Kenya Aid

SHARE - patterns and donations

2008-11-11T20:53:00.003+11:00

For all those who may be looking for additional information regarding SHARE including how to help and patterns, please visit the Kenya Aid SHARE blog site - http://www.kenyaaidshare.blogspot.com

Thanks for your support!

SHARE - the first sewing soiree

2008-09-29T08:47:00.006+10:00

It's not every day that you find a group of girls willing to give up a much deserved weekend, especially in summer, to help our someone in need. But that's just what happened this Sunday when 9 girls met up for a sewing bee to make fabric pads for 23 girls in rural Kenya.

This was all to do with Kenya Aid's new program - SHARE - that provides sanitary health and reproductive education to women living in remote villages. A large part of the program is providing school age girls with sanitary products. These products help the girls stay at school and also provide a hygienic and safe alternative to traditional methods used to manage menstruation - such as dried cow dung or shared scraps of cloth - that often lead to infection and disease. By providing girls currently enrolled in school with reusable cloth pads we are able to keep attendance rates stable as well as provide an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution to a very real health problem.

Our aim was to have 100 pads by December to supply around 23 girls in rural Kenya with 3 pads each, plus a new pair of underwear for each girl. Thanks to the first group of helpers, who made an amazing 60 pads, we’re well on the way to achieving this goal and even exceeding it, allowing us to make these pads even more widely available to other women in the community.

So I’d like to say a big thanks to our helpers (including our generous host Agnes!), an outstanding group of young women who all got together to give a little of their time to help some girls they’ve never even met. It’s a joy to see that the spirit of giving, empathy and compassion are still alive and kicking, and on behalf of the girls at Musango secondary school – Asante sana!

Find us on Facebook

2008-09-22T09:55:00.002+10:00

To all Kenya Aid supporters - if you're on Facebook please find us and help us spread the word about the great work Kenya Aid does!

You can join the Kenya Aid group (login to your Facebook page and search 'groups' for Kenya Aid, or click here to become a fan of our most recent community aid program, SHARE.

Please share the group and the page with as many of your friends as you can to help us raise funds to finish building the clinic and extend our health programs.

SHARE - will you?

2008-09-20T09:51:00.001+10:00

Some of you will know about the new program we launched this year - SHARE - which is all about providing sanitary health and reproductive education to girls and women in rural areas. Underpinning this program is a major initiative that enables girls aged 13-24 to complete their secondary education - this is The SHARE Project and we really need your help.

Basically, the idea behind The SHARE Project came from a group of girls attending the school who asked us to provide feminine hygiene products to them so that they could stay in school. Unfortunately, when the girls reached puberty they often left school as they did not have access to these items and were forced to stay at home. Some soldiered on using the traditional method of dried cow dung as protection, or shared an old scrap of cloth between them. These solutions were not only imperfect but also caused a rise in fungal and other infections amongst the girls.

After much research we finally found an environmentally viable, economically sustainable and culturally sensitive solution - specially designed reusable cloth pads. Each girl gets 3-4 pads which last at least a year, plus attend free health seminars either at the local clinic (which we are currently building - go to www.kenyaaid.org to see photos) or their school.

So - we need 100 pads by December to roll out the launch of The SHARE Project at a small school in Shikunga, Western Kenya called Musango Secondary School. The girls that attend this school are the poorest of the poor - most have lost their parents, are caring for younger siblings, and many are at high risk of violence, HIV, or extended poverty if they do not complete their education.

To help these girls we need your help. For $20 you can give 3 girls dignity, access to heath education and care, plus the ability to complete their basic education. It's not a large amount but the difference it makes to these girls is huge. We understand that not everyone can donate, but please, share this page, or pass the message on to as many people as you can as spreading the word really helps!

You can donate online via our registered charity secure payment page at http://www.kenyaaid.org/donate.php or please feel free to contact me (ph: 0410 422 512 or e-mail - info@kenyaaid.org) for more information.

Thank you for your support!

Kenya Aid raffle: The winners!

2008-08-11T21:35:00.003+10:00

Thanks to all for participating in this years Kenya Aid raffle. It was an exciting draw (we brought the good saucepan out especially for the event) and the winners are:

3rd prize: $150 Myer gift voucher goes to................
Agnes Gajewska

2nd prize: Samsung 7.1 megapixel camera goes to..................
Don Crameri

1st prize: Panasonic Viera 42" HD TV goes to...................
Les Hodge!!

Well done to the winners - please contact Ryan (go to www.kenyaaid.org for contact details) to pick up your prize.

Thanks again for all your support!

City to Surf: 'Kenya help?'

