Rye Barcott's Blog, page 9
February 22, 2018
Pushing the Digital Envelope for Girls
We live in a digital world that is constantly evolving. While technologically savvy professionals have laid the foundation for our digital world, young people are expected to push the envelope even further by creating the next best applications of technology. To inspire tomorrow’s technological leaders, we celebrate Digital Learning Day today.
Across schools, libraries, and other public institutions, instructors are encouraged to integrate technology into their lesson plans. A map on the event’s website visually depicts where these lessons will be taking place and explains how each participating institution plans to celebrate digital learning.
In Kibera, CFK strongly advocates for digital learning through the Girls Training Center, which was created in partnership with Nairobi Trusts to empower youth in slums. The center is a safe space for Kiberan girls to gather and access resources in computer lab programs. Girls are taught essential computer skills such as multimedia, web and graphic design, online research, and coding in different languages.
Christine, one of our graduates, shares her experience with the ICT program:
ICT Graduate Christine Speaks on Confidence from Carolina for Kibera.
This past year, 27 students graduated from our Information and Computer Technology (ICT) initiative. Of the graduates, 18 are now permanently employed, 3 are completing internships, and with true entrepreneurial spirit, 6 graduates launched their own businesses! How awesome is that?!
Not to mention that in partnership with Google, we were able to train over 600 youth from Kibera in digital skills training, with 120 girls trained overall through the ICT training program.
CFK chose to specifically provide digital programming for girls in order to challenge cultural pressures of early marriage and domestic violence. In the spirit of the sentiment that talent is universal, CFK believes in providing opportunities for Kiberan girls to show initiative and gain marketable skills.
For more information on Digital Learning Day and ways to get involved, visit http://www.digitallearningday.org/about-dlday/.
February 15, 2018
CFK Co-founder to Deliver Keynote Address at UNC Spring Commencement
(Chapel Hill, N.C.— Feb. 15, 2018) – Rye Barcott, social entrepreneur and a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will deliver the University’s spring Commencement address on May 13 in Kenan Stadium.
Before graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2001 on an ROTC scholarship, Barcott co-founded Carolina for Kibera through the Center for Global Initiatives within UNC Global. CFK is a non-governmental organization based in the impoverished Kibera neighborhood of Nairobi, Kenya. Named a Time magazine and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation “Hero of Global Health,” CFK uses sports and public health initiatives to prevent ethnic and gender violence and to fight poverty.
“Rye’s amazing life journey began while he was an undergraduate at Carolina, when he co-founded an acclaimed non-governmental organization, Carolina for Kibera, dedicated to breaking cycles of violence and developing young leaders in Kenya,” said Chancellor Carol L. Folt. “Rye’s out-of-the box thinking and global entrepreneurial work – ranging from creating holistic youth development programs to establishing a clinic treating thousands in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has been recognized by the President of the United States, the World Economic Forum and international philanthropists, and is taught in graduate schools around the world. I know his authenticity and example of selfless service to others, mixed with his personal humility and humor, will inspire the Class of 2018 as they begin their own journeys.”
A former captain, Barcott served five years in the U.S. Marine Corps in Bosnia, the Horn of Africa and Iraq. He also wrote “It Happened on the Way to War: A Marine’s Path to Peace,” a book that juxtaposes social entrepreneurship with military service.
“What a thrilling honor it is to be this year’s commencement speaker for my beloved alma mater. Service has been part of Carolina’s DNA since 1789, when we were founded as the nation’s first public university,” said Barcott. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to serve my country and I can’t wait to be in a sea of Carolina blue in Kenan Stadium with my kids by my side feeling the love.”
In 2001 Barcott earned bachelor’s degrees in peace, war and defense and international studies from Carolina. In 2009, he earned master’s degrees in public administration and business administration from Harvard University, where he was a Harvard Center for Public Leadership Social Enterprise Fellow. He then returned to North Carolina and founded Double Time Capital, an impact investment firm that played an integral role in helping the state become second in the nation in solar power.
Barcott currently serves as co-founder and CEO of With Honor, a new civic organization that is helping elect to Congress a cross-partisan coalition of post-9/11 veterans. With Honor is based in Charlotte, where Barcott lives with his wife, Dr. Tracy Barcott, a 2000 Carolina alumna, and their two children.
Folt chose Barcott in consultation with faculty and staff on the University’s Commencement Speaker Selection Committee.
Spring Commencement will be held at 9 a.m. in Kenan Stadium. Folt will preside over the ceremony. For more information, visit http://commencement.unc.edu/.
About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 111 master’s, 65 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty, staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 322,000 alumni live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 165 countries. More than 175,000 live in North Carolina.
University Communications: Jeni Cook, (919) 962-2091, jeni.cook@unc.edu
December 18, 2017
This Season of Giving, Double Your Impact in Kibera
We are excited to share that your year-end donation can have DOUBLE the impact this year thanks to a generous donor who will match all $100 donations dollar for dollar
.
