Nate's Leaving

Don't know if you have heard or not but it's time for me to move on. It's a sad time for me but the right time to go. Jeremiah, the new director, is in Maai Mahiu and we have been working to transition him to the new role. I am sad to leave. We have built a family within MM for CTC. I have another week and then leave on the 12th of July back to San Francisco. I wanted to take this time to thank all of you for following the craziness in Kenya and supporting with both words and donations. I have been constantly humbled by all your support and love THANK YOU!!!!

Yesterday, we had a going away party for me in Maai Mahiu. Everyone connected with CTC was invited. Was so amazing to see all the children, women and community come out to say goodbye. It was hard. Hard to say goodbye to so many that I love dearly and have worked with daily to make something so good in Maai Mahiu. I know that Jeremiah is going to do a fabulous job and have so much admiration for him coming back and wanting to be part of his community. For those of you who do not know. Jeremiah was the manager of the big orphanage in Maai Mahiu who Zane , our executive director, first came to know and eventually gave CTC the opportunity to come into Maai Mahiu. We built the polytechnic school at the orphanage. Shortly after that Jeremiah went to the States to get his masters. He returned some weeks ago to run CTC in Maai Mahiu. It's always been the goal of the organization to have Kenyans manage CTC in Kenya. And we are there. I leave with a goal completed and CTC in good hands.

Thank you again for all your support and following this blog. Soon it will be over and my life will move in a different direction.. I hope to see you all very soon and catch up in person!!!!!!

Sarakazi

I was sent a few pics from Sarakazi from when they came to introduce the children to face painting . Thought you would like to see them. There is one with Ferny who runs the program. Also, with George hanging before his big introduction on the guitar. And finally a drawing of the clown by Beth. What a great artist!!!!! It basically looks just like him.

Medical Team

We recently held the 4 annual medical mission to Maai Mahiu. The team is lead by Dr. Steve Segebrecht. This year CTC hosted 23 medical professionals (doctors, nurses and students) at the government clinic. The team was made up of specialists that included Ear Nose and Throat, Internal Medicine, Optometrist, Dentist, Pediatrics, OBGYN and a full working pharmacy. The clinic is held for 4 days. It's all free to the community and as you can imagine free medical treatment by western doctors is VERY popular. We have learned our lesson from the past. We cannot leave it open to whomever shows up. So the week before there are two days of registration. Each patient is given a color card for a specific day and medical problem. Red being Monday, Green Tues. etc... The total allowed to be seen for each clinic is decided on by the doctors before they arrive. That way we can manage both the flood of people and make sure the doctors are not overloaded. This year saw all clinics full to capacity. We even were able to register all patients in one day...no need for a second. What was interesting this year is the system is so efficient now that the doctors were actually finished early each day. In the past the doctors worked until the end of the day and still did not see all patients. Now we can add patients for the coming years.

We also invited the VCT (volunteer, counseling and testing) HIV group from Kijabe hospital. This is the same program that CTC will be running out of our office as we have now signed an agreement with the Hospital. Maai Mahiu has some of the highest HIV rates in all Kenya with over 20% but probably closer to 30%. Truck towns breed problems. The govn't places the HIV rate of all Kenya at 6%. We saw a record number this year, 350. There were some tough times with this area this year. We saw two different mothers come in with their 1 year old babies wanting to be tested. And both mother and child were positive. It breaks my heart to see young ones who will have such a hard life ahead. Also, there was a woman who came to be tested who had not left her house in two weeks because her husband had beat her so badly. She wanted the two to be tested as she suspected they had HIV, but when he found out he flipped out on her. Her face was still swollen and eyes black and blue. It was additionally sad because her test came back positive. Now she had to go home to her husband and tell him. Generally, women do not cheat on their husbands in Kenya. The men are the ones who go out and sleep with other women, come home and then give HIV to the wife. These are not the bright side of the week but knowing we did test so many gives these people the chance to get into the program and receive both counseling and ARV drugs for free. So all in all it's a win even with positive results.

Often education is the biggest need within Maai Mahiu. For the second year we had an education area where grad students worked with individuals on family planning, pre natal care and nutrition. So many of the basics in the West that we take for granted simply are not known or followed in Maai Mahiu. Washing hands, baby care, balanced diet, cooking methods etc. The grad students did a fabulous job on educating and also gaining a lot of current information that we can use for the future to design our community health programs

We also saw one baby born during the clinics. It's always amazing how when a baby is born during the week all other clinics seem to stop. No matter how seasoned the medical staff are they always see a new addition to this crazy world as a wonderful reason to stop and watch. The government officials also came to see the clinic in work and were very impressed. It's good to have the big boys on our side. Total the doctors saw 900 patients and dolled out a huge amount of prescription drugs. The pharmacy ran smoother than ever. Not overwhelmed like past years. This year they started a new policy of trying to supply de-worming medicines to entire families. This is a major medical problem for the community. One Masaai man came to get the drugs for his entire family. 24 in total. His 3 wives, himself and 20 children. Yes 20 children. I guess we in the U.S. can never complain about our big families. Can you imagine 20 children?

