There was a jovial mood in Shipala village in Virembe, Shinyalu Sub County after a new branch, West FM Virembe CU Salaams club, was formed under the Kakamega umbrella.
The Salaams club that included more than 15 members witnessed by the West FM and West TV presenters together with the Kakamega Umbrella leadership under its able Chairman Chris Nyongesa was happy to be amongst the big West Media family, which they’ve been longing to interact with.
While launching the Salaams club, Chairman Chris Nyongesa welcomed the members and promised that under his leadership they were destined for greater heights if they were willing to walk through the tedious and long journey.
He said that joining the Salaams club would help them prosper in many things, including development projects not only for the group but as individuals too.
Some of the Kakamega umbrella members and leaders present asked the new members to exercise patience, listen to each other and correct each other in a gentle way so that they don’t deter members and those willing to join.
The treasurer of the Kakamega Umbrella, Concepta Nekesa insisted that some of the people who determine the collapse or growth of such focused groups are the treasurer and chairman if they have no goals or a vision, and she indicated that they are in safe hands with them as part of the leadership.
The Virembe CU West FM Salaams club led by its Chairlady Monica Chepkemoi Muchesia said it’s through their unity as community health volunteers and committees that they’ve achieved what they have so far.
She said that the CHVs have been engaged in various activities in the villages including offering health education, walking from one village to another and educating pregnant mothers on the importance of delivering in hospitals and seeking medication, sleeping under treated mosquito nets, and pursuing a healthy life.
They also said they do a follow-up on TB and HIV patients who have defaulted their medication to encourage them to live positively and shun living in denial.
Benson Buya, a member of the CHV, said that their group was formed in 2009 and registered in 2014 with 18 members who on realization that health in the villages had deteriorated, came up with the idea of interacting with residents, from house to house
He said that they empower themselves and their main target is to be like real health workers, nurses, and clinicians in the villages.
He said that by joining hands with West Media, they will benefit a lot and that they have a platform to present their health, economic, and social issues.
The members also thanked West Media for the kindness and great gesture it has shown in uniting individuals, the educative programmes it offers, and extensive news coverage, saying it is the best place to be.
West Media presenters also encouraged the members to be aggressive.
The Virembe CU West FM Salaams club now becomes the 26th Salaam club under the West FM Kakamega umbrella to be launched.