CHOICE Humanitarian Kenya

Who will do the work?

2011-06-27T16:36:00.008-06:00

"It is important that we see results from our leaders. When they fail to deliver on the agenda set before them, then we have no other recourse other than to get someone else to do the work," said Mrs. Sidi Tuva, a chairlady of a village development committee in Kenya. This would not have happened three years ago but because of CHOICE Humanitarian training, these communities are learning the importance of good leadership and are holding higher standards for those who hold leadership positions.

Leadership Training

"We developed a curriculum that focused on identifying quality leadership with an emphasis on accountability of elected leaders and the peaceful transition of power from one group to another," explained Oreu Kasanju, a CHOICE Humanitarian staff member.After several meetings to discuss the performance of the Community Development Organization Council, members realized that one of the leaders was not performing according to their expectations. This review resulted in the election of new leadership. The lessons they have learned over the years were put in practice and they were happy to introduce CHOICE to the new leadership.

Mr. Toya spoke with pride of the election. "The new team is clear on their responsibilities and what we expect of them. No excuses are entertained." He continued to say, "Development is serious business that requires committed persons who are accountable to the whole group and the community in general."

The new chairman, Mr. John Lugwe said, "This election is about our future as residents of Samburu, Kenya and the work we do here is for our own benefit." He promised to deliver and give constant feedback to the committee members and the community at large on the successes and challenges he faces during his term in office.

Mr. John Lugwe, new chairman

It is so critical for these communities to have strong leadership if they want to be successful in reaching their development goals. Thank you for supporting this training that provides these communities with the necessary tools to end their own poverty. We expect to see great things from this new leadership.

The Turning Point

2011-05-17T13:50:00.006-06:00

Madam Chizi with her students.

“The turning point for the Egu primary school was when CHOICE Humanitarian came calling,” explains teacher Madam Chizi as she talks with pride about CHOICE’s involvement with her school in Kenya.

Before CHOICE Humanitarian made contact with the school, Egu Primary was a “pale shadow of what is seen today with inadequate infrastructure, poor exam results and low attendance,” comments the District Education Officer.

Madam Chizi (right) talking with CHOICE staff member.

Today the Egu primary school is celebrating their remarkable success of placing first in the entire district for 2010 test performances. Twenty six students sat for the final year exams and all of them passed, allowing them to join high school - including 10 girls. Madam Chizi attributes the performance and success to the collaborative efforts of parents, teachers, government and CHOICE Humanitarian.

The school had several challenges - lacking adequate classrooms, desks, toilets, and a clean, regular supply of water. In an effort to help them overcome these challenges, CHOICE encouraged the community to make education a high priority. CHOICE then helped them to build a water system, donated desks for the students, and established an adult literacy program. Now there are 61 adult literacy students!

Says Madam Chizi, “Working with CHOICE opened doors that brought on board other NGO’s (non-government organizations) and now we have all the basic requirements that a school needs to post good results.” She continues to say, “Thanks to CHOICE Humanitarian, the school now has access to clean water which the children can drink. This has had a direct impact on student attendance and enrolment. It minimizes the risks of water-borne diseases and improves the sanitary conditions in the school. It is boosting performance because students don’t miss class as frequently anymore.”

Students accessing clean water at school.

It often takes just a few small changes, like a community emphasis on education, clean water and leadership training to make a big difference. Getting an education can literally be a way out of poverty for these students. Thank you for supporting this school and these children in Kenya.

A Healthy Education

2011-04-15T13:00:00.005-06:00

Women receiving health training.

"I was tired of burying people who died from preventable diseases," lamented Mama Sifuna, a new Community Health Worker in her village in Kenya. Members of her village were constantly plagued with easily treatable health problems, but due to lack of awareness and training, they were left to suffer. In her community, beliefs in witchcraft and sorcery still held a powerful reputation as a legitimate method in the treatment of illness.

All this began to change one afternoon when Mama Sifuna visited a neighboring village, met with the Community Health Workers, and saw the benefits gained from their services. She saw the Community Health Workers educating women on basic health care, nutrition, sanitation, childbirth assistance, child growth monitoring and immunization programs. So, when given the opportunity to join their ranks, she eagerly volunteered to be trained as a Community Health Worker herself.

Sharing group work during health training.

In February 2011, Mama Sifuna attended a five day training organized by CHOICE Humanitarian, the Ministry of Health, and Hope Alliance. There were 36 participants, 21 of which were women.

Community Health Worker training participants.

Recently, CHOICE Humanitarian staff caught up with Mama Sifuna to see how she was using her new training. "Mwanasiti was very ill and confined to her house with no medicine or hope of recovery," she explained. "However, using my knowledge and persistence with the family, I was able to convince them to stop using traditional medicine and to see a clinician from the health center." She beamed as she explained how she was able to convince them to let her invite a clinician to their home, since the patient was too weak to go to the clinic. Mama Sifuna was convinced that the elderly lady would not survive if she continued to be treated under the traditional medicine of local shaman.

The doctor's diagnosis was a serious illness, but one that could be treated with the right medication and good nutrition. Mama Sifuna helped nurse her new friend and patient, utilizing her new knowledge and own resources to ensure she received proper medication and food. Mwanasiti says she owes her life to Mama Sifuna, who smiles and says she was only doing her job. They have been very good friend since and Mwanasiti and her family has acquired an appreciation of modern medicine. Now, Mama Sifuna is working in eight villages and looks after 1,300 people.

