Rye Barcott's Blog, page 22

Hillary and Ben Travel to Malawi!

Being rewarded for good work in the community always brings feelings of both personal and communal contentment—and the perks are nice too!  Recently, one of our partners, the Segal Family Foundation (SFF), held a photo contest called, “Together We Can: Improving Youth Outcomes Through Collaboration.”  Carolina for Kibera’s submission stood out from the crowd and won 1st prize in the contest!  (Here you can find out more about the contest and see our winning photo.)

SFF strives to develop and deliver reproductive health, food security, and youth engagement programs to communities primarily in East Africa.  They partner with a wide variety of organizations (including CFK) and encourage international networking and collaboration among them.  Fittingly, the winner’s reward included a trip for two to visit another SFF partner!  At the beginning of February, Hillary, CFK’s Executive Director, and Ben, a program officer in our Sexual Reproductive Health Program, began their five-day trip to visit AGE Africa in Malawi.  Check out their documentary-style blog post on SFF’s website to read about their travels and experience with AGE Africa!

Lishe Bora Mtaani: Nourishing the Community

By: Erick Owenga, Kibera World Wide; Suzanne Thomson, Organizational Consultant, CFK Kenya; and Nick Johnson, CFK Communications Intern

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Sometimes we may take some of life’s simplest pleasures for granted, thinking of them as facts rather than privileges.  Things as simple as working and feeding ourselves become routine because we have the opportunity to do those things.  For a staggering number of Kiberan children, malnourishment and chronic hunger are instead the norm.

In 2012, the Tabitha Medical Clinic identified hundreds of cases of malnourishment in Kiberan children, which hinders healthy growth of educational, communicative, and social skills.  According to the World Bank, good nutrition is also “the first line of defense against numerous childhood diseases, which can leave their mark on a child for life.”  With limited resources, the body will always prioritize survival and neglect growth (Sagan and Druyan, World Bank). Given that nutrition is an essential element in the development and overall health in children under the age of five, the Carolina for Kibera team decided to create a nutrition initiative in the Kibera community.

Thanks to a grant by Glenmark, CFK launched its nutrition program this year and hit the ground running; the team is already working with over 200 children and their families in Kianda village, one of three areas where the CFK Health Department works.  Additionally, a new nutrition center will open this month!  It will be called “Lishe Bora Mtaani,” which can be loosely translated as “good nutrition for the community,” and will serve as a place where families can bring their children for assessments, supplemental nutrition services, and information on practical and affordable ways to augment nutrition in families.

Due to CFK’s long-term partnership with the community, families are excited about the nutrition program; they are eager to have more information, access to counseling services, and support on other health related issues that the new center will bring.  Several community members have spoken in favor of the center:

“[The aim of my work is] to reduce the incidences of child mortality because of lack of information on simple food preparation, negligence on the importance of breast-feeding, and poverty experienced by the residents of Kibera.”

~Esther Opana, CFK nutritionist

“I am thanking CFK for coming up with such a noble idea of a nutrition support program and they should continue because many people are hard hit with many challenges, so if they educate and equip us I will appreciate.”

~Sarah Aluoch, 23-year-old day-laborer and mother of four

Sarah also shared that three of her children are below five years of age.  She is understandably concerned with the welfare of her children and therefore very interested in the construction of the new nutrition center.   With proper nutrition, Sarah and others look forward to a future where their children will be healthy and able to pursue their studies and live more fulfilled lives.

Promoting Peace during Kenya’s Elections

  By: Suzanne Thomson, Organizational Consultant, CFK Kenya

On March 4th, Kenya will have its general elections.  This is the first general election since the now infamous 2007 election that erupted into violence.  It’s also the first one under the new constitution, the first time some Kenyans in the Diaspora will be able to vote, and the first time that there are candidates who will soon be on trial at the International Criminal Court for their part in the 2007 chaos.  This is a significant election for Kenya for many reasons, and in Kenya, everyone is talking about it – all the time.  The fact of the matter is that no one knows what will happen. Will the elections go smoothly? Will there be a run-off? Will people fight? Will everything be sorted out in a week?  Two weeks, a month, three months? Everywhere, there’s a good deal of speculation about what will happen flying around – in newspapers and magazines, in security briefs, on the streets, over coffees, on matatus…

