Pure Gift CBO began as an idea shared among a group of young adult girls who came together on 1st August 2023. They had all experienced a common reality in their village: their elderly parents, once their sons and daughters married, were often forgotten and left without the care they needed. This situation motivated the group to pool their financial resources to provide support for their aging parents, determined to ensure that these elderly individuals received the attention and care they deserved. From this personal experience of supporting their own families, the girls realized the larger problem of abandoned elderly parents in the wider Turkana community.

Ms. Sylvia Lapur, the group’s chairperson, became the driving force behind the expansion of their efforts. Drawing from her own ongoing experience in caring for her elderly parents, she saw the potential to extend their support to the abandoned elderly within the community. She proposed a more comprehensive mission to the group, focused on four main areas: elderly care, community inclusion, economic empowerment, and climate change and environmental sustainability. Her vision was to not only provide for the physical needs of these forgotten elderly individuals but also to ensure they were socially included, financially supported, and that the community embraced sustainable practices to protect the environment.

In order to formalize their growing vision and reach more people, the group made the decision to register as a Community Based Organization (CBO). On 16th February 2024, Pure Gift CBO was officially recognized, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Their mission was clear: to care for the elderly, improve their living conditions, foster community integration, and tackle the pressing issue of climate change.

Since its registration, Pure Gift CBO has had a significant impact on the lives of elderly individuals in Turkana. The organization has distributed food packages to those in need and undertaken projects to improve shelter conditions, ensuring that elderly community members live in safety and dignity. An example of this is the completed project of a new house for Rebecca Nang’iro, an elderly woman who had been abandoned by her family.

Pure Gift CBO has also promoted community inclusion, with a particular focus on bridging the gap between the young and the old. They have organized sports events and storytelling sessions, providing a platform for elderly individuals to interact with the youth. Football matches involving local teams, such as Kapua FC and Power Thunder FC, have become key events that bring together people of all ages, strengthening community bonds and promoting respect across generations.

In addition to social care, Pure Gift has placed an emphasis on economic empowerment. The organization has held trade exhibitions where elderly can showcase and sell their handmade crafts, giving them the opportunity to earn an income and gain recognition for their skills. Moreover, elderly talents showcase has provided a platform for the elderly to share their crafts and art, allowing them to feel valued and included in the community.

Understanding the critical issue of climate change, Pure Gift CBO has taken steps to address environmental sustainability. They have launched tree planting events, focusing on planting fruit trees that not only help the environment but also provide a source of food for the community. Through these initiatives, the CBO has raised awareness about climate change and encouraged the community to take part in activities that build climate resilience.

As of today, Pure Gift CBO has made a lasting impact on the lives of the elderly and the broader Turkana community, combining care for the vulnerable with initiatives that foster unity, promote economic empowerment, and address environmental challenges. Their work continues to grow, driven by the determination to create a more inclusive, supportive, and sustainable future for all.