2008-08-04T10:13:00.004+10:00

As some of you will know, we've been looking for some groups to run in the Sydney City to Surf charity run since Onesmus's infamous debut in last years race.

Everyday Hero is a website dedicated to linking registered charities and average Australians to help people make a difference through their own fundraising projects.

Today on Everyday Hero we found an awesome group of young people who have registered to run in the City to Surf to help raise money for Kenya Aid.

Check out their video below, and don't forget to give them your support by visiting and donating to their page - http://www.everydayhero.com.au/dave_and_justin

We wish 'Team Underdog' the best in their run, and will be there to cheer them on!

Kenya Aid update: Raffle

2008-08-03T16:10:00.003+10:00

Well folks, it's only 7 days until we close this year's Kenya Aid raffle and we'd like to thank all those who brought tickets and those who generously offered to help us sell them (Mr and Mrs Phillips and Mr and Mrs Snaith - aka 'The Parents', Danielle Tan, Mike Pritchett, James Tong, Ryan Snaith and the lovely staff at Nepean Hospital).

If you haven't purchased your ticket it's still not too late - call Ryan on 0402 014 177 to get your numbers before the 9th of August, 2008. The prizes are well worth being in the draw for, with first prize being a 42" Panasonic Viera HD TV.

Winners will be contacted by phone on the 10th and announced both here and on our website.

Good luck!

Kenya Aid fundraising: City to Surf

2008-07-10T15:30:00.002+10:00

Last year some of you may remember Onesmus ran in the legendary Sydney Sun Herald City-to-Surf. Well, it's on again, and since we don't have our Kenyan athlete this year, and the rest of the Kenya Aid team are too unfit to run 14k, we thought we'd put the call out to any happy runners out there who might be keen to do a spot of fundraising!

You can find all the race information here (including maps!) and can register online. The race is held on August 10th so even if you're not running, come along and support all those who are! Make sure you choose Kenya Aid as the charity you would like to fundraise for as well - you can find us listed on Everyday Hero.

If you do intend on running, please post a comment or email us to let us know so we can give you our full support.

Kenya Aid update: flu season

2008-07-01T15:06:00.000+10:00

It's flu season again and with all the sniffles and snuffles on the morning train I can hardly keep from remembering that our friends in Kenya are also going through their own season of unwell, with malaria mosquitoes breeding like crazy this time of year.

Earlier this year Kenya Aid rolled out a mosquito net program providing free and low cost nets to mothers and children under 5. Reports back from MURUDEF have indicated that this program has been a great success, though we've hardly made a dent in the population and need your help to keep supplying nets to pregnant mothers and families.

The nets Kenya Aid provides are treated with insecticide for extra protection and for only a $10 donation you can help a number of families keep safe this flu season. You can donate via our secure page here - http://kenyaaid.org/donate.php - and can pay by credit card or paypal. You can even set up a monthly deduction which will, in the very near future, be tax deductible!

We all know being sick is awful. Getting malaria is worse. So please give generously to help keep Shikunga's families safe from this horrible infection that kills hundreds of thousands of children each year.

News from the field: building progress

2008-06-15T15:28:00.002+10:00

To all those who are interested in the progress of the clinic, we have received word from Onesmus that despite some small incidents with our contractors, Kenya Aid has been able to stick to a reasonable cost for the building and construction is still on target.

Concrete is now being shipped to Shikunga to make slabs for the walls as the foundations have already been set. Another excellent piece of news - the Kenyan government has elected to help with pipes to channel water from the river to the clinic, offering subsidies for this construction. Well done Onesmus for his excellent negotiating skills!

Kenya Aid update: OAGDS status

2008-06-14T15:23:00.000+10:00

While it has been way too long since our last update, it's about time we let you know our most exciting news.

Ryan was contacted on Friday by AusAid regarding Kenya Aids OAGDS status - after our lengthy preparation we have been approved by both AusAid and their independent contractor to receive tax deductibility!

With this major hurdle overcome, we now only need approval from the tax department to be granted full status. It is estimated that this should take another 6-8 weeks.

Well done to the Kenya Aid board members for their time in putting together an outstanding proposal!

Exciting new Kenya Aid website!

2008-05-17T10:57:00.002+10:00

The team at Extro have done an amazing job on revamping the Kenya Aid website. There's a heap of new information about our current and planned projects, plus updated photos and additional facts about where we work. Remember to keep checking back if you're interested in volunteering as our new program will be ready to launch in the next couple of months.

Check it out at www.kenyaaid.org

Kenya Aid update: Clinic registration

2008-05-13T23:25:00.002+10:00

Latest news from the construction site - the new clinic is now registered with the Kenyan Ministry of Health.