Mama Sifuna experiences many challenges as a Community Health Worker such as long travel, impossible monsoons, and traditionally held beliefs. But, Mama Sifuna is passionate about her work and finds ways to overcome the challenges to bring healthcare to the people. Mama Sifuna speaks with great zeal on the difference her work has made in people's lives. She thanks CHOICE Humanitarian for the education and support they have provided her and the other Community Health Workers.

To learn about how you can support these efforts, visit choicehumanitarian.org.

What did you read today?

2011-03-11T16:24:00.008-07:00

What did you read today? The newspaper? A street sign? Your bank statement? What would your life be like if you couldn’t read?

“I took the wrong taxi because I could not read the route information.” “I couldn’t help my child with her homework or even read the reports from her teacher.” “I could not send or read letters from family and friends because I could not read or write.” These are but a few quotes from the villagers of Mulunguni, Kenya who have faced many difficulties because they did not have literacy classes available to them.

The government literacy program offered was not meeting the needs of the community due to lack of funding and lack of trained teachers. CHOICE Humanitarian was approached in 2009 by community leaders to contribute to the program by training more literacy teachers from the community. CHOICE happily accepted the offer to help and included basic arithmetic training as well. Since that time the Adult Literacy program has exploded! Mulunguni now has two classes with a total of 40 students each!

Miss. Mwanasiti is a current student who is determined to finish the course. She explained that her business is suffering due to her lack of literacy. “Being unable to do simple addition and subtraction makes it hard for me to keep an accurate book of accounts of my tailoring business,” she said. She had also desired to join in the development activities in her community but was left behind because she could not read. “Once I graduate,” she says, “I will take up more leadership roles and expand my business.”

Miss. Mwanasiti (in red) with fellow classmates.

Miss. Mwanasiti stressed that knowing how to read and write will not only benefit her as a person, but also the whole community because of the input she will have in development programs. Her views on education have changed and now she believes that everyone should have a right to basic education, regardless of status and class within the community.

This is a beautiful example of how investing in people can create a huge impact and will continue to benefit the community for generations to come. Thank you for your support of the work that is going on in Kenya. If you would like invest in this work by making a donation, please visit http://choicehumanitarian.org/

Investing in Girls

2011-02-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

In a recent Time magazine article,* columnist Nancy Gibbs states: "In Sub-Saharan Africa, fewer than 1 in 5 girls make it to secondary school." If you are asking yourself what CHOICE Humanitarian and its villages are doing to change these statistics, all you have to do is look at the village of Mulunguni in Kenya.

Recently, 35 students took a junior high entrance exam. Of the 30 students that passed - are you ready for this? - 20 of them were girls! This is a new record for the school. What is happening in this village?

The head teacher, Tsuma Michael Dio, who currently has to teach under a tree, attributes these improvements to the training offered by CHOICE Humanitarian. Mr. Tsuma said, "Now we are starting to see the fruits of our labor. The partnership has led to the school having a devoted and dedicated teaching staff."

Tsuma Michael Dio teaching his students.

CHOICE Humanitarian has been working very closely with schools in Kenya to improve the quality and standards of education by emphasizing the critical role of good leadership training and stressing the importance of education their girls.

"We are proud of the outcome of these efforts in the school," said the Headmaster of the Mulunguni School. "We have now realized tremendous improvements in the school's performance and attendance for girls. We have high hopes for this year." It is remarkable that the school is now making great efforts to educate their girls because this is a new way of thinking for these rural Kenyan villagers.

Increased education has a ripple effect for these young girls. It will affect future income, health and family life. Just an extra year of junior high will increase girls' wages an extra 15%-25%, and most of that will be invested in their families - as compared to 30%-40% that men invest.*

To ensure education continues to develop in Mulunguni, the school is starting a scholarship fund to help pay for school fees so children, even the girls, can continue with their studies. Thank you so much for supporting the work of CHOICE Humanitarian and the education of these students. It is having profound effects on the alleviation of poverty in the village of Mulunguni and others like it.

* Gibbs, Nancy. "To Fight Poverty, Invest in Girls." Time 14 February, 2010

Sweet Potato Pride

2011-02-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

In the semi-arid area of Samburu, Kenya, water is a scarce resource. The villagers of Egu were forced to trek long distances - up to 6 miles - just to get their daily water, taking valuable time out of their day. At least that was the case until they started working with CHOICE Humanitarian to find a lasting solution.

Many years ago CHOICE Humanitarian worked with the village of Egu to come up with a solution to this problem. Together, with the villagers and other Kenyan organizations, a water system was built.

Now fast forward to the present day where the benefits of the Egu water project are being felt in the community. Meet Sitirose Tuva and her Lumukani Women's Group. Because of this water project and CHOICE training, Miss Tuva has been able to devise an income-generating enterprise.

Miss. Tuva (right) and the Limukani Women's Group.

Miss. Tuva and her Lumukani Women's Group are running a successful agri-business utilizing the new water sources. They plant, harvest and sell various vegetables such as spinach, greens and sweet potatoes - earning an average of $25 dollars a day, which accumulates to $175 per week! This money is used to feed their families and to send their children to school - a prospect that was impossible to imagine just a few short years ago!

This has only been made possible by the Egu water project, CHOICE training, and your support. Says Miss. Tuva, "The CHOICE Humanitarian training gave me the lessons and confidence I needed to run this program successfully. I learned to be empowered, and gained organizational skills, which were instrumental in running the group."

These women are already thinking about how they can improve their business, and have hopes of purchasing new equipment once they have saved enough money. Miss Tuva speaks with pride of her farm, and the feelings of empowerment these women have gained from their business. They are proud to be able to buy new school uniforms for their children, and to have food waiting for them when they return from school. They know they are contributing towards the betterment of their families, as well as the community. This is a beautiful example of how education and a few resources blossom into opportunity, ingenuity, and the reality of a better future.

