MEMBERS EDUCATION

Afya Sacco is actively promoting the education of its members, officers and employees, along with the public in general, in the economic, social, democratic and mutual self-help principles of the co-operative movement. The promotion of thrift and the wise use of credit, as well as education on the rights and responsibilities of members, are essential to the dual social and economic character of Afya Sacco in serving its member needs.

The success of the Society solely depends on an informed and enlightened membership. The society therefore organizes members’ education seminars where members are visited and educated not only on their rights and obligations to the society but also in other matters that affect society in general, for example, HIV/AIDS.

(l-r) Mr. Emmanuel Lubembe, Hon. Charity Ngilu, Dr. Thomas Ansfield, Anna Cora Evans, WOCCU development finance analyst; Tommy Thompson and George Abong'o pose for a photo after a presentation.

On December 4, 2003, Afya SACCO together with World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. (WOCCU), delivered a brief presentation a delegation comprised of 105 individuals led by Tommy Thompson, U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services and chair of the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS the plight of credit unions in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Also present were Kenyan Government officials including the Minister of Health Mrs. Charity Ngilu, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health W. P. Godo.

The presentation was done collectively by Mr. Emmanuel Lubembe, Chairman of Afya SACCO, Anna Cora Evans, WOCCU; Victoria Ndolo, CUTEA; and George Abong’o, Kisumu Teachers SACCO,

The presentation focused on these points:

• Creation of a network for disseminating prevention information and referrals to testing centers, by Savings and Credit cooperatives
• Financial impact of HIV/AIDS at the household level; and credit unions’ experience with HIV/AIDS; and
• Care, support and treatment;
• Credit union institutional strengthening needs