Has Kibaki neglected the needs of the people in Western Kenya as Orwa Ojode claims? Ojode neglected the post of Environmental Minister on the basis the there was not enough representation from Nyanza Province. Can this be tied to the fact that Nyanza Province was an 'Orange' (No) region?
Read more here
Thursday, December 08, 2005
POLITICS: Kibaki Chooses New Cabinet
President Mwai Kabiki released the names of those he had appointed to his cabinet in an address to the nation on Wednesday, December 7th, 2005.
"...As I said in my statement to you following the results, the people made their decision, which would be honoured by my government.
I am aware that although most voters rejected the proposed draft, the desire for a new constitution is still strong among Kenyans.
My Government is committed to achieving this objective, and will facilitate dialogue and consultations to lay the foundation for a legal framework for a new constitution. I take this opportunity to wish all those appointed the best of luck in their new assignments.
And I wish to remind them that they have been entrusted with a heavy national responsibility, so they must always be guided by the desire to place the nation above self..."
To read the speech, click here
Some of the key posts can be found here
"...As I said in my statement to you following the results, the people made their decision, which would be honoured by my government.
I am aware that although most voters rejected the proposed draft, the desire for a new constitution is still strong among Kenyans.
My Government is committed to achieving this objective, and will facilitate dialogue and consultations to lay the foundation for a legal framework for a new constitution. I take this opportunity to wish all those appointed the best of luck in their new assignments.
And I wish to remind them that they have been entrusted with a heavy national responsibility, so they must always be guided by the desire to place the nation above self..."
To read the speech, click here
Some of the key posts can be found here
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Earthquake felt in Kenya
A tremor (6.8 on the Richter Scale) in Tanzania is felt in several cities in Kenya including Kisumu..
HEALTH: HIV/AIDS Still Prevalent in Western Province
NACC noted in its 2000-2005 HIV/AIDS strategic plan, however, "Successful IEC interventions for behaviour change are complicated by the fact that matters of human sexuality are closely tied to traditional beliefs and cultural practices...
In no other place in Kenya, perhaps, is this demonstrated as strongly as in Nyanza province in western region...
The province - with an average HIV/AIDS infection rate of 14.7 percent - continues to face a crisis and offers a lesson in the role culture and tradition play in the transmission of the HIV virus...
In villages surrounding Kenya's Lake Victoria, the pandemic continues to wreak havoc, awareness levels remain relatively low, traditions that facilitate the transmission of HIV persist, and medical facilities are too far away for many of those desperate for help...
In no other place in Kenya, perhaps, is this demonstrated as strongly as in Nyanza province in western region...
The province - with an average HIV/AIDS infection rate of 14.7 percent - continues to face a crisis and offers a lesson in the role culture and tradition play in the transmission of the HIV virus...
In villages surrounding Kenya's Lake Victoria, the pandemic continues to wreak havoc, awareness levels remain relatively low, traditions that facilitate the transmission of HIV persist, and medical facilities are too far away for many of those desperate for help...
Sunday, November 27, 2005
SPORT: Dennis Oliech Reaches Europe
With the four year signing of Dennis Oliech, French Ligue 1 side FC Nantes president Jean-Luc Gripond succeeded in achieving his number one target.
The club had attempted to sign Oliech during the summer transfer window but failed after Oliech’s Qatari Club Al Arabi failed to agree terms despite the player's interest in joining the French side.
The club had attempted to sign Oliech during the summer transfer window but failed after Oliech’s Qatari Club Al Arabi failed to agree terms despite the player's interest in joining the French side.
POLITICS: President Kibaki Sacks Government
Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki moved quickly to reassert his political authority by sacking his government after a humiliating defeat in a referendum on a new constitution.
In an unprecedented move, Kibaki said on Wednesday night he wanted to reorganise and unite his cabinet, which has hardly met in the last three months and has been too divided to pass much-needed reforms.
Analysts said the resounding rejection of the proposed constitution in Monday's historic poll was a vote of no confidence in Kibaki's government and he had no option but to show he still runs the country.
"He had to make sure that people know that he is in charge. People have said they are not satisfied with the pace of reforms because of the infighting in his cabinet," said Arun Devani, chairman of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers.
In an unprecedented move, Kibaki said on Wednesday night he wanted to reorganise and unite his cabinet, which has hardly met in the last three months and has been too divided to pass much-needed reforms.
Analysts said the resounding rejection of the proposed constitution in Monday's historic poll was a vote of no confidence in Kibaki's government and he had no option but to show he still runs the country.
"He had to make sure that people know that he is in charge. People have said they are not satisfied with the pace of reforms because of the infighting in his cabinet," said Arun Devani, chairman of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers.
POLITICS: KENYA (and Sagam) SAYS 'NO'
Kenyans have decisively rejected a proposed constitution that was put to a referendum on Monday. A dejected President Mwai Kibaki said in a televised address Tuesday, "This is a giant step towards enhancing democracy. My government will respect the verdict of the people."
According to figures released by the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK), 3,548,477 people voted against the new constitution (57 percent of those who cast ballots), while 2,532, 918 came out in favour of it.
"This vote has clearly shown that many Kenyans have rejected the proposed constitution," Kibaki said....
According to figures released by the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK), 3,548,477 people voted against the new constitution (57 percent of those who cast ballots), while 2,532, 918 came out in favour of it.
"This vote has clearly shown that many Kenyans have rejected the proposed constitution," Kibaki said....
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
PROGRESS REPORT: RABUOR - SINAGA AREA (RSA) DEVELOPMENT TRUST (RSA-DT) MEETING-26TH OCTOBER 2005
In attendance
1. Ambrose Rachier - Chairman
2. Mr. Goeffrey Ochieng'
3. Mr. Samuel O. Siguru
4. Mr. Walter Odallo
5. Mrs. Regina Opundo
6. Mr. Charles Ooro
7. Mr. George A. Omollo
8. Mr. Ombaka Ogolla
9. Mr. Maurice A. Sogo
10. Mr. Odaga Masime
11. Mr. Godfrey Nyandera Abwao
12. Mr. Owit Ogos
13. Mr. Awiti Nyan'gao
Apologies: -
Eng. A. O. Rogo
Mr. John N. Otiende
Mr. Isaya Omondi Aruwa
Mrs. Margaret Radier
Mr. Edward Achola
The meeting started at 5.55 p.m.with a word of prayer from Mrs. Regina Opundo.
Thereafter the agenda for the day were adopted as follows: -
Perusal of Minutes of last meeting
Matters arising from those minutes
Report on Progress of various development Projects and any new development projects
Arrangement for the Education Harambee of 28th October 2005 at All Saints Cathedral Hall.
AOB
1. RABUOR SINAGA AREA (RSA) COMMUNITY WATER PROJECT
1.1 Funding
UNESCO
UNESCO experts were still studying the report compiled through UNESCO funding, and there are high hopes that once the report is accepted, UNESCO could consider further funding to the water project.
LAKE VICTORIA WATER SERVICES BOARD (LVSWSB)
The Lake Victoria South Water Service Board senior staff attended the RSA Community Water Project Phase II launching ceremony on 19/10/05 at Sagam Primary School. The ceremony was to commence the second phase of the water project that is funded by the National Water Trust Fund (KNWTF). They will finance the second phase to the tune of Kshs.8.6 million that will enable putting up of more water kiosks, additional pumping unit at Jordan and improve general water services to the RSA. Those who attended the ceremony included Engineers & technical staff from the Ministry of Water Resources, RSA Community Water Project chairperson with her team, the DO Yala, the Chief, Assistant Chief Marenyo Sub location and also in attendance was RSA D.T. Secretary Eng. A. O. Rogo.
LAKE VICTORIA SOURTH WATER SERVICES BOARD (LVSWSB)
RSA Community Water Project Committee should urgently follow-up from LVEMP as they had previously supported the project and they are still willing to do so. LVEMP offices and contacts are now based in Kisumu and RSA Water Committee should have no problem in directly following up this issue.
1.2 PROGRESS
The work on phase II of the project has already started and RSA Community Water Committee is directly supervising and co-ordinating this activities. The committee has set out priorities and should be able to work closely with the Ministry of Water staffs that are the technical advisers for the project.
2. ROADS
Roads in RSA are deteriorating very fat due to lack of routine maintenance. The RSA-DT members and RSA Residents are requested be more serious on the Road Levy Voluntary funds which are collected monthly. At the same time CDF and DRC are being perused to provide more funding for RSA Roads Network.
&n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; 3. ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY FOR RSA
The RSA-DT is actively following up the KPLC for the full completion of RSA (Phase II) Rural Electrification project and the implementation of Marenyo "Jirani" Electrification Scheme. The next meeting should be able to report effectively on this after further consultations with KPLC staffers.
3. TREE PLANTING IN RABUOR SINAGA AREA
There has been no much activities in these sectors, the RSA-DT members with Agricultural & Veterinary background should rise to the occasion and give something back to their community. There is a possibility for UNDP support in the provision of milk cooling/processing facility at Sagam. However this can only happen if followed up with UNDP offices in Nairobi. RSA DT members were also challenged to look for other avenues towards funding for the milk plant, which should include sourcing for an investor who could be interested in putting up a plant and help do the marketing for the milk produced locally.
4. SECURITY IN RABUOR SINAGA AREA (RSA)
Security has not improved and there are still cases of livestock & house burglaries. The RSA-DT Chairman Mr. Rachier is vigorously following up on the Gazettement of Sinaga Police base, Sagam A.P. Base and proposed Rabuor Patrol Base. He had done a write up to Lady Justice Angawa for possible discussions with the Police Commissioner. He would report on any progress in the next meeting.
5. EDUCATION OF BRIGHT CHILDREN IN RSA WITH PROBLEMS IN RAISING SCHOOL FEES
The above formed the main Agenda in the meeting in view of the harambee that was to be held on 28/10/05. RSA-DT members gave out contributions towards the harambee as below: -
No. Name Contributions
1. Ambrose Rachier 5000.00
2. Walter Odallo Ojwang' 3000.00
3. Samuel Otieno Siguru 3000.00
4. Ombaka Ogolla 3000.00
5. Geoffrey Ochieng' 3000.00
6 Henry Owit Ogos 3000.00 (cheque)
7. George Apiyo Omollo 2000.00
8. John Ngonga Otiende 2000.00
9. Regina Opundo 1000.00
10. Godfrey Nyandera Abwao 1000.00
Sub Total 26,000.00
Sei 1,500.00
Total 27,500.00
6. ACQUISITION OF PLOT FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
The meeting emphasized the need for more plots for community services. The one acquired at Sinaga was still a concern in that the transaction had not been completed though an official letter had been delivered to Ernest Were to give the position on what should be done for the transaction to be completed. The RSA-DT members felt that the land should be transferred as a matter of urgency to allow for any project allocation on it.
