Kar Geno-Center for Hope, Kenya

Description

Kar Geno is located in part of Western Kenya region, an area which is devastated by the effects of HIV/AIDS. In this Luo tribal region, funeral are communal. When someone dies, the community takes care of both the funeral expenses and the burial arrangement. Each and community member financially and physically mobilizes together to provide honor and respect to both the departed and their family. Because of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, there have been an unprecedented amount of deaths in the community. In 2004, this was a wake up call to the community to review their funeral commitments and start thinking of how they can prevent future deaths and help those already infected, a preventive and curative approach. Out of sadness and necessity, Kar Geno was born. Kar Geno translates to Center for Hope in Luo.