Another couple of busy weeks are coming to completion here in Kisumu, Kenya and the endless list of needs seems to be ever increasing. I’ve been doing a bit of traveling to assess some remote communities which vary from the hard to reach Oyamo Island with no local clinic (see link to pictures below), to a village called Ombeyi where a standard clinic exists but it is in need of some basic clinical enhancements. I hope to get back to each of these communities after the holidays and work with the locals in building sustainable programs for hygiene, fresh water, and improved health care. It’s a tall order for the 3 months that remain, but I believe with the outstanding team that I’m with, the momentum for change can begin as others take the torch and run with it come April.
The highlight of the past few weeks was a long awaited visit from Ed, my nearest and dearest support throughout this whole adventure. I honestly don’t know how I could have gotten through all the adjustments and transitions without his love and support. I was able to take a few days off while Ed was here and actually got to see Kenya from a tourist’s perspective (see link below for pictures of safari and various side trips!). After Ed’s departure my thoughts were full of loved ones back home. (I’ll be in the states from December 13th to January 7th!)
Project Update:
The hygiene project continues to gain momentum as the newly installed hand washing stations and fresh water containers are gaining popularity. The cholera epidemic in the northeast regions has many seeking programs that can combat similar disparities here in the west. A national radio station from Nairobi contacted us last week and requested that we perform a one hour weekly broadcast on hygiene and fresh water. It was quite flattering to receive the invite, but the logistics of getting to Nairobi for weekly broadcasts, in addition to the need for an interpreter (the radio station caters to those speaking the local tribal language of Luo) seemed like a challenge that would easily divert us from the hands on work in the villages and slum areas. To date we have implemented the hygiene education in two clinics, a large primary school and an orphan feeding center. We hope to expand the program to two additional communities (Oyamo Island, Osani Village) when I return in January. I have had a bio-tech in the states, Dormer-Biotech recently contact me with a keen interest in helping us apply for funds to expand the program and eventually build a soap factory, whose proceeds would support the continued needs of this program. In addition, I am also working with Direct Relief to investigate the feasibility of a water filter factory, which will eventually provide yet another means of financial support. It will be truly amazing to see this vision become reality in the years to come.
As the OGRA Foundation develops it long term goals, I worked with a small team within the organization to construct a formal Strategic Plan which we hope will enhance the vision, and provide a keen focus over the next several years. As an adjunct to this I’ve been working with clinicians and village chiefs in 3 unique communities to build an understanding of their barriers to care and establish short and long term goals to overcome them. I hope over the course of several months to put together project plans which will not only address their critical needs, but will provide sustainable funding through community programs(e.g. community gardens, crafts) .
I had the pleasure to join a small team of key authors in the development of a large grant proposal to the Elizabeth Glasor Fund. We hope to hear a reply next week, and have funds available in January, which will support a large-scale HIV/AIDs prevention and treatment program which will enable us to touch the lives of nearly 10,000 men, women and children at risk for or suffering from this endemic disease.
Final Note:
This time of year we are reminded of the values of togetherness with friends and family. It is these gifts that truly matter as we construct meaning to our lives. Thank you for allowing me to feel apart of your lives, even though we are so many miles apart, I value the friendships and connections I have with each and every one of you.
From the people of the villages that I support I’d like to extend a big Thank You, to each and everyone back home. With each visit, I remind the villagers that I represent many, many people who wish them well and keep them in their thoughts, and that alone can be very powerful to those in need.
Have a wonderful holiday season, and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you in New Year !
Pictures:
Ed’s Arrival:
http://picasaweb.google.com/researchrn68/EdArrivesToKenya#
LaSavannah Lodge: Home Base for 6 months:
http://picasaweb.google.com/researchrn68/HangingAtLaSavannahLodge#
Touring the Area, Grandma Obama’s House
http://picasaweb.google.com/researchrn68/SightSeeingWithEd#
Oyamo Island Community Assessment & Home Stead Visits
http://picasaweb.google.com/researchrn68/Day1OnOyamoIsland#
http://picasaweb.google.com/researchrn68/Day2OyamoIsland#
Safari Weekend in Lake Nakuru National Park
http://picasaweb.google.com/researchrn68/Day1SafariWeekend#
http://picasaweb.google.com/researchrn68/Day2SafariWeekend#
Menengai Crater: Side Trip While Heading Home From Nakuru
http://picasaweb.google.com/researchrn68/Day3MenengaiCrater#
Quick Stop At Impala Park Before Ed Heads Home