That means your $100 gift = $200! How awesome is that?!
This donor-led challenge is an opportunity to further CFK’s mission to catalyze positive change and alleviate poverty in Kibera. However, it is also time-limited. This dollar-for-dollar match expires December 31st. Donate today!
No matter the amount, your investment in CFK is helping improve community health and is building a positive future for youth and their families in Kibera.
Asante sana! Thank you very much for the support you have provided CFK over the years. We could not do it without you.
From us to you, best wishes this holiday season!
December 10, 2017
Standing up for equality, justice and human dignity
2017 marks 70th year for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Seventy years ago on this day, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since then, Human Rights Day is recognized annually on December 10. Every year, this day is an opportunity to reflect upon the current state of human rights in world and take action to improve these conditions. And, there is still a lot of work to be done.
CFK calls upon its supporters to be aware of the human rights violations in Kibera specifically, and more generally in Kenya. In recognition of Human Rights Day, we have compiled a list of 5 reasons for you to stand up for human rights in Kibera.
1. Kenyan elections are not free. After the Kenyan presidential election was held in August, the Supreme Court ruled that it was illegitimate. The opposition leader, Raila Odinga, declared that he would drop out of the race and called for a boycott of the October re-election. He reportedly dropped out in protest of several election commission officials suspected of rigging the results.
2. Following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the October re-election, many Kiberans took to the streets and were met by police brutality. “With growing reports of demonstrations and heavy gunfire in some areas, it is important for security forces to work to deescalate—not escalate—the violence,” said Otsieno Namwaya, an Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch.
3. In the aftermath of the presidential election in Kenya, many militia groups are targeting women by committing acts of sexual violence. Several news outlets have reported that police forces are raping Kiberan women in the midst of post-election violence. Currently, there are no specific statistics to quantify the occurrence of sexual violence in Kibera but it is nonetheless a significant issue that deserves attention. For more information on this issue, click here to read a recent blog post from Human Rights Watch.
4. Kibera is experiencing the effects of climate change and the government is not doing enough to protect slum-dwellers. As the climate has warmed in recent years, Kibera has become more susceptible to heavy rains. This is a serious issue for people who live in the slums because the drainage systems are prone to being blocked and sweeping floods are destroying shanty homes.
5. Many Kiberans have to pay fees in order to complete secondary school. Primary school is subsidized in Kibera but secondary school is not. Many families in Kibera cannot afford to pay these fees, preventing many Kiberan children from receiving a full education.
Even though December 10 is Human Rights Day, we work year-round to protect human rights in Kibera. Support our work and take a stand against injustice. Donate to CFK today.
December 1, 2017
World AIDS Day 2017: Let’s End the Isolation, Stigmatization and Transmission of HIV
Today, as you go about your day, you may come across a distinct fashion accessory: a red ribbon. While at first glance there may not be much to it, the ribbon symbolizes something profound: HIV awareness. Those who sport a red ribbon commemorate the 35 million people who have died from HIV or AIDS and those who are currently living with the disease.
World AIDS Day is commemorated annually on December 1st. This year, the theme for the National AIDS Trust campaign is “Let’s End It” in an attempt to “End Isolation, End Stigma, and End Transmission of HIV.” On this day, which was first recognized in 1988, we are called to wear red ribbons in solitude, raise money for HIV/AIDS care, and volunteer for local organizations like CFK that promote awareness. In doing so, we can help finish the fight for good.
Although it is difficult to gauge exactly how many people in Kibera HIV and AIDS affect, it is estimated that 1 in 11 test positive for HIV in Kibera. Birth control continues to carry stigma in Kibera and many local people neglect to be tested.
Dedicated to changing both this stigmatization and the local infection rate, we offer free and confidential testing and counseling to Kiberans throughout the year. Annually, we administer HIV testing for at least 3,000 people and work each day to increase the number tested. We also facilitate referrals to local hospitals for further treatment, and many receive care from our very own Tabitha Medical Clinic in the heart of Kibera.
Time and time again, peer to peer interactions have proven to be more effective in promoting awareness about sexual health and contraception. Our youth peer educators and community health volunteers play a critical role in educating the community of Kibera about ways to prevent transmission of HIV and AIDS.
Join us this World AIDS Day and say “Let’s End It.” Mbele pamoja. Forward together.
November 16, 2017
Welcome Mercy Owuor: Head of Research, Development & Policy
We are excited to welcome Mercy Owuor as the new Head of Research, Development and Policy for CFK. Mercy joined our Kenya team in early November 2017.
“Mercy brings a wealth of programmatic and community health research experience to CFK. We are so pleased for her to join our team, and look forward to the ways in which she will guide the organization in policy and development, and increase our engagement with public health research,” shared Hillary Omala, executive director at CFK.
