Our News - Link to Current Calendar AUGUST 2010
PROJECT KENYA NEWS

Jambo,

It was an amazing trip again to Kenya. The short rains were refreshing and the land was green and muddy. A great deal was accomplished and many more wonderful ideas are now filling my head. Here are the highlights:

MIGORI PROJECT:

My intention was to go and establish a community garden, but due to the lack of land near water source and the cost to bore hole the HIV/AIDS Self Help Group indicated that they would prefer having a dairy cow for milk. The ARV medications work much better if the HIV positive person has a well balanced diet and dairy is missing from that. Project Kenya purchased a milking female cow and her calf.
I met with Kenya Relief, an agency that works solely out of Migori. They are an agency made up of doctors from the Southern States. Every year they ship 2-3 containers to Kenya and provide much needed services to the Migori village/town. They will be helping us with a container shipment. I also was able to establish some goals and brainstorm ideas for our July, 2010 group. Migori is a new project site and will be our focus for July, 2010. I was able to see the city by car and walking tour. It was good to meet people, see the sites, and understand the village needs before arriving in July. Establish and continue developing a computer service store. Another computer was brought to Migori. Our biggest obstacle is VIRUSES! We need to purchase anti-virus software immediately so we can make use of these computers and technology. Virus software is about $25.00 per computer and we now have 3 computers ready to go in Migori.

Help get electricity to the rural villagers. Electricity is lacking for many of the people living in the outskirts of Migori Town. Electricity is not a NEED, but helps cut back use of natural resources and can provide healthier living. Currently, they use fire wood and charcoal for cooking. Both are costly and firewood must be gathered. At night kerosene lamps are used for light.  We are going to help purchase electricity for several homes in Migori. The cost is 35,000ksh or appr.$500.

 

RIBE PROJECT:

I only spent a day in Ribe, but so much was accomplished.

The Methodist Women’s Sewing Project is underway. We were able to elect a chairlady, treasurer, and secretary. We met with the women and discussed the needs of the project and the needs of the building. Renovation of the old Methodist church has already started and the women should be able to begin sewing uniforms soon. The secretary and treasurer went with me to Mombasa and we purchased 3 pump style Singer sewing machines with tables, 1 overlock machine, pins, tape measures, thread, bobbins, scissors, and more. As soon as the building is secure they will be able to start making uniforms for Ribe Primary School. They will also use one of the machines for instruction.
Chris and Lesley-it was so nice, actually a blessing to see them. They are looking great! Please remember them in your prayers as they are working very hard in Ribe. Lesley’s students just love her and Chris is known by everyone as the construction and fix it man. Lesley is an amazing Jiko cook. A Jiko is a charcoal cooker and I have to say she has mastered it. We will be bringing a group to Ribe Feb. 26-March 10 to work on the Block Primary School project and other projects in the community. Let me know if you are interested.

Block Primary School-Prof. David Block and family have been building this school for over a year now. It is just wonderful. They were plastering the walls when I arrived. The project money has run out, but we are hoping to help in March by providing “free labor.” Items still left include purchasing and installing electricity, installing window frames, installing metal theft proof bars to windows, doors, paint, chalkboards, desks, landscaping, and I am sure there is more. Chris is really helping out with this project and will be in touch with us more regarding how to assist.
I was able to deliver much need school supplies and 6 laptop computers to the Ribe Primary school. A huge thanks to Carroll University for the donation of laptops.

 

ONGATA-RONGAI PROJECT:

I met with Maureen, the Director of the Ongata-Rongai Women’s Works of Charity Project to discuss adopting families in need for the a month or week at a time. She indicated that the cost to feed one child per day is less than 10 Kenya Shillings, that is like 5 cents. They are currently feeding 189 children breakfast porridge and lunch. I gave Maureen a small donation toward the project and will be working with her to establish a family/child feeding support program in the near future.

If you have questions or comments feel free to email me. You can check out our website at www.project-kenya.org. I keep it up-to-date. Check out my facebook page for video’s and more pictures! Please remember Project Kenya Charity as a worthwhile mission. We are always accepting donations and have great need for the support. We hope to send a container to Kenya this January and will need to fill it. God’s Blessing to everyone and please remember our mission!

 

Kwaheri-

Brydie