Common Ground for Africa (CGA)
Common Ground for Africa (CGA) is a registered Kenyan non-governmental community-based organization with its headquarters in Kitale, Kenya. CGA’s mission is to help mitigate poverty, which is the single largest threat to human well-being and social stability in Kenya. Poverty breeds hunger, disease, illiteracy and environmental degradation. It also sharpens civil conflicts. To this end, CGA strives to reduce poverty while conserving the Earth's natural heritage and biodiversity, and to demonstrate in a concrete, observable way, that modern human societies can live sustainably and comfortably in harmony with nature.
CGA has founded a primary school (Pathfinder Academy) offering grades 1-8, with over 370 students, mainly orphans and vulnerable children. Each year students and faculty go out to groups such as AIDS widows groups, to teach them Biointensive Growing methods in order to help them become self-reliant and attain food security. As a result of its community service, the school has received awards from the Ministry of Education for four consecutive years, for being the best school in reaching out to communities. Experiences gained at Pathfinder Academy have been shared with many others through local media and international forums, and are being replicated in other countries.
CGA works with communities to use and adapt their existing technologies and resources; helps strengthen local institutions; uses participatory methodologies; brings in expertise to focus on the needs of the community; is gender sensitive; promotes income generation; promotes environmental protection; and implements childhood education and protection programs.
Through our work, we aim to:
- REFLECT the character of God through humanitarian and developmental activities.
- ACTIVELY SUPPORT communities in need through a portfolio of development activities, which are planned and implemented cooperatively.
- PROVIDE assistance in situations of crisis or chronic distress, and work toward the development of long-term solutions with those affected.
- WORK through equitable partnerships with those in need to achieve positive and sustainable change in communities.
- ESTABLISH networks that develop indigenous capacity, appropriate technology, and skills at all levels.
- DEVELOP and maintain relationships with our partners, which provide effective channels for mutual growth and action.
- PROMOTE and expand the equitable and participatory involvement of women in the development process.
- LOBBY & ADVOCATE for and assist in the increased use of communities capacities to care for and responsibly manage the natural resources of their environment.
- FACILITATE the right and ability of all children to attain their full potential, and to assist in assuring the child's survival to achieve that potential.
Volunteer Opportunities
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