Renew: Kenyan Sex Worker Recovery Program

“Yesterday I was asking God for forgiveness for all that I did before. I didn’t know the real meaning of life but you have shown me. I thank all the staff of Lahash along with SCF for bringing me to who I am and thank you for caring for those who are less privileged.”
Josphine, Former Sex Worker

What is Renew?

Lahash has partnered with Kenyan Nick Kemboi, founder of the Silas Christian Foundation to develop Renew – a Sex Worker Recovery Program. Renew was created both for the purpose of bringing prostitutes in Kenya out of the sex industry, giving them hope, grace, and a second chance at life, as well as to help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in the community of Eldoret.

The Women of Renew

We currently have five Kenyan women participating in Renew. These women are mothers, sisters, and daughters who have boldly chosen to step out of prostitution, determined now to make a better life for themselves, their children, and the community of Eldoret.

These women originally became involved in the sex industry due to financial hardship. Most of the ladies are poorly educated, few having completed primary school. They may have lost jobs, or have simply been unable to find work. More often than not, these women are supporting one or more children. When rent costs and food needs became overwhelming, friends encouraged them to earn some extra money by “parking” (the Kenyan term for prostitution) and soon it became a primary source of income.

Prostitution in Kenya is illegal and it operates in a shady underworld. Men often force women to bypass condoms and have unprotected sex. Women competing for territory will get into violent struggles with one another. Drugs and alcohol are common tools to incite rape, violence, and thievery against these women. Though the women have eagerly chosen to leave this life, its scars remain.

Addressing New Challenges with Hope and Healing

Lahash is currently working to provide temporary monetary assistance for the ladies while we work to find them training and/or new means of employment. We are also working on a permanent solution – income generating programs where the ladies can work to make their own money in healthier ways, use their talents and gifts, and provide for their families.
Lahash is also dedicated to providing temporary counseling with the hope of providing healing from traumatic situations. We are also developing a study for the ladies which will be focused on issues of self-worth, and God’s love, grace, and hope for each of the women involved. We want them to see themselves as God does – as cherished, loved, and forgiven.

Recently the ladies have volunteered their time to help with the goals of the Silas Christian Foundation. The women are assisting part time in Dr. Oronje's clinic, visiting the AIDS patients with Nick Kemboi, and working on community restoration in the Silas slums.

Each lady in Kenya has also been paired with an email friend in the U.S. – another woman who can offer friendship, support, prayer, and encouragement. Our desire is to let our friends in Kenya know that they are not in this struggle alone.

The Impact on Lives and Communities

The impact of Renew extends beyond the lives of these women, reaching into the lives of their children, and their communities, where the spread of HIV/AIDS is being reduced with dozens less risky sexual encounters each month.

How You Can Get Involved

• Pray. These women need prayers for healing, for renewal, for strength, and for provision. Please also be praying they are experiencing God’s grace and presence in the midst of transition into a new life.
• Give. We are committed to supporting each woman in Renew with $50/month ($250/month total) to provide for rent, food, and care for their children. We are also in the midst of raising money for the purpose of opening a retail store – an income generating program aimed to provide the women with jobs and self-sufficiency. The cost for the start-up is $1000.
• Become an E-Mail Friend. As additional funds are raised, and the program expands, we hope to have more women participating. We will then need more women in the U.S. who are willing to email a Kenyan lady and provide friendship and encouragement.

For more information visit the Renew Photo Gallery or email Lahash