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Expanding Opportunities October 2007 Newsletter http://www.exop.org/ - info@expandingopportunities.org |
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Table of Contents Joseph Waweru Home School Feeding Program STEMS Artisan Support Books For Kenya Friends Across The Ocean Camp Forest Distance Learning Center Wish List Comments |
Hi everyone, Thank you for your continuous support of Expanding Opprtunities. I hope you enjoy this newsletter. This and all past newsletters are available on the website at www.exop.org. |
Joseph Waweru Home School
 The boy's dorm and the new shower block |
We are very grateful for the Alternative Gifts International award. When Bev left the children’s home in April, there was a completed family home, a small two room dormitory with no power, an almost completed kitchen, an unfinished dining area and a mandate from the government of Kenya for a pit latrine and additional showers and laundry sinks.
Engineering Ministries International, who designed and drew the plans for the Home in 2001, jumped in and completed the plans for the showers and laundry while preparing for a trip to the Ukraine.
By the end of October we have completed one pit latrine, and the composting latrine dubbed "The Pooh Palace" is almost complete. A Turkey coop was constructed to increase sustainaiblity through raising the birds for food. The dining room is almost completed and will finally provide a place for everyone to sit and have family meals. It will also be a lighted area for the children to study and provide space for extra tutoring. The boy's dormitory is now complete with solar power; and the showers/laundry sinks is under construction. When these projects are complete, we will be fully prepared for 16 children and then move down the priority list of construction at the Home until the funds are exhausted.
The Joseph Waweru Home School received an additional boost from some unexpected visitors. We had the honor of welcoming three visitors from Sweden. They toured the Home and vistited the boy's at school. After brunch, they presented us with a monetary gift for the Home. It was decided to use it to purchase the additional chairs and tables necessary for all to sit and eat meals as one family.
Children
The boys are all well and happy. Amos has had bouts of malaria but, as a 4 year old, he isn’t down for long. The others are facing their final examinations for the year and for two of our boys they are preparing for the extremely important, Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Examination. John and Vincent are working hard with practice examinations, as the score on this examination will determine if they can attend secondary school.
Primary School, though mandatory, required school fees until 2003 when the incoming president eliminated school fees. Secondary school still requires a tuition paid by the parents. This is Kenya’s presidential election year and all candidates are promising free secondary education. But even then, the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education will determine which school a student will be allowed to attend and purchase of uniforms, books, supplies and school activities will be required.
Frederick Kamau is completing his first year of high school. He has struggled but the teachers are commending him for his improvements.
The growth and development of all our boys is remarkable. The two that could not speak are now chattering with the rest. The chores are getting done without excessive reminders, the older ones assist with the younger ones and all together create one large happy family.
There are several boys on the waiting list for our three openings but they must wait for sponsors. Some of the boys have individual sponsors. These sponsors pay for the needs of their child, and can exchange letters. Their sponsor can also come to the Home and visit when possible or talk on the phone to their child. 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; Young Brian, called Bryo 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; Brian Otieno has been chosen for Trinity Parish in Lennox, Massachusetts, and Kamau's High School Fees are sponsored by an individual in Lincolnville, Maine.
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Child Support
If you are interested in sponsoring a child, the remaining children, Kamau, Vincent, Paul, Samwel, Enoch, Titus and David are waiting.Or you can select a new child from the waiting list. For more information call 1-800-760-7943, email info@expandingopportunities.org or mail Expanding Opportunities, 84 Payson Road, Brooks, ME 04921. | |
 Some of our boys |
 Some of the boys at school |
The Debley Foundation awarded Expanding Opportunities with a grant to begin an income-generating project making the Joseph Waweru Home School less dependent on donor funding for support. We are truly excited about this and are moving forward with a rental business. In the past, when families, churches or organizations held a function, they would build a makeshift shelter from old grain sacks and posts. But both timber and grain sacks began to get costly and did not completely protect guests from the elements. The current custom is to rent a large tent and plastic chairs to make their guests more comfortable. The demand is great and there is no rental provider in the immediate Mangu area. Thanks to the Debley Foundation, Expanding Opportunities will open “Debley Rentals”, a Social Purpose Business, by the end of November. It is projected that in 6 months Debley Rentals will fund close to 50% of the support of the Home.
Feeding Program
 A special treat for the Street children in Kericho |
Sam Waithaka works very hard with the boys in Kericho to assist them to self sufficiency. The Alternative Gifts International award also included significant "child survival" monies. Among other activities, a special treat was given to the street boys in Kericho. Instead of their standard feeding program meal, they were brought to a local restaurant and treated to anything on the menu. They all selected chicken and chips! Kudos to the restaurant cook, she got over 30 meals out in less than an hour!