7. RABUOR SINAGA AREA COMMUNITY FUND (MICRO FINANCE)
The meeting sent an appeal to members of RSA who had not opened an account at the community Fund to do so as it was one way of alleviating poverty in the area. The fund needs to be supported fully because it offers small loans to the residents which intern makes them meet their small peasant business financial needs. Any funding towards the Community Fund would be welcomed and members were encouraged to look for possible funding.
8. RSA COMMUNITY POLYTECHNIC (MINDHINE)
Following the delay in completion of the CDF funded block at the polytechnic site. The meeting discussed at length of the way forward for this institutions, it was finally decided that the RSA-DT Chairman Mr. Rachier should urgently organize for an harambee at the Polytechnic site to enable to raise funds to put up a separate block thus RSA-DT Block at the polytechnic. The RSA-DT Block when put up would allow for the opening of the institution by early 2006 as had earlier been projected by the RSA-DT. As for the CDF Block, the Polytechnic Committee will handle with the relevant CDF organ though the speed is very low. The Polytechnic Committee was also reminded to be forwarding their periodical reports to the umbrella RSA-DT meetings.
9. RSA CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP (RSA - CDG)
The group that produces "Community Times" newsletters, had produces the 3rd Edition of Community Times that sold like hot cakes. There is however outsiders who have expressed willingness to be put on the subscription list. Mr. Sanya from Nyawara residing in Nairobi is one of those interested. Mr. J. M. Okinda should therefore take the challenge and get Mr. Sanya to see how he can subscribe to the newsletter.
10. TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES IN RSA
It was reported that line are available to RSA residents though they are not following up on these lines from Telecom personnel at Kisumu. The RSA-DT secretary Eng. Rogo discussed with a senior Telkom staff in Kisumu who told him that line are available to RSA residents who are interested in fixing telephone lines. RSA-DT members who applied were advised to follow up with Kisumu Telkom offices.
11. INSURANCE POLICY COVER FOR RSA - DT MEMBERS
All the RSA-DT members were encouraged to join the group scheme. The annual premium for the cover is Kshs.1550/-.
12. PROPOSAL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF RSA COORDINATION OFFICE
This was a matter that has always appeared in the minutes but has never been given the seriousness it deserves. The meeting was informed by the Treasurer that Mr. Otieno Siguru who is the Assistant Secretary has been spending his own money in preparation and circulation of the minutes. It was therefore decided that the next meeting should discuss on how to foot the expenses for running RSA-DT affairs.
13. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN RSA
The meeting encouraged the youth to take part in serious income generating programmes to uplift their living standards. They were equally asked to take advantage of the RSA Community Fund that could advance them money inform of loans to carry out farming and business activities.
14. END OF YEAR GET TOGETHER PARTY
There was need for the hosting of the get together party at the end of the year. The meeting asked for voluntary offers in hosting the party and Mr. Nyandera Abwao accepted to host the party at his home in Ahono Village. The meeting welcome contributions to the host towards the expenses for hosting to the party and the next meeting will take pledges towards footing the host expenses.
15. AOB
(i) Contributions towards RSA Community Harambee pledge was updated as below with a pledge from Dr. Khama Rogo of Kshs.3000/-.
1. Previous collections 3,100.00
2. 23/01/05 2,800.00
3. 21/05/05 4,500.00
4. 25/06/05 3,100.00
5. 23/07/05 1,900.00
6. 28/08/05 1,600.00
7. 30/10/05 1,000.00 (Cheque)
8. 30/10/05 200.00
Total 18,200.00
Pledges pending collection (Harambee)
1. Nelson Rogo 500.00
2. Elly Nyadwe 400.00
4. Regina Opundo 200.00
5. Charles Ooro 1000.00
6. J. M. Okinda 500.00
7. Charles J. Otieno 500.00
8. George Oluoch 500.00
9. Opiyo Obare 1000.00
10. Collins Masime 500.00
11. Florence Odera 1000.00
12. Lenny Ruvaga 1000.00
13. George A. Omollo 500.00
14. Dr.Khama Rogo 3000.00
Total pledges 10,600.00
The meeting emphasized the need for urgent payment by those who pledged contributions to assist work at the polytechnic that which is now stalled.
i) KTN cover on development projects that was already aired on news was a positive exposure for RSA Development. The chairman Mr. Rachier made arrangements for full record of the coverage on diskettes, DVD and VHS which is estimated to cost about Kshs.26, 000/-. The Chairman had already paid Kshs.6000/-, leaving a balance of Kshs.20, 000/-. The copies of the diskettes, DVD and VHS will be sold to RSA-DT members at a reasonable price when they are out.
ii) Mr. Charles Ooro offered free services of photocopying the RSA-DT minutes on monthly basis to reduce the cost of running the office.
16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next RSA meeting will be Saturday 26th November 2005 starting at 10.00 a.m. Venue, Reinsurance Plaza 7th Floor (Rachier & Amollo Advocates Offices) Nairobi.
Photo: RSADT committee members receiving donation of a computer for the village Microfinance Bank from Future Kids, a local NGO.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
POLITICS: Too Close To Home
An eight-year-old schoolboy was among three people killed as riots broke out when the Banana campaign went to Kisumu town...
We would like to express our condolences for the victims of the riots in Kisumu City on October 29th, 2005. Our prayers go out to their families.
In the period that is leading to the referendum vote on Kenya's constitution, we must exercise caution and realize that nothing is attained through violence. A message is never sent through such actions but lives are always lost.
Click here to read more on the developments stemming from the killings in Kisumu City.
We would like to express our condolences for the victims of the riots in Kisumu City on October 29th, 2005. Our prayers go out to their families.
In the period that is leading to the referendum vote on Kenya's constitution, we must exercise caution and realize that nothing is attained through violence. A message is never sent through such actions but lives are always lost.
Click here to read more on the developments stemming from the killings in Kisumu City.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
DEVELOPMENT: Kenya Reveals Poorest Regions
A report entitled 'Geographic Dimensions of Well-Being in Kenya: Who and Where Are The Poor' was released by the Kenyan Government this week. The report was conducted in conjunction with the World Bank.
The report maps poverty and inequality at the constituency level and gives poverty estimates for each administrative district, division, location and sub-location.
Nationally, 14.4 million Kenyans are now officially described as poor. Of them, 3.2 million live in Rift Valley; Nyanza has 2.7 million; Eastern 2.6 million; Western 2 million; Coast 1.4 million; Central 1.1 million; Nairobi 874,058; and North Eastern 507,305....
Click here to see the section of the report on Nyanza Province (PDF file).
The report maps poverty and inequality at the constituency level and gives poverty estimates for each administrative district, division, location and sub-location.
Nationally, 14.4 million Kenyans are now officially described as poor. Of them, 3.2 million live in Rift Valley; Nyanza has 2.7 million; Eastern 2.6 million; Western 2 million; Coast 1.4 million; Central 1.1 million; Nairobi 874,058; and North Eastern 507,305....
Click here to see the section of the report on Nyanza Province (PDF file).
Monday, October 31, 2005
EDUCATION: Kenya Sees Improvement
Kenya has seen an improvement in primary school level education with increased numbers of students and a decrease of drop out rates.
Are these changes also reflected in schools in the Sagam region?
Are these changes also reflected in schools in the Sagam region?
Thursday, October 27, 2005
POLITICS: SAGAM SAYS 'NO'
Attempts by Information Minister Raphael Tuju to campaign for a Yes vote in Nyanza were disrupted for the fourth day when he ran into a hostile crowd near Kisumu.....
While the noted article depicts the events in Rabuor, Nyondo, there was also word of similar events that occured in Sagam Village on October 26th. Minister Tuju arrived at Sagam Primary School on Wednesday via helicopter and was met with hostility by the residents of Sagam. Just like their counterparts in Rabuor, the people of Sagam and the neighbouring region support the Orange camp ('No' vote)in regards to the Constitutional referendum. An opinion poll released last week put the 'No' camp 10 percentage points ahead of the 'Yes' camp in the run-up to the November 21 vote.
While the noted article depicts the events in Rabuor, Nyondo, there was also word of similar events that occured in Sagam Village on October 26th. Minister Tuju arrived at Sagam Primary School on Wednesday via helicopter and was met with hostility by the residents of Sagam. Just like their counterparts in Rabuor, the people of Sagam and the neighbouring region support the Orange camp ('No' vote)in regards to the Constitutional referendum. An opinion poll released last week put the 'No' camp 10 percentage points ahead of the 'Yes' camp in the run-up to the November 21 vote.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
EDUCATION: KCSE Secondary Exams Begin
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (KCSE) level examinations have begun. These examinations will mark the end of the current KCSE syllabus. We wish the students at Sagam Mixed Secondary and Sinaga Girls High School all the best in their examinations...
Photo: Students at Sinaga Girls High School
DEVELOPMENT: GSK to Boost HIV/Aids Healthcare
Multinational drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced a multimillion-dollar programme to improve HIV/AIDS treatment at 60 facilities in Kenya...
Photo: Sagam Hospital offers VCT services
Monday, October 17, 2005
Training HIV/AIDS orphans in sub-Saharan Africa
Interesting article on an effort to improve the lives of HIV/AIDS orphans in Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia...
Sunday, October 16, 2005
SAGAM PICTORIAL
Photos:
From the top: Members of the Yaw Pachi Women's group during a walk through the village; A typical homestead in the village; Sinaga Girls High School students during a performance; Customers wait at the local bank; Man hauls produce on his bicycle (a major means of transportation of goods in the village) after a hard day's work; A young man digging a trench as part of his contribution to the water project; Collection of water; District Commissioner and chiefs addressing a meeting in the village; Rotarians visit Sagam Hospital; One of the many streams flowing through the village; Sagam Mixed Secondary School students relaxing during a break.
From the top: Members of the Yaw Pachi Women's group during a walk through the village; A typical homestead in the village; Sinaga Girls High School students during a performance; Customers wait at the local bank; Man hauls produce on his bicycle (a major means of transportation of goods in the village) after a hard day's work; A young man digging a trench as part of his contribution to the water project; Collection of water; District Commissioner and chiefs addressing a meeting in the village; Rotarians visit Sagam Hospital; One of the many streams flowing through the village; Sagam Mixed Secondary School students relaxing during a break.
Friday, September 30, 2005
"Women break new ground in rural media"
"Women break new ground in rural media"
Any potential application to Sagam?
Any potential application to Sagam?
Thursday, September 29, 2005
North Carolina and Kenya
North Carolina and Kenya
I do not know this person, but it seemed to be worth adding here. He seems to have done some very good things and I will try to reach him.
I do not know this person, but it seemed to be worth adding here. He seems to have done some very good things and I will try to reach him.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
"Success in Haiti - one program at a time"
"Success in Haiti - one program at a time"
This article from the Christian Science Monitor, dealing with a successful program in Haiti, may be of interest to the Sagam community.