2010-11-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

School Desks For Mtulu

Try to imagine doing your school work while sitting on a dusty dirt floor, or improving your handwriting while using your leg as a desk. Imagine trying to focus on your lessons in a bare school room with your study materials scattered around you. Challenges like these are exactly what the children of Mtulu, Kenya face every day.

On a recent trip to Kenya the Barker family joined CHOICE Humanitarian in the village of Mtulu and saw firsthand the challenges these school children tackle every day.

"It is startling what little these students have compared to students in the United States," Karey Barker commented. "Everyone was so kind and friendly but what stood out the most was the desire of the entire community to have an adequate school building for their children."

While visiting Mtulu the Barkers had the incredible experience of assisting CHOICE with an ongoing project to supply desks to school children like those in Mtulu. They purchased and delivered the wood and then helped build the desks while students buzzed with excitement around them.

Brian Barker told us, "In a few hours, with only hand saws, nails and hammers, a simple stack of wood became more than twenty desks. Making desks at the Mtulu school was a great project. It allowed us and the Mtulu villagers to participate on a project together which was very important to their community."

Mtulu children are showing improvements and the whole learning experience is more comfortable and conducive to studying. "Now students are less preoccupied about getting punished by their parents for tearing or spoiling their uniforms and more engaged in their school work," Says CHOICE staff member Oreu. "They can take fewer breaks to stretch and rest their backs and are taking less sick days from the effects of inhaling the dust from the floor."

We want to thank everyone who supports CHOICE Humanitarian. Something as simple as school desks will have an impact on the entire community for generations to come. Thank you for helping us inspire and empower motivated villagers throughout the world. Thank you for your help in putting an end to poverty.

2010-08-06T14:17:00.000-06:00

Plants are growing into Profit.

Aloe Vera plants grow wild all around many of the CHOICE villages and until recently these plants were just seen as part of the landscape. Because of the CHOICE training, the villages of Mulunguni and Chanzou are turning these plants into profit.

Aloe Vera Plant

Like many CHOICE villages, Mulunguni and Chanzou have been hit hard by the recent droughts which have killed their crops and dairy cows. It has become critical that they find alternate sources of income just to stay alive.

One of Rita's main goals is to help each CHOICE village to stop seeing themselves as poor - to recognize all the resources and abilities they share and put them to good use.

These two villages identified the wild Aloe Vera plants as an untapped resource and have set up a community Aloe Vera farm project. The oil from these plants will be extracted by hand with the help of homemade presses and the oil will be turned into soap and lotion they can sell. Each project member contributes 20 shillings ($0.25) a month to help finance the project and once a profit is made, they will share the proceeds.

Aloe Vera Leaf

Soap Making Process

Here is the really cool part. A portion of the profit will be put aside to fund various development projects which will benefit the entire community! This project will give them the opportunity to feed their families, learn valuable skills, and continue to build their community. Rita explained, "They are learning management, budgeting, and marketing. They are learning cohesiveness because they are working together for a common goal. These are all essential skills for development."

These villages are taking full advantage of the training and advice CHOICE Humanitarian offers. They are realizing they are rich in many ways and they are using their strengths to reach their common goals.

2010-07-02T14:49:00.000-06:00

Standing Tall...continued

Last month we shared with you a story about the village of Mulunguni. (see previous blog post for recap.)

Here is the rest of the story...

Before the CHOICE Humanitarian program came to the village of Mulunguni they had hopes and dreams for a better future but did not know how to achieve them. Like so many other villages, Mulunguni waited for outsiders or the government, who rarely had the right solutions, to step in and fix their problems.

This tendency to rely on others to provide ineffective solutions to their needs is changing thanks to the CHOICE Humanitarian training! Recently the villagers have insisted they be consulted on a government sponsored dam rehabilitation project and that they be the project lead. It was unclear how the government would respond to this demand but we are happy to announce that as a result of their request the government recognized the village leadership as the project lead!

MUDO (the CHOICE trained village development committee) worked directly with the government who brought in resources to help complete this project. Through the concerted efforts of the CHOICE trained development committee, the government and the community the dam has been built and it is now benefiting over 5,000 community members of Mulunguni and the neighboring villages.

MUDO chairman, Tsuma Mwanyasi (left) standing on new dam.Mulunguni Dam

Thank you so much for your ongoing support. You are helping to transform these villages into self-developing communities. Every donation you make has a lasting impact and will change the lives of Kenyans for generations to come.

2010-05-13T12:42:00.000-06:00

Standing Tall!

Recently a government agency was introduced to the village of Mulunguni, Kenya and expressed interest in rehabilitating a local community water dam. The village welcomed the idea with open arms since the dam was in terrible condition, often silting up and preventing it from holding any water. As a result, the villagers would have to walk even further to reach water.

The government wants to organize a new community based organization to be in-charge of the project without consulting the community. Mulunguni is refusing the suggestion and told the government that they already have a group (MUDO), trained by CHOICE Humanitarian, prepared to take on the task of organizing and executing this project.

MUDO is a local organization of men and women in the community who have been trained by CHOICE on leadership and community development. They are refusing to work with the government unless MUDO is recognized by the government agency.

This active involvement with community projects would never have occurred without the leadership training of CHOICE Humanitarian. Rita Lugogo, Kenya country director, said, "They never would have stood up to the government before given their lack of confidence and leadership training. Thanks to your support for Kenya, this is possible. THANK YOU!"

