Raising awareness of 'rescuer' project

2:00pm Wednesday 2nd July 2008

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A SELFLESS Kenyan woman who has dedicated her life to supporting people affected by HIV and AIDS is in Kidderminster promoting her work.

Mary Bunyasi is the founder of Omwabini, an organisation set up six years ago in Kimilili, near the Ugandan border.

Its name means rescuer and it is staffed by volunteers who are committed to helping disabled children and teaching professional skills.

During her three-week visit, Mrs Bunyasi is staying with Rev Mary Austin, of Kidderminster’s Trinity Methodist Church.

Mrs Austin has set up Friends of Omwabini, an organisation which raises funds for Kenya by selling jewellery and crafts.

She said: “Mary’s learning about some of the charity work we do in Kiddermin-ster. So far, we have attended an assembly at St Oswald’s Primary School and visited KEMP Hospice. Its work is similar to the work Mary does with people who are HIV positive.”

She added that the Trinity Methodist Church supported Omwabini for more than three years and had raised thousands of pounds for the Kenyan charitable body.

Mrs Bunyasi said: “I’m learning a lot while I’m staying here. When I visited the hospice I started to think about my home.

“I thought about why there isn’t a place in Kenya where people living with aids can go for help – a place where they can feel that people are there for them. I’m going back home with that idea.”

People interested in making a donation should contact Mrs Austin on 01562 824450.