 |
Expanding
Opportunities February 2007 Newsletter http://www.exop.org/ - info@expandingopportunities.org |
Table of Contents
Hi everyone,Well, February flowed into March as quickly as the flood waters fill the dry river bed, so I am behind.
Let me try to remember which things happened in February and hold the rest for the March newsletter.
In February we said goodbye to volunteer, Lucia Robinson and hello to a new volunteer, Janice Drinkwater and returning volunteer, Barbara Witherly.
February was also the time we completed the Maasai Community Health Journey.
Joseph Waweru Home School
Karanja and David chat while they wait their turn on the court.
Jay eases Amos' transition to the Joseph Waweru Home School
NEW BOYS at the HOME!!!
The next to arrive was a young orphan who had been being cared for by his aunt. The aunt is ill with HIV and has her own children so it was very difficult for her to care for him. As a recent orphan, he had not lost too much time in school nor had he gone to the streets. He enjoys it here, is doing well in school and likes the pick up basketball games in the evening.
The next to arrive were the two featured in last month's newsletter, Enoch and Amos. Neither of them spoke any of the languages spoken at the Joseph Waweru Home School so their home church did the best they could to explain what was happening and that they would come visit them. Volunteer Barbara Witherly traveled to Kericho to attend the church send off and accompany the boys to the Home.
Enoch was old enough to understand but Amos at only 4 years was rather fearful. In the evening the boys were shown to their beds. Emmanuel moved into their room as he spoke their language and could help. Our young volunteer, Jay, took Amos under his wing and began the universal language of tickling. It wasn't long before the boy was laughing and the ball playing began. Thanks Jay.
We expect to greet one more boy soon.
Some of the boys have individual sponsors. These sponsors pay for the needs of their child, and exchange letters. Their sponsor can also come to the Home and visit whenever possible. Some of the boys are awaiting individual sponsors. Their needs are met by donations given to the home without a child's name attached. The joy of sponsoring your own child is found in the personal connection you can have. The child can put a name and face to the person who has helped them have hope and a future. At this time John is being sponsored by a family in Belfast, Maine; Brian is sponsored by a group of individuals in Belfast, Maine, Kiplangat is being sponsored by one of the Service Journey volunteers;Amos is sponsored by another Service Journey volunteer, and Kamau's High School Fees are sponsored by an individual in Lincolnville, Maine. A child will be chosen for Trinity Parish in Lennox, Massachusetts after the final child's arrival. If you are interested in sponsoring a child, the remaining children, Kamau, Vincent, Paul, Samwel, Enoch, David, and Karanja, are waiting. For more information call 1-800-760-7943, email info@expandingopportunities.org or mail Expanding Opportunities, 84 Payson Road, Brooks, ME 04921.
Karanja and David chat while they wait their turn on the court.
Jay eases Amos' transition to the Joseph Waweru Home School
NEW BOYS at the HOME!!!
The next to arrive was a young orphan who had been being cared for by his aunt. The aunt is ill with HIV and has her own children so it was very difficult for her to care for him. As a recent orphan, he had not lost too much time in school nor had he gone to the streets. He enjoys it here, is doing well in school and likes the pick up basketball games in the evening.
The next to arrive were the two featured in last month's newsletter, Enoch and Amos. Neither of them spoke any of the languages spoken at the Joseph Waweru Home School so their home church did the best they could to explain what was happening and that they would come visit them. Volunteer Barbara Witherly traveled to Kericho to attend the church send off and accompany the boys to the Home.
Enoch was old enough to understand but Amos at only 4 years was rather fearful. In the evening the boys were shown to their beds. Emmanuel moved into their room as he spoke their language and could help. Our young volunteer, Jay, took Amos under his wing and began the universal language of tickling. It wasn't long before the boy was laughing and the ball playing began. Thanks Jay.
We expect to greet one more boy soon.