Watch for next months blog to find out what happens next.....

2010-03-18T15:32:00.000-06:00

Make New Friends. Join us in Kenya!

Looking for a thrilling adventure and a meaningful experience this summer? We have just what you are looking for! Join CHOICE Humanitarian in Kenya and work hand-in-hand with native villagers for an entire week.

Located just below Ethiopia on Africa's eastern coast, Kenya offers a diverse landscape of central plateaus, arid desert and coastal plains that stretch along the Indian Ocean. Each CHOICE expedition begins and ends with a village celebration of brilliant song and dance.

PACK YOUR BAGS! The next CHOICE expedition to Kenya will begin on July 31st, 2010! Sign up now and join CHOICE Humanitarian in building people, not just projects. Contact Wade Alexander at walexander@choicehumanitarian.org or 801-474-1937 for more information.

2010-02-16T17:02:00.001-07:00

Mariakani Milk Factory in Operation!

After many hours of work and CHOICE supoprt, the long anticipated Mariakani Milk factory is now in production! Milk is being purchased from farmers and turned into products for sale. This is an incredible example of micro-industry which will benefit the entire community and bring economic benefits to thousands of people!

The CHOICE Kenya staff has created this video for you. It shows the milk production process from cow to ready-to-sell packaged product as well as other details of the project. This is the type of work that truly brings people out of poverty.

2009-12-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

The SIDEP program is changing village dynamics in Kenya!

Monica Zawadi Yaa has become an example to fellow residents of Vinyunduni for her active leadership and service. While serving as village treasurer, she has learned the importance of seeking and managing funds in order to initiate village-identified projects.

(see a short interview HERE)

Male villagers are now realizing that women are a vital part of the community and must be included in overall development. "The women who have been elected to positions in the committees have proven to be very capable," said Rita Lugogo, Director of CHOICE Kenya.

Rita believes that women are essential to development due to their "willingness to pass on the knowledge that they have gained onto the rest of the community." According to Rita, "If you empower a women, you have empowered the whole next generation."

We thank SIDEP donors for supporting the education and leadership training in all SIDEP villages. Thank you Rebekah Sosa for the great video! http://www.rebekahsosa.com/

2009-11-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

What does Soccer have to do with development?

Imagine a hot Kenyan July afternoon. Two local soccer teams walk onto the field. The crowd goes wild. "This is the first time anything like this has ever happened, " said Rita Lugogo who helped to organize this tournament which was sponsored by George Duerr. CHOICE helped the villages set up 20 soccer teams and a tournament for the youth, complete with brand new jerseys.

"This gave the youth something constructive to do, an alternative to keep them out of mischief and it brought the whole community together in an exciting way," Rita continued. Rita organized this program to also be a tool in developing the villages. There were opportunities to teach the kids about finding a vision for their future and to help build their character.

Another teaching element came when the winning teams collected a cash reward (1st place $1300) in which they are now responsible as a team to create an income generating project. They learned how to open a bank account and are working as a group to achieve a common goal.

New ideas are springing up from this experience. The villagers are thinking about charging admission to next year's games and even starting girl's teams! This could turn into a great economic opportunity for the entire SIDEP area.

Jim Mayfield was lucky enough to attend the final soccer match and said, "there was a large crowd with a great deal of enthusiasm. It was a close game and both teams celebrated the event and the opportunity to compete with their family and friends watching." Thank you so much for your support. Poverty doesn't have a chance when we all work together on the same team.

2009-10-28T10:06:00.000-06:00

Amy Bronson took this adorable video while in Mulunguni, Kenya: one of the CHOICE villages. Sit back, relax and enjoy this delightful peek into village life.

2009-09-08T15:27:00.000-06:00

Women in Leadership!
Pricilla is a member of her local village leadership and shares in this one minute video the skills she has gained from the extensive SIDEP training. Listen to her personal story and witness for yourself what a positive influence she's having in her community.

2009-06-30T16:24:00.000-06:00

What is the SIDEP program in Kenya?
Bati Jaffar is one of the CHIOCE Rurural Development Facilitators (RDF) in Kenya and is directly involved with the SIDEP program (Samburu Integrated Development Program). Bekah captured his explanation of the program on video and are so excited to share it with you. This is a real and raw peak at what we are able to accomplish together: you, CHOICE and Kenyans thousands of miles away!

2009-05-28T16:35:00.000-06:00

Teaching 'Grassnology' in KENYA

For the past several months, CHOICE Humanitarian has had the benefit of having a video specialist in country and on the ground in Kenya.

Bekah Sosa is from Salt Lake City and has been 'shooting' video in CHOICE villages in Kenya. Bekah is training CHOICE in-country staff on how to capture and upload excellent clips of video that tell the CHOICE story.

I will be posting some of these videos on this blog. They are exceptional and they capture the true essence of the rural village and the everyday challenges that villagers face in their lives. I'm sure you will enjoy them! In these two clips, you will see the every day task of collecting water can often consume the daylight hours of a rural Kenyan woman.

Thanks to Bekah for all her hard work. Bekah has been on CHOICE expeditions in Mexico, Guatemala, and now Kenya. She is an integral part of our organization and her work is very much appreciated.

You can help Bekah and make a donation to her work by clicking here. These donations will enable her to stay 'in the field' for as long as possible. We plan to send Bekah to ALL CHOICE work areas.

2009-03-12T14:50:00.000-06:00

Experience Kenya first hand!

Open Expeditions:

June 20 - July 4, 2009
This will be an exceptional expedition and you will travel to CHOICE villages near Mombasa in the Kinango District.