And so it’s in this context that the Carolina for Kibera (CFK) team continues on with their work in the community of Kibera, one of the so-called “hotbeds” for political and ethnically-charged violence.  But this post isn’t really about the election or violence per se; rather, it’s about what is happening programmatically at CFK in the context of the election.  As anyone can imagine, it’s difficult to plan and implement programs when a significant and somewhat unpredictable event is just around the corner.  How does anyone plan to move forward with a community when it’s not clear what that community will look like in a week or two?

With all the question marks lined up for the times directly before and after the election, this has become a pivotal moment for CFK’s work. The first quarter of 2013 will see several key trainings and activities taking place.  First, many principal staff members have been training with partners from Curamericas to prepare to roll-out intensive work with community health workers in the area of sanitation and health.  Second, the education program is conducting home visits to interview potential new secondary school scholarship recipients and their families.  Third, the sexual and reproductive health team is training its newest youth peer educators, who will do the important work of disseminating the latest information about reproductive health to their peers in school and around the community.  And finally, the sports team has organized for a week-long training with youth peer educators sourced from all CFK programs. There, youth will learn more about civic duty, the new constitution, their rights under the constitution, the upcoming election’s implications for the future of Kenya, peaceful conflict resolution, and more – all in order to share this information throughout the community prior to the election.

This time has also been key for the various candidates vying for seats in the government.  In fact, they recently held the first Presidential debate — the first ever —in Kenyan history.  There’s so much going on in Kenya right now it can make your head spin.  With a staff of all Kenyans and a vested interest in seeing Kibera – and Kenya in general – change for the better, CFK is paying careful attention to everything that is going on and integrating all that is happening into its work with the community.

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How else is CFK fostering peace in Kibera? The documentary film Without a Fight tells a story of peace-building through sports, featuring players from Carolina for Kibera’s Champions League. Get your copy today… All proceeds go to support CFK’s Sports Association in Kenya!

Laurine’s First Semester

By: Nick Johnson, CFK Communications Intern

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Several months—or for a student, an entire semester—have passed since we announced the first recipients of our new Alan Cross Memorial Scholarship.  Dedicated to our late friend and board member Dr. Alan Cross, this scholarship is designed to provide financial aid to passionate and hardworking students interested in healthcare.

Laurine Oloo Otawa is one such student.  Faced with economic hardship and familial obligations throughout her life, Laurine was fortunate to have been able to complete her secondary education.  The only thing stopping her from pursuing a university degree was the cost.  To help provide for her family and to start saving for college, Laurine began working as a janitor at the Tabitha Clinic in Kibera.  Her diligence and eagerness to work at the clinic were strong motivating factors in her selection as a recipient of the Alan Cross Memorial Scholarship.  (Read more about her and our other scholarship awardee, John, by clicking here.)

Now, with your help, Laurine is one step closer to her degree!  Thanks to the scholarship, she now attends Kenya Polytechnic University College where she is pursuing a diploma in Health Records and Information Technology.  With one semester under her belt, Laurine reflects on her experience:

“So far I have gone for one semester which has eight units and has really motivated and enlightened me.  During this period I have experienced numerous positive and negative challenges that include:

“Positive challenges: I underwent my first semester smoothly without any fee balance due to the fact that my fee was paid on time.  The lecturers and my fellow students were very much understanding and supportive, hence creating a perfect environment for learning.  My fellow colleagues at work were also very supportive, a fact that has contributed a lot towards the completion of my first semester.

“Negative challenges: Given the fact that I have to be in school by 5:00 pm, I found it a little bit hard because I at times had to arrive at school late due to the [traffic] jam experienced in the evening.  Another fact is that I dropped physics [in high school] and now it’s one of the units that I found a bit challenging catching up with other students who had done the unit while in high school.”