Registration was approved after a routine site inspection about two weeks ago - ensuring that the building is up to standard as a health care facility and safe for use.

Thanks to Onesmus for all his hard work to make sure all went smoothly.

Kenya Aid update: Mulgoa Road jazz night

2008-04-27T09:34:00.002+10:00

Big thanks to Dr Sheen and the Mulgoa Road Jazz Band for Friday night's event to raise money for Kenya Aid.

The raffle was a huge success and the night filled with smooth jazz and a family fun talent show. Dr Ryan presented and gave a speech on the evening, with Dr James fielding questions from the crowd.

Congratulations to the winners and all those who supported our malaria program through their generous donations.

Kenya Aid update: photos from the field!

2008-04-21T09:27:00.000+10:00

Finally we have the first photos from the new Kenya Aid clinic construction site! We are all very excited to see the progress that has been made - nice new sign, some serious foundations, and a lot of work being done!

Kenya Aid update: Miss World event

2008-04-14T19:49:00.002+10:00

It's been way too long since the last update, but we had been furiously busy with preparations for the Miss World Australia crowning event where, thanks to the lovely girls who helped us, raised close to $3000 for the new clinic.

A big thanks to all those that helped organise the event - Danielle Tan, Mike, Ryan and James, plus those who helped on the night. Not least Miss Australia 2007 Caroline Pemberton for her lasting support of Kenya Aid.

Thanks also to all who bought raffle tickets and auction items on the night, plus our generous sponsors - Janssen Cosmeticuticals, Australian Wild Escapes and Parade Jewellers.

Last but not least, congratulations to the new Miss World Australia Katie Richardson!

Kenya fast facts: smoking in Kenya

2008-04-02T21:56:00.001+11:00

Now, here's some good news! Smoking has been banned in public places in three of the major cities in Kenya - Nairobi, Mombassa and Nakuru.

Breaking the law could mean a 2000 shilling fine, or jail time... even for international travellers :)

Luckily we weren't caught by the police last time, but rather stopped by a concerned passer by who hurriedly told a shall-remain-nameless doctor to put his cigarette out before he copped a fine.

Said doctor was slightly surprised at the time, but now I have PROOF that this rule is in fact law (see local laws).

It might be one small and rather irrelevant victory for the anti-smoking campaign, but I'll take all I can get! :)

Kenya news: DFAT relaxes travel warnings

2008-04-01T21:47:00.002+11:00

Well here's a good sign that things are on the mend in Kenya - DFAT has recently relaxed its travel warnings to Kenya from 'Reconsider your need to travel' to 'High degree of caution'; pretty much the standard for any travel within Africa.

This is good news for our would be volunteers, excellent news for our return trip this December, and even better news for the Kenyan people who are now returning to some form of stability.

Kenya Aid update: Miss Australia crowning gala

2008-03-29T22:08:00.000+11:00

The Miss Australia crowning gala dinner will be held next Wednesday with monies raised from the raffle and silent auction going directly to Kenya Aid.

If you'd like to have dinner with some a whole bunch of beautiful and talented young women, it's not too late to book a table for this fabulous event... and it's for a good cause!!

Go to www.missworldaustralia.com.au for more details and to book your tickets.

Kenya Aid update: SHARE is launched!

2008-03-27T22:47:00.002+11:00

Check out the new SHARE program from Kenya Aid.

Keep your eyes peeled for updates; this should be an exciting new project, and yet another huge difference in the lives of girls living in rural areas!

Kenya fast facts: Jiggers

2008-03-25T18:57:00.001+11:00

The first time I saw someone infected with jiggers I had no idea what I was looking at. Not being a doctor didn't help much, but my first incredibly uneducated guess was that the guy had elephantiasis - thick swelling of the legs, roughened feet, oh, and indigo blue skin (this was a somewhat baffling result of medication). Having travelled to Kenya as a teacher, I referred the guy to the clinic with money to pay for his treatment and hoped with all my might that they had something there to help him.

When I met the Kenya Aid team I soon learned the full story of jiggers and they're now part of one of my more gruesome nightmares. Gleefully Dr Ryan told me exactly what they were, and I'm going to spread the word in the hope that they can be added to our 'eradication' list to keep the mosquitoes company.

Jiggers, or sand fleas, make a home in your skin. The impregnated female jigger burrows under your finger or toe nails creating pus infected sores and feeds, laying her eggs before dying in your skin and creating further infection.

These little bugs are probably the nastiest things I've seen. The debilitating effects of a jigger attack is not only painful, but can also further the spread of HIV by the sharing of pins/needles to get the little buggers out. The only way to remove jiggers is to kill the flea and then dig it out and when this is done at home in unsterilised conditions, open wounds can lead to ulcers and infection such as gangrene that leaves the victim at great risk.