I wanted to take this moment to thank all the medical professionals for their hard work. I was so impressed by how tirelessly they worked. Humbled really!!!! So thank you again and look forward to all the future medical programs for CTC and Maai Mahiu in the years to come.

Garden at Ngeya UPDATE

As you all know the garden at Ngeya was built and planted about a month ago. We are now seeing the garden grow and grow. It seems daily the cabbage, onions and kale are growing into fine young members of the community :) Unfortunately, still a month or more away from reaping any produce. All the vegetables will be used to supplement the children's lunch. Plus the clubs at Ngeya are managing the garden to learn hands on about farming.

The Kansas State team is now in Maai Mahiu and they have worked weeding, building sack gardens and with the help of the children, the first organic compost heap. We use a solution called EM. Basically it's a natural bacteria that you add to the layers as the heap is built. By keeping the pile moist the natural bacteria breaks down the waste into compost in a third of the time as normal composting methods. So instead of waiting 3 months it takes apprx a month for use able compost. This bacteria also creates a very healthy, clean compost that will allow for better yields and healthier produce. And it's organic :) The children had such fun with K-State learning about composting and getting hands on experience building their first pile. The children are all part of the environmental club at Ngeya and are also the ones who manage the garden on a daily basis. Rocky divided them into small groups. Each takes care of a row of the garden and a few sack gardens.

We also planted 100 more trees at Ngeya with K-State. This brings our total to 200 trees at the compound. Because of the goats we have to surround the trees with thorny bushes until they grow to a level out of reach of the pesty goats. Like our saying goes "Kill a goat, save a tree". Rocky was talking about fencing off this area and creating a mini park within the school. We will see how that goes, fencing is expensive, but it's good to hear our employees wanting big things for the community. Without the help of K-State and the children at Ngeya we could not have completed the garden, compost pile and trees. So THANK YOU!!!!

Developing World Connections at Good Shepherd

Last week we saw the team of 9 from our partner DWC take part in a fun filled day of work and play at Good Shepherd. This also happened to be the day when Sarakazi was at both Malaika Kids and GS. The plan was for the team to arrive in the AM and finish two of our mini projects for CTC. First, we needed the girl's dormitory painted. We painted about a year ago and as we all know with this many children it can get dirty fast. Second, we had to finish the kitchen. Needed to put up more iron sheets, install the door and windows and finish off the roof. So the team split up into two groups. They were so FAST. By mid day they had completed both just for the arrival of Sarakazi.

The team then took part in the face painting, skits and games with the children. It's always so fun to watch the volunteers bond with the children. It's some of the most touching and rewarding work we do. Thanks DWC for making the day so great for the kids at Good Shepherd. And always thanks to Sarakazi for bring so much laughter.

Sarakazi Paints Faces for Malaika Kids

Last week, CTC had the pleasure of hosting Sarakazi. They are now coming the first Wed. of every month. As most of you know, the organization supports performing artists like clowns, jugglers, acrobats etc. Basically, they come to both Malaika Kids and then Good Shepherd to spread the love and smiles. They are truly wonderful to watch. This past week was face painting day. I know these children have never seen face paint let alone had it done to them. It was so much fun to watch the children stand so still as the boys created mini masterpieces on their faces. Then as the other children saw what was painted it generally broke out in huge laughter and smiles. We even brought their mothers from Malaika Moms in to see the children. Again, they thought it was hilarious. Was a good bonding moment. The children sharing a unique experience with each other and their Moms.

We had a guest appearance from a very famous guitar player that day also. George or otherwise known as Batman!! When the guitar was pulled out all he wanted to do was play. So he quickly sat down and started strumming. As he did all the other children started singing a song they know so well to his playing. Then the ladies joined in and so did the rest of us. He was so serious but what do you expect from a young prodigy. He seemed to me a mix between Hendrix, Santana and Batman of course :)

These children love music and we are trying to support that as much as possible. One area someone out there might be interested in is I'd like to get a guitar for the kids. Let me know if you would like to donate for a guitar. I need to find out prices locally. It would be a great addition to the burgeoning band.

