Ekomwa, a young adult from Loritit village in Letea, Turkana West Sub-county , lives in an area often affected by inter-community raids. Growing up in such a challenging environment, Simon, like many other young people in his community, was unable to attend school. Instead, he spent his days taking care of his family’s many donkeys and other livestock. Life in the borderlands area was tough, and Simon’s understanding of donkeys was limited to basic tasks like taking them to graze and occasionally leaving them to roam alone.

For many years, Ekomwa didn’t recognize the importance of the donkeys beyond their role in his family’s daily life. He didn’t know how to care for them properly or that they, too, like other animals, could suffer from health issues that needed attention. This all changed when APaD, through the Brooke East Africa-funded project, brought a transformative sensitization session to the community, specifically targeting out-of-school adults like Ekomwa.

The session, which focused on donkey welfare and management, was a turning point for Ekomwa. At first, he was curious but uncertain. However, as the session progressed, Simon’s interest grew, and so did his appreciation for donkeys. He eagerly absorbed the information shared by the facilitators and was deeply moved by the knowledge that donkeys, often seen as mere work animals, required proper care to stay healthy and productive. Simon learned about vital practices such as recognizing pain, managing wounds, and the importance of proper medical care for donkeys, knowledge that was previously foreign to him.

“I always thought that donkeys were just for carrying loads and grazing,” Ekomwa shared. “I never imagined that they could suffer or that they needed to be treated like other animals.” He admitted that before the training, he didn’t see the value in taking the time to care for his donkeys beyond the basics. But after attending the session, his mindset shifted.

The most remarkable change came when Simon’s love for donkeys blossomed. He was so inspired by what he had learned that he began sharing this new knowledge with others. Encouraging his fellow youths to bring their donkeys for treatment, Simon played a pivotal role in getting more than 100 donkeys treated, a significant accomplishment, especially in a community where cultural beliefs often hindered the recognition that donkeys could get sick and needed medical attention. Traditionally, many in the community believed that donkeys were immune to illness and didn’t need treatment, but Simon and his peers helped break down these misconceptions.

Ekomwa also discovered a special way of petting and bonding with the donkeys, which brought him great joy. He had never imagined that interacting with donkeys could be so fulfilling, and this new approach helped strengthen his bond with the animals he had cared for all his life.

“I never knew that taking care of donkeys could feel so rewarding,” Simon said with a smile. “Learning how to treat them with care and respect has made me feel closer to them, like they’re part of the family.”

Reflecting on this training, Simon acknowledged that they had never received such guidance before. “It was a great thing that I got to know the importance of the donkey,” he said. “I never realized how much we were missing by not caring for them properly. It’s like we’ve been neglecting them all these years.”

Ekomwa promised to go back to his community and share everything he had learned, teaching other youths the value of treating donkeys with the care and respect they deserve. “I want to make sure the younger generation understands what I now know,” Simon said. “Donkeys are not just animals for work; they deserve love and proper care too.”

Ekomwa was also deeply grateful to APaD and Brooke East Africa for remembering his community, especially considering that they come from an area often overlooked due to its ongoing conflicts. For Simon and the other participants, this training was not just an opportunity to learn; it was a lifeline that brought new hope and a sense of inclusion. “We are often left out, but today, we are part of something important,” he said, his voice filled with appreciation.

With his newfound knowledge and passion, he is now committed to spreading the message and ensuring that donkeys receive the care they deserve for years to come.