This article from the Christian Science Monitor, dealing with a successful program in Haiti, may be of interest to the Sagam community.
Investment Policy Review
Investment Policy Review
This is an advance copy of the UNCTAD - United Nations Conference on Trade and Development - report on Kenya.
When I see something like this 126 page report, I wonder how all of us can do a better job of relating it to Sagam. Surely, there must be a way to make this more relevant and meaningful? And, most important, a way for the Sagam community, constructively, to voice its various opinions.
There is no easy way to solve this problem, but the technology is at least making it easier to get to material like this and to share it with others. Now we need to learn better how to offer our views to people who are willing to listen. That is a challenge every community in the world now faces, and few are better positioned than is Sagam to show the world how to make it happen!
This is an advance copy of the UNCTAD - United Nations Conference on Trade and Development - report on Kenya.
When I see something like this 126 page report, I wonder how all of us can do a better job of relating it to Sagam. Surely, there must be a way to make this more relevant and meaningful? And, most important, a way for the Sagam community, constructively, to voice its various opinions.
There is no easy way to solve this problem, but the technology is at least making it easier to get to material like this and to share it with others. Now we need to learn better how to offer our views to people who are willing to listen. That is a challenge every community in the world now faces, and few are better positioned than is Sagam to show the world how to make it happen!
Monday, September 26, 2005
"The Millennium Villages - A New Approach to Fighting Poverty in Africa"
"The Millennium Villages - A New Approach to Fighting Poverty in Africa"
This may be of interest to the Sagam community. It may be worth considering how Sagam can better compare itself with Sauri. There is no reason for one village to get all the attention!
This may be of interest to the Sagam community. It may be worth considering how Sagam can better compare itself with Sauri. There is no reason for one village to get all the attention!
Friday, September 23, 2005
"Africa Animated!"
"Africa Animated!"
A UNESCO program in East Africa that may be of interest to younger members of the Sagam community.
A UNESCO program in East Africa that may be of interest to younger members of the Sagam community.
ECOSANDALS: Home - Akala,Sandals,Footwear
ECOSANDALS: Home - Akala,Sandals,Footwear
This may be of interest to the Sagam community. I just sent a note to the ceo who attended the same university as I.
This may be of interest to the Sagam community. I just sent a note to the ceo who attended the same university as I.
Angelina and Jeff's Excellent Ideas
Angelina and Jeff's Excellent Ideas
My guess is that many in the Sagam community will be supportive of the idea behind this editorial from The New York Times a few days ago. It would just be good to substitute Sagam for Sauri, right?
My guess is that many in the Sagam community will be supportive of the idea behind this editorial from The New York Times a few days ago. It would just be good to substitute Sagam for Sauri, right?
Thursday, September 22, 2005
The Search for Identity
Kenya is not a country without culture. With so many ethnic groups and languages, culture in Kenya is vibrant and eclectic. However, is there a lack of a distinct and wholesome 'Kenyan culture'?
In the summer of 2004, Kenya launched a competition to decide its national dress. Aside from the distictive clothing of the Maasai and Turkana, the government decided that Kenya, as a whole, did not have its own dress. One year later after the winning design was announced, it has proved unpopular among most Kenyans.
What do the people of Sagam think of the national dress and would they wear it? Should we try to establish a uniform culture or just remain within the customs of our own ethnic groups?
Photos of the winning design can be seen at the official website of the Kenyan National Dress
EDUCATION: Kenya receives Sh37m for Girls' Education
The US Government donated Sh37.5 million in scholarships for 2,500 girls in primary and secondary schools in the country.
Read more here.
Troubled genius: The Dennis Oliech saga
Football is very popular in Kenya as well as in Sagam as it is the sport every small boy dreams of playing and succeeding in. (In fact, there are contributors on this board that may admit to their dabbling in professional football in their younger days....)
Although Kenya has not had a lot of success in the international scene, Kenyans still dream of the day when we will make the World Cup. Perhaps talented striker Dennis Oliech could lead us there....
This is the interesting story of Dennis Oliech, one of Kenya's rising football stars...
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
COMMUNICATIONS: "Eco-friendly radio station started in Wales"
COMMUNICATIONS: "Eco-friendly radio station started in Wales"
Does this have any potential application to Sagam?
Does this have any potential application to Sagam?
Sunday, September 18, 2005
DEVELOPMENT: Barack OBAMA and "Constant Gardener"
DEVELOPMENT: Barack OBAMA and "Constant Gardener"
I, too, have now seen the film, "Constant Gardener". See this earlier post here. As a non-Kenyan, I found it to be a great story, and one that should serve as a wonderful conversation started between Sagam Village and others. Members of the Sagam community may be interested in reading the comments from 31 readers (as of this post) of The New York Times about the movie. (As an aside, wouldn't it be marvelous to connect the readers of The Times with readers of the Nation and the Standard with one another to talk about the movie?)
In the title, above, I have included Senator Orack OBAMA, probably the best known son of Kenya in the US today. He has been outspoken in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina tragedy here in the U.S. I heard him today on televsion talking about his view that the poor people who have been most affected by the hurricane are both black and white, and the need to confront poverty regardless of the color of one's skin.
The confluence of the film and the Senator opens up opportunities for new and important links to be constructed between out two countries, and I want to do all that I can to be of service in including Sagam near to the center of that opportunity.
I, too, have now seen the film, "Constant Gardener". See this earlier post here. As a non-Kenyan, I found it to be a great story, and one that should serve as a wonderful conversation started between Sagam Village and others. Members of the Sagam community may be interested in reading the comments from 31 readers (as of this post) of The New York Times about the movie. (As an aside, wouldn't it be marvelous to connect the readers of The Times with readers of the Nation and the Standard with one another to talk about the movie?)
In the title, above, I have included Senator Orack OBAMA, probably the best known son of Kenya in the US today. He has been outspoken in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina tragedy here in the U.S. I heard him today on televsion talking about his view that the poor people who have been most affected by the hurricane are both black and white, and the need to confront poverty regardless of the color of one's skin.
The confluence of the film and the Senator opens up opportunities for new and important links to be constructed between out two countries, and I want to do all that I can to be of service in including Sagam near to the center of that opportunity.
Friday, September 16, 2005
COMMUNICATIONS: Afghan village mirrors national plight
COMMUNICATIONS: Afghan village mirrors national plight
This is the story of a BBC reporter's day spent in an Afghan village. He brought an internet connection and many questions with him.
Does this suggest any ideas for Sagam Village?
There are more relevant links to this Afghan story here.
This is the story of a BBC reporter's day spent in an Afghan village. He brought an internet connection and many questions with him.
Does this suggest any ideas for Sagam Village?
There are more relevant links to this Afghan story here.
DEVELOPMENT: "$100,000 Development Gateway Award Goes to India’s eChoupal"
DEVELOPMENT: "$100,000 Development Gateway Award Goes to India’s eChoupal"
The Sagam community may find both this award and its recipient to be of interest.
The Sagam community may find both this award and its recipient to be of interest.
"Aid workers lament rise of 'development pornography'"
"Aid workers lament rise of 'development pornography'"
This is a link to the Monaco Media Forum blog, and I would be most interested in the reaction of the Sagam community to the article linked from that blog. Feel free to offer your comments here on Sagam blog, or on the Forum blog, or both!
It is an important issue and I, for one, am at least as interested in what the people of Sagam think of this as I am what media professionals believe.
This is a link to the Monaco Media Forum blog, and I would be most interested in the reaction of the Sagam community to the article linked from that blog. Feel free to offer your comments here on Sagam blog, or on the Forum blog, or both!
It is an important issue and I, for one, am at least as interested in what the people of Sagam think of this as I am what media professionals believe.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
"How to make poverty history: the central role of local organisations in meeting the MDGs"
"How to make poverty history: the central role of local organisations in meeting the MDGs"
Some of these essays may have some bearing on Sagam thinking about the Millennium Development Goals. Note that the entire book is accessible from this site.
Some of these essays may have some bearing on Sagam thinking about the Millennium Development Goals. Note that the entire book is accessible from this site.
Monday, September 12, 2005
"Malaria Fight In Africa Needs Better Donor Coordination And More Financial Help, Says World Bank Chief"
"Malaria Fight In Africa Needs Better Donor Coordination And More Financial Help, Says World Bank Chief"
This press release reports on a new World Bank program to combat malaria in 17 countries. The release says that the Bank will be talking with the Kenyan government, among other countries.
The people of the Sagam community have an opportunity to speak up and say what they think the World Bank should do to help them deal with the sourge of malearia.
This press release reports on a new World Bank program to combat malaria in 17 countries. The release says that the Bank will be talking with the Kenyan government, among other countries.
The people of the Sagam community have an opportunity to speak up and say what they think the World Bank should do to help them deal with the sourge of malearia.
Friday, September 09, 2005
DEVELOPMENT: UNDP Human Development Report: International cooperation at a crossroads
Click on the link to gain access to part of the report and the rankings at the website for the United Nations Development Programme. (The report is in PDF format and consists of 328 pages. The ranking is from pages 219 to 222).
"The Human Development Report 2005 spells out much of what is at stake in the negotiations on the draft outcome document for next week's World Summit . . . This Report shows that, with boldness and vision from all, 2005 can be the year in which the international community sets out, with the determination and resources necessary, to free millions from poverty, save millions of lives, and build a world that is freer, fairer and safer for all its inhabitants. I urge Member State to heed this timely message, and to use next week's Summit to launch us on a global effort to make this vision a reality. And I commend the ideas and analysis in this report to all citizens, civic organizations, Governments, parliaments and international bodies who are working to achieve the Millennium Development Goals." - Secretary-General Kofi Annan (09/07/2005)
DEVELOPMENT: Kenya's poverty 'not a surprise'
Kenya's poverty 'not a surprise'
It would add tremendously to this discouraging BBC story to have a Sagam response/comment! Here is the Nation's response. See the previous post, as well as this cartoon http://www.eastandard.net/cartoon.php?topic=19&img_topic=19.
It would add tremendously to this discouraging BBC story to have a Sagam response/comment! Here is the Nation's response. See the previous post, as well as this cartoon http://www.eastandard.net/cartoon.php?topic=19&img_topic=19.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
HEALTH: OWASA considers bold initiative on water
HEALTH: OWASA considers bold initiative on water
I hope the attached will be of interest to people in the Sagam community. It is a proposal to our local water authority here in North Carolina to take a more global approach to water issues, including bottled water. If anyone in the community has any comments or reactions, I would be happy to be sure that they are communicated to the water authority.
Following the posting of this link, the Board of the water authority met (on 8 Sep 2005) and here is a preliminary summary of their action on this item:
"The Board discussed a petition regarding OWASA tap water and commercial bottled water, and directed staff to draft an action plan for informing customers about tap water and bottled water. This item will receive further discussion in an upcoming Board meeting."
Here is the story of the OWASA Board's action as reported in the local News and Observer.