July 18 - 25, 2009 *Also available if filled... 12 - 15 participants needed.

For cost, more information, or to sign up - visit our Ning site at; http://choicehumanitarian.ning.com/

2009-02-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

Rita Lugogo... the "seed"

I had the beautiful privilege of spending a bit of time with Rita while she was visiting CHOICE headquarters in Utah during the holidays... I "saw" a part of the world, where I've never been... through her words.

Rita told me the story of how she got the name "Mbeyu." When she was visiting one of the CHOICE villages in Kenya, the people would call her "Mbeyu." When she asked them what that meant, they said it meant "seed." "Why would you call me a seed?" They replied, "you have been planting seeds of development, and 'seed' is the perfect name for you."

Nothing could be more true about Rita.

She has spent most of her life working to make a difference for good in the lives of others. She is currently the I.C.D. "In-Country Director" for CHOICE Humanitarian in Kenya. The work Rita does is about inspiring, not requiring.

She works with the villages to identify their own needs, and to help them aspire to be more creative and innovative, to think differently about their future, and in the process break down the mind-set of poverty that believes nothing has changed for centuries nor can change for the future. As they do this, a hope emerges and the community begins to work together to create lasting change. The endgame is for the community to become self-sustainable.

Rita is making a big difference in the world... one person and one village at a time. To Mbeyu, we say thank you!

Suzi Bleak
CHOICE Humanitarian

2008-11-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

UPDATE -
Mariakani Milk Project

The Milk Scheme is moving ahead in spite of many roadblocks. Rita Lugogo, Chairman of the Board for the Milk Scheme, and also CHOICE's in-country directory, has initiated this project and continues to push the whole process forward. The president of Kenya will be coming to officially open the Mariakani Milk Plant early 2009. The following is a overview of this project:

A group of 28 townships in the Coast Province of Kenya has reached the limits of the small businesses that can be supported by micro-credit. Leaders of micro-credit like Muhammad Yunus agree that the critical next step is the formation for micro and mini-industries to spread the same lessons, expectations, and training at the multiple village level. This project is just that. The villagers, together with CHOICE and local and regional governments, have identified an opportunity to re-use existing facilities and start a small milk collection and processing plant (5,000 liters/day initially with an already existing plant potential of 40,000 liters/day).

By selling the milk and potentially cheese and yogurt in the future, to hotels and retailers in the far more affluent Mombasa, the Mariakani Milk Project would give nearly 400 families the chance to earn money through their own small independent dairy production. Additionally, they'll be able to buy shares of the overall business. Broadly distributing equity will provide both greater opportunity and greater community attention to any business-related problems that arise. This can make 3rd-world businesses much more stable.

Farmers with average herds of 14 cows will receive training on the environmental impact of their grazing. The prevalence of hunger in the region drives some farmers to overgraze their cows, increasing milk production but consequently causing erosion and threatening water supplies. CHOICE has established a partnership with a local NGO to provide training to help curtail the cows' environmental impact.

The local stakeholders have already raised over $500K. There is an additional $100K in pending funding and when acquired will enable the project's launch and will ensure two board seats for CHOICE Kenya, so that the villagers themselves rightfully have a voice at the table equal to those of local Kenyan agencies who have provided most of the capital. Due diligence reviews have been done and the paperwork is registered in accordance with local legal requirements.

We will judge the success of the program by the:
Profit and Loss Statements/Dividends
Number of shareholder farmers
Number of employees receiving wages and benefits
Low environmental impact
Level of shareholder trust and satisfaction
We expect to see a profit by the end of year 2

2008-10-31T15:51:00.000-06:00

Villages are rising above the odds . . .

The villages working with CHOICE and SIDEP (Samburu Integrated Development Program) are moving forward and expanding.

CHOICE has been actively involved in community development work in Samburu Division for the last 10 years. In the past, CHOICE was mostly involved in the education sector; classrooms were built using appropriate and affordable technology; timber for school desks was donated, and many students were assisted to pursue their studies. CHOICE has been partnering and leveraging its resources with other NGO's and government agencies in meeting one common goal - devolopment of the community through better education. Lately, CHOICE has been changing its approach to development, where more emphasis is being put on building and strengthening the development of local leadership, which gradually leads to self-sufficiency and the development of "self-developing villages." Jim Mayfield, co-founder and professor in international development, pointed out that properly trained local leadership requires very little supervision and resources and can transform a small village in a rural area into a "Rome." This has been witnessed, many times, in the various villages with which CHOICE has been actively involved. Working with the village leadership and using locally available materials, classrooms worth $15,000 have been built for $5,000. Once the village has completed several projects with CHOICE and their leadership skills are strengthened, they are able to develop on their own.

During the August 2007 expedition to Kenya, the CHOICE personnel collaberatively agreed to start a special program called SIDEP (Samburu Integrated Development Program) where CHOICE would actively engage villages within the Samburu area in the five dimensions of development: education, health, environment, economy development, and leadership/self-development. Through this initiative, 20 units (villages) were identified and recruited to participate in the program.

Mulunguni was one of the villages identified and formally introduced to the SIDEP program. We are blown away by the progress and enthusiasm within this village. Another village, Vinyunduni, is the newest village adopting the SIDEP process. In November 2008 we will begin working with Chanzou to start leadership training and to develop a plan with their community. Great things are happening in Kenya!

Through the eyes of one . . .

Nicole Snow, who recently went on a CHOICE expedition to Kenya, shares what she felt while there . . .

