Leo Community Development Network (LECDEN)

LECDEN serves a community of 50 children, most of whom have been orphaned by AIDS and their 50 remaining parents(usually very ill with HIV/AIDS and TB) and their guardians in a neighborhood in Kiambiu slum on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. We have several goals: to fund income generating activtiies for those who can work, to provide funding for all children for school attendence, to provide ARVs, (neonatal, child and adult), antibiotics, TB meds and medical care, as well as a feeding program, formula program for infants and delivered food for the non-ambulatory, as well as HIV/AIDS education. LECDEN most resembles a cooperative with a board of directors and two founders who fund raise,oversee the operation, and act as a resource for the community. Our ultimate goal is financial self -sufficiency and ability to self-govern as a membership based cooperative. Currently, we are writing proposals for sustainable slum renovation and adult education. LECDEN has a small but enthusiastic group of volunteers and would like to connect with more folks working in Nairobi who can assist us in establishing a network of CBO/NGO groups in Nairobi with whom we may be able to collaborate .