Smiles in the villages as Terik community donates Christmas merchandise to the needy

It was a joyous moment in various villages of Nandi and Vihiga counties during christmas day, as the Terik Community Worldwide in collaboration with well wishers came together to provide christmas merchandise to the needy.

Speaking to the press after the excercise, Solomon Choge, the coordinator of the Terik Community Worldwide, said they formed a WhatsApp group of at least 300 people who then contributed a minimum of KSh 100 each to aid the 100 needy fafamilies.

"Our aim as the Terik community in conjunction with our friends was to celebrate Christmas by remembering the less fortunate than us, who struggle to meet their basic needs and face hardships every day. On other occasions we assist with school fees, medical bills among others, but this month we focussed on Christmas. We donated to all people regardless of tribe or other affiliations, and that is what Christmas is,” Choge said.

Ken Ngetich , a member of the Terik Community technical committee said they had traversed atleast 20 villages distributing the christmas gifts. 

“The families we visited were so happy, and that really touched my heart. I am thankful to all members of the community for uniting for a noble course. We hope to reach a more wider coverage next time as many people in the villages are really struggling to put a meal on the table.” Ngetich said.

The team of well-wishers distributed foodstuff to 101 families in Nandi and Vihiga counties, benefitting at least 300 people directly. 

“I was not sure what i will feed on this Christmas, things have been thick, some days i do not have anything to eat.Thank you for this food," Kezia Nyangweso ,a beneficiary from Gambo village.

"I am overwhelmed with joy. Be blessed." Samson Eboi, Muguya village 

"I can now celebrate like the rest,with the hard economic times, i had not planned for any meal." Sarah Tenai from Kapsengere village.

Terik tribe is a marginalized community in Kenya declared by the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2000 to be in danger of extinction.

Terik language is amongst the Kalenjin sub tribes and it is spoken in parts of Nandi South of Nandi County and Vihiga County.

Some of the professionals, politicians and friends that joined the community in contributing to the course included Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, MPs Marriane Kittany (Aldai), Julius Melly (Tinderet), Prof. Maritim Songok, KEMRI Director General and CEO, Prof. Haroun Mengech and Shoka Millers.