for Linda's event. The money raised will go towards installing a water tower and water storage tanks at a newly-built home for girls, at a cost of approximately £1,100 - meaning Linda's fundraising has already brought the project within touching distance of its target.

Linda's journey was inspired by Alfie and Avril Hartnett 11 years ago after they witnessed first-hand the difficult circumstances facing young girls during a holiday in Kenya.

Moved by the challenges and inequalities facing the girls, they returned home determined to make a difference.

Their remarkable commitment saw them set about raising funds to purchase a piece of land, worth the equivalent of around £21,000, to provide a safe home for vulnerable young girls. Remarkably, the money was raised and the land paid for in less than six months.

Linda became involved in the fundraising effort eight or nine years ago, having first met the Hartnetts when she attended church in Cookstown.

"I jokingly said that if they were ever going out, I would go with them. That's what started it and got me interested," she recalled.

Having worked at Omagh High School for the past 15 years as an art technician and classroom assistant, Linda has brought her passion for the project into the school community, where her enthusiasm has inspired tremendous support.

With the new house now built and occupied, the immediate priority is to make it a more comfortable and properly equipped home.

The girls had previously been living in rented accommodation which was condemned because of a road-widening scheme, creating an urgent need to have their new home completed.

Although the building now provides a much safer roof over their heads, it remains basic, with considerable work still required.

Linda's coffee morning, held at Omagh High School on October 23, was organised with the enthusiastic backing of principal Christos Gaitatzis and school staff.

The event coincided with a visit to the school by the Omagh Learning Community for lectures and training, bringing around 300 people through the doors and providing an ideal opportunity to raise awareness and funds.

Linda said she was overwhelmed by the response, particularly from the ladies at the school, members of her local Claggan Presbyterian Church, friends and family, who all rallied around to bake and provide refreshments.

"The support I got was absolutely brilliant and I really appreciate what everybody did for me," she said.

"I ended up with an absolutely amazing spread. People are unbelievably supportive. I am very passionate about it and people in school are probably fed up listening to me talking about it!"

She also paid tribute to High School teacher, Andy Funnell for his help in publicising the fundraising event.

But Linda's contribution goes far beyond organising a successful coffee morning. On November 19, she will travel to Kenya as part of a three-person team, returning to the project for the second time, with the group due to come home at the beginning of December.

Her plans include helping to make curtains for the girls' new home, painting and overseeing the construction of the water tower, which the Omagh fundraising will help to provide.

Linda previously travelled to the Limuru region, in Kiambu County, three years ago, when the foundations for the house were being laid.

Situated in Kenya's lush tea-growing highlands, around two hours from Nairobi, the area is home to communities facing extreme poverty and difficult living conditions.

During that visit, the team also worked in orphanages, visited hospitals and supported families living in nearby tea villages.

Linda described the conditions experienced by some of the tea-picking families as heartbreaking.

"The people who live in the tea villages are in the most appalling conditions. You would not believe the conditions they live in. It's horrendous," she said.

"Last time we were out, we got them food and things to burn on their fires for heat and cooking. We also bought clothes at the local market.

"They are really poor, but they love when we play with their children and spend time with them. Even just playing games with them makes such a difference."

The team also supports girls through education, practical skills and advice on looking after themselves, personal hygiene, staying safe and understanding the importance of education.

When Sikia Dada takes a girl into its care, provision is made for her education and, where necessary, support is available if she has a child, helping her learn a trade and build an independent future.

The charity also works directly with local schools, speaking to girls about their health and wellbeing. On the previous visit, a dentist accompanying the team discovered that not one girl in one of the schools visited had ever been to a dentist.

For Linda, the forthcoming trip is also an opportunity to take out a remarkable collection of handmade gifts donated by people who want to play their part.

She already has three large suitcases filled with knitted jumpers, hats and other items, many made by the mothers of friends and colleagues at Omagh High School.

The donations will be distributed among the girls, maternity ward patients and families living in the tea villages.

A sewing machine is also available at the project, and Linda hopes to show the girls how to use it, giving them another valuable practical skill.

The new home is due to be officially opened this month, marking a significant milestone in the 11-year journey of the project.

Reflecting on the generosity shown by so many people, Linda said she was immensely grateful for every contribution, no matter how big or small.

She also highlighted the tremendous support Omagh High School had given her, recalling that the school had previously supported her when she undertook another charity trip to Nigeria 11 years ago.

With the latest fundraising effort already making a tangible difference, Linda is keen to keep the momentum going and is appealing for further support for the work of Sikia Dada.

Anyone interested in contributing to the project can contact Linda through Omagh High School.

For Linda, this is about far more than building a house or providing water. It is about giving vulnerable young girls security, education, practical skills and, above all, the opportunity to shape a brighter future for themselves.

And thanks to the kindness of the Omagh community and so many generous individuals, that future is looking a little brighter already.