I have included a bunch of pictures of the day. And thanks again to Sarakazi for making the day truly fabulous. I know it worked because by the end of the day the children were truly pooped. Exhausted from a long day of fun!!!!!!

Cool Pic

I thought this was a cool pic...two of the CTC volunteers, Sammy and Tony, in a sea of Ngeya students. Go boys!!!!!

Fuel Effecient Stove Installed

This past week, the first fuel efficient stove was installed at Ngeya Primary School. The first goal was to build the kitchen which was complete a few weeks ago. The women who prepare the lunch daily for the students used traditional methods of large pots on top of stones. They simply fed wood under the pot to boil the corn and beans. This is extremely inefficient in the amount of wood used. Also, as we all know from camping, the fire gives off a huge amount of smoke that fills the room. The women are constantly wiping their eyes and coughing. In addition, de-forestation is a major Kenyan issue. 70% of the countries forests are gone due to the need for firewood. So reducing the use of wood at Ngeya also impacts the environment. Another bonus is the school currently spends 5000 ksh $65 a week on firewood. For any school it's a huge amount. To this government school that is SEVERLY underfunded, it nearly breaks their back monthly. So reducing the amount of fuel reducing the investment.

Our third team arrived a week ago from Kansas. One of the projects they are part of is the purchase of a very large, 500 ltr., fuel efficient stove. It has been installed and just about to be put into use. We are waiting for concrete to fully dry. I have included a few pics of the old way the women cooked and the new stove. Also, a few pictures of the kids lining up daily for food. When the whole school comes out for lunch it's impressive. Over 1200 kids waiting patiently for food. Right now they serve food outside on the ground. But the next move for us when the stove is working is to purchase large tables so all food can be served through the windows to the students. Need to get the food off the ground.

How does the stove work? First it's built with a layer of brick and covered on the inside with concrete. The outside is covered in a layer tin. This insulates almost all the heat inside the stove. If you walk up to the stove and touch the tin when it's boiling water it's cool to the touch. Wood is fed through the the square opening and the large pot sits perfectly down through the hole. This allows no heat or smoke to escape through the sides of the pot or stove. What cannot be seen from the pictures is out the back of the stove is an opening that has a large tin pipe going out the back wall. This takes a quick L bend towards the roof and the exit of the smoke is many feet above the roof. This allows an escape for the build up of smoke within the stove and eliminates any smoke in the room. No coughing or teary eyes for the cooks. A stove like this this will easily reduce wood use by 60-70%. Because it's so effecient in keeping heat in, it will boil a large pot in a fraction of the time it takes for a normal fire.

Thank you to the Kansas team for working so hard to raise money for Maai Mahiu. This stove will be a huge help to Ngeya and Kenya for that matter. Not only do we affect the local community but we help eleviate a Kenyan problem, de-forestation. Without you CTC could not have completed this project.

First Classroom Complete

This entry is a continuation of the previous one. Great news!!!! The second team from our partner, Developing World Connections, completed the new classroom that was once the old kitchen. Take a look at the below picture from the previous blog. Smoky and very non hygenic... The picture included is of the pre schoolers who are now using the new classroom classroom. Thanks again DWC and the team of volunteers for the funds and VERY hard work. CTC is so proud of you.

Second Team Arrives!!!!

Our partner, Developing World Connections, is a volunteer tourism company. We work with DWC by giving their teams access to Maai Mahiu and development projects. The newest team is made up of 9 students from the University of Toronto. Many of them are journalism majors. This team is staying the longest yet for CTC, 5 weeks. This team is staying in Maai Mahiu and have come with the goal of building. All building projects this year are focused on Ngeya Primary which is the government school in MM that is severely under funded. With 2000 students and an average of 75-100 students per class you can imagine the chaos. The first team, Bodwell High School, finished a new kitchen as you have seen from previous blogs. Now the next goal is to turn the old kitchen, first picture, into what it was originally meant for, a classroom. The team is on their 3rd day of work today, Wednesday. This post will have many updates as they are here for many weeks and working on 3 distinct projects.

First, they will complete this classroom with a new concrete floor, windows, doors and blackboards. From there they'll move to the adjacent classroom and put in windows, doors and fix parts of the existing floor. Finally, they move across the school compound to finish a 3rd classroom with a concrete floor, dirt currently, windows, doors etc. In the end, they will have made 3 classrooms in good working order.

To put in a floor in Maai Mahiu is hard labour to say the least. I feel sometimes it looks more like a chain gang. There are no machines or electricity. So all the large rocks have to be pounded down to make a flat floor. All 40 bags of concrete have to be manually mixed, carried and poured. Walls have to be concrete spackeled by hand. The first two days have been A LOT of work for the team but they have stepped up. Rocky is really proud. I have included a few pics of these days and will update as things get completed. The kids at Ngeya, who are in school right now, find the visitors truly mesmorizing. It's hard for the DWC group to stay focused sometimes as the kids are hard to resist. But DWC has done a fabulous job staying on course.