“In conclusion, I pray and hope that next semester I will overcome some of the challenges and God willingly pass in my second semester and proceed to the next level.”

In this new semester, Laurine continues to work hard to complete her degree.  Her enthusiasm, even when faced with new challenges, speaks to her perseverance and passion for a career in healthcare.  In addition, Laurine still holds her position as a janitor at the Tabitha Clinic.  Working there not only helps her earn money for her family, but also allows her to spend even more time in the professional environment of which she hopes to be a part.  And knowing Laurine, we have no doubt she will.

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If you’d like to support the Alan Cross Memorial Scholarship, we welcome you to donate online here.

Peace Message to Kenya

Okello “Kennedy” Jumo, one of CFK’s Program Officers, has spent the past several weeks spreading peace messages throughout Kenya in advance of the March 4th presidential Elections. Here is a video message Kennedy recorded outside the CFK offices in Kibera.

With Gratitude, From Rebecca

By: Nick Johnson

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Everyone deserves an education.  While this statement seems simple enough, the reality of providing access to affordable education across the globe is significantly more complicated.

In Kibera, an overcrowded community where extreme poverty is the norm, children’s prospects of attending school are often sidelined by the need to help support their families, either by working or doing household chores.  School fees are expensive, and that cost—combined with the burden of losing a set of extra hands— can be too much for families to bear, making education a thing of dreams for many Kiberan youth.

But these dreams are never forgotten.  Rebecca Wanyama certainly didn’t forget hers of graduating from college, and in December of last year, she turned that dream into a reality.  With the help of a scholarship from Carolina for Kibera’s education program, Rebecca overcame her family’s economic and emotional hardship to not only complete her degree, but to earn top honors as well!

We recently opened our inbox to find this email from her, thanking us for our support.  We wanted to share it with you:

“My name is Rebecca S. Wanyama.  Being one of the beneficiaries of your education sponsorship program, I’d like to convey my sincere gratitudes for your 2 years partial financial sponsorship that you offered me that enabled me to successfully complete my diploma course in business administration at the Kenya Polytechnic University College.

I graduated on the 17th December last year with a credit (upper class honors) and am writing to thank you so much for your financial support that enabled me to fulfill and recover my long lost dream of finishing college education, after having dropped out 10 years earlier due to my father’s death (he was the sole provider for my family).

May the Almighty God bless you all: donors, volunteers, the management and staff of this noble organization (Carolina for Kibera).  Thank you and God bless you richly.”

Resilient and determined, Rebecca prevailed against the odds to achieve what she once thought was impossible due to her family’s circumstances.  Her authentic gratitude serves as an additional testament to her remarkable character.  Rebecca’s story reminds us that many in Kibera yearn to explore and foster their talents, but often lack the opportunity to do so.  If given the chance, they will excel, finally turning dreams and aspirations into reality.

Soccer Finals

by Leah Berolzheimer

I watched the documentary, “Without a Fight” this past year when it came out. Although I knew at the time that I would soon be in Kibera, I never imagined what it would be like to witness the soccer finals in person. Saying it is a community event doesn’t do it justice. On that Sunday in December, the community came together in so many different ways. There were dozens of teams, hundreds of fans, referees, half time performers, and more.

Most of all, I was impressed by how CFK has made the soccer finals such a desirable event. People truly want to be there, teams will do anything to win, and as a result, a large portion of the sprawling Kibera slum has felt the impact of this tournament.

In my first month volunteering in Kibera, I spent many evenings with CFK’s “Carolina Queens” girls’ under 14 soccer team. I watched them train together; developing as a team, as players, and as people. All of their hard work, as for many of the other teams participating, was in preparation for the December tournament. They had sixty minutes to prove themselves.

Stellah, age 12, and the captain of the Carolina Queen’s U-14 team was proud of their outcome. Although they tied 0-0 with their competitors, The Red Cross girls’ team, she felt like they were well prepared and played to their best abilities. Stellah joined the CFK league last year, but has been playing soccer since she was in class three.

