Building a climate-resilient future in Kenya: Brenda’s journey with Dorcas

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Brenda, 33, from Kenya, works for Dorcas on Climate Adaptation and Resilience. Brenda: ‘My passion for the climate started in primary school. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from artificial fertilisers, we did a project on green manure fertilisers using Tithonia (Mexican sunflower, ed.). I decided to continue the research at home with our own crops. And it worked! It felt good to be able to provide an environmentally friendly solution at home.’ 

‘In my work for Dorcas, I contribute to solutions focused on self-reliance and climate resilience every day. The great thing is that children are also part of these solutions. For instance, we have established an afforestation programme together with schoolchildren. This is particularly important in areas where biodiversity has declined significantly. The children are allowed to plant a tree themselves and are given the option to practise at home by planting a tree there, too.’

‘It is wonderful to see how they take care of their own trees by watering them with bottles during dry periods. Through this project, children not only learn about the climate, but they also gain hope for the future. This is just one of the many climate initiatives that we are carrying out with the community. We are raising awareness among men, women, children, and young people.’ 

‘Why we should not give up’

‘It gives me enormous satisfaction that I can see first-hand how our initiatives are changing lives and ways of thinking. Many people live in poverty, so when someone is able to earn an income and send their children to school thanks to a climate-proof investment, it touches me deeply. In my work, I see a lot of dedication. From my colleagues and the people in the communities. They want change, and our projects give them hope. This is why we should not give up on development cooperation. Even if only to address the ongoing inequality and poverty in the world. However, it must be locally driven and supported by the local population. Only then will movement occur and opportunities be created.’

‘As a development worker, I have learned to be patient. Real change takes time. God calls us to take that time to care for the earth and support people so they can flourish. However, we cannot achieve this alone in Kenya. We also need support from the Netherlands. That is why I am appealing to you: to keep praying and giving. The people of Kenya are not helpless; they are resourceful and determined. They just need the means.’

What would I say to young Brenda?

‘That a better, more sustainable future is getting closer and closer!’ 


This interview was originally published in the Nederlands Dagblad on Saturday, 28 June. You can read the article (in Dutch) here.

16 October 2025

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