"The life of a villager is pretty monotonous, and a lot of work. They walk 4 km just to get water, which they have to carry back by hand, This twice a day. I don't know how they have time to do anything else! I was so impressed by the way owning an old, rusty bicycle could change the life of a family, who could then carry twice as much water in less than half the time. Unfortunately, not too many families can afford a bike. We sometimes envy the simplicity of life there, but honestly, I don't think too many people would choose a life that "simple" - it's a life of hard, back-breaking labor with little chance of diversion or rest.

Most families raise corn, cassava, and kale, as well as herding goats and cattle. It's a pretty meager living. The homes are about 8' x 12', made from sticks and mud, with thatched roofs. Most of the people I saw didn't have a change of clothes, and many didn't have shoes. Those that did had cheap plastic flip flops or sandals. I saw only two toys the whole time I was there: a worn soccer ball and a car made from sticks and wire. I don't think the kids play with toys. Nobody has books, either, even the school. The teachers have a single copy of the text and everybody just has to copy down what they can in their notebooks. I wished that I had brought just one of the full bookshelves we have so that kids could read. Imagine never having the chance to read something not in your own handwriting!

I did bring a big duffel bag full of school supplies: notebooks, rulers, pencils, erasers, etc. that I had bought at the back-to-school sales. When I presented it to the head teacher, he was happy. But as I kept pulling more and more out of the bag, he choked up. This was a distinguished man in the village, and he was crying because of the bag of school supplies I brought. It definitely made me wish I had brought more!!!

While I was there and since I've been back, I've been thinking about how I can raise funds to help this village or others like it. It would be fabulous to send school supplies, first aid supplies, and books, but I think even better would be to raise money for CHOICE and their work in developing leadership. Supplies get used up, but local leadership empowerment enables villages to work together to achieve goals (clean water, better school, health outposts) that an individual could only dream of."

2008-07-21T10:54:00.000-06:00

We are excited about the progress the SIDEP (Samburu Integrated Development Program) is making that Rita, Kenya’s Country Director, has organized and is running. This program focuses on five dimensions of development, placing stronger emphasis on leadership and self development in 20 villages.

Rita just completed the first training associated with this program in Muluguni and sent us a great email with quotes from the participants.

“We will never call ourselves 'poor' again. That poverty is a state of mind sometimes and not a lack of resources.”

“That we thought we were leaders, but now we have seen what leadership and being a leader really means.”

“We are going to revive all our dormant projects and complete them now that we have seen that we have abilities.”

Amazing, huh? It gives us goose bumps to read things like this. Rita plans to go back to the group after two weeks and continue the training with them. Our next Kenya expedition in August will go to Muluguni which will give us a chance to see their great progress and celebrate with them.

2008-04-18T23:03:00.000-06:00

2008-04-03T20:30:00.000-06:00

Update from our staff...

Many of you have asked how things are on the ground, with all of the political conflict. Here's a few excerpts from emails from our staff:

2.1.2007:

The violence in Kenya continues….Demonstrations by the opposition party were scheduled this week and resulted in violent clashes with police that support President Kibaki. More than 600 now have been killed in Kenya and there are 250,000 Kenyans displaced. Their homes have been destroyed and they are seeking shelter and refuse from the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations. BBC NEWS Africa Kenya 'turned into killing field' BBC you tube report of the election of new House Speaker from Opposition Party

Kamchundi, who is on the CHOICE staff in Kenya (and wishes to remain anonymous), is visiting the US for the first time. He is here in Salt Lake City and has also been watching with interest all the events unfold. I thought it interesting for you to hear Kenyan’s perspective and assessment:

“ It is sad to see our democratic rights abused by a few individuals who only think of their own selfish desires to rule and never be ruled with the aim of bringing back a system that is old fashioned, a system that Kenyans got rid of few years ago. It is obvious that the elections were flawed and it is just common sense for the sitting president to acknowledge the fact that all is not well for the government which is under his rule thus humbly accept to call for a re-run of the presidential elections without delay. If he does not, many people will continue loosing their lives while he just sits in state house being entertained by family and those who do not respect human rights giving orders like “shoot to kill.”

“We are tired of being ruled by this kind of leadership and the time has come for Kenyans to liberate themselves from such individuals and learn from the mistakes that we make when choosing such leaders to govern us. This is the only opportunity Kenyans have to either decide to do away with this crop of people and turn Kenya into a democratic state which respects the fundamental principals of human rights or continue with the psycho law breakers who are pathetic in every bit of the case and ruin the future generations and hope of our children and nation at large.”

“Special message to the head of state: We know what time it is your honorable, so please, rectify the mess by accepting it as it is before its too late and build your image instead of putting your name on the list of the worlds most shameful and corrupt leaders in the 21st century. We love you and we want you to make the best decision which is not based on ego, but truth and justice and forever people will take you as a patriotic individual which will also earn you respect.”

2007-12-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Mariakani Milk Plant

This coming year will be an exciting one for Kenya as the development of the micro-industry concept takes hold. While micro-credit is an important aspect of poverty elimination, the industry has come to understand the importance of connecting to the larger urban economies in order for local village economies to grow.

This is just what The Mariakani Milk Plant, the front-runner project, hopes to achieve. The Mariakani Milk Plant will collect small amounts of milk every day form hundreds of families, process the milk and sell it to Mombasa where there is a strong demand for milk products. Milk producers are also share-holders of the company who have already organized themselves and raised the majority of the capital needed to launch the business.

2007-10-01T12:50:00.000-06:00

A Letter from Bati About the Busho School

"Hello, Jambo!