Thanks to DWC and this team, there will be 3 beautiful classrooms for the students at Ngeya Primary!!!!!

Kitchen at Ngeya Primary Update

I promised an update once the kitchen at Ngeya was complete. Happy to say it is!!!! I have included a few pics of the before and after. The first picture was of the old kitchen that is supposed to be a classroom. Second, is the final outside view. Third, is the inside of the completed kitchen. Last, is the kitchen mid work. This project at Ngeya Primary School was funded by Bodwell High School in Vancouver who also was our first team of 2009. The kitchen will now feed all 2000 students out of a clean, proper kitchen. As always CTC is looking for additional funds for fuel efficient stoves and will eventually need tables and the like, so if anyone is interested you know where to find me.

Thanks again Bodwell for working so hard. Rocky and Mwaniki keep using the work of your team as a benchmark for each team this summer. So you really impressed us and knowing Rocky and how hard he works, you impressed Mr. Work. Thank you again from CTC and Ngeya, we could not have done it without you.

The bath is complete :-)

I have been working for some weeks now on a big bath tub for my backyard. Back in SF, we have a amazing hot tub in the back yard. Wow..... so spoiled. I used go home after a long days work and sit outside with a cigar enjoying the stars. It's actually one of my favorite memories with my Dad. We would sit outside for what seems like hours smoking cigars and well if you know my Dad listening to him and his stories. I figured why not make a poor man's hot tub. So I had Alex and his workers, build a BIG tub. It's 6'x4'x4'. Definitely bigger than the tub at home. As all projects seem to get more complicated as they proceed this was no different. The tub was easy to build but filling it was another issue. I had to install an new hot water heater. Now this sounds like a cost and it was, but I also realized the first time I tried to fill the tub that I could not see my hand just a few inches below the water line. Disgusting!!!!! The old heater was so rusted through that it simply poured out red water. I was wondering since I arrived in Kenya, why I always seemed to dirty. I'd take a shower and the water was brown at my feet with my funk. But now I realize I was actually taking a shower of rust. I don't know if this has any benefit to my skin but I am working to find that out.

I took my first bath the other night. FABULOUS!!!! Something about sitting under the African stars with my hookah pipe next to me was truly amazing. Only issue I had is that Julius, the Masai guard who watches my home every night, thought this was a great opportunity to chat. So here I am sitting in my tub, trying to relax and take in all that is a beautiful night, and Julius is sitting on the edge looking down at my naked ass and asking question after question. I like my ass and all but it did make a bit uncomfortable. Now that I think about it, maybe it's just the same as home. I had my Dad at home , now I have a Masai. So I guess who can really complain, I never knew my Dad would come back as an African :-)

Day of play for the Bodwell students

This past Friday the Bodwell students spent a half day with the Malaika kids and half with the kids at Good Shepherd children's home. It was truly a magical day. At the Malaika kids the students played the various educational games and bonded through play. The Malaika kids love having people around and bond so easily to strangers. Bodwell really adapted well in the situation, making connections so easily. We also had SEP that day working with some of the children, so Bodwell had a chance to watch very experienced special needs teachers work individually with the kids.

The second part of the day was at Good Shepherd. As you have seen in the previous posts, these kids also LOVE having people visit. We spent some time playing soccer of which turned into more of an adult game than for the kids. But they don't care, they just run around following the ball and giggling. Bodwell brought a bunch of kites of which the children absolutely loved. At first there was no wind so the kids would get the kite up by running as fast as they could through an open field. It was hilarious to watch, a group of children sprinting to keep a little kite up. Then the wind picked up and it really became an enjoyment for them. Watching their kites bounce around in the air. We also brought tons of art material and the two groups spent a long hour painting and drawing. Lots of Canadian flags of which I had to bite my tongue being the proud American. But hey who cares right? The kids loved it. They also were given a tour by Jane and the kids of their dormitories. Bodwell is also a live-in school and I think the conditions truly blew them away. So much we take for granted being priviledged and when you see conditions so polar to your experience, well it's heart breaking. But it's good for everyone to see. A great perspective making each of us appreciate what we do have and enabling us to help further.

What a fun day to watch. Most of the day I spent running kids back and forth in the car from the two facilities but that was a small price to pay for each group to have a once in a life time experience. Bodwell surely has made a mark on Maai Mahiu and I am humbled to have been part it.