A Heroine of Health 2017 Awardee from GE and Women in Global Health, Mercy comes to CFK with over 10 years of program management and research experience. She will lead our efforts in growth and strategy development, capacity development, advocacy and partnerships. In addition, she will be responsible for and provide oversight of monitoring, evaluation and learning for all initiatives, fundraising, and proposal development.
“I have a passion for developing and implementing quality programming that seeks to improve the socioeconomic well-being for women and their families in low resource settings through research, program development and management. I am eager to build on my strengths and experience to help Carolina for Kibera achieve best results through research and program design methodologies,” she shared.
Previously, Mercy worked with Lwala Community Alliance as the director of community programs leading design and development, planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting for all the community programs including public health outreach, education, and economic empowerment. She also spent time working at the University of Nairobi College of Health Sciences as a Field Study Coordinator. Learn more about Mercy and her work:
Heroines of Health: Her Personal Mission is for Every Child to see his or her Fifth Birthday
HuffPost News Contributor: How Community-Led Models Can Lead to Scalable Solutions
Mercy holds a Master’s Degree in community health and development from Great Lakes University and a Bachelor’s Degree in sociology from Moi University.
Look Who’s On the Move
Left to Right: Valentine Cheche, Mark Muasa, and Doreen Nkatha.
We are pleased to welcome our colleagues into new positions at CFK in Kenya. Congratulations and much success to Mark Muasa, Doreen Nkatha, and Valentine Cheche!
Mark Muasa – Head of Programs
As head of programs, Mark Muasa will manage and supervise CFK’s programs and initiatives, lead staff development, and oversee quality assurance and reporting for all of CFK’s initiatives. He will ensure high standards of program delivery, carry out the strategic plan goals and objectives, and mobilize resources for implementation. Mark started his work with CFK as the clinic services manager at Tabitha Medical Clinic while employed with Kemri/CDC. In 2013, he joined CFK as the head of health services department and recently served as the interim executive director. A graduate of Moi University, Mark holds a Master of Arts in medical sociology from the University of Nairobi, and a postgraduate diploma in project management from the Institute of Finance and Project Management in Kenya.
Doreen Nkatha – Head of Finance and Administration
As head of finance and administration, Doreen Nkatha is responsible for overseeing the creation and management of the annual operating budget and all required financial reporting. In addition, she is responsible for ensuring that financial management is in accordance with legal requirements and generally accepted accounting principles. Doreen served as the interim head of finance and administration for the past year, having first joined CFK in July 2014 as a finance and administration office. Prior to her work with CFK, she worked at World Concern and Jhpiego in finance administration. Doreen holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Jomo Kenyatta University and is a finalist for CPA(K).
Valentine Cheche – Administrative Officer
As administrative officer, Valentine Cheche will oversee administrative duties including human resources management, operations, communications, and program support. She is responsible for ensuring routine function of the office, coordination of office management activities, and manage the office’s interactions with internal and external stakeholders. Valentine joined CFK in fall 2016 and previously served in the role of executive assistant. She holds a Master of Management – International Business from Central Queensland University-Sydney, Australia; and a Bachelor of Science in international business administration from United States International University-Africa.
Celebrating Tolerance: Investing in Peace and Wellness
Countries around the world join hands to celebrate the International Day of Tolerance on November 16, first recognized 21 years ago. Created to capitalize on the progress made during the United Nations Year for Tolerance in 1995, the UN annually demonstrates its continued support of diversity and inclusion in an attempt to bridge the gap between various cultures around the world.
Here at CFK, tolerance runs through our veins. To us, it’s not an ideal, but rather a reasonable goal that we work towards every single day through our hallmark programs in Kibera.
Playing for Peace
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.” -Nelson Mandela
We believe that sports are a means of promoting peace among the youth of Kibera. By fostering an environment in which children of all backgrounds can be vulnerable together, sports have the power to start conversations about tolerance. Our Championship League, which began in 2001, hosts over 500 matches and two major tournaments annually and we are proud to say that none of the games have resulted in a fight. Each team is required to represent the ethnic diversity of Kibera in order to register so that players meet individuals who are different from themselves.
Community Health Volunteers
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead
We believe the local people of Kibera have a special role to play in improving the place they call home. Each year, 150 Community Health Volunteers visit over 10,000 households, spreading the word about the services available at the Tabitha Medical Clinic. Time and time again, this method of peer education has proven to work. This system serves two purposes: to strengthen the community and promote healthy living. For more information about our services, click here.
Still More Work To Be Done
Kenya is not immune to the political issues that so many countries face. In the face of such a long standing conflict between the Kenyan government and its people, we aim to channel the spirit of the UN National Day of Tolerance. As a non-governmental organization, CFK can play a crucial role in approaching the situation from a holistic approach and invest in the health, education, and overall wellness of all Kiberans.