This is Bati. I'm talking to you from a remote village in Kenya called Busho, which is about 60 miles from the coast of Kenya. About 3,200 people live there who are...Busho as the name implies, if you remove the O from the end of [it] the name is really Bush.

The village was started by the British in 1800 when they were building the railroad from Mombasa to Uganda. The school of Busho was started in 1982 and presently has a student population of 380. The students travel from great distances, and commute [on] elephants on their way to school. As you can imagine, it is a very difficult learning situation. The 380 students have to share 40 desks of the community who is poor and cannot afford to buy more desks for the rest of the students. The other students are forced to sit on rocks and use their laps as writing tables.

Your money will hlep to buy more desks for the students of Busho. The school also has 3 classrooms. The other 6 classrooms are made of mud walls, thatched roofs and dirty floors. Your generous contribution will enable CHOICE to build different classrooms for the students so that they can also learn in a comfortable environment like USA.

Finally I would like to thank the students of Timberline for raising money that will enable CHOICE to build a community to make Busho a better school. The students, the community and CHIOCE staff all welcome you to visit us in Kenya and see the new classrooms that we will build for the students of Busho.

Thank you for your generosity, kindness, and your hard work!"

2007-03-28T11:32:00.000-06:00

3.28.07 Conference call with Rita:

Team is testing out a new brick machine, purchased with money from Camerons and Chad Speirs. They are really impressed with it for several reasons:
Built a sample wall with interlocking bricks outside the CHOICE office in Mombasa.

"You don’t have to put any mortar in, most important thing is to get the first row straight. Then any idiot can do the rest.” (we thought this was quite funny, and maybe even we as Americans coudl help with the construction).

Rita went ont to say, "Imagine how cheap it is to build, because you don’t have to buy the mortar and it is more participatory – everyone can get involved. Used to be that not everyone could help with the construction of the walls, because the construction needed educated labor. But with this technology - now the entire village can build the walls, including expeditioners. It is very participatory, schools will go up much faster.”

The machines will pay for itself in a very short time, in that the materials are so much cheaper than the traditional coral blocks, and with the savings in not needing mortar.
Busho will be the first school that we will build using this technology. And will be the test site in a village.

Meanwhile, they are organizing a demo for headmasters and other leaders in the area to see how efficient the technology is. As far as we know, we are the only organization in Samburu exploring, sharing and using appropriate technology. The more that we can share this - the more effective everyone's money will be in the area.

Egu - working with the local leadership to have design done for pipeline, and will hold a shareholder meeting with all possible funders. (World Vision, gov’t leaders, village, Rotary club, CDF, Kwale county council, Ministry of Water)
The water project came to a standstill, after the outside organization had committed the money and then defaulted. The survey has been done, but now design is needed with concrete proposal of how much funding is needed. The system would benefit 5 villages who could also tap off of it serving over 15,000 people.
Realistically – once we have the design done, have the meeting, then it comes down to money. Before the year is over, we could start. She talked to the chief, and he couldn’t understand what happened. Turns out that her sponsor wanted to do bore holes – but water is too saline, which intros more problems.

The pattern we are seeing is that, where CHOICE works, then another NGO comes in – their work goes better. Why do we think that?
“We go to Egu, and the villagers tell us we are the first to be there. Then, once we go there, the other NGO’s follow us. Bati is the one who says that he was talking with someone from PLAN – that when they work with a village that has worked with CHOICE, it is much easier for them to work with.”

We are also seeing villages side-by-side where CHOICE is working versus where another large NGO is working, and the CHOICE village moves faster. Also, when the big NGO follows us in compared to one where they are on their own, the work moves faster and is smarter. We are looking at gathering hard data, village names, etc. to support this idea.

When I was meeting with Busho, the way they were behaving, they heard CHOICE was coming and they came up with a big long wish list, then myself and the others were singing the same song – you can do some of these things, you don’t have to wait for us to come. They thought we were father Christmas – but we told them they need to do this and this and that. At the end of the day, we will help you – but you need to do the other projects. You need to learn how to pool all your resources and improve your own lives. We will help you, but you must do the work.”

“At the end of the day, they are going to have to look at their resources and figure out how to survive.”

2006-12-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

Rita was just in town to work with our headquarters staff.

Whenever we have an in-country director in town, we learn much. A few highlights:

1. We discussed quite a bit about the scholarship program and how to improve it. We will be making a large effort to increase the number of children we can scholarship each year, with funding committed by March 1st. Kenya guarantees primary school education, but secondary education is out of reach of most. With a scholarship of a few hundred dollars, the future of Kenya can be assured growth and leadership!

2. Discussion about the adopt-a-village program - Rita believes in regional development, versus just focusing on one village. We brainstormed how we can better connect people and companies to the work she is doing.

3. Scaling the work of CHOICE - we talked through what the next steps are for CHOICE, as we are seeing rapid growth and replication.

4. Micro-enterprise - some new opportunities have arisen, and we talked through what the next steps might be to implement new artisan works.

To learn more about our work in Kenya, visit our website at www.choicehumanitarian.org

2006-11-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

CHOICE has begun to undertake an exciting, new venture in promoting sustainable medical intervention in Kenya.

Recruiting a team of doctors and nurses with the expertise and experience of working in rural Kenya, CHOICE is seeking to implement a "skills-transfer" approach to medicine in the Samburu region in Kenya.

This project has involved much research by the local Kenya CHOICE staff who have been identifying locations for construction of a new medical clinic and also improvements of existing clinics such as the Koketoni clinic.

Further, efforts are underway in identifying local Kenyan personnel, such as local doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers who will staff the medical clinics. The exictement surrounding this project has spurred the interest of many medical professionals at Duke University who are campaigning for funds and medical supplies.

