Year Joined MKLM: 2008
Country: Kenya
City: Mombasa
Focus: Economic Development, Education, Environmental Development, Healthcare
Project(s): Project Manager for Taita Hills children village
People Served: approximately 900 orphans, 150 adult/elderly caregivers, 65 staff members
Project Goal(s): Establish a cost effective self-sustaining village community that promotes moral integrity, educational development and economic empowerment of HIV infected and affected children while preparing them for re-integration into outside communities after completion of their academic studies. |  |
Personal Data
Patrick Helmholtz and his wife Ilona came to MKLM in 2008 from Saint Dominic’s Parish in the Diocese of Sacramento, CA. Prior to joining MKLM, he was a professional in Commercial & Investment Banking. Current Ministry
Since his arrival in Kenya, Patrick has been working to design Taita Hills Children’s Village. He is currently acting as the village’s Project Manager. As envisioned by the Archbishop of Mombasa, Taita Village project will be located in Mwanda Parish at the base of Taita Hills. It will provide all of the essential educational, health, and economic support capabilities required for a self-sustaining community of AIDS orphans and grandmother/caretakers.
One thousand acres of land has been allocated by the government. The village will serve orphans and elders who have been left behind by the “lost generation” of the AIDS pandemic. The current village design plan includes provision for up to 900 orphans ranging from birth to 22 years of age with 150 adult/elderly caregivers in separate single family homes. Staff, including teachers through secondary school, will approach 65. Through group homes and community institutions, the village will harness the energy of youth and the maturity of elders to create new blended families that foster healing, hope and opportunity. The goal is to provide compassion and service to all affected by AIDS, so they will rise up to lead productive, safe and comfortable lives. As project manager, Pat brings his years of experience in Commercial and Investment banking and draws on his skills in developing country corporate and government banking and related project finance experience. He oversees the administrative, home care, and sustainability aspects of the village will operate smoothly, efficiently, and with the greatest benefit to its community members. The project is currently governed by a Diocesan Steering Committee consisting of members responsible for HIV & AIDS relief, finance, personnel, development, education and project management. |