The Kenya Aid team sees many cases of jiggers each year, caused by lack of hygiene and lack of shoes to protect the patient against attack. Currently we are working on education to prevent attack, as well as treating cases as they occur. Click here to donate and help stop the jigger attack!

Kenya Aid update: Feminine hygiene

2008-03-23T17:57:00.002+11:00

I've always wondered what the girls in Kenya did at 'that time of the month'. I that some sort of protection must be being used, but was horrified to learn earlier this week exactly what was going on.

There are a group of girls at the local secondary school who are struggling. There's no money for feminine hygiene products, and none available in the village anyway, so the girls find what spare material they can and use that so they can get through their day.

Now, the girls out there who are fans of the environmentally friendly option of cloth will argue that using cloth isn't a problem, and can in fact be more healthy and just as convenient as, say, tampons or disposable pads. But there were a few other compounding factors that made this little tale quite upsetting.

First off, the girls don't have ENOUGH cloth, so they share. When one finishes her period, the cloth is passed to another and so on, often without proper cleaning. This give all sorts of diseases great potential to spread, not to mention the logistics of sorting out who gets what cloth, when.

Secondly, there is the issue of storage and cleaning. Water is limited, especially at schools, so that rules out any washing that is required to effectively use cloth pads. Next there is the question of where these cloths can be washed and still allow teenage girls to be discrete about their sexual maturation. A number of relevant studies have showed that many girls in developing countries who are using cloth have a limited supply, and due to modesty constraints, may not allow their cloth to adequately dry in the sun - girls wearing damp cloths are not only uncomfortable, but also at a higher risk for fungal infections.

Lastly, women in western countries who have decided to stick with a cloth option have the luxury of having specifically designed leak free cloth pads available. Girls in developing countries do not, resulting in many a girl being absent from school for up to 9 days per month, or leaving school entirely once reaching sexual maturity. This is a disaster when it comes to achieving gender equality and Millennium goals related increases in global levels of education.

So, with the Kenya Aid boys all being fans of feminine equality and with the help of their token girl, we thought we'd start a new fundraising drive - helping women in Kenya with access to free and low cost feminine hygiene products, education seminars on what to use and how, plus a new project design that will include effective waste management and culturally sensitive options.

More information will be available soon, or if you would like to become involved, please feel free to contact Kenya Aid for more information.

Kenya Aid update: New volunteer program!

2008-03-20T10:00:00.000+11:00

Good news from Kenya Aid headquarters - our volunteer program has now been finalised, and we will shortly make this program available for medical students and staff who are wanting to travel to Kenya for a volunteer term.

We're excited to finally be able to offer this experience, as well as facilitate an increase in the sharing of knowledge between countries. It's will be an exciting program for medical students and professionals alike to gain first hand experience in tropical medicine as well as working independently in a small rural clinic.

There will be more information available on the Kenya Aid website soon, or you can contact us for more information.

Kenya Aid update: Dr Bloch's birthday

2008-03-17T22:14:00.002+11:00

A big thanks to Dr. Bloch and all those who attended his 50th birthday party this year, generously donating to Kenya Aid in lieu of birthday presents.

It was a wonderful night, and guests' generosity extended to provide some valuable feedback on both our website and our programs. We left the evening with new friends, valuable donations, and a whole host of suggestions and tips that will help Kenya Aid now and in the future.

We would like to wish Dr. Bloch and his partners at Holdsworth House all our very best and thank them again for their continued support in 2008.

Kenya news: digital villages

2008-03-13T22:52:00.002+11:00

For anyone that's suffered through Kenya's slow internet, this should provide some relief!

"Kenya firm builds digital villages"

Kenya Aid update: Miss Australia crowning gala dinner

2008-03-11T22:39:00.001+11:00

Well the rush is on to get sponsors for the Miss Australia crowning gala dinner, and we're all frantically making calls to any number of quality suppliers to ensure the event is a positive one for all involved.

So far, we've made little headway, though Mike has been sacrificing lunches at the office to make calls and we're harrassing anyone and everyone we know for contacts, leads or help.

If you know of a company that you think might like to be a sponsor for this very glamorous event, please let us know! Or, should you have any free time to call around please contact Mike for a list of suppliers contact details.

The event will be held April 9th at Star City casino. With over 500 guests attending it should be a great opportunity for all involved!

The minature earth project

2008-03-08T20:27:00.001+11:00

One of my personal favourites :)

What would the world be like with only 100 people?