Some of the boys have individual sponsors. These sponsors pay for the needs of their child, and exchange letters. Their sponsor can also come to the Home and visit whenever possible. Some of the boys are awaiting individual sponsors. Their needs are met by donations given to the home without a child's name attached. The joy of sponsoring your own child is found in the personal connection you can have. The child can put a name and face to the person who has helped them have hope and a future. At this time John is being sponsored by a family in Belfast, Maine; Brian is sponsored by a group of individuals in Belfast, Maine, Kiplangat is being sponsored by one of the Service Journey volunteers;Amos is sponsored by another Service Journey volunteer, and Kamau's High School Fees are sponsored by an individual in Lincolnville, Maine. A child will be chosen for Trinity Parish in Lennox, Massachusetts after the final child's arrival. If you are interested in sponsoring a child, the remaining children, Kamau, Vincent, Paul, Samwel, Enoch, David, and Karanja, are waiting. For more information call 1-800-760-7943, email info@expandingopportunities.org or mail Expanding Opportunities, 84 Payson Road, Brooks, ME 04921.
Lucia and Paul in the playground
Evenings find the boys together studying and doing their homework.
Work and Play at the Joseph Waweru Home School
In the evening events turn more serious as the boys bring out their books and settle down to complete their homework and study for exams. Some day we hope to have a small classroom in the dining hall where it will be easier to assist them with their studies.
Thank you Mama Karanja and Mama Mwangi for learning to cook with the sun to save gas, wood and charcoal.
The evening meal is a joint affair with the boys working together to cook. The volunteers readily join in to learn the secrets of rib sticking githeri and tasty sukuma wiki.
Mama Karanja is getting proficient with the solar cookers.
Pitching in to cook the evening meal.
Feeding Program
Sam Waithaka had two hand push carts made for two of the boys. They will rent to own the carts. These two boys started out on the streets of Kericho without much hope for employment, regular meals or even a warm and dry place to sleep. Through the feeding program Sam was able to identify that these two were ready and able to work. He first rented the push carts for them and they went to work. They were able to earn enough money to rent a room together. They desired to have their own carts to be able to save the rental money. Thank you to the two donors of the carts.
Sam Waithaka had two hand push carts made for two of the boys. They will rent to own the carts. These two boys started out on the streets of Kericho without much hope for employment, regular meals or even a warm and dry place to sleep. Through the feeding program Sam was able to identify that these two were ready and able to work. He first rented the push carts for them and they went to work. They were able to earn enough money to rent a room together. They desired to have their own carts to be able to save the rental money. Thank you to the two donors of the carts.
STEMS
Peris Waithera
Last month we mentioned that Peris Waithera was the next STEMS loan recipient. She is caring for her four young grandchildren ages 7 and down. They are living in one small room in town.
The loan has been written and the first disbursement has been completed. With this part of the loan she will secure the location and build the kiosk. When the kiosk is complete she will receive the second loan disbursement to purchase the inventory. Sam will monitor this loan and troubleshoot any problems that might arise.
Peris Waithera
Last month we mentioned that Peris Waithera was the next STEMS loan recipient. She is caring for her four young grandchildren ages 7 and down. They are living in one small room in town.
The loan has been written and the first disbursement has been completed. With this part of the loan she will secure the location and build the kiosk. When the kiosk is complete she will receive the second loan disbursement to purchase the inventory. Sam will monitor this loan and troubleshoot any problems that might arise.
Friends Across the Ocean
Janice Drinkwater displays the kits to be distributed
Soap puppets for the children
MAASAI COMMUNITY HEALTH
Friends Across the Ocean Service Journeys bring volunteers to Kenya. This year Janice Drinkwater, Barbara Witherly and Jay Gilbert joined us for a Maasai Community Health Journey organized by Joseph Ole Kipila and Ginger Wilson. Barbara planned and performed a puppet show for the children in the Nursery School. Later in the day for two consecutive days the adults met to brainstorm, discuss and prioritize their Community Health needs. A great deal of work was done at the meetings and proposals for the different projects were outlined. The adults carried home their comfort kits at the end of the day. It was an honor to be part of this Community's planning process.
