Having a chat with Governor of Mexico CityInaugurating the Photo Expo at the Conference
Having a chat with former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan
The last week of September 2014, Anahuac University, one of the most recognized private universities in Mexico because of the social impact, in its 50 anniversary developed an Internacional Social Commitment Congress, CICS, which had the goal to encourage young people to be the change makers the society needs
Key Note Speakers such as SG Kofi Annan, Dr. Patch Adams and Maickel Melamed from Venezuela, gave the 3 days that the Congress last, their testimony of how they had change the world and how young people can do it so.
In behalf of Kenyan international social organizations, Irene Wairimu was able to participate in the Cics in Mexico City to talk about her experience founding Vicda and how they had been changing the reality of Kenya and the way the world perceives Africa, offering them an integral opportunity to volunteer in Kenya.
One of the cultural activities that were part of the Cics was a photographic exhibition of the experience of being a volunteer in Kenya.
Where we print the emotions, feelings of each volunteer in this unique experience.
Made by Marco Perez and Joanne Joloy
“Nosotros hacemos lo posible… Y Dios lo imposible..”
We are so excited to share with you that Kimugul Primary School at Lemolo A is officially open and children are already there, busy learning!
At the end of July the Nakuru county governor, His Excellency Kinuthia Mbugua officially opened the school and celebrated with the community. In addition to his official duties, Governor Mbugua generously donated 400 school uniforms, sanitary towels for the girls, 500 tree seedlings and 40 bags of maize. These donations were a complete surprise to the people living at Lemolo A and, as you can imagine, the celebrations were joyous and full of thanksgiving.
VICDA would like to thank World Teacher Aid who made the construction of this school possible and who have changed the lives of the children in the Lemolo community. Thank you, also, to Governor Kinuthia Mbugua for his generosity and support.
Governor Mbugua, Irene Wairimu and a representative from World Teacher Aid celebrate the opening of the school.Donations from the governor.
Irene presents Christmas dinner and supplies to the families at Manjani Mingi
In mid-November Irene, VICDA’s founder and executive director, had a small request: to fundraise in order to provide Christmas dinners to the 331 families at Manjani Mingi IDP Camp. For about 450 Kenyan Shillings (about $5.50 USD) Irene hoped to purchase a half litre of cooking oil, a kilo of lentils, a packet of chapati flour and a few biscuits for the children for each IDP family in residence. She sent out this request, via email, to a couple of supporters around the world and each former volunteer and supporter worked to fundraise in their own corner of the globe.
The result was nothing short of a Christmas miracle! Irene’s original goal of raising 148,950 Kenyan Shillings (about $1860 USD) to feed the 331 families was completely crushed when nearly 300,000 Kenyan Shillings (about $4,000 USD) of support came in! With the money raised over 700 families at Manjani Minig, Lemolo A and Lemolo B were able to celebrate Christmas this year. For many of these residents, they haven’t been able to celebrate Christmas since 2007, several of the children in the community have absolutely no memory of Christmas celebrations.
A note from Irene, sent out Christmas morning to donors along with several photographs:
Hello VICDA Partners and Friends,
Thank you for embracing the appeal made for Christmas celebrations for the families at Lemolo. Thank you again for entrusting me and VICDA team with your finances.
You have remained very precious and dear to us and your Chrismas gifts have been overwhelming. You gave more than we expected for and due to your giving all the 700 families (4,700 persons) will joyously be celebrating their Christmas. Apart from your kind and cash donations for the foods and clothing; we also received two special Christmas gifts from two of the donors which mean a lot to the Lemolo families. They donated cash for building of a pre-school (attached pics of ongoing pre-school construction) and piping of water for both Lemolo A and B. Some of you also decided to donate your cash towards Christmas gifts for the children homes in VICDA’s program; I am so much overwhelmed with your commitments and support towards VICDA work.
I started a journey and you took the risk of following me not being sure where I will lead you to. Thank you for remaining faithful towards your giving and you make things happen. As you celebrate your Christmas holidays please take good care of yourself and do not compromise your joy/happiness for anything.
Happy Holidays – Enjoy your Christmas and Happy New Year.
Please find the attached photos of your Christmas gifts.
Thank you.
Irene and VICDA Team.
It’s amazing what can happen when people come together from all over the world with a common goal. Christmas wishes from sunny Australia, snowy USA and nearby Nairobi were all felt at Manjani Mingi. On behalf of VICDA, thank you to all who donated to make this the merriest of Christmases for these 700 families. And a special thank you to the kind donors who are piping water to the camp and constructing the preschool at Lemolo. These are gifts that will be appreciated for generations to come!
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!
Please take a few minutes to check out this video account of World Teacher Aid’s visit to Kenya in 2011. World Teacher Aid worked with VICDA to construct a beautiful 8 room elementary school house at the IDP Camp in Rongai which serves more than 600 children. They have continued their work with VICDA and will soon open a high school in the same area. The video is posted in 3 parts:
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.
VICDA 