Kenya fast facts: HIV prevalence by ethnic group

2008-03-07T19:49:00.000+11:00

While searching for some HIV statistics today, we were shocked to find some interesting results for the Luo tribe, the tribe that makes up most of the population we treat in Western Province.

HIV prevalence by ethnic group

25.8% of the Luo tribe are infected with HIV. Compared to under 10% of the rest of the population. To say we were astounded would be an understatement. It's these sorts of statistics that highlight yet again how important it is for health care in Western Kenya to be drastically improved and increased. It also makes the drive for our HIV program all the more important.

Just think - that's almost every third person in Western Kenya with HIV/AIDS. Imagine that next time you're on the train to work - every third person that gets on carries this debilitating disease. Every third person. Actually look around you and count them, look into their eyes... one, two, three, HIV. It's something that must be stopped.

Kenya Aid news: Miss Australia sponsors Kenya Aid

2008-03-06T13:27:00.003+11:00

A big thanks to our goodwill ambassador, Caroline Pemberton, Miss Australia 2007, for organising this years Miss Australia event to sponsor Kenya Aid.

The event will be held April 9 and is open to the public.

More details to follow soon so watch this space!

Kenya Aid news: resources

2008-03-03T19:31:00.001+11:00

We like to keep up to date here at Kenya Aid, with many of the board members dedicating much of their spare time to checking out various news and information resources online to ensure we're continuously aware of new issues in the developing world.

While the UN and WHO are obviously popular points of reference to the team, we thought we'd bring some other news resources to the attention of our members who might be interested in a little further reading.

For a brief look at news that's changing the world, or at least reflecting what's really going on, have a look at Common Dreams

With the aim to 'ignite change for good', 'Common Dreams - News and Views' provides breaking news for all those passionate about making changes for a better world. Though there's a slight American influence, there are some great in depth articles on the issues that concern the international development community.

Another new resources we found that might be of interest to any readers with a philanthropic bent is The Chronicle of Philanthropy, a newspaper dedicated to the not-for-profit world.

Happy reading!

Kenya news: an end to violence

2008-03-02T16:28:00.002+11:00

Finally, there's an end to the election violence that has had Kenya in turmoil for the past 3 months.

With the help of Kofi Annan, Kibaki and Odinga have agreed to a draft act of power sharing that charges both to preside over the overhaul of the Kenyatta State, which President Kibaki was seen to be reproducing. Odinga hopes to dismantle the inequalities and concentration of power that he believed were oppressing large numbers of Kenyans.

Full report from the East African Standard

Kenya fast facts: coffee and tea

2008-02-28T13:34:00.000+11:00

Here at Kenya Aid we firmly believe in sustainable development. All our projects are considered with the community in mind, and it it hoped that with the completion of our current project, the new Shikunga clinic, we will be able to further develop this idea by making the clinic largely self sustaining. Not only will this increase community involvement with the project, and reduce dependence on foreign aid, but also generate employment for some of the local population.

We believe that it's this sort of support that matters most to developing countries, and another way you can help is by buying fair trade goods wherever possible. Western Kenya is a particularly large growing area for cash crops such as coffee and tea, yet levels of poverty remain high. This is mostly due to large areas of land being controlled by outside companies or individuals, and low wages for locals.

The People for Fair Trade can help you - check our their site to find out where you can buy fair trade coffee and tea that supports impoverished farmers around the world.

Kenya Aid update: budget finalised for 2008

2008-02-27T15:50:00.001+11:00

This year is a big year for the Kenya Aid team and their partner, MURUDEF, in Shikunga. The new clinic is to be built and while construction is progressing we're still a little short for the budget required to complete the building.

There will be another fantastic Kenya Aid event mid-year, though we'd like to call on all those who can spare a few dollars a month to sign up for our regular donation program to help us complete this project.

You can donate via the secure Kenya Aid donation page, and are able to choose from either a regular contribution or a one off donation. To date, we need to raise a further $12,000 to finish the clinic building.

We'd like to thank our regular contributors for all their help in both supporting the building of the new clinic, and in supplying medicine and staff for the current clinic in Shikunga. It is only with your help that we are able to offer our continued support to this area, and the patients and staff are most grateful for your generosity!

Kenya news: violence due to poverty

2008-02-25T13:36:00.000+11:00

I often hear people asking why Africa is such a violent place, why there's so much war and fighting. There's usually a subtle undertone that suggests a certain savagery, Africa being 'uncivilised' and a 'big black hole' that sucks aid and money on a constant basis because people just can't get along.