Making Good Choices
Barbara Witherly worked with the local high school and law enforcement officials to present a puppet show and discussion about making good choices. The three little pigs and the wolf were put to the test. Who made the best choice?
Barbara Witherly performs the puppet show
Barb leads the discussion
Janice Drinkwater displays the kits to be distributed
Soap puppets for the children
Friends Across the Ocean Service Journeys bring volunteers to Kenya. This year Janice Drinkwater, Barbara Witherly and Jay Gilbert joined us for a Maasai Community Health Journey organized by Joseph Ole Kipila and Ginger Wilson. Barbara planned and performed a puppet show for the children in the Nursery School. Later in the day for two consecutive days the adults met to brainstorm, discuss and prioritize their Community Health needs. A great deal of work was done at the meetings and proposals for the different projects were outlined. The adults carried home their comfort kits at the end of the day. It was an honor to be part of this Community's planning process.
Barbara Witherly worked with the local high school and law enforcement officials to present a puppet show and discussion about making good choices. The three little pigs and the wolf were put to the test. Who made the best choice?
Barbara Witherly performs the puppet show
Barb leads the discussion
Artisan Support
Augustin's small humble home
Augustin Lebyare
The Artisan Support project brings art work from a variety of artisans in Kenya to the USA and sells them on the internet at three web sites:
and at The Aina Moja Shop in Belfast, Maine.
This year we had the pleasure of meeting many new artisans. Augustin lives in a small village called Wamba. His fame reaches far into the more populated areas. He is known as the "tall man with the big voice". As we stopped and asked directions, everyone smiled and said it has to be Augustin. We arrived in the village and met his wife and children. He was still on the mountain completing a ceremony. We were taken to their small home and then to a big tree. Under the tree is Augustin's "workshop". He is a blacksmith and jeweler. He makes bracelets and earrings and other jewelry from copper, lead and brass over a small fire with bellows well fashioned from old inner tubes. His children hurried to show us how the bellows works. It is his son's job to keep the coals hot. Augustin is currently working on our order. We hope to have his items on the website by summer.
Augustin's small humble home
Augustin Lebyare
The Artisan Support project brings art work from a variety of artisans in Kenya to the USA and sells them on the internet at three web sites:
- Aina Moja, www.ainamoja.com
- 1st African Clothing, www.1stafricanclothing.com
- African Crafts and Art, www.africancraftsandart.com
and at The Aina Moja Shop in Belfast, Maine.
This year we had the pleasure of meeting many new artisans. Augustin lives in a small village called Wamba. His fame reaches far into the more populated areas. He is known as the "tall man with the big voice". As we stopped and asked directions, everyone smiled and said it has to be Augustin. We arrived in the village and met his wife and children. He was still on the mountain completing a ceremony. We were taken to their small home and then to a big tree. Under the tree is Augustin's "workshop". He is a blacksmith and jeweler. He makes bracelets and earrings and other jewelry from copper, lead and brass over a small fire with bellows well fashioned from old inner tubes. His children hurried to show us how the bellows works. It is his son's job to keep the coals hot. Augustin is currently working on our order. We hope to have his items on the website by summer.
Camp Forest
A multicultural wilderness camp
Adam is currently in Peru learning many more things to share with the campers this summer.
Let me risk repeating last month's news of Camp Forest.
The Camp Forest schedule for 2007 is ready!
In addition to our regular full summer weekly Day Camp Schedule, this year we will have the option of several week long expeditions.
The beginners expedition explores the headwaters of the Passagassawaukeg River. Beginning at Camp Forest campers pack all gear and hike to Half Moon Pond. set up a primitive base camp: explore, fish canoe, visit beaver, hike to the top of the mountain to find a surprise. Although open to all ages 9-12, campers must meet a few basic requirements.