I will try to keep the Sagam community posted on further developments.
I hope the attached will be of interest to people in the Sagam community. It is a proposal to our local water authority here in North Carolina to take a more global approach to water issues, including bottled water. If anyone in the community has any comments or reactions, I would be happy to be sure that they are communicated to the water authority.
Following the posting of this link, the Board of the water authority met (on 8 Sep 2005) and here is a preliminary summary of their action on this item:
"The Board discussed a petition regarding OWASA tap water and commercial bottled water, and directed staff to draft an action plan for informing customers about tap water and bottled water. This item will receive further discussion in an upcoming Board meeting."
Here is the story of the OWASA Board's action as reported in the local News and Observer.
I will try to keep the Sagam community posted on further developments.
Malaria: An Everyday Story Making Headlines in Nigeria
Malaria: An Everyday Story Making Headlines in Nigeria
This story about journalism training in Nigeria might have some applicaiton in Kenya. Suppose Sagam were to propose a Kisumu-based training program similar to this one that could include a day in Sagam Village as part of the program? Or some other variation on this idea.....
This story about journalism training in Nigeria might have some applicaiton in Kenya. Suppose Sagam were to propose a Kisumu-based training program similar to this one that could include a day in Sagam Village as part of the program? Or some other variation on this idea.....
Sunday, September 04, 2005
DEVELOPMENT: Why my heart bleeds for Dandora
DEVELOPMENT: Why my heart bleeds for Dandora
J.M OKINDA sent this story to me from Nairobi and asked me to post it. He is part of the Sagam Village family and is attending a conference.
---
[In part one of this feature, John Okinda takes you through a journey to Dandora dumpsite where he discovers the level of neglect and extent of pollution. He shares wit the fears that visitors to site harbour as they dare to explore Nairobi’s biggest and oldest dump-site.]
The mere mention of the name Dandora sends chilling cold down the spines of many people.It is a place that has been associated with freelance lifestyle, crime, idleness and all manner of lawlessness.
Our journey to this feared and dreaded part of the city begins early noon. Earlier in the day, the tour organizers had warned us of the lurking dangers associated with the dumpsite. We are warned that we need to take caution with our cameras and other gadgets. They even recount to us a case where a ‘a mkamba’ boy on a similar kind of a trip lost track in the vast dump-site and had to be rescued by a local volunteers.
Armed with these warnings and chilly media records of what goes on at Dandora, we set to explore and witness for ourselves. The journey to Dandora from Nairobi dam takes off in earnest. On our way, we come face to face with trucks loaded with garbage en route to the dump-site. The stench that fills the air provides us with a small dose of what to expect at the site.
As we enter Dandora estate, we can’t help notice groups of idle youth taking sluggish walks along the littered streets. Others are crowded in front of shops either smoking or chewing khat.
We are finally at Dandora dampsite. Instantly, life seems to come to a standstill for us. We take a while before we embark from our van. We ensure all the windows are properly shut, we can’t leave anything to chance here. By this time, we wished we had carried some form of air filters. We are literally choking from the foul emission from the site. The air is smoky and heavy.
We gather some amount of courage and venture a few meters into the dump-site as our curiosity to witness the happenings first hand. We are cautious not to venture deep into the site for security reasons. By this time, the smell of lifelessness fills the air. The expanse of the site is breathtaking.
Just twenty meters away from where I’m standing, a group of unkempt, shrunken and haggard looking men, children and women scavenge through the wastes for either food or other products.
But wait until ‘fresh’ garbage arrives. You are treated to a spectacular scene of man and animal accommodating each other as they search for food remains. There is frenzy of activity as both animals and humans try to gather as much food as they can.
At the site, you come across all manner of garbage. Mounds of waste paper, broken bottles, plastics, hospital wastes, industrial wastes, dead animals and many.
The scavengers on the other hand don’t seem to be bothered by the foul stench emitted from the garbage site. “I have lived with the smell for the last 18 years” offers Mwangi.
As we become easy with the dump-site environment, curious onlookers and idlers begin to mingle around us. From far, they look friendly though fierce. We are a bit unsettled because of the security of the expensive video cameras, still cameras, binoculars and phones we are carrying.
We nonetheless brave ourselves and engage a few scavengers on a lively discussion, with the selfish hope that they might defend us from harassment or robbery from the site roamers.
I edge closer to a woman in her mid twenties. She’s collecting green polythene bags. I greet her but she shies off before I could ask her anything. My attempt to have a chat with her bears no fruit as she suddenly dashes and disappears in the huge mound of garbage a few meters away. A scavenger then offers to tell me that the woman who had just dashed away collects polythene bags, which she sells at a nearby recycling factory. Many dumpsite residents do the same. The wastes fetch two shillings per kilo. On average, polythene scavengers take home an average of shs.100 per day.
It’s time for us to leave the dump-site. It’s been a grueling two hours of difficult interaction with the dump-site community and the surrounding. But I have learnt useful lessons and made interesting discoveries.
The most important lesson I learnt was the huge number of dump-site dependants for livelihood, both humans, wild and domestic animals. You and I may probably call for the relocation of the dump-site, but to the dump-site community, that would be wishful thinking. They were born, breed, socialized, live and depend on the dump-site for their lives. To them, ‘no dump-site, no life’.
The dump-site community rely on it for various needs. There are those who scavenge for food, regardless of its state, as long as it is food. Others come for anything recyclable-bones, plastics, paper, bottles etc. Because of its expanse, criminals have been known to use it as a hideout.
The environmental and health implications of the dump-site are enormous and goes beyond your wildest imagination. Watching little kids of four years search for food from the site makes you feel like shading tears. Scavenging the site without any protective gear expose the scavengers to various degrees of bruises and injuries from broken glass, needles and sharp metals from medical wastes. This exposure may lead to contracting of all manner of diseases and infections.
Because of low level of income, most scavengers cannot afford quality and adequate healthcare. They end up with untreated ailments, which reduce their life expectancy with a huge margin.
It’s a harsh world to live in. It’s competition for food and valuable resources. Here, the winner takes it all. The saying of ‘ the earliest bird catches the worm’ applies here. Humans fight and struggle with animals for food. It is a place nobody cares what goes on. It is as neglected and shunned by the locals the same way it is feared by the outsiders.
J.M OKINDA sent this story to me from Nairobi and asked me to post it. He is part of the Sagam Village family and is attending a conference.
---
[In part one of this feature, John Okinda takes you through a journey to Dandora dumpsite where he discovers the level of neglect and extent of pollution. He shares wit the fears that visitors to site harbour as they dare to explore Nairobi’s biggest and oldest dump-site.]
The mere mention of the name Dandora sends chilling cold down the spines of many people.It is a place that has been associated with freelance lifestyle, crime, idleness and all manner of lawlessness.
Our journey to this feared and dreaded part of the city begins early noon. Earlier in the day, the tour organizers had warned us of the lurking dangers associated with the dumpsite. We are warned that we need to take caution with our cameras and other gadgets. They even recount to us a case where a ‘a mkamba’ boy on a similar kind of a trip lost track in the vast dump-site and had to be rescued by a local volunteers.
Armed with these warnings and chilly media records of what goes on at Dandora, we set to explore and witness for ourselves. The journey to Dandora from Nairobi dam takes off in earnest. On our way, we come face to face with trucks loaded with garbage en route to the dump-site. The stench that fills the air provides us with a small dose of what to expect at the site.
As we enter Dandora estate, we can’t help notice groups of idle youth taking sluggish walks along the littered streets. Others are crowded in front of shops either smoking or chewing khat.
We are finally at Dandora dampsite. Instantly, life seems to come to a standstill for us. We take a while before we embark from our van. We ensure all the windows are properly shut, we can’t leave anything to chance here. By this time, we wished we had carried some form of air filters. We are literally choking from the foul emission from the site. The air is smoky and heavy.
We gather some amount of courage and venture a few meters into the dump-site as our curiosity to witness the happenings first hand. We are cautious not to venture deep into the site for security reasons. By this time, the smell of lifelessness fills the air. The expanse of the site is breathtaking.
Just twenty meters away from where I’m standing, a group of unkempt, shrunken and haggard looking men, children and women scavenge through the wastes for either food or other products.
But wait until ‘fresh’ garbage arrives. You are treated to a spectacular scene of man and animal accommodating each other as they search for food remains. There is frenzy of activity as both animals and humans try to gather as much food as they can.
At the site, you come across all manner of garbage. Mounds of waste paper, broken bottles, plastics, hospital wastes, industrial wastes, dead animals and many.
The scavengers on the other hand don’t seem to be bothered by the foul stench emitted from the garbage site. “I have lived with the smell for the last 18 years” offers Mwangi.
As we become easy with the dump-site environment, curious onlookers and idlers begin to mingle around us. From far, they look friendly though fierce. We are a bit unsettled because of the security of the expensive video cameras, still cameras, binoculars and phones we are carrying.
We nonetheless brave ourselves and engage a few scavengers on a lively discussion, with the selfish hope that they might defend us from harassment or robbery from the site roamers.
I edge closer to a woman in her mid twenties. She’s collecting green polythene bags. I greet her but she shies off before I could ask her anything. My attempt to have a chat with her bears no fruit as she suddenly dashes and disappears in the huge mound of garbage a few meters away. A scavenger then offers to tell me that the woman who had just dashed away collects polythene bags, which she sells at a nearby recycling factory. Many dumpsite residents do the same. The wastes fetch two shillings per kilo. On average, polythene scavengers take home an average of shs.100 per day.
It’s time for us to leave the dump-site. It’s been a grueling two hours of difficult interaction with the dump-site community and the surrounding. But I have learnt useful lessons and made interesting discoveries.
The most important lesson I learnt was the huge number of dump-site dependants for livelihood, both humans, wild and domestic animals. You and I may probably call for the relocation of the dump-site, but to the dump-site community, that would be wishful thinking. They were born, breed, socialized, live and depend on the dump-site for their lives. To them, ‘no dump-site, no life’.
The dump-site community rely on it for various needs. There are those who scavenge for food, regardless of its state, as long as it is food. Others come for anything recyclable-bones, plastics, paper, bottles etc. Because of its expanse, criminals have been known to use it as a hideout.
The environmental and health implications of the dump-site are enormous and goes beyond your wildest imagination. Watching little kids of four years search for food from the site makes you feel like shading tears. Scavenging the site without any protective gear expose the scavengers to various degrees of bruises and injuries from broken glass, needles and sharp metals from medical wastes. This exposure may lead to contracting of all manner of diseases and infections.
Because of low level of income, most scavengers cannot afford quality and adequate healthcare. They end up with untreated ailments, which reduce their life expectancy with a huge margin.
It’s a harsh world to live in. It’s competition for food and valuable resources. Here, the winner takes it all. The saying of ‘ the earliest bird catches the worm’ applies here. Humans fight and struggle with animals for food. It is a place nobody cares what goes on. It is as neglected and shunned by the locals the same way it is feared by the outsiders.