The violence in many developing nations doesn't come down to skin colour, or a particular race being more or less prone to aggression than another. It isn't really about greed, or a lack of 'civilisation' and order. Often it isn't even completely tribal, as is suggested to be the root cause in Kenya's recent elections. Mostly, it comes from poverty. People are poor. And when you are poor, it is only human to do whatever you can to get yourself out of that straining situation.

It's hard to imagine living with the reality of extreme poverty. Sure, most of us have struggled at some point or another in paying a bill, or being able to afford a new TV or party dress. It's frustrating - perhaps we look at our neighbour with envy and the thought that life just isn't fair. Some of us may have even gone without the odd meal, or done the 40 famine to show our empathy with those that go without regular meals for most of their lives. And it's usually on this basis that we pass judgment.

But we don't really know what it's like to live every day without a full stomach, or to watch our children suffer and die because a doctor is too far away or medicines too expensive. We have hope that when we get sick, we will be cared for or that an end to hardship won't be further away than the next pay packet. In Kenya, most people live without this hope. And while violence in any form cannot be condoned or deemed in any way acceptable, it's not entirely surprising.

So while parts of Africa, and indeed Kenya, might not be the most peaceful places on this earth it doesn’t mean that these countries should be left or ignored, or condemned as pockets of savagery where no matter what is done there will always be trouble. One of the most effective solutions to violence is a real understanding of the cause, and sustainable aid that really makes a difference and a dent in reducing poverty.

http://www.oxfam.org/en/programs/emergencies/kenya_political_crisis

Kenya news: emergency within an emergency

2008-02-21T13:19:00.003+11:00

The latest updates from Kenya indicate there's still no resolution to the political violence that erupted during the 2007 elections. While the death toll is bad enough, an 'emergency within an emergency' is becoming apparent with many displaced citizens unable to access their life-saving anti-retroviral drugs.

There's an estimated 21,000 persons with HIV now unable to continue their daily antiretroviral regimen due to displacement, violence restricting movement, or because their status documents were burnt with their houses. Many will not seek out treatment in temporary camps due to distress surrounding stigma of the disease, and many are suffering from an increase in sexual violence within these camps that will only lead to a further increase in the spread of HIV.

The election violence and subsequent instability affect Kenya in many ways beyond the economic issues that will result from a loss of tourism and trade. There is a huge human cost as well that will prove to be ongoing if this crisis is not resolved.

It's now more important than ever to support the work of local clinics who are able to help HIV positive citizens access the drugs they need. While government fighting continues, support those who are really suffering, and join the call to end unncessary fighting in Kenya.

Travelling tales: Mike's arrival

2008-02-20T13:17:00.005+11:00

As Kenya Aid’s Public Officer, Mike might have been considered easy prey for the seasoned African travelers in our most recent trip to Kenya. While we did our best to scare him before departure, and while I’d like to be able to say he didn’t believe a bar of it, he did pretty well considering some of the tall tales we had to tell.

Mike is an experienced traveller with many international trips under his belt. But a trip to Africa was a new experience for him, and since every ‘arrival’ is different, we thought we’d ask him what it was like for a first timer in Shikunga.

“Mike, we met you in Nairobi, and aside from forgetting you at the airport (oops), what was your first thought when you turned up to Shikunga?”

To be honest when I first arrived at Kisumu airport I was so glad to be out of the major cities. It was funny to see that the only road to their main airport was a muddy backstreet covered in ditches as we headed straight off for our 2 hour journey in one of the local buses, a matatu. The drive was beautiful and the area was a lot more lush than I expected. My first thought is that the land here ‘should’ be able to support its people, were it not for the greed and corruption.

“We know you were a little worried about the food situation in Kenya. Was there anything else that you were concerned about?”

I’m always thinking about my stomach, to the amusement of my fellow travelers I bought almost a whole suitcase full of food, anything from tinned two fruits to protein bars. To my relief I really didn’t need any of it because the local food was quite sufficient. I was really scared about getting sick, I had conjured up pictures of mosquitoes absolutely everywhere and I was certain I was going to get Malaria. Once again I was relieved to find that I barely even saw any mosquitoes and with the amount of DEET repellant I had on, they didn’t have a chance. Although I must say the looming threat of Ebola just across the border was not the most comforting of thoughts…

“The first night in any new place is always special. What was best about your first night in the village?”

The first night was beautiful we had some sort of weird and wonderful meal in a mud hut in the middle of no where then looked at the stars that appeared brighter than anywhere I had ever seen before. Settling down in my tent I was amazed by the amount of sounds. There was so much going on even though it was all so distant in the valley. I heard drums beating and some kind of ceremony going on, strange noises I hadn’t heard before. The valley seemed alive with activity but at the same time peaceful. I don’t know if I should have but I felt perfectly safe. I’ve traveled a fair bit and that first night was the first time in a long time that I can say everything felt new and exciting.

