Kilkenny woman’s work is honoured by people of Kenya
A Kilkenny woman who has been supporting a community in Kenya for more than 20 years has been honoured in that country on the national Mashujaa Day.
Mashujaa (or Heroes’) Day is celebrated annually in Kenya to honour the freedom fighters who fought for Kenya's independence, as well as contemporary citizens, leaders, and everyday heroes whose courage, service and sacrifice have shaped the nation.
Peggy Saunders, from Coolagh, was among those honoured by the community she has become a part of, many thousands of miles from her home near Callan.
A message from Stephen Mwangi Wachira, in Nakuru, Kenya said Peggy was honoured for ‘her dedication, commitment and tireless supporting for the most vulnerable and poor children in our community.’
Mr Wachira said that after the post election violence of 2007/2008 in Kenya where thousands of people died, many children were left orphans.
Peggy helped to “build a children's home for the lonely and desperate children in Rongai, Nakuru, Kenya, that is now being used as a health facility for the local community.
“Recently she paid thousands of dollars for Paul's hospital bill after going through surgery in Kenyatta National Hospital and after that built a house for him where he is living with his sick, old and disabled grandfather.
“In addition she is consistently supporting the poor families with food, clothing, school fees, providing wheelchairs and many other needs ensuring that they feel loved and supported.”
Mr Wachira added the invitation: “join me in celebrating Peggy Saunders as my heroine.”
Peggy’s association with Kenya began with a chance meeting when she was visiting Australia, more than 17 years ago.
She began by helping one young lady. That started a ball rolling that today is a welcoming orphanage with a self-sufficient farm, chickens and a cow house with the grand title ‘Kilkenny Castle.’ Peggy’s work has seen more than 50 young people avail of a secondary education that would otherwise have been out of reach for them.
The Rongai facilities have since been handed over to a local charity, that runs the operation.
Peggy has also helped many blind young people in the Rongai community.
Speaking to the Kilkenny People about her work, in recent years, however Peggy insisted: “This isn’t my work, it’s God’s work. It’s a miracle.” She said it was a group effort and she couldn’t have done anything ‘without those wonderful women who were with me’.