COMMUNICATIONS: Daystar University to unveil degree on environmental journalism
COMMUNICATIONS: Daystar University to unveil degree on environmental journalism
J.M OKINDA, part of the Sagam family, sent this story and asked me to post it for him. He is participating in the program.
----
Photo: Vice Chancellor of Daystar University Professor Godfrey Ngure addressing trainees at the official launch of a workshop on environmental journalism and communication in Nairobi.
----By JOHN OKINDA
Daystar University will soon launch an undergraduate program on environmental journalism.
Addressing a group of trainees on 28th August 2005 at the opening of a workshop on environmental journalism and communication at Gracia Guest House in Nairobi's Hurligham area, the Vice Chancellor Professor Godfrey Nguru said the University's academic community was in the process of developing a training curriculum for the proposed degree program on environmental journalism.
The university currently offers an undergraduate regular program on Bachelor of Arts Communication (print and electronic media) at its Athi River Campus, 45km East of Nairobi.
Daystar, which is a Christian interdenominational university and whose programs are designed to integrate professional training and Christian faith has teamed up with the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) to offer certificate courses on environmental journalism and communication to a wide range of environmentalists, journalists, community workers, social workers and other professions.
The training workshops, which were incepted in 2003 and by now trained more than 150 people hopes to empower local journalists and environmentalists to be able to increase the content of environment in the local media. “The training workshops are meant to develop a critical mass of journalists who can write captivating stories about the environment” said Professor Nguru.
He singled out KTN’s Eco-Journal television feature documentary, as one local production on environment of it’s kind. He urged journalists to continue ‘blowing the whistle’ whenever they saw any destruction being meted onto the environment. He said Kenyans were ashamed of their city because of the level of degradation, in form of pollution, which has reached alarming proportions.
Professor Nguru also decried the rate at which the forest cover in Kenya has decimated to less than 2 percent, a level that is far way below the global standards. “We now have to import timber for telephone and electricity lines from South Africa” he said.
The workshop that was organized by the Communication Department of Daystar University runs till the 10th September 2005 with a climax being a graduation dinner for the trainees and presentation of various awards and certificates.
According to Professor Faith Nguru, the country director of Sida-Makerere Regional Training on Environmental and Communication, Kenya chapter, the trainings are offered in four other regional institutions and universities in East Africa and parts of West Africa. These institutions include Makerere University in Uganda, Saint Augustine Sauti University in Mwanza Tanzania, Burundi Press House in Burundi and the National University of Rwanda in Kigali Rwanda.
She added that the program also offers a post-graduate diploma on environmental journalism for one year at Makerere University.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
DEVELOPMENT: Tanzania at 15 M.P.H.
DEVELOPMENT: Tanzania at 15 M.P.H.
This is a fabulous piece from The New York Times that is set to appear in the printed newspaper tomorrow. Note the slide show, with audio. We can do the same thing for Sagam. All it takes is a small digital tape recorder and a low-cost digital camera and people from the Sagam community who want to participate in telling the story.
This is a fabulous piece from The New York Times that is set to appear in the printed newspaper tomorrow. Note the slide show, with audio. We can do the same thing for Sagam. All it takes is a small digital tape recorder and a low-cost digital camera and people from the Sagam community who want to participate in telling the story.
Friday, September 02, 2005
COMMUNICATIONS: Africa's cellphone boom creates a base for low-cost banking
COMMUNICATIONS: Africa's cellphone boom creates a base for low-cost banking
Of possible interest to the Sagam community.....
Of possible interest to the Sagam community.....
Thursday, September 01, 2005
EDUCATION: St. Lawrence University Kenya Semester Program
EDUCATION: St. Lawrence University Kenya Semester Program
St. Lawrence University Semester program to Kenya has made contacts with Sagam village. One of their students spent time in the village recently and plans are underway to welcome more. The village is proud to contribute to this excellent program and its role in improvement of international exchange, understanding, peace and development.
St. Lawrence University Semester program to Kenya has made contacts with Sagam village. One of their students spent time in the village recently and plans are underway to welcome more. The village is proud to contribute to this excellent program and its role in improvement of international exchange, understanding, peace and development.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
HEALTH: Kenyan Aids NGO effort wins world recognition
HEALTH: Kenyan Aids NGO effort wins world recognition
In addition to this story of a successful Kenyan initiative in the health sector - "enhancing behavioural change" in Kenyan youth, there is this article in The New York Times today about a film describing successful efforts in Kenyan to change the lives of troubled young people from Baltimore, Maryland.
[The New York Times site requires free registration and the article will be "free" for only a few days.]
In addition to this story of a successful Kenyan initiative in the health sector - "enhancing behavioural change" in Kenyan youth, there is this article in The New York Times today about a film describing successful efforts in Kenyan to change the lives of troubled young people from Baltimore, Maryland.
[The New York Times site requires free registration and the article will be "free" for only a few days.]
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
DEVELOPMENT: Nicaraguan coffee plantation gets UN attention
DEVELOPMENT: Nicaraguan coffee plantation gets UN attention
This is a story from the newspaper in Durham, North Carolina. It talks about a "sister community" of Durham in Nicaragua. The story is an extraordinarily positive one.
Does Sagam have any "sister village" relationships anywhere in the world? Is this something that the Sagam community has ever considered?
If there are questions about the details of how this has worked, I would be happy to try to obtain answers.
This is a story from the newspaper in Durham, North Carolina. It talks about a "sister community" of Durham in Nicaragua. The story is an extraordinarily positive one.
Does Sagam have any "sister village" relationships anywhere in the world? Is this something that the Sagam community has ever considered?
If there are questions about the details of how this has worked, I would be happy to try to obtain answers.
DEVELOPMENT: Actress moved by African poverty
DEVELOPMENT: Actress moved by African poverty
A new film, The Constant Gardener, opens in the United States tomorrow. Because it is set in Kenya, it will leave many Americans thinking about Kenya and Kenyans. What does the Sagam community want to add to the film's message? Criticism? Compliments? Related points? What else?
Here is one review of the film.
Photo courtesy of Focus Features
Pictured are Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes
DEVELOPMENT: Third World feels staggering bite of petty corruption
DEVELOPMENT: Third World feels staggering bite of petty corruption
How does Sagam avoid this?
How does Sagam avoid this?
DEVELOPMENT: Chirac clears poverty tax for takeoff
DEVELOPMENT: Chirac clears poverty tax for takeoff
How does the Sagam community view this proposal? A good one? Bad one? What questions? Sagam is as entitled as anyone, maybe more than some others, to have its opinions heard.
How does the Sagam community view this proposal? A good one? Bad one? What questions? Sagam is as entitled as anyone, maybe more than some others, to have its opinions heard.
Monday, August 29, 2005
COMMUNICATIONS: Making Information and Communication Technologies Work for Food Security in Africa
COMMUNICATIONS: Making Information and Communication Technologies Work for Food Security in Africa
A report of possible value to the Sagam community.
A report of possible value to the Sagam community.
COMMUNICATIONS: Communicating with Sagam villagers
COMMUNICATIONS: Communicating with Sagam villagers
It would be very helpful to learn more about what can be done to improve the participation of the people in Sagam Village to be able to become a more direct part of this blog - BOTH contributing content and using content contributed by others. At some point, it would be good to have an outline of a plan here that would explain everything from the difficult challenge of connecting to the internet in and around Sagam to issues of language (in Sagam -- Dholuo - 100% ,Kiswahili - 80%, English 70%, Luhya - 20%) and computer availability and comfort levels.
It would be very helpful to learn more about what can be done to improve the participation of the people in Sagam Village to be able to become a more direct part of this blog - BOTH contributing content and using content contributed by others. At some point, it would be good to have an outline of a plan here that would explain everything from the difficult challenge of connecting to the internet in and around Sagam to issues of language (in Sagam -- Dholuo - 100% ,Kiswahili - 80%, English 70%, Luhya - 20%) and computer availability and comfort levels.
DEVELOPMENT: Changing Lives in a Village in Pakistan
DEVELOPMENT: Changing Lives in a Village in Pakistan
What role can stories like this one play in the evolution of Sagam? To whom is this story valubale? Are there additional resources needed in order to make it more valuable?
Saturday, August 27, 2005
HEALTH: 'My Bodyworks': A Musical Anatomy for Kids
'My Bodyworks': A Musical Anatomy for Kids
I bet the kids in the Sagam community would enjoy this music! Three songs are available at the link and the rest are on a CD that someone would have to buy or donate, which can be done from the same page - to the right.
I bet the kids in the Sagam community would enjoy this music! Three songs are available at the link and the rest are on a CD that someone would have to buy or donate, which can be done from the same page - to the right.
COMMUNICATIONS: e-NC: a grassroots initiative to encourage all North Carolina citizens to use technology, especially the Internet...
e-NC: a grassroots initiative to encourage all North Carolina citizens to use technology, especially the Internet.....
This map tells part of the story. To the east is the Atlanitc Ocean, and the western part of the state includes the Appalachian mountain chain. Five years ago, an initiative began to bring the power of the internet within reach of ALL people in the state. The page to which this post is linked describes that project and what it has achieved to date. As the Sagam community assesses its internet needs, there may be resources here of value and/or some relationship to be forged. Is there any initiative of this sort in Kenya? In western Kenya? In Nyanza Province?
This map tells part of the story. To the east is the Atlanitc Ocean, and the western part of the state includes the Appalachian mountain chain. Five years ago, an initiative began to bring the power of the internet within reach of ALL people in the state. The page to which this post is linked describes that project and what it has achieved to date. As the Sagam community assesses its internet needs, there may be resources here of value and/or some relationship to be forged. Is there any initiative of this sort in Kenya? In western Kenya? In Nyanza Province?
Friday, August 26, 2005
HEALTH: African Health Officials Face TB Crisis
African Health Officials Face TB Crisis
Note the article's mention of a fivefold increase in TB cases in Kenya. And in Sagam?
Note the article's mention of a fivefold increase in TB cases in Kenya. And in Sagam?
DEVELOPMENT: Timbuktu Chronicles
Timbuktu Chronicles
This is another blog which describes its role in these words "A view of Africa and Africans with a focus on entrepreneurship,innovation,technology,practical remedies and other self sustaining activities.".....
This is another blog which describes its role in these words "A view of Africa and Africans with a focus on entrepreneurship,innovation,technology,practical remedies and other self sustaining activities.".....
HEALTH: Malaria Becomes a Classroom Lesson
Malaria Becomes a Classroom Lesson
How far is this from Sagam? What does the Sagam community think about this initiative?
How far is this from Sagam? What does the Sagam community think about this initiative?
DEVELOPMENT: NextBillion.net - Development Through Enterprise - Eradicating Poverty through Profit
NextBillion.net - Development Through Enterprise - Eradicating Poverty through Profit
This site may be of interest/value to people in the Sagam community. It was launched earlier this year. Here is the "About Us" page.