Coyote Moon is an intermediate level expedition focusing on mastering the skills for the Osprey Award. Build a primitive shelter and sleep in it at least one night. Learn what to do if lost, fire safety, animal tracking, water purification, plant identification, wilderness crafts, navigation, and more. Learn to become part of the natural world, meet the beaver, coyote, fish and loon. Campers must meet a few basic requirements to participate.
Fly Away is an advanced expedition focusing on mastering the skills of the Eagle Award. With less gear, learn the skills to be free on this earth and receive the gifts of nature. These skills build confidence, motivation and faith. Campers must meet the requirements of the Osprey Award.
Mother Earth/Father Sky is an expedition for MALES ONLY. It is a rite of Passage expedition based on the traditions of Africa, South and North American Natives. A boy becomes a man when he can provide for himself and his family. Working individually with each boy, this expedition will enhance confidence, teamwork, and turn boys to men.
Watershed Exploration and Research will travel the full length of the Passagassawaukeg River by foot and canoe. Journal plant and animal life and condition of habitat. The information gathered will be available for public use.
Take a look at the web site Camp Forest - www.campforestmaine.com
A multicultural wilderness camp
Adam is currently in Peru learning many more things to share with the campers this summer.
Let me risk repeating last month's news of Camp Forest.
The Camp Forest schedule for 2007 is ready!
In addition to our regular full summer weekly Day Camp Schedule, this year we will have the option of several week long expeditions.
The beginners expedition explores the headwaters of the Passagassawaukeg River. Beginning at Camp Forest campers pack all gear and hike to Half Moon Pond. set up a primitive base camp: explore, fish canoe, visit beaver, hike to the top of the mountain to find a surprise. Although open to all ages 9-12, campers must meet a few basic requirements.
Coyote Moon is an intermediate level expedition focusing on mastering the skills for the Osprey Award. Build a primitive shelter and sleep in it at least one night. Learn what to do if lost, fire safety, animal tracking, water purification, plant identification, wilderness crafts, navigation, and more. Learn to become part of the natural world, meet the beaver, coyote, fish and loon. Campers must meet a few basic requirements to participate.
Fly Away is an advanced expedition focusing on mastering the skills of the Eagle Award. With less gear, learn the skills to be free on this earth and receive the gifts of nature. These skills build confidence, motivation and faith. Campers must meet the requirements of the Osprey Award.
Mother Earth/Father Sky is an expedition for MALES ONLY. It is a rite of Passage expedition based on the traditions of Africa, South and North American Natives. A boy becomes a man when he can provide for himself and his family. Working individually with each boy, this expedition will enhance confidence, teamwork, and turn boys to men.
Watershed Exploration and Research will travel the full length of the Passagassawaukeg River by foot and canoe. Journal plant and animal life and condition of habitat. The information gathered will be available for public use.
Take a look at the web site Camp Forest - www.campforestmaine.com
Wish List
A Few Wishes:
A Few Wishes:
- NEW CHILDREN: The construction has progressed to the point where we are
able to house up to 16 children. Our wish is for people who would support a
child for at least one year.
- BUILDING: Our wish is to FINISH the kitchen and dining areas and furnish
it with durable kitchen utensils.
- VEHICLE: Our wish is to have a truck for transportation for goods, the
boys, and visitors. The Mini is small, and ready to retire and renting is very costly.
- DISTANCE LEARNING CENTER: Our wish is to move forward with the
establishment of the Distance Learning Center(s). Education is power.
- SUSTAINABLE INCOME GENERATION: Our wish is to find investors for an income generating business to support and expand the Joseph Waweru Home School and the Street Children Project
Comments
COMMENTS : We would like to hear what you have to say.
Please use mailto:coments@expandingopportunities.org to suggest or comment on issues.
COMMENTS : We would like to hear what you have to say.
Please use mailto:coments@expandingopportunities.org to suggest or comment on issues.
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