Mueni, who is the Carolina Queens team manager, has been involved in CFK’s sports program since she was a young girl. She was a member of CFK’s first girl’s team, and now she helps to run and coach the team. She has truly had the chance to see the program grow and evolve. Mueni mentioned that she was personally proud to see that everyone involved in the girls match was a female; the coaches, managers, team members, and referees.

Lydiah, a captain of The Red Cross girls’ team, is 15 years old and has been playing soccer since she was in class two. However, this was her first year participating in the tournament. Speaking about what has drawn her to the tournament, Lydiah says “it’s a good thing; the matches are competitive, which makes people want to be a part of it.”

CFK’s tournament is rapidly expanding. More community members and teams want to be involved, and are willing to commit themselves for an entire year to regular practices and matches, to make their way to the tournament.

Yet again, the tournament ended ‘without a fight.’ The soccer program has largely been a foundation for how CFK works as an organization; empowering the community by including people of diverse and different backgrounds. Seeing this community of people working together and managing their problems in a controlled manner is impressive, to say the least.

Supported Vision and Dream in Kibera

by Erick Owenga

Moses Ojwang’ and Erick Owuor were a part of a very colorful graduation ceremony held at Moi Kasarani International Sport Centre. The two are among the 307 students who were awarded scholarships by Carolina for Kibera.

The Education Program caters to vulnerable youth living in Kibera and helps them to realize their visions and dreams. Moses and Erick grabbed this unique opportunity and utilized it fully. From the looks on their faces, anyone could tell how accomplished they were feeling. They had made it: seated and dressed in beautiful gowns in the Graduation Square.

They both pursued a diploma course in Purchasing and Supplies Management at the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM). KIM is among the best and recognized institutions offering business courses in the Republic of Kenya.

Moses describes the scholarship offered to him as a very important value in his life. “Had it not been for CFK, I would have experienced difficulties in my education following financial constraints, and I can say CFK has been a source of growth in my education,” explained Ojwang’.

Moses is one of the Field Officers in the Entrepreneurship program at CFK dubbed Taka Ni Pato. He mentions that volunteering in that program is one way of giving back to society. He is very grateful to CFK for supporting his dream.

Erick Owuor, who was once a Peer Youth Educator (PYE) for CFK, explains how the organization has made his dreams come true. Just as any other ordinary Kiberan, furthering his education was another task that he could not imagine financing until CFK awarded him a scholarship. “I am grateful to CFK for the scholarship. I am proud of this organization and I must say I am a product of it. I urge the youth of my age to take this opportunity they are given and extend it to the community,” shared Owuor.

Erick says that, in addition to his scholarship, CFK has helped make him a better person. He points out that CFK offered him leadership opportunities that have opened other avenues for him as a young person.  He is currently the chairman of Kibera Division Youth Delegates and also jointly started a Community Based Organization (CBO) known as Lang’ata Youth Network (LYN). These are the initiatives that are positioned to help address social, economic, and political issues affecting young people in Kibera.

Erick expressed his joy by saying that his dream is coming true. He is not waiting around to get aid; he is working hard. Erick’s interest, like others in Kibera, is to study up to the PhD level. He yearns to further his education if the program will give him opportunity again.

Speaking to KWW, CFKs’ Executive Director Mr. Hillary Omala said that the organization exists in the Kibera slums to develop young people’s capacities in all scopes.

“I am not surprised to learn that Erick and Moses managed to graduate. They were committed to their studies. I know them very well; I have worked together with them at a personal level. At CFK we are working on finding opportunities for the locals who have skills and talents that need to be nurtured”, stated Mr. Omala.

Mr. Omala further maintained that CFK is supporting young leaders who will come and give back to the society of Kibera. If the beneficiaries give back that way, it will be considered a huge achievement for the organization.

In a slum like Kibera, most youth do not proceed with their education because of poverty, peer pressure, and a lack of role models. Carolina for Kibera is available to offer mentorship, career guidance, and other life skills needed to provide Kiberan youth with opportunities for a better future.

Erick and Moses will continue to act as positive examples to their peers, and their successes will demonstrate the power of CFK’s vision of empowering local leaders and catalyzing positive change in Kibera.