This site may be of interest/value to people in the Sagam community. It was launched earlier this year. Here is the "About Us" page.
COMMUNICATIONS: J-Learning: your how-to site for community journalism
J-Learning: your how-to site for community journalism
This site may be valuable to some of the people in the Sagam community involved in the Community Times, as well as this blog.
This site may be valuable to some of the people in the Sagam community involved in the Community Times, as well as this blog.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
COMMUNICATIONS: India bypasses the wires to bring Wi-Fi to its remote residents
India bypasses the wires to bring Wi-Fi to its remote residents
How to bring this to Sagam? Here is the website of one of the organizations mentioned in the story.
How to bring this to Sagam? Here is the website of one of the organizations mentioned in the story.
Living on Earth
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
GR Dream Update: List of orpans at Yaw Pachi Center
The full list of the 60 orphans of the Yaw Pachi Center can be viewed at the GR Dream Child to Child Project blog. The information on the orphans is provided by the treasurer of the Yaw Pachi Women's group, Jane Rogo....
The list provides the name, date of birth and a short bio on each child. The list will be updated regularly to help trace the progress of each child through school and after.
The list provides the name, date of birth and a short bio on each child. The list will be updated regularly to help trace the progress of each child through school and after.
Cellphones Catapult Rural Africa to 21st Century
Cellphones Catapult Rural Africa to 21st Century
This story will appear in tomorrow's The New York Times. If you are interestedin reading it, you must access it in the next week or so, as access is free during that time - free registration required. After that time, the story goes into the paid archives.
How does the content of the story relate to Sagam? Is cellphone service available in Sagam? How much does it cost? Is there competition? If not in Sagam today, are there plans for it to be offered? When? What happens between now and then?
This story will appear in tomorrow's The New York Times. If you are interestedin reading it, you must access it in the next week or so, as access is free during that time - free registration required. After that time, the story goes into the paid archives.
How does the content of the story relate to Sagam? Is cellphone service available in Sagam? How much does it cost? Is there competition? If not in Sagam today, are there plans for it to be offered? When? What happens between now and then?
Famine Spreading in Africa's Sahel Region
Famine Spreading in Africa's Sahel Region
People throughout the Sagam community may find this report on the US Public Broadcasting Serivce tonight to be of interest. If you have a fast enough connection, you can also watch the actual broadcast as "streaming video", but here you have the full text.
People throughout the Sagam community may find this report on the US Public Broadcasting Serivce tonight to be of interest. If you have a fast enough connection, you can also watch the actual broadcast as "streaming video", but here you have the full text.
Overly fond of bottled water
Overly fond of bottled water
This commentary by Economist writer Tom STANDAGE follows a piece he wrote for The New York Times and a book - A History of the World in Six Glasses.
I have already told him a little about Sagam and will send him a link to this post.
If members of the Sagam community have any reactions - given your own bottled water project, please add them below.
Tom also wrote another book - The Victorian Internet - which also has considerable relevance to this blog and electronic communications in and with Sagam.
This commentary by Economist writer Tom STANDAGE follows a piece he wrote for The New York Times and a book - A History of the World in Six Glasses.
I have already told him a little about Sagam and will send him a link to this post.
If members of the Sagam community have any reactions - given your own bottled water project, please add them below.
Tom also wrote another book - The Victorian Internet - which also has considerable relevance to this blog and electronic communications in and with Sagam.
Inventing Nairobi @ National Geographic Magazine
Inventing Nairobi @ National Geographic Magazine
This is a good story, from the upcoming issue (September) of National Geographic Magazine - focusing on Nairobi.
Views of Africa Zoomify @ National Geographic Magazine
Views of Africa Zoomify @ National Geographic Magazine
This map provides a fabulous view of all of Africa's "human footprint". It allows you get nowhere close to Sagam, but if you know where Sagam is, you can, of course, place it on the map. Seeing the "human imprint" on Kenya and neighboring countries is fascinating.
World Summit Youth Award: Global award for young people’s content
World Summit Youth Award: Global award for young people’s content
Might someone in or from Sagam find this a worthy challenge? Note that the submission deadline is less than a month from now.
Might someone in or from Sagam find this a worthy challenge? Note that the submission deadline is less than a month from now.
e-Billing system launched in Kenya
e-Billing system launched in Kenya
Sagam buys its power from Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). With the recent establishment of a telephone exchange in Sagam, IT linkage should improve. Can e-Billing work efficiently in rural Africa and save the villagers some travel expenses when paying electricity bills?
Sagam buys its power from Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). With the recent establishment of a telephone exchange in Sagam, IT linkage should improve. Can e-Billing work efficiently in rural Africa and save the villagers some travel expenses when paying electricity bills?
Increase in telecommunication access in rural Africa
Increase in telecommunication access in rural Africa
This article reports on a telecommunications project in Uganda. Is the concept of a "village phone operator" something that has been considered in Sagam? Implemented? Considered and rejected?
Who are the providers of all the telephone service available in Sagam? How many phones/phone lines are there in the village? What is the plan to increase this number?
This article reports on a telecommunications project in Uganda. Is the concept of a "village phone operator" something that has been considered in Sagam? Implemented? Considered and rejected?
Who are the providers of all the telephone service available in Sagam? How many phones/phone lines are there in the village? What is the plan to increase this number?
Monday, August 22, 2005
A Quick visit to Rabuor-Sinaga Area, home of this website
The Sagam village website presents daily activities that affect the lives of a people residing in an area in Siaya District, Nyanza Province in western Kenya. The area lies between the City of Kisumu on Lake Victoria and the Kenya/Uganda border. You can therefore easily access Sagam from Nairobi via Kisumu or even from Kampala by road through the border town of Busia. The area consists of four villages, Rabuor Ahono, Sagam , Mundhine and Sinaga. They all work together under the auspices of Rabuor-Sinaga Area Development Trust (RSA-DT).
The Chair of RSA-DT is Mr Ambrose Rachier, one of Kenya's most a prominent lawyers. Engineer Okello Rogo is the Secretary. He is the former Chief Engineer of Kenya Ports Authority and has since retired at home. The village branch of RSA-DT is Chaired by Eric Aweyo, a retired agriculturalist and tea expert. Mrs Mary Asiko is the Secretary. Mama Mary, as she is fondly known, has also retired in the village and currently runs the successful bottled water project, apart from other accomplishments. The runaway success of the village water program owes allot to her leadership of the Water Committee during the formative difficult years.
The Maseno-Luanda road shown in the map, is part of the trans-Africa road from Kisumu to Kampala via Busia. The Equator crosses at Maseno where the Maseno University main campus is located. There is a smaller satellite campus in Kisumu City. From Kisumu (400 Km from Nairobi, 5 hr drive or 1 hr flight), we travel 40 Km by road to Luanda where we branch on the right towards Siaya.
The first market place after Luanda is Rabuor (4 Km), which sits on the border between Western an Nyanza Provinces. This is also the entry into Siaya District and Rabuor-Sinaga area. Down the road from Rabour (5 Km) we pass through Sagam village to Sinaga which also borders Yala river and marks the lower, eastern margin of our area. On the right from Rabuor is Ahono area which stretches towards Yala, our Divisional Hq. From Sagam, you climb to the left for 3 Km to Mundhine village where the new Polytechnic is being constructed.
In terms of institutions and facilities, Rabuor is the highest elevation and site of our main water reservoir. From there, water is gravitationally piped to all the other villages and to secondary reservoirs and water sales kiosk along the road. The Spring water source is however in Ahono from where it is first collected in large underground tanks then pumped by electricity to Rabuor. Not surprisingly, water bottling plant is located in Ahono.
Rabuor/Ahono village is the biggest and has several churches, Ahono Primary School and Marenyo Heath Center. The Area Chief's office is situated next to the Health Center in Marenyo.
Sagam is the most centrally placed but the smallest of the villages. In it are is the local shopping center called Simbi, Sagam Community Hospital, Sagam Primary and Sagam Mixed Day Secondary Schools. There are several churches (Nomiya Luo Mission and St. Stephens Anglican Church) and a mosque. A community library is planned for 2005/06. The RSA Community microfinance Bank is located at Simbi Shopping Center.
Sinaga village lies further along the road and is home to the Police Post (community constructed), Sinaga Primary School and the well established Sinaga Girls High School. This is boarding school for 400 girls. St Andrews Anglican church is located in a valley by the roadside in Sinaga.
Mundhine village is the most difficult to access as it is up hill and has very poor rocky roads. It is home to Mundhine Primary School, Mundhine Dispensary and will soon be home to the Village Polytechnic.
Electricity and water is available in all the villages. Home based care for HIV/AIDS patients is provided in all the villages through a network of community based workers under supervision of the Matron Salome Sumba of Sagam Community Hospital. Each village has an orphan care program and women's activity group, all organized under the bigger umbrella of Rabuor-Sinaga Area Development Trust. The total population of the area is estimated to be about 15,000.
African web projects eligible for RFI award
African web projects eligible for RFI award
There are many opportunities for innovation and excellence to be rewarded! FYI, in French, more of the details.
There are many opportunities for innovation and excellence to be rewarded! FYI, in French, more of the details.
Awards, Fellowships, Grants & Scholarships
Awards, Fellowships, Grants & Scholarships
Some of the awards and other programs listed here may be of interest to people in the greater Sagam community.
Some of the awards and other programs listed here may be of interest to people in the greater Sagam community.
Porcupines raise thorny questions in Kenya
Porcupines raise thorny questions in Kenya
This BBC story reports on an "invasion" of porcupines in Kiamba district. Hopefully, these creatures are not posing a problem as far west as Sagam!
For everyone interested in this Sagam project, take a look at what the BBC includes on this page - the reactions to it from people all over the world, following the initial broadcast. When someone in Sagam has a question to pose to others, this is a great model for how much response one can anticipate....at least from a BBC broadcast!
This BBC story reports on an "invasion" of porcupines in Kiamba district. Hopefully, these creatures are not posing a problem as far west as Sagam!
For everyone interested in this Sagam project, take a look at what the BBC includes on this page - the reactions to it from people all over the world, following the initial broadcast. When someone in Sagam has a question to pose to others, this is a great model for how much response one can anticipate....at least from a BBC broadcast!
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Ghosts (jochiende ) and Cleansing (puodhruok)
While this was written a few years back, the article and research focuses on Christianity in the African church, in particular, in Yala Division of Siaya District in Nyanza Province of Kenya in October and November 2000.
Some of the research was done in two churches in Sagam: Nomiya Luo Church in Sagam village, Siaya District and New Hope Church, cell group in Sagam village, Siaya District
Some of the research was done in two churches in Sagam: Nomiya Luo Church in Sagam village, Siaya District and New Hope Church, cell group in Sagam village, Siaya District
Thursday, August 18, 2005
GR Dream blog update
Greetings All
An update at the GR Dream blog, including a map of Sagam (like the one below, and showing the Sagam Community Hospital) and more information on Gordon himself...including his photo!
