Human Rights Award
2004 Recipients

Alice and Elkana Odupa

Alicia and Elkana Odupa from Kenya, Africa, were awarded the Community of Christ International Human Rights Award for Service to Humanity on Friday, April 2, during the Community of Christ 2004 World Conference. The Odupas were recognized for their unfailing commitment and compassion toward those in need, their personal commitment to putting their philosophy into action, and for lives of exemplary service in advocating for human rights.

As church leaders who are employed as government workers in Kenya, the Odupas have made considerable personal and professional contributions to their community. They have chosen assignments in remote outposts, where they have been able to empower countless individuals. Few people accept-much less seek-assignments in such locales. However, the Odupas felt called to the desert village of Lodwar, Kenya, located near the Ethiopian, Somalian, and Sudanese borders.

Immediately upon arrival, the Odupas became aware of the plight of the Turkana people who live in Lodwar. Nomadic by nature, Turkana men provide for their families’ livelihoods by shepherding small herds of goats and camels. Unfortunately, it was common for outlaws in neighboring countries to cross the borders, kill the men, and steal the herds. The result was a village composed of many young widows struggling to find a means of survival for themselves and their malnourished children. Several attempted to make a living by brewing the alcoholic beverage known as chana and in turn became alcoholics themselves.

Determined to help these people, the Odupas began by first becoming friends. Every evening, after completing their government duties, they walked several miles to the village where the Turkana lived. The Odupas went visiting from one small grass hut to another and, unable to speak the Turkana’s language, spent much time smiling at people too frightened to smile in return. Over a period of months, the confidence of the people was gradually gained, the Turkana language was learned, and programs were begun that changed lives forever.

Alicia reintroduced traditional basket weaving skills to the Turkana women. Accepting nothing but the best in craftsmanship, Alicia also taught them to market the baskets. As the women began selling their baskets, Alicia taught them necessary math skills, and later introduced nutrition and child-care classes. In the meantime, Elkana researched successful desert farming techniques and obtained funding from Outreach International to begin a small gardening project. The resulting project was so successful the government eventually set aside land for expansion.

Perhaps the greatest gift the Odupas gave the community was a sense of self-esteem, which allowed the Turkana to eventually assume leadership for the projects. Today, Lodwar, Kenya, is a healthy, successful village with a dedicated group of Community of Christ members.

Back to Top
Back to Award Information
Home