We thank you for your continued support during this time when Kenya is in need of justice and peace.
Want to do more? Consider investing in CFK’s work for peace in Kibera. Donate today!
November 6, 2017
7 Reasons to Volunteer with CFK in Kibera
Our James and Florence Peacock Fellowship is now accepting applications for Summer 2018. Click here to learn more.
You will gain new skills and knowledge.
At CFK, we collaborate with community leaders to create ambitious and wide-reaching programs that reach thousands of residents. We provide opportunities for volunteers to gain hands-on experience learning about global issues in a real world setting. Volunteering abroad is a great way to build on your current skillset, learn new ideas and new aspects of life; oftentimes, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the world around you.
You will be able to explore a new career.
Put your passion to action. You can dip your toes into areas and careers you think you might be interested in when you volunteer with CFK. From sports to medicine to health policy and global development, you might find yourself having a passion into an unknown or unexpected career path.
You will learn a new language.
How about Swahili?! You may only learn the basics or you may even become fluent, but either way, you are learning a new language that can open doors into future travelling or connections. And whether you know a little Swahili or not, English is an official language of Kenya, so asking for directions to the closest matatu stage should be a piece of cake. Sawa sawa (ok!).
Explore.
Unpredictability and flexibility are fun. Not quite convinced? While stepping out of your comfort zone, you will be stepping into thriving, urban community and engaging with grassroots participatory development in Nairobi, Kenya. With a new environment, new culture, and new surroundings, you will learn about the world beyond your normal and accustomed lifestyle.
You get a chance to give back.
At CFK, we seek out local leaders to champion change and partner with individuals and groups both inside and outside of the community who believe in a better future for Kibera. Even in a slum like Kibera, there are thousands of individuals working hard to change their lives. When you volunteer with CFK, you will be part of a program helping to develop local leaders, catalyze positive change, and alleviate poverty in Kibera. How cool is that?!
Our James and Florence Peacock Fellowship is now accepting applications for Summer 2018. This fully-funded fellowship brings UNC-CH students to a collaborative environment alongside our staff in Kibera, allowing students to apply their skills and talents while engaging in grassroots participatory development in Nairobi, Kenya. Please note, this fellowship is only open to UNC-CH students, undergraduate or graduate. Deadline to apply is Friday, December 15. Click here to learn more.
October 19, 2017
Congratulations Dr. Stellah Bosire-Otieno!
Business Africa Daily named Dr. Stellah Bosire-Otieno one of Africa’s “Top 40 Under 40 in 2017” for her service as a human rights advocate and medical doctor in the health field. We are honored to have Dr. Bosire serve as a member of CFK’s Board of Trustees in Kenya.
Dr. Bosire is a medical doctor and currently serves as the CEO of Kenya Medical Association. Having grown up in Kibera, Gatwekere village, she knows firsthand what youth endure in the harsh terrain of Kibera. As a young medical practitioner, Dr. Bosire guides CFK on matters of health and brings with her a wealth of critical connections and contacts. She has a passion for working with girls, and is always happy to roll up her sleeves and help with programmatic interventions.
Congratulations, Dr. Bosire. This recognition is well deserved.
Read Business Daily Africa’s story on Dr. Bosire below.
Dr. Stellah Wairimu Bosire-Otieno, CEO, Kenya Medical Association
When Stellah joined Form One at State House Girls High School in Nairobi, she decided that she would no longer be a slave to alcohol and drugs that she had been addicted to during her childhood. She soon found out that the “demon” would not be vanquished easily. She suffered terrible withdrawal symptoms. But the teenager proved to have a stronger will. High school was her “golden lifeline” and she was not going to let it go.
This strong will is a thread that is interwoven throughout the story of her professional life and her quick rise to the position of chief executive at the Kenya Medical Association (KMA). Stellah grew up in Kibera and is the second born in a family of five. Her father was a “now you see him, now you don’t” kind of parent and her mother was schizophrenic.
By the time she was in Standard Eight, she was abusing drugs and alcohol even as she fended for her siblings. But Stellah has never been short of ambition.
At secondary school, she knew she wanted to be either a judge, to right the injustices she had seen in the world, or a doctor, because of her mother. She chose the medical path.
At the age of 27, while she was still a medical intern, she was sworn to the board of the HIV/Aids Tribunal. She later became the vice chair of the tribunal and eventually left the public sector to work for Avenue Hospital. Her time at Avenue gave her managerial skills and taught her that medicine must be approached as a social enterprise.
She is currently completing two post-graduate degrees that reflect this realization — an MSc in Global Health Policy and the University of London and an MBA in Healthcare Management at Strathmore.
Congratulations, Dr. Bosire-Otieno! #Top40Under40Ke
Rye Barcott's Blog
- Rye Barcott's profile
- 7 followers
