Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei joined members of the Africa4Haiti Initiative to celebrate the international Mothers’ Day in a display of unity and compassion, dedicated to honoring the resilience and strength of Haitian mothers in a vigil that was held at the famous Freedom corner in Uhuru Park, Nairobi.
Organized under the Africa4Haiti Initiative, this vigil marked a poignant moment of solidarity and support for mothers facing extraordinary challenges in Haiti.
Attendees from diverse backgrounds lit candle symbolizing a message of hope and love for Haitian mothers and symbolically released 12 pigeons to show solidarity with the mothers in Haiti.
Africa4Haiti is the first African civil society supporting Haiti during the tumultuous times with civil war ravaging the country.
The Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’Oei emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with Haitian mothers and commended the Africa4Haiti team for their efforts.
“Kenya is committed to the upcoming Kenya-led mission to Haiti and we want to encourage global awareness for the plight of vulnerable groups like the mothers and their children in Haiti through events like this vigil,” Dr. Sing’oei said.
The Romania Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Gentiana Serbu who also attended the vigil pledged her full support for Africa4Haiti and shared her experiences in Haiti and Cuba, expressing solidarity with Haitian mothers.
According to Edward Githaiga, the Chief Inspiration Officer of Africa4Haiti, the virgil themed-Harmony for Haiti: A Heartfelt Tribute to Haitian Mothers-, the event was a testament to the power of collective action, compassion, and solidarity, resonating with the core values of the Africa4Haiti Initiative and paving the way for continued support and advocacy for Haitian mothers and families.
“I want to express gratitude to all of you for the overwhelming support and dedication of everyone present. I call upon individuals and organisations to continue with the efforts to uplift Haitian mothers and their families as this is indeed the importance of unity in bringing about positive change,” Githaiga said.
Githaiga noted that Africa4Haiti has laid down plans of holding a mega concert that will further go into highlighting the plight of Haitian mothers and the society’s need to foster peace. The concert slated to be held on 29th June 2024 will include the Sports 4 Haiti one-day sporting event that will feature two key activities; an exhibition run and a football match involving the Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) and the organizers of Sports 4 Haiti, alongside officials from the Football Kenya Federation. This match aims to unite sports enthusiasts, media personnel, and the community in a spirit of camaraderie and solidarity with the people of Haiti.
Also in the vigil was Ms. Wakesho Simmons the director at the United States of America foreign affairs ministry who expressed her solidarity and traveled from the USA to attend the vigil.
Sister Florence, a missionary in Haiti, provided insights into the challenges faced by Haitian mothers and women under difficult circumstances while Sister Regina emphasized the power of unity and called for support for Haitian mothers.
Harriet Kathumbi from the Single Mothers Network showed support for Africa4Haiti’s initiative and called for donor support.
Rev. D Kisotu represented the Office of the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and showed strong support for the vigil.