An update at the GR Dream blog, including a map of Sagam (like the one below, and showing the Sagam Community Hospital) and more information on Gordon himself...including his photo!
Putting Sagam on the map!
This is a wonderful photograph of a portion of Western Kenya showing both Kisumu, as a point of reference, and Sagam Village. This is taken from Google Earth. If you look at a map of Kenya, you should be able to locate this area. (Click on the photo to enlarge it.)
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
The GR Dream Child To Child Project
Greetings All...
This new project is the brain child of my younger brother, Gordon Washington Rogo, a son of Sagam. Also, click here for more information...
My name is Gordon Rogo. I am eleven years old and attend Sixth Grade at Kent Garden Elementary School in McLean, Virginia.
This summer I thought of helping an orphan in Kenya by helping pay medical bills and school fees. I thought of this idea when I saw kids suffering in Sudan. I first thought of helping the families that didn’t have food or drinks, then my dad told me that I could help orphans in Kenya too. I am doing this because other people in the world are suffering and dying of hunger. I have learned that even one dollar can make a difference to people in need. And if you help an orphan it will be fun because you also write letters to them. And hopefully meet them one day. I am doing this project because people are suffering and I can make a difference.
From the beginning of this school year (2005/6) I will send ten dollars every month to support one orphan. It is not much but buys allot in the village. The money will be used to pay school fees, buy clothing, books and food. The money will come from my pocket money savings and what I earn when I help in the compound and neighbors. I hope to work distributing newspapers and running errands when I turn twelve. I will call this project The GR Child to Child Dream Project. I will try and make this popular and expand by asking my classmates, friends and teammates who are interested to do the same.
I come from Kenya. My village is called Sagam. It sits on the equator, on the shores of Lake Victoria. Is has been badly hit by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We have many orphans. I have learnt allot from my father who is a doctor and has built a 60-bed hospital in the village, called The Gordon Rogo Memorial Sagam Community Hospital. It is named after my grandfather, not me! The hospital is providing much needed health care to the community, including AIDS patients and orphans. My Auntie, Jane, teaches at the local elementary school and also runs an orphanage with more than 40 children. They are my age or younger and few are older. They have nothing but are bright and deserve a chance like all of us. Last year, my mother sent a bag of used clothes that were given to the orphans during church on a Sunday. It was the best day of their lives!
I think it is wrong that many children go to bed hungry, feel unwanted, walk naked, have no proper shelter and cannot go to school, when we can do something. I want to play my part too, Child-to-Child, and pray that 50 years from now, I can look back, sitting with the children that I assisted and thank God for the opportunity.
This new project is the brain child of my younger brother, Gordon Washington Rogo, a son of Sagam. Also, click here for more information...
My name is Gordon Rogo. I am eleven years old and attend Sixth Grade at Kent Garden Elementary School in McLean, Virginia.
This summer I thought of helping an orphan in Kenya by helping pay medical bills and school fees. I thought of this idea when I saw kids suffering in Sudan. I first thought of helping the families that didn’t have food or drinks, then my dad told me that I could help orphans in Kenya too. I am doing this because other people in the world are suffering and dying of hunger. I have learned that even one dollar can make a difference to people in need. And if you help an orphan it will be fun because you also write letters to them. And hopefully meet them one day. I am doing this project because people are suffering and I can make a difference.
From the beginning of this school year (2005/6) I will send ten dollars every month to support one orphan. It is not much but buys allot in the village. The money will be used to pay school fees, buy clothing, books and food. The money will come from my pocket money savings and what I earn when I help in the compound and neighbors. I hope to work distributing newspapers and running errands when I turn twelve. I will call this project The GR Child to Child Dream Project. I will try and make this popular and expand by asking my classmates, friends and teammates who are interested to do the same.
I come from Kenya. My village is called Sagam. It sits on the equator, on the shores of Lake Victoria. Is has been badly hit by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We have many orphans. I have learnt allot from my father who is a doctor and has built a 60-bed hospital in the village, called The Gordon Rogo Memorial Sagam Community Hospital. It is named after my grandfather, not me! The hospital is providing much needed health care to the community, including AIDS patients and orphans. My Auntie, Jane, teaches at the local elementary school and also runs an orphanage with more than 40 children. They are my age or younger and few are older. They have nothing but are bright and deserve a chance like all of us. Last year, my mother sent a bag of used clothes that were given to the orphans during church on a Sunday. It was the best day of their lives!
I think it is wrong that many children go to bed hungry, feel unwanted, walk naked, have no proper shelter and cannot go to school, when we can do something. I want to play my part too, Child-to-Child, and pray that 50 years from now, I can look back, sitting with the children that I assisted and thank God for the opportunity.
Monday, August 15, 2005
An effective, but costly, cure
An effective, but costly, cure
(To access this story requires free registration at the Los Angeles Times website.) How would the proposal outlined here impact on Sagam? How could Sagam insert itself into the debate by coming up with concrete information about that impact? In other words, if this proposal were to implemented what would all the effects and implications be for Sagam and its people?
(To access this story requires free registration at the Los Angeles Times website.) How would the proposal outlined here impact on Sagam? How could Sagam insert itself into the debate by coming up with concrete information about that impact? In other words, if this proposal were to implemented what would all the effects and implications be for Sagam and its people?
Friday, August 12, 2005
Water and Sanitation Program ACCESS
Water and Santitation Program ACCESS
This is a free newsletter from the World Bank's Water and Sanitation Program. What is the most effective way to make any of its contents more easily accessible to those people in Sagam who might find its content useful?
This is a free newsletter from the World Bank's Water and Sanitation Program. What is the most effective way to make any of its contents more easily accessible to those people in Sagam who might find its content useful?
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Changes Urged to Combat African Hunger
Changes Urged to Combat African Hunger
The linked story describes the findings and recommendations of a report issued in Washington, but reported from Nairobi. You can find the report and related materials linked from this page.
I, for one, would love to hear the views of people in Sagam about this report and what it means to the Village. What more can those of us outside Kenya do to help connect people there to information and people and organizations who can help answer questions and respond to what the people of Sagam want and need?
The linked story describes the findings and recommendations of a report issued in Washington, but reported from Nairobi. You can find the report and related materials linked from this page.
I, for one, would love to hear the views of people in Sagam about this report and what it means to the Village. What more can those of us outside Kenya do to help connect people there to information and people and organizations who can help answer questions and respond to what the people of Sagam want and need?
Empty stadium
Empty stadium
How do the people of Sagam react to this editorial cartoon in the Nation newspaper today? (This may require free registration to access.)
How do the people of Sagam react to this editorial cartoon in the Nation newspaper today? (This may require free registration to access.)
Kenya progress toward Millennium Development Goals (2003)
Kenya progress toward Millennium Development Goals (2003)
This is a 43 page document from the United Nations Development Program website detailing Kenyan progress as of 2003 toward achieving the Millenium Development Goals. See Khama ROGO's discussion of these goals in the context of Sagam Village here on this blog.
This is a 43 page document from the United Nations Development Program website detailing Kenyan progress as of 2003 toward achieving the Millenium Development Goals. See Khama ROGO's discussion of these goals in the context of Sagam Village here on this blog.
Malaria vaccine does good job, but not enough
Malaria vaccine does good job, but not enough
Add a comment below on what you think this means for Sagam! What are the implications?
Add a comment below on what you think this means for Sagam! What are the implications?
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Administrative and Finance Officer
The Academy for Education Development is in search of an Administrative and Finance Officer to be based in Kisumu, Kenya (50 Km from Sagam).......
Academy for Education Development (AED): Speak for the Child
Improving Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Kenya
Position: Administrative and Finance Officer (full-time appointment based in Kisumu, Kenya)
Period of work: September 1, 2005-March 31, 2006 (renewable pending funding)
Backstops: TBN Chief of Party, Sarah Dastur, and Diane Lusk
Background:
Speak for the Child (SFC) (link) supports families and communities in western Kenya to improve the health, nutrition, and psychosocial care of young children orphaned and affected by HIV/AIDS; the program currently serves over 6,150 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in the Western and Nyanza Provinces. SFC works with experienced community based organizations (CBOs) with extensive outreach to OVC to serve as key partners in the delivery of services and support to children.
Through field-tested, intensive and ongoing training and monitoring, SFC insures that a comprehensive, multi-sectoral program of orphan care is delivered and CBO capacity to administer, implement and monitor the program is strengthened. SFC works with CBOs to:
- Recruit and train household mentors in the SFC home visiting activity in which mentors counsel caregivers on improving their children’s health, nutrition, and emotional well-being
- Collaborate with local Ministry of Education officials in order to cover preschool fees and monitor preschool and primary school attendance
- Collaborate with local Ministry of Health officials in order to provide immunizations, and anti-malarial, acute respiratory illness, and de-worming medications
Ensure that children have blankets and insecticide-treated bednets and that households have water purification products, soap, seeds and fertilizer, and emergency food, when needed
TERMS OF REFERENCE:
The Officer facilitates the efficient and effective administrative/financial operation of Speak for the Child. He/she ensures compliance with AED Human Resources/Benefits, Accounting, and Contracts policies and procedures and USAID regulations. The Administrative and Finance Officer supports the work of the Director and Area Coordinators as well as the Data Entry Assistant as needed.
SPECIFIC TASKS:
a) Administration/Finances
1. Maintain contractual, financial, procurement, and human resources/benefits files for AED/Kisumu office
2. Coordinate local procurement, obtain and evaluate vendor quotes, and document procurement decisions
3. Prepare and maintain monthly Quickbooks/imprest reports for the recording, documenting, and reporting of all project financial transactions, including deposits, disbursements and receipts
4. Submit monthly Quickbooks/imprest reports, bank reconciliation statements, and financial reports to AED home office once signed and approved by the local project director
5. Regularly update bank books for AED
6. Prepare payment vouchers for payroll, benefits, office expenditures, consultant fees, expenses, and prepare checks for approval and signature by local project director for AED. Ensure that all check and cash payments are supported by documentation, approved by the local project director and that all goods and services paid for are received
7. Handle petty cash and make payments upon proper authorization
8. Maintain inventory of non-expendable equipment and submit yearly non expendable equipment report
9. Maintain equipment and facilities
10. Provide information to AED home office and local project director concerning payments, required documentation and other financial records and reporting aspects of the project
11. Manage financial planning and projections and prepare monthly budgets
12. Maintain cost-share recording system
13. Do a cost-benefit analysis for some administrative/finance decisions
14. Maintain electronic and hard copy filing system
15. Perform other administrative/finance duties as prescribed by TBN Chief of Party, Sarah Dastur, and/or Diane Lusk
b) Assist with all program goals
1. Support program activities by researching needed information
2. Assist in logistics for travel, equipment, and supplies
3. Ensure clear and accessible record keeping of all activities and expenses
4. Ensure good communication within and outside the project. Represent the project and its goals to callers, writers, and visitors from the community, NGOs, and CBOs as needed
5. Coordinate schedules, meetings, vehicle use and supplies as needed
c) Collaborate with AED colleagues
Collaborate with AED colleagues as needed or requested to meet reporting requirements, develop proposals, address management needs, design products, or respond to funders
QUALIFICATIONS:
· 1 year experience in finance and administration
· 1 year minimum experience with Quickbooks software
· Demonstrated proficiency in Quickbooks and Excel software
· Excellent command of the English language
· Excellent oral and written communication skills
· Willingness to function as part of the AED/Kisumu team and take direction and initiative
· Eagerness to support SFC Area Coordinators and facilitate smooth implementation of field activities
· Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting
· General knowledge of and interest in the field of HIV/AIDS and care for young children
If interested, please contact Fred Agak (agak.fred@cnc-corp.com)
For more information on AED, click here.