In addition to feeding the children in Kericho, some were given medical care and other needs were met. In Nakuru, random street children were given treats of full meals in restaurants. A deaf child/mute child is being evaluated and Expanding Opportunities is seeking how to best assist this child.
STEMS
 Peris Waithera |
While in Kericho we also visited one of our micro loan recipients. Peris had just finished educating her last child when her daughter died and left her with her 4 grandchildren. Expanding Opportunities supported her with a micro loan to open a small kiosk shop with which she can support herself and the four grandchildren. She was happy to see us and to say that the business was going well.
Friends Across the Ocean
 Carrington Rhodes assists with the work. |
The work is drawing a great deal of attention in the community, especially the composting latrine. This latrine rises more than 4’ off the ground and has been dubbed “the Pooh Palace” by Carrington Rhodes, our volunteer from Maine. It truly is the “throne”. Carrington wasted no time joining the crew and can be found sharing the Red Sox scores with the football (soccer) lovers or discussing the upcoming Kenya presidential election while straightening nails or sawing rafters.
 Pastor Waweru inspects the "Pooh Palace". |
Artisan Support
 Charles works in his home cutting and pasting banana fiber. |
The Artisan Support project brings art work from a variety of artisans in Kenya to the USA and sells them on the internet at two web sites:
Aina Moja, www.ainamoja.com
1st African Clothing, www.1stafricanclothing.com
and at The Aina Moja Shop in Belfast, Maine.
 Beautiful works in banana fiber and palm leaves. |
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Books For Kenya
 Bibles at Mangu Church |
 Books at Menengai Primary School |
A single donor provides regular support to purchase Bibles in Kiswahili for residents that cannot afford to purchase a Bible. The Bibles are presented to individuals chosen at the local churches.
Books for Kenya also collects educational materials and distributes them to schools and libraries.
Distance Learning Center
The Distance Learning Center is a project that has great potential and is moving slowly forward. There have been three sites selected for the development of Distance Learning Centers. The first site is in Rabondo, Kenya. Rabondo is a remote village in south western Kenya. Timon Bondo, was born and raised in Rabondo. He later migrated to the USA and on a journey back home, found a devastated community and comitted himself to helping them. The organization that he founded, Rabondo Community Project, has managed to build a primary and secondary school, a dispensary and an orphanage. He took advantage of the Kenya Rural Electrification Project and had power brought to this remote location. Expanding Opportunities is collaborating with the Rabondo Community Project to bring Distance Learning to Rabondo.
Camp Forest
 A multicultural wilderness camp |
Adam is currently in Peru learning many more things to share with the campers as well as becoming a father for the first time!
Jen, Johhny and Karanaja worked together at Camp Forest 2007 and provided an active and enjoyable time for campers.
The Camp Forest schedule for 2008 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:
NEW CHILDREN: The construction at the Joseph Waweru Home School 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 continue construction at the Joseph Waweru Home School to accomodate 32 children.
VEHICLE: Our wish is to have a truck for transportation for goods, the boys, and visitors at the Joseph Waweru Home School. The Mini is small, retired and renting is very costly.
DISTANCE LEARNING CENTER: Our wish is to move forward with the establishment of a Distance Learning Center in Rabondo, Kenya. Education is power.
PERMANENT HONOR TO OUR DONORS: Our wish is to find embroiderers and quilters who would embroider the names of our donors and form quilt hangings for the Commons building at the Joseph Waweru Home School. POT HOLDERS AND APRONS: Our wish is have potholders and aprons for the kitchen at the Joseph Waweru Home School.
FAMILY SUPPORT: Many orphans are living with grandparents or relatives. Often with just a little assistance they can continue to provide for these children. Our wish is for donors who would consider supporting such children.
SCHOOL SUPPORT: Students must pay school fees to attend high school in Kenya. Many students canot afford to attend. Our wish is for sponsors for deserving high school students.
CANOES: Our wish is to have two canoes for Camp Forest
SPECIAL SUPPORT:We wish for an individual to support a widow at $60.00 per month.
SPECIAL SUPPORT: We wish for an individual to send a young girl to hairdressing school for $250.00
SPECIAL SUPPORT: We wish for a donor for high school fees for students in 2008 - $250.00 per year
COMMENTS
We would like to hear what you have to say.
Please email us at info@expandingopportunities.org to suggest or comment on issues.
Copyright © 2007 by Expanding Opportunities - All Rights Reserved