I was in Kenya from August 28 through September 15 of 2014. It was a very successful and a very fun trip. As always, it was great being “home” again in Kenya. This trip I added four new programs:
The School Readiness Program – This program helps parents, relatives, and caregivers prepare children for school. Five women and an adorable newborn attended. And my friend Shem worked as interpreter. Even though these women speak English very well, they have trouble with my accent so an interpreter was definitely needed.
The class lasted five hours! I had suggested breaking it into smaller segments over several days; however, the women could not be away from their responsibilities for more than one day.
The feedback on the program has been good. In fact, one woman received a job promotion because of the class. Also I’ve been asked to train team leaders in Kenya to teach the program.
HIV Testing– Steve has been providing transportation for me in Kenya for years. When I arrive in Nairobi at night, he is always there to take me to my hotel. This is extremely important because it simply is not safe in Nairobi at night. If you’re planning a trip to Kenya, I can vouch for him. His number in Nairobi is +254 726 898210.
In addition to driving a taxi, Steve works with children and adults who need help, and he is also very concerned about AIDS. Upon his request, OWIK purchased one hundred HIV testing kits. Each kit cost only one dollar.
The government will pay for tests; however, people living in remote areas do not have access to medical facilities where tests are administered. So Steve and a group of people go once a year to some of these remote areas and test for AIDS. If positive, the government pays for treatment. There were twenty-three positive results. As tragic as this number is, at least they are now receiving treatment.
Children’s Party – On my last trip, I noticed many young children taking care of younger children. And most of the kids did not have toys. They are having to grow up too soon. So I decided to throw a party. Every kid should have a party!
It started with approximately 30 kids but mushroomed to 100. I didn’t have the heart to turn them away so with some major adjustments to the original plan, the party worked out quite well. There were decorations, music, games, prizes and a hot meal. At first, they didn’t quite know what to do but soon got into the swing of it and had a great time.
Small Business – This year OWIK was able to help a young woman, Elizabeth, start a small juice business. The organization paid for a juicer and miscellaneous expenses, including rent, to get her started. The money was not a loan – it was a gift. I don’t believe in charging interest to people who are struggling to put food on the table. If she makes some money on this little business, it will not be much, and I want the money to go to her, not to OWIK.
In addition to the new programs, we had the following programs that have become regulars:
Reading Glasses – We gave out over two hundred pairs of reading glasses to people in the village. There’s a huge need for these, and people were asking me to please bring more next year. I only pay one dollar for a pair of glasses, but the glasses make a tremendous difference in lives. Also, friends generously donated glasses that they purchased at various dollar stores. I’m so appreciative of these friends and their donations.
Shem sitting and Jack with yellow cap help fit reading glasses.
Art Contest – This was the third art contest. The contest has always been very popular, and this year was no exception. There is definitely an interest in art now that wasn’t present before the first contest.
The core artists whom I work with are still giving free lessons to the children. I’m so proud of what these core artists are doing for the kids.
Also, some of the artists have gotten part-time jobs painting as a result of the contests. People approach them now with job offers because the artists have received awards. These are the artists who were ridiculed as youngsters for wasting their time drawing. They and their art now receive respect from members in the community, especially since they can earn money with their art.
Bishop Charles Kaloki (r) presents Gideon Mukula Shem with first prize.
Women’s Issues – Again, OWIK contributed money to help destitute women in Kenya. Conditions are unbearable for many women, and they have to resort to prostitution to survive. Bishop Charles and Mariam Kaloki continue their compassionate work with women and their families. The work Charles and Mariam are doing are the only hope the women have for a future that offers love, security, job training, and dignity.
Art Lessons II – For the second year, national artist and printmaker, CathyJean Clark, of Hummingbird Press prepared another wonderful art lesson for the core artists in Kitui. Her detailed lessons and feedback are giving them the professional training that they have not received in the past.
David reading CathyJean Clark’s second lesson plan.
Art Studio – Three hundred dollars was paid to rent the art studio for another year. This gives the artists a place to work, display their art, and continue lessons for the children.
Various art on display.
Essay Contest – Writing is not a strong point for the students so I’m hoping the essay contest will encourage them to write more and eventually learn to enjoy writing.
The first-prize winner gets one hundred dollars, the second winner gets seventy-five dollars and the third winner gets fifty dollars. Actually, they don’t get it! The money is applied to their tuition/school fees, and they receive a receipt from the purser’s office, which the children then give to their parents. Parents struggle to pay tuitions/fees, and too many children drop out because the parents simply cannot afford to have their children attend school. Also, I’ve noticed a tremendous amount of pride from the winners because in essence they are helping their parents pay for their schooling.
Essay contest
Overdue School Fees – I became aware of the rough life one young artist/student is having and how his mother is struggling alone to pay his back school fees and tuition. Totally, the tuition and back fees amounted to approximately two hundred dollars, which OWIK paid. His tuition is now paid through 2015, and OWIK will try to pick up his tuition and fees for his final year so he can graduate with his class.
I always leave Kenya a little sad because I’m leaving some very dear friends for a year. However, I feel so lucky that I have the opportunity to offer the projects. They are not big projects, but when I started OWIK in 2011, I had an idea about helping in small ways. And that’s exactly what I’m doing now, and the projects are making a difference.
I’m very much aware that I couldn’t do as many projects without my family and friends support – both emotional and financial. Their concern for the people of Kenya and for me is very special and very much appreciated. Asante sana!
Also, my friends in Kenya work extremely hard to make these projects successful. Their concern for the people in their community and for me is commendable and truly appreciated. Asante sana!