Author: Jenn Winter

A naturally curious and creative explorer, I aim to use my images and words to paint a story. I love big dogs, sunrise runs, being on the water and driving with the windows open. I've been sharing stories on here since 2008 and recently returned after a bit of a hiatus. I'm happy to be back, but really loathe writing these "about me" sections.

2013 Voluntourism Dates Announced!

Posted on by Jenn Winter

Great news! We’ve just announced the dates and itinerary for the 2013 Voluntourism trip! This is a fantastic opportunity to both see the beautiful land of Kenya and to serve. Be sure to check out trip details and feel free to contact us with any questions!

This trip is perfect for:

  • Families! We intentionally scheduled the trip between Summer Camps and the start of school so that families can participate. This is a fabulous and safe way to show your children another part of the world and for them to make lasting memories!
  • Teachers! Again, the scheduling of this trip allows teachers to be a part of it! More than half of the camp residents are children and we are seeking enthusiastic teachers to be a part of this experience!
  • Second time travelers! You may have gone on a safari in Kenya or another part of Africa, but this is a new experience for most travelers – even seasoned ones.
  • Professionals with limited time off! We pack a lot into this weeklong trip, this is a great way to both see and experience Kenya with just one week off of work.
  • Doctors! It’s a medical camp after all, your skills will certainly be put to use!

Eat So They Can – Kenya Distribution Rundown

Posted on by Jenn Winter

VICDA has worked with GVN (Global Volunteer Network) for several years and their relationship has evolved from a simple volunteer program into so much more.  Eat So They Can is a program that is run by GVN Foundation.  Money is raised from dinner parties that are hosted all around the world.  Teams are then sent to various countries where GVN is active and the funds are distributed in the form of food, medicine, building materials and other supplies.  Take a second to read about the recent distribution in Kenya that helped many of VICDA’s projects including Happy Life Children’s Home, Cheryl’s School, the IDP programs and Shelter Children’s Home.

Eat So They Can in Kenya!

Posted on by Jenn Winter

Contest winner’s from 2011’s Eat So They Can worldwide dinner party are now in Kenya distributing food and supplies with VICDA, GVN’s Kenyan partner.  Want to join them next year?  Host an Eat So They Can dinner to help raise funds for GVN Foundation’s many projects.  VICDA projects have benefitted greatly from this program ranging from school feeding programs to desks and text books.  Visit the Eat So They Can blog to read more!

Niamh, a volunteer at Happy Life

What’s more, GVN Foundation’s focus this month is KENYA!  GVN Foundation is partnering with Happy Life Children’s Home to bring attention to abandoned babies, a serious problem in Nairobi.  Stylish handbags are being sold through their website to benefit this fantastic project.  VICDA has been placing volunteers at Happy Life for several years and has a positive relationship with the organization.

Project Spotlight #1: Early Childhood Education in IDP Resettlement Camps

Posted on by Jenn Winter

In November and December 2011 VICDA helped to establish Early Childhood Education classes in five of the IDP resettlement camps.  These include Giwa Farm, Gitumba Farm, Ndatho Farm, Benjamin and Banita Farms.  Early Childhood Education targets children between the ages of two and a half and eight years old who are not able to walk far distances to the nearest Primary School facilities in their neighborhood.  VICDA also ensured that these established Early Childhood Education Centers in the camps had a feeding program for the first semester of school.  This porridge program will help keep children in school and will provide good nutrition and health.  Children who receive the porridge will be able to better concentrate on their studies.

Children at Giwa learn in their new classroom

The IDP’s who resettled at Giwa Farm first started a school for the young children at the camp.  Classes were held in a makeshift classroom, an old, abandoned structure that also housed goats and chickens. This environment was not a good one for learning.  What is more, the children did not have a toilet to use creating unsanitary conditions.  Through the support of partners and donors, VICDA has been able to successfully renovate one of the old structures into a classroom.  The structure also has an office for the teachers.  A kitchen has been built to assist in the porridge program and two toilets – one girls and one boys – have been constructed.

Children coming to learn at the school are between the ages of 2 and 6 years.  One more partner has generously supplied tables and chairs for the children.  The young children of Giwa will now be able to study comfortably in their new classroom!

The exterior of the renovated classroom at Giwa

If you would like to help VICDA with their Early Childhood projects in the IDP camps, please consider contributing to the feeding program.  VICDA is always looking for generous donors to contribute to their school feeding programs since nutrition and health are so important and, with rising food prices, it’s harder than ever for children in Kenya to eat well.  If you ware interested in the Giwa project specifically, we hope that you will consider the upcoming Voluntourism Trip.