“There certainly is a special quality to Shikunga. What did you like most about the village?”

This one’s an easy question to answer, the people. For me it was all about the people, the nature was amazing, the Mud huts the long red dirt/clay roads were great, I enjoyed riding on boda bodas but at the end of the day having young Kenyan kids running out with huge smiles on their face yelling “Howareyou” as though it were one word, was a great feeling. All the locals from young to old were extremely friendly and appreciative. We respected them and they respected the reason that we were there. I had elders in the village come up and tell me how much the medical camps meant to their people. It was a touching experience.

“It sounds like you had a great experience. It was great for all of us to see your excitement at being there, and it was a wonderful thing for us all to share. Last question though – after all our terrible tales, was there anything you experienced that you never want to see again?”

Well, I was warned not to do it but I couldn’t help myself. It’s like telling a kid not to touch wet paint. Come night time in the Kenyan wilderness, if you need to go to the drop dunnee, DO NOT shine your torch down the toilet... The whole pile is alive and moving. It’s quite disturbing when you’re about to hover over it half naked!!! Just a hint… morning time is always your best bet!!

Kenya Aid update: Holdsworth House sponsorship

2008-02-19T13:23:00.005+11:00

This week we've been busy working away at the Kenya Aid headquarters to complete the paperwork for our DGR (deductible gift recipient) status. This is a vital step for Kenya Aid as it will ensure we are able to offer our donors tax deductability as a reward for their generosity. We've also been notified by the Tax Office that DGR is retrospective so please get in touch with us if you require any receipts!

Dr. Ryan had a meeting yesterday with one of our sponsors who has helped us out again - this time offering his 50th birthday as a fundraising event. We'd like to offer a big thanks to Dr. Bloch of Holdsworth House who has generously suggested (in lieu of presents) donations to Kenya Aid instead, as well as our best birthday wishes for him on the day.

Lastly, we're gearing up for the next Kenya Aid event to be held around June, 2008. While there's still some debate as to the theme and venue, one thing can be assured - it's going to be another fabulous event! We'll keep you posted.

Kenya fast facts: national motto

2008-02-13T13:27:00.005+11:00

While looking around for some facts on Kenya today, I came across something I hadn't heard before - the Kenyan national motto. In Swahili the word is 'Harambee', translated to 'Let us all pull together'.

On hearing that, I wondered how many Kenyan's are remembering their country's motto these days, with the political violence dividing tribes right throughout the country. I wonder why their leaders don't take a step back from all their name calling and claims of injustice and remember, just for a moment, the simple grace of Harambee.

It's our hope here at Kenya Aid that this political conflict is soon resolved; not just to put an end to violence but to ensure that all Kenya's hard work over the past few years is not completely undone. Time and time again we see communities all 'pulling together' in the most dire of circumstances. Let's see the nation’s leaders do the same for the sake of their people and their country.

Travelling tales: first glimpse of Kenya

2008-02-11T13:22:00.002+11:00

I remember the first time I went to Kenya - it was my first big adventure, and like all adventures, I was prepared to take some risks. I didn't want the normal safari tour; I wanted to see life as it really was in Africa. I certainly didn't want to do the volunteer tour either - what is, essentially, an extension of the game parks but involving a lot of bleeding hearts gawping at the 'poor starving Africans' and building schools that never have enough funding to actually run. No. I wanted to add some value, and do something that was actually going to have an effect on the small community I was going to stay with. I just didn't know quite what that would be.

To cut a long story short I made it there and back, not without my adventure and not without starting something that was going to make a difference. I met a whole host of wonderful people, not least the Kenya Aid team with whom I travelled back to Kenya with in December 2007. And from my experiences the first time round I was able to tell a whole host of horror stories that I used to terrify the new volunteers we were taking with us.

Oh the joy of retelling my first arrival in Kenya; the bus that took 8 hours over a dusty, bumpy road only to turn up to an even more dilapidated 'taxi' that lost a tire, was missing seatbelts and an intact windscreen, and that ended up crashing us into a tree when the brakes finally failed on the long road to Shikunga. Or the lean days between harvests when all we had to eat was ugali and sukomowiki. The special stories I got to share of malaria and violent stomach bugs that left me dehydrated and exhausted after a week's worth of illness, and crazy matatu drivers that knew neither road markings nor speed limits.

To say I left some of our party a little shaken pre-departure might have been considered an understatement until poor Mike turned up with half a suitcase full of canned food and some serious concerns about the prevalence of malaria. We all laughed until the smell of 2 minute noodles or spaghetti and meatballs wafted over our tents. It was a laugh I very nearly choked on when, having paid him out about his mozzie hat, I managed to get malaria for a second time and he walked away disease free.

