Greetings Neighbours!

The end of a year is often a time of reflection and contemplation. It is a time to look back at the year and see what has been accomplished, what lessons can be learned, and what to plan for the future. It is with this in mind that I look back over the past year in Kabondo.

The 2008 year started amidst chaos in Kenya. The post-election violence that erupted shocked not only Kenyans but many around the world. We waited patiently for the violence to end and hear from the community that all were safe. While there was life lost and much property damage, order was ultimately restored. Throughout this time, Eric and others continued their work. The planned Christmas party for 2007 was delayed and gifts that were sent by neighbours Carole and Ineke, arrived in early January and were given out to the children. Eric spoke of how happy the children were to receive them.

Early in the year, a website was developed and received webhosting for 2 years. The site has taken some time to get up and running and was unfortunately hacked. However, thanks to the work of Chris Hoffman, the site has been restored. Alison Lowndes has recently agreed to maintain the content for the site. Yeah Alison! A special thanks to Robert and Kent for developing the initial layout and navigation of the site. You can visit the new website at www.kabondopoverty.org.

One of the issues that Eric noticed in the community was adolescent and teenage girls not attending school because of a lack of sanitary towels. To address this neighbours found information on making cloth reusable sanitary pads. The discussion led Deanna Duke of Good 4 Girls to Kabondo. Through her organization, Deanna gathered 70 kits reusable kits to be tried out. The hope is that eventually the girls will learn to make their own sanitary towels. In July, I had the great opportunity to hand-deliver the sanitary towel kits to them. The Headmistress had mentioned that it was good for all of us to openly discuss menstruation with the girls as it removed some fears and allows for other discussions related to reproduction, sexuality and HIV/AIDS. Eric recently followed up with the girls to get their feedback. This is what he had to say:

"Overall the girls reported that it is good because one need not have to worry about money every month...

At Got Rateng primary where two teachers also took the towels to try out, the response was very good. The teachers and the pupils feel this is a good project addressing a very critical need in the community...I think this is a good project that should go on because ultimately it may be what will keep girls in school all school days."

We hope to move forward with this project by expanding it and teaching the girls how to make their own kits. This could eventually lead to small business opportunities within the community.

As mentioned, I had the opportunity to visit Kabondo with Raul Caceres. It was an short, albeit overwhelming visit. We were greeted by over 1200 orphans and community members and we toured the community. We visited the homes of some people that had been helped by the project; an elderly woman and the orphan that takes care of her; a 6-year old orphan named Tobias, and his elderly grandmother; and a demonstration farm, to name a few. We were also treated to a wonderful lunch where the topic of avocados came up. Avocados grow in abundance in Kabondo. Since that lunch, Raul and other neighbours including Melissa and Mary have attempted experiments in removing oil from avocados. Other neighbours contributed by gathering research. Early in the new year, community members will hopefully begin experiments as well to see if avocado oil extraction is a viable business opportunity.

Other developments include working with Africa Book Project and others to develop a community library and resource centre. Tammy Lewis has secured 9 computers for the library and has been working closely with the University of Western Ontario to help develop a resource centre. Staff from the University visited Kabondo in November to discuss the possibility of manufacturing a highly nutritious variety of yogurt, that could be made and sold in the community.

One final highlight: On behalf of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Dr. Lucy Steinitz visited Kabondo to verify the project and check accounting procedures. This is a final step towards funding. We are awaiting a response to find out if funding will be granted.

As you can see it has been a very busy year and we look forward to 2009 and all that it will bring!

Take some time to visit Nabuur and see how you can contribute in the new year.

Regards,

Barb Brigs
Facilitator
Kabondo, Kenya