 

Partnership with Virgo eBooks Publishing

We are pleased to announce a partnership with Virgo eBooks Publishing. They are donating a portion of the proceeds from the sales of ebooks to help fund Carolina for Kibera’s operations in Kenya.

This is another great way for you to support CFK is to purchase your ebook from Virgo eBooks.

Reactions of Kiberans toward CFK

By Erick Owenga

KiberaWorldwide

Carolina for Kibera has touched the lives of many people staying in the Kibera slum. The locals are proud of CFK for its noble work with the community.

A random survey carried out by Kibera World Wide (KWW) found that several people have a story to tell about CFK. They shared their stories without fear.

Samuel Ouma, 25 who is a resident of Gatwekera village, says for the past three years he has been in Kibera.   He has known CFK through the commitment of the Tabitha Clinic for providing affordable medical services.“Not only my sister has been assisted at Tabitha, but I had been there for Voluntary Counseling and Testing; I was advised and then attended to carefully,” noted Ouma. He narrates how one morning his sister was sick and the family didn’t have enough funds to take the girl to another hospital. The only option available was the Tabitha Clinic, which would hopefully rescue his sister from her illness.

Additionally, CFK, since its inception, has been known for tapping youths’ talents through sports. As a result, many youth have developed careers, such as joining the Kenyan Premium Football League. Mr. Kennedy Juma, who is Assistant Program Officer of CFK, stated that, through soccer tournaments conducted by CFK, at least six youth from Kibera have made it to the National teams, and they are progressing. Mr. Joel Oketsa, who is a teacher and resides in Makina village, congratulates CFK for the good work of organizing football tournaments for the youth. Joel views this move as a binding tool for Kibera’s ethnic diversity. “I suggest if the community can have a Talent Centre purposely to accommodate the youths who cannot make it through education but can [succeed] with their exclusive talents,” said Joel.

CFK’s issuance of scholarships is another appealing aspect that the locals have felt. Through the Education Program, the level of poverty would be alleviated if the residents are educated. Thomas Kozzih, 31 who has lived in Kianda village of Kibera for over 20 years, narrates how CFK has helped some girls he knows in the community: “What CFK has done is imperative and education is relevant to even the less fortunate and orphans. There are girls who have benefited from CFK who I know, and I hope their lives will change,” noted Kozzih. He acknowledged CFK for their good work and suggested if they have means again, they should keep working with Kiberans to transform this society since there are many people who need help.

CFKs’ Economic and Entrepreneurship Department, dubbed Taka Ni Pato, has reached many youth in Kibera. Taka Ni Pato trains the youth and equips them with proper business skills. Swaleh Juma, 29 a dweller of Soweto village, explains how CFK’s trainings have helped him. He says most youth in the area are just idle and this may lead them to engage in bad activities. “I urge youth to attend these trainings organized by CFK. Most of the youths are jobless, and getting knowledge on how to be independent is superlative because with CFK after training, they link you with the Microfinance Institution to give you capital that you will refund later,” shared Swaleh. He maintains that his business is now growing very well and in the near future he will expand it with the profit he is generating from the sale of his products.

Last but not the least, Binti Pamoja, which is the girls based program of CFK, has reached many girls in Kibera by creating awareness on reproductive health issues. In Kibera, girls are at risk in several ways, such as rape and early marriages. Salma Jaban, 21 who lives at Makina village, explains that she has been in Binti Pamoja for ten years now. She is a mother of a child aged four. As a leader in the program, she conducts community outreach and home visits to address the threats affecting girls in Kibera. “Many girls in Kibera are victims of rapes and abortion, as others become young mothers; in Binti we counsel them and treat them well without discrimination in an initiative called Safe Spaces,” stated Salma. Binti offers training to the teen girls to equip them with knowledge and skills. These skills have enabled girls to respond well to the problems that come with the environment they are in.

Kiberans are proud of Carolina for Kibera; the survey shows the positive attitude the locals possess about CFK. The organization has put the community first and has been dedicated to serving them with lots of love and passion.