Great Overcomers Community Based Organization Breaks Cycles of Poverty and Inequality in Kenya

Great Overcomers Community Based Organization (GOCBO) is on a mission to break cycles of poverty and inequality and create positive change within the Kenya-based community it serves—and for founder Chrise Ehizonomen, it all began with a divine calling. After a medical mission in Uganda, Ehizonomen traveled to the town of Eldoret in Kenya, intending to take a brief vacation there—but instead, she felt drawn to stay. While exploring the area, Ehizonomen met seven young boys who were scavenging for food. After buying them something to eat, she talked and prayed with them. Moved by their stories and hope for a better life, she promised them that she would return and help. Ehizonomen kept her promise: four months later, in 2018, she returned to Kenya with only herself, her daughter and four suitcases, and established GOCBO. Ever since, she has worked to grow the organization and provide life-changing support and opportunities for the men, women and children there.

Currently, GOCBO operates seven main programs: Go Lunch, a takeaway lunch program for more than 450 children and select adults; Go Camp, an engaging monthly gathering with games, prizes and food that educates young people about important topics such as reproductive health, hygiene, domestic violence, mental health and HIV awareness; You Go, a program that identifies and supports children and families in need of educational support, including providing uniforms and school supplies; Go Girl, a monthly program for young women that provides an open forum to ask questions about careers, education, business, menstrual cycles and more, while also providing mentorship, sanitary napkins and assistance with school fees and supplies; Go Boys, a mentorship program that connects young men with community role models (including GOCBO chairman Alex Maina) and teaches participants discipline, self esteem and responsibility while playing sports and other games; Go Ladies & Gents, which provides community members aged 18 and older with support to pursue continued and higher education; and Go Volunteers, a volunteer program in which community members can work with GOCBO and receive a stipend or supplies in exchange for their services.

Looking ahead, GOCBO aims to grow and improve a number of these programs, and in doing so, expand its impact to help even more members of the community. In particular, Ehizonomen said that GOCBO plans to strengthen its programs for girls and young women, which will involve increasing school enrollment and introducing more educational and inspirational activities, such as career exploration and visits to local women-led businesses. She also plans to improve the organization’s food program—which has already quadrupled in size since it began in December 2022—by constructing a shelter for the outdoor kitchen and upgrading seating, utensils and equipment. Other plans include partnering with Ampath to enhance GOCBO’s HIV services and improve access to essential medication for community members; acquire more computers for self-study and become a recognized educational institute; acquire a Tuk Tuk (a motorbike with an attached wagon) to improve transportation and food delivery; and more.

“I hope that as our programs become successful, our community will embrace the nurturing spirit of a mother for her child. In my view, GOCBO represents an organization that champions a mother’s dream. You might wonder, ‘What is that dream?’ Well, as a mother, I desire for my children to know the Lord, enjoy good health, feel deeply loved, and receive a quality education. These aspirations extend to every member we serve. As long as there is breath, there remains an opportunity to achieve something remarkable. GOCBO’s success would enable us to collaborate with parents’ dreams for their children, whether they be mothers or fathers,” Ehizonomen said.

To learn more and support Great Overcomers Community Based Organization, please visit: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjA5MDA1