But, like the rest of us, Mike has is own arrival story to tell and his own memories of his time in Kenya. We'll talk to him next week about his first impressions of Kenya, and whether he is crazy enough to come back with us next time!

Faces of Kenya: Mr Onesmus Mmasi

2008-02-09T22:56:00.001+11:00

MURUFEF's wonderful program coordinator, Mr Onesmus Mmasi (Nes). Nes is an inspiring man who gives all he has and more to reduce poverty in his community. He is also our host, and welcomes volunteers into his home to share his life and vision.

The Kenya Aid Team

2008-02-08T22:17:00.000+11:00

Time to put some faces to names, so here are some the latest pictures from the Kenya Aid team.

This picture was taken on the last day in Shikunga, 2007, after a long day at one of our medical camps. The lovely girls in blue were nurses and translators for the four doctors, with Caroline and Verity helping in the pharmacy and Mike doing many hours of valuable filming for the group.

Kenya Aid update: toilets and trenches

2008-02-07T23:24:00.002+11:00

With Kenya in the midst of ethnic turmoil, we're always happy to hear updates from our in country partner and program co-ordinator, Mr Onesmus Mmasi.

Some Kenya Aid members will remember Onesmus from his recent trip to Australia; I'm sure all will be pleased to know he and his family are safe, and building is continuing in Shikunga for the new clinic.

The Kenya Aid Team were lucky enough to see the land that was purchased late 2007 for the proposed clinic and we were thrilled at the quality and location of the site.

Having commissioned a local contractor (Christopher) in December, we were happy to see the building begin with the symbolic planting of trees ensuring the growth of the clinic for years to come.

Our latest update included photos from Onesmus of trenches and toilets being dug, and construction is continuing despite political unrest, with ongoing support from the community.

We'd like to thank our members and donors for their ongoing support of this project - it's truly a dream come true for the community of Shikunga and the Kenya Aid Team!

Travelling tales

2008-02-06T23:23:00.000+11:00

Kenya. The Cradle of Humanity. Beyond the safari parks and tourist resorts it's a country like no other; a place full of contradictions and smiles that surpass all the pains of poverty.

Each trip the Kenya Aid Team gets to see a little more of life in Kenya. While we still only scrape the surface of Kenyan culture, we get to experience some of the daily struggles of life in a rural community while providing relief and, I'm sure, some quite comical entertainment along the way.

And when we leave, we leave with a whole host of new memories and stories that we'd like to share to help bring our members closer to the people they help, and show the difference each and every contribution makes.

Our travelling tales will begin next week with some first impressions of life in Kenya. We hope you will all enjoy our stories of adventure and feel inspired to visit Kenya one day!

In-country updates

2008-02-05T23:21:00.000+11:00

Many of our members are interested to know just what's going on in Kenya right now. Despite the current political situation making travel extremely difficult, we are still receiving regular country updates from our partner, Mr. Onesmus Mmasi, Program Coordinator for MURUDEF.

Each week we will pass these updates on to our members with news from the field and project developments concerning the building of the new clinic.

While political tension is still high, especially in Western Kenya, our projects are still progressing with the aid of our in-country partner and we are happy to see that construction continues. We are still on target to complete the new clinic structure by September 2008.

So keep an eye out for the latest news as we receive it direct from Kenya!

Introducing the Kenya Aid Team

2008-02-04T00:10:00.000+11:00

There's a number of special people behind Kenya Aid; our wonderful sponsors, our members, our generous donors and of course, the board members of Kenya Aid who give their time so generously to keep everything running smoothly.

In a series of interviews get to know some of wonderful people who support Kenya Aid; how they came to be a part of the team and why they are committed to the goals of poverty reduction through quality healthcare provision.

Look out for our first interview profile next week; we'll be introducing Dr Ryan Snaith, President of Kenya Aid and Resident at Nepean Hospital.

Welcome!

2008-02-02T18:15:00.001+11:00

Well, here we are with the first post for the new Kenya Aid blog! As our community slowly grows, we thought a blog would be a great way to keep in touch with all our members, as well as a place to share our knowledge on Kenya, health care for developing countries, and what it's like to be involved in an international charity.

Please feel welcome and take a look around at our photos, useful links and informative articles. Make sure you check back regularly to to keep up to date with our events schedule and see what's happening as we build our brand new clinic in Kakamega.

If you have any suggestions, or would like to know more about how you can support Kenya Aid, you can visit the Kenya Aid website for contact details, or leave a comment right here and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Enjoy!