2006-05-17T20:17:00.000-06:00

School Year Starting and Scholarships Needed... The new school year is starting, and over 100 students have been identified as highly motivated to learn, but lacking the resources to cover school fees.

We are looking for individuals to adopt these scholarships, and ensure the next generation of CHOICE villages have more opportunities as a result of their educations.

Depending on the school, $100-150 can cover a full year's school fees. If you are interested, please call us at 801-474-1937 or email me at efranson@choicehumanitarian.org.

We will send you a photo and profile of your student. At the end of the school year, you will also receive an update of their progress through the year.

2006-05-17T18:00:00.000-06:00

Preparations underway for upcoming expeditions...

Summer is upon us and as such, expeditions to Kenya are underway! Here's where we will be heading in the coming months:

June 10-18 Expedition to Mdomo, Kenya

Mdomo has been awaiting this expedition for over a year. They are quite enthusiastic, in fact have already worked on some latrines as a result of the relationship with CHOICE. We will be working on more classrooms, desk construction and building pit latrines.

(First set of latrines completed in Mdomo with CHOICE)

We have an exciting safari planned with Vintage Africa Tours as an optional excursion after the trip. It will feature visits to both the Masai Mara and Amboseli game parks.

July 2006 Expedition to Bomburi

If we have enough people sign up, we will be heading to Bomburi to work on schoolhouse construction. This village has never hosted an expedition before, and conditions will be quite rustic. But, many veterans of Kenyan expeditions find these villages to be their favorites!

August 6-15 Expedition to Busho

Erik Zenger will be leading this expedition to Busho, where the group will work on classroom construction. A medical component may be added, as CHOICE could host an Health Action Day for neighboring villages. Erik will also be exploring new opportunities to support the existing health care system through our new partnership with the Hope Alliance.

To sign up for one of these expeditions, please email elinthorst@choicehumanitarian.org

2006-03-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

On February 22, 2006 - we were lucky enough to have Rita Lugogo, our in-country director for Kenya in town. Her daughter had a new baby, and was in the states to visit.

Here's a portion of our conversation with her:

Q: How do the programs add up to something bigger?
A: Latrines, Mosquito nets - "if you are improving the health of your children, they are able to go to school, the parents are healthy enough to earn money to send kids to school and support their family, etc. "

"As soon as you increase the education of individuals, everything else follows after that, they will be more employable, they will be able to provide for their families..."

Q: How do you feel about things in Kenya right now?
A: "We are trying, the government has really improved... As a result of the civic education, the old government was kicked out and the new government is having it rough because it's not the like the old days when you could get away with anything. As the country becomes more and more educated, the expectations are rising. The government can't get away with their stupidity like they have in the past."

Q: How are things with Yehu Bank? (the micro-credit arm of CHOICE Humanitarian, working with over 7000 women in Kenya).
A: "You go into a community and they are proud that they belong to Yehu Bank or CHOICE, as they call it. You ask them if it improves their lives, but it is only one instrument. They need the other projects too."

Q: Where do you see things heading with micro-credit?
A: "The problem with micro-credit is that it is too micro - the amount of money that they get and the size of businesses they start are too small. They are trading shillings between each other. I think the next step is looking to grow the businesses beyond their immediate areas. And develop businesses that allow them to employ more people, then generate more income."

Q: What are the steps to working with a community?
A:"When I start working with a community, I tell them to dream - where would you like this school to be in one year, in 5 years, where do you want your life to be. This is an unusual question for them, one that they have never considered. Because for them, when you don't even know where your next meal is coming from, they say, 'I cannot plan a future for my child when in 6 months they may be dead from malaria and dyssentary.'"

"I don't push them, I say they need to come and pull me instead. I want to work with the communities who are interested in helping themselves and are willing to work hard. In this way, we know that the projects will last and we are getting the most for the money put in."

Q: Do you see yourself developing communities or doing projects?
(We talked a lot about this concept of just doing projects - or actually creating something larger, and ongoing. We referred to it as moving a community from "off the path" to "on the path to development.)
A: "We do both. In some cases, the villages are on the path and progressing. But, the areas we work in are way down there, very remote, and things move very slowly."

"Government has a new program where they work with the communities to see what assistance do they need. Up till now, there has been no investment on the part of the governement. But, that is changing. This new program, called the Constituency Development Fund is primarily for water, roads and 10% goes towards school fees. And I am the Chair Lady of several task forces in conjunction with it. For instance, the Samburu Development Task Force."
(In this new position, Rita is the chair of the committe that will decided where to build schools, how to do projects with villages, what villages to work in, etc. This is a key example of how Rita's influence is affecting development change in entire regions.) "There are a lot of things happening in Kenya, just because I am there. I am able to make the connections."

"Part of why we do programs is to help people to stay in their communities, so that life is not so hard and they don't leave to go to the cities."

"The problem is not technology, or skill - it's just capital. We need more funding for projects and programs."

Q: In the other countries, the ICDs (in-country directors) use the projects and programs to build community. But, in Kenya, there already seems to be a sense of community?
A: "Creating community is not the issue - we have community, they get that. The concept of family goes all the way out - everyone is family. But, what can be done is helping the community organize, determine a goal and work towards it."

For more on things in Kenya, visit our website, www.choicehumanitarian.org or email me at efranson@choicehumanitarian.org.

We have expeditions leaving for Kenya in June, July and August - to see firsthand the amazing change happening and be part of the process, join one of these great trips! Email Diane at dwinger@choicehumanitarian.org.