Today, Monday September 24th, I sat looking out the window of my room where I am staying…a Cape Dutch style house built in the mid 1950’s, owned by very dear friends here in Kenya.  This beautiful old house has so much history in its past which adds to the mystique and charm that is so relaxing to me.  As I sat looking out the window, I am taken aback by the rich colors of the many exotic birds flying to the many colorful flowers that surround the house that is made a home by the love and friendship so freely given to our family throughout our many years in Kenya and continuing even now.  I watch as monkeys jump from limb to limb in the massive old trees covering the grounds. I see the dark clouds of a gentle rain rollover the hills toward me, listening to the sound of thunder echoing in the valley.  All this was in stark contrast to where I was this past Saturday.

I traveled from my temporary oasis home to visit our ACI Maasai Community Development Project of Kijiji, just 39 kilometers north of the Kenya – Tanzania border town of Namanga, Kenya.  Our project sits on a 20 acre plot of land that was sold by the Maasai family of Mzee Kali Kali to ACI’s Kenya partner Kijiji ya Sanaa Trust.  Experiencing drought conditions, and with no water, The Maasai families of this community send the young boys with all their animals on a 50 kilometer journey to find green grass and fresh water, while the young girls walk 5 kilometers each day for water to drink and cook with.  Although education is becoming more and more important to this community after ACI helped start the Billibo Community School this past January, the lack of water equates to over half of the school’s enrollment of 43 to be absent just to work to survive. 

The reforestation plan for the project has been severely hampered by the drought as the many trees planted since January have died due to the lack of water, not to mention the fact that herds of animals cut through the land in search for food and water and trample the few remaining struggling seedlings.  Reforestation is crucial to the survival of the ecosystem and to alleviating poverty in the area. 

There are a number of needs in this community.  A fence around the project property to prevent the animals from destroying the new trees and to provide security for the school is crucial.  Another need to community leaders voiced to me was water.  Both these items are very important for the long-term sustainability of this community, the school, and any future development at the project.  Additionally, the school building needs a cement floor to be installed.  A brick making machine was purchased by the trust to be used to put walls on the school, but without water to mix the mud, it has sat idle. 

The Maasai are a proud people and they have a wonderfully rich culture, but they are struggling with the hardships they are experiencing.  This particular Maasai community understands that they must adapt by educating their children in order for them to be able to succeed in this ever changing world which demands that people be educated in order to get jobs.  Having access to information is especially important and ACI is working with the trust and the community to provide this access using Information Communication Technologies (ICT’s) provided by broadband internet access along with the necessary training required to use the ICT’s.  This access would provide the community with eEducation, eMedicine,  eVeterinary, and eCommerce opportunities.  Yet, none of this is practical without local access to water.

A hydrologist report has already been done by the trust and all appropriate governmental permits have been issued for a well to be drilled.  Water is on the property, just 200 meters deep.  Estimates have been obtained for building the fence, drilling the well, and installing the floor for the school.  The costs for these items are as follows:

• The estimate of the stone fence is approximately $31,250.00 this is inclusive of Labor and Transport.
• The estimate for drilling the well is approximately $15,000.00 inclusive of everything.
• The estimate for the classroom floor and the sides inclusive of transport and labor is approximately $2,250.00.

There is a lot to be done to help this community to survive and ultimately thrive.  ACI will do its part to help raise these funds through developing partners who are willing to help.  Consider how you might be willing to be involved.

Well, it’s getting late.  I hope this report has opened your eyes to the need.  Thank you to all our supporters.  Your investment in making a positive difference in the lives of those who need your help is greatly appreciated.

Making a difference with you,

David Neely

President

ACI

It has been a very busy few days in Kenya.  Having arrived late this past Tuesday evening, there has been little opportunity to be concerned about the jet lag that my body is experiencing.  This Saturday, September 22nd, I will be traveling to visit ACI’s Maasai Community Development project near Namanga, Kenya.  I will be joined by board members of our Kenyan partner, Kijiji Ya Sanaa Trust.  We will be meeting with the village leadership, teachers and children attending Billibo Community School, and neighboring village representatives.  The purpose of this trip is that of an accountability review of the entire project, which includes the school, reforestation element, project property development, and the community’s sustainability efforts.  Additionally, I will be sharing pictures of the CAPS education container that was recently completed, and make plans with the trust & community leaders for the shipment of the CAPS education container in late 2013.

Although funding was offered by Kenya’s ambassador to the UN for my travel to Bungoma, Kenya to explore potential ACI involvement in the completion of a secondary school for handicapped children, plans have changed.  Due to my very tight meeting schedule this coming week, representatives of the school have agreed to travel to Nairobi to meet with me on Tuesday, September 25th.  This is a great first step in the potential ACI partnership with the school and local community in this border town of Kenya & Uganda. 

I will write more upon my Saturday trip, but until then remember to make a positive difference in your part of the world.

Blesssings,

David L. Neely