Monday
Mar102008
Spring 2008 new update
March 10, 2008
With the post-election violence and unrest in Kenya at the forefront of the world’s attention, 2008 has proven to be a challenging year for the communities of East Africa. The Kenyan government and protesting parties have tentatively agreed to a power sharing agreement that has, for now, calmed protest and widespread violence. There have been signs of slow recovery in both the economy and security of the country. This gives hope. Recovery and healing are still a long way off, but the dire situation has certainly turned for the country. Prices for fuel and food remain at all time high levels, and transportation of people and goods is still sporadic in some places. This has resulted in both a sustained increase in the general cost of living for Kenyans and interruptions in businesses throughout the country.
For Staff of Hope, this has meant a delay in some projects and the need to supplement salaries of our Kenyan employees to ensure their ability to provide for themselves and their families. These challenges have also rededicated our staff, our supporters, and our Board as the fruits of our collective labors and the need for the hope we try to bring to this region has never been clearer.
Despite the interruption of business, the long awaited materials needed to complete the planned well have arrived. With the materials finally delivered, the well is complete and producing over 400 liters per day, more than enough to meet the demands of the clinic and the surrounding community. The clinic building itself has been completed, leaving the construction of an auxiliary building, the bathroom/septic system, and delivery of the furnishings and equipment remaining.
2008 has been a successful and joyous one for Oloile secondary school. Despite unrest, most of the students and all of the staff returned to start the school year in January. With the first class of Form 4 (senior) students, Oloile is running all grades, and well on it’s way to producing its first graduating class. In addition, two groups of Oloile students have distinguished themselves this spring by finishing in the top ten of nationwide competitions in debating and drama. These are great accomplishment that the entire school takes pride in. All of us are still in awe that only 18 months ago Oloile was a vacant plot of land in a near forgotten community. From these inauspicious beginnings has come an institution that has rallied the students, staff, community, and supporters to produce a proud and vibrant group of high achievers. This success has shown what is possible through the almighty, with even the most limited resources and time.
While the hardships are far from over, many people in the communities we serve remain optimistic. Despite the tenuous situation, it is their hope that gives us more reason than ever to continue this work. As always, we thank you for your support and ask that you continue to remember our brothers and sisters in Africa in prayer.
For Staff of Hope, this has meant a delay in some projects and the need to supplement salaries of our Kenyan employees to ensure their ability to provide for themselves and their families. These challenges have also rededicated our staff, our supporters, and our Board as the fruits of our collective labors and the need for the hope we try to bring to this region has never been clearer.
Karero
Despite the interruption of business, the long awaited materials needed to complete the planned well have arrived. With the materials finally delivered, the well is complete and producing over 400 liters per day, more than enough to meet the demands of the clinic and the surrounding community. The clinic building itself has been completed, leaving the construction of an auxiliary building, the bathroom/septic system, and delivery of the furnishings and equipment remaining.
Oloile
2008 has been a successful and joyous one for Oloile secondary school. Despite unrest, most of the students and all of the staff returned to start the school year in January. With the first class of Form 4 (senior) students, Oloile is running all grades, and well on it’s way to producing its first graduating class. In addition, two groups of Oloile students have distinguished themselves this spring by finishing in the top ten of nationwide competitions in debating and drama. These are great accomplishment that the entire school takes pride in. All of us are still in awe that only 18 months ago Oloile was a vacant plot of land in a near forgotten community. From these inauspicious beginnings has come an institution that has rallied the students, staff, community, and supporters to produce a proud and vibrant group of high achievers. This success has shown what is possible through the almighty, with even the most limited resources and time.
While the hardships are far from over, many people in the communities we serve remain optimistic. Despite the tenuous situation, it is their hope that gives us more reason than ever to continue this work. As always, we thank you for your support and ask that you continue to remember our brothers and sisters in Africa in prayer.
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