Academy for Education Development (AED): Speak for the Child
Improving Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Kenya
Position: Administrative and Finance Officer (full-time appointment based in Kisumu, Kenya)
Period of work: September 1, 2005-March 31, 2006 (renewable pending funding)
Backstops: TBN Chief of Party, Sarah Dastur, and Diane Lusk
Background:
Speak for the Child (SFC) (link) supports families and communities in western Kenya to improve the health, nutrition, and psychosocial care of young children orphaned and affected by HIV/AIDS; the program currently serves over 6,150 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in the Western and Nyanza Provinces. SFC works with experienced community based organizations (CBOs) with extensive outreach to OVC to serve as key partners in the delivery of services and support to children.
Through field-tested, intensive and ongoing training and monitoring, SFC insures that a comprehensive, multi-sectoral program of orphan care is delivered and CBO capacity to administer, implement and monitor the program is strengthened. SFC works with CBOs to:
- Recruit and train household mentors in the SFC home visiting activity in which mentors counsel caregivers on improving their children’s health, nutrition, and emotional well-being
- Collaborate with local Ministry of Education officials in order to cover preschool fees and monitor preschool and primary school attendance
- Collaborate with local Ministry of Health officials in order to provide immunizations, and anti-malarial, acute respiratory illness, and de-worming medications
Ensure that children have blankets and insecticide-treated bednets and that households have water purification products, soap, seeds and fertilizer, and emergency food, when needed
TERMS OF REFERENCE:
The Officer facilitates the efficient and effective administrative/financial operation of Speak for the Child. He/she ensures compliance with AED Human Resources/Benefits, Accounting, and Contracts policies and procedures and USAID regulations. The Administrative and Finance Officer supports the work of the Director and Area Coordinators as well as the Data Entry Assistant as needed.
SPECIFIC TASKS:
a) Administration/Finances
1. Maintain contractual, financial, procurement, and human resources/benefits files for AED/Kisumu office
2. Coordinate local procurement, obtain and evaluate vendor quotes, and document procurement decisions
3. Prepare and maintain monthly Quickbooks/imprest reports for the recording, documenting, and reporting of all project financial transactions, including deposits, disbursements and receipts
4. Submit monthly Quickbooks/imprest reports, bank reconciliation statements, and financial reports to AED home office once signed and approved by the local project director
5. Regularly update bank books for AED
6. Prepare payment vouchers for payroll, benefits, office expenditures, consultant fees, expenses, and prepare checks for approval and signature by local project director for AED. Ensure that all check and cash payments are supported by documentation, approved by the local project director and that all goods and services paid for are received
7. Handle petty cash and make payments upon proper authorization
8. Maintain inventory of non-expendable equipment and submit yearly non expendable equipment report
9. Maintain equipment and facilities
10. Provide information to AED home office and local project director concerning payments, required documentation and other financial records and reporting aspects of the project
11. Manage financial planning and projections and prepare monthly budgets
12. Maintain cost-share recording system
13. Do a cost-benefit analysis for some administrative/finance decisions
14. Maintain electronic and hard copy filing system
15. Perform other administrative/finance duties as prescribed by TBN Chief of Party, Sarah Dastur, and/or Diane Lusk
b) Assist with all program goals
1. Support program activities by researching needed information
2. Assist in logistics for travel, equipment, and supplies
3. Ensure clear and accessible record keeping of all activities and expenses
4. Ensure good communication within and outside the project. Represent the project and its goals to callers, writers, and visitors from the community, NGOs, and CBOs as needed
5. Coordinate schedules, meetings, vehicle use and supplies as needed
c) Collaborate with AED colleagues
Collaborate with AED colleagues as needed or requested to meet reporting requirements, develop proposals, address management needs, design products, or respond to funders
QUALIFICATIONS:
· 1 year experience in finance and administration
· 1 year minimum experience with Quickbooks software
· Demonstrated proficiency in Quickbooks and Excel software
· Excellent command of the English language
· Excellent oral and written communication skills
· Willingness to function as part of the AED/Kisumu team and take direction and initiative
· Eagerness to support SFC Area Coordinators and facilitate smooth implementation of field activities
· Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting
· General knowledge of and interest in the field of HIV/AIDS and care for young children
If interested, please contact Fred Agak (agak.fred@cnc-corp.com)
For more information on AED, click here.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
"Storm over Sh360m Army chopper deal"
"Storm over Sh360m Army chopper deal"
This article from the Standard in Nairobi talks about a great deal of money being spent on helicopter maintenance (paid to a South African firm), in addition to other government expenditures. In what ways can the people of Sagam express their views about this? What is the impact on them?
This article from the Standard in Nairobi talks about a great deal of money being spent on helicopter maintenance (paid to a South African firm), in addition to other government expenditures. In what ways can the people of Sagam express their views about this? What is the impact on them?
The folly of reading the Government budget old style
The folly of reading the Government budget old style
Monday, August 08, 2005
Kenyan Teachers Living with HIV/AIDS Tell Their Stories
Kenyan Teachers Living with HIV/AIDS Tell Their Stories
Disabilities and Sagam
From Christine ASIKO:
"A disabled person is defined as someone ‘who has a physical or mental impairment which has an effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities’ and covers any physical or mental disability, including sensory impairment and ‘hidden’ disabilities such as mental illness, learning disability, dyslexia, diabetes and epilepsy. "
British Disability Discrimination Act (1995)
The community has a role to play in supporting disabled people. The community can choose to make the lives of the disabled easier. The community, namely SAGAM can be a ‘disabled-friendly’ community. If community members find basic ways of supporting people with disabilities, by using available local resources existing in the community, we can reach more disabled people in the community and improve their well being. Family members, teachers, religious leaders and disabled people organizations have the ability to support disabled people to achieve a more ordinary lifestyle. Undoubtedly, community members require knowledge about disabilities and guidance on how to assist disabled people and this article is a token of the extensive knowledge that can be made available to anyone who is interested. SAGAM take on this challenge!
In a ‘disabled- friendly’ community a more ordinary lifestyle for disabled individuals is made possible in many ways. Enabling access to information, treating people as individuals, providing support for the family as a whole are examples. The support should be imaginative and should be available at the right time. This should be provided by well informed, supportive and approachable staff that are flexible.
For the purposes of this article I will not expand on the ideas above. Instead I have chosen to focus on DYSLEXIA, one of the disabilities and the role that the teachers of SAGAM, our existing resources, can play in making our schools ‘dyslexia-friendly’. Dyslexia is just one of many learning difficulties but it affects severely a significant percentage of the population.
Dyslexia causes difficulties in learning to read, write and spell. Short-term memory, mathematics, concentration, personal organisation and sequencing may also be affected.
Dyslexia usually arises from a weakness in the processing of language-based information. Biological in origin, it tends to run in families, but environmental factors also contribute.
Dyslexia can occur at any level of intellectual ability. It is not the result of poor motivation, emotional disturbance, sensory impairment or lack of opportunities, but it may occur alongside any of these.
The effects of dyslexia can be largely overcome by skilled specialist teaching and the use of compensatory strategies.
The Dyslexia Institute 2002Each dyslexic's difficulties are different and vary from slight to very severe disruption of the learning process. There is no total cure but the effects of dyslexia can be alleviated by skilled specialist teaching and committed learning. On the positive side there is a hypothesis that the neurological abnormalities also give some dyslexic people visual, spatial and lateral thinking abilities that enable them to be successful in a wide range of careers. Each dyslexic person has her/his own pattern of strengths and weaknesses. Many shine in such fields as the arts, creativity, design and computing. What they need is to be identified and taught, to enable them to release their talents in wide-ranging careers.
The condition is linked to a huge range of social problems. There is a higher incidence of dyslexia in people in prisons, youngsters excluded from school and the long-term unemployed. Early intervention of dyslexic children who have behaviour problems usually improve when the right kind of teaching for reading, writing, spelling and basic mathematics is provided
Below are a few characteristics that teachers may notice in their students and these are possible pointers of dyslexia.
All ages
· Is s/he bright in some ways with a 'block' in others?
· Is there anyone else in the family with similar difficulties?
· Does s/he have difficulty carrying out three instructions in sequence?
· Was s/he late in learning to talk, or with speaking clearly?
Ages 7-11
Does s/he have particular difficulty with reading or spelling?
Does s/he put figures or letters the wrong way e.g. 15 for 51, 6 for 9, b for d, was for saw?
Does s/he read a word then fail to recognize it further down the page?
Does s/he spell a word several different ways without recognizing the correct version?
Does s/he have a poor concentration span for reading and writing?
Does s/he have difficulty understanding time and tense?
Does s/he confuse left and right?
Does s/he answer questions orally but have difficulty writing the answer?
Is s/he unusually clumsy?
Does s/he have trouble with sounds in words, e.g. poor sense of rhyme?
Ages 12 - adult
Is s/he sometimes inaccurate in reading?
Is spelling poor?
Does s/he have difficulty taking notes or copying?
Does s/he have difficulty with planning and writing essays, letters or reports?
Some common problems
You may think:
S/he's not listening
S/he may have difficulty in remembering a list of instructions.
S/he may have problems getting thoughts together coherently for story or essay writing.
S/he may have sequencing problems and may need to be taught strategies to cope/alternative ways of remembering.
S/he's lazy
S/he may have difficulty in organizing work and need specific teaching to help her/him.
S/he may be able to answer the questions orally but can't write them down.
The child may have found that the less s/he writes, the less trouble s/he gets into for making mistakes
S/he's not concentrating
S/he may have difficulty in copying accurately. This is often because s/he cannot remember chunks but needs to look at each letter, write it, then look at the board again, find the place, and so on...
S/he's careless
S/he may have very poor handwriting as s/he hasn't sufficient hand skills to control the pencil.
S/he's not checking work
S/he may spell the same word several different ways if s/he doesn't have the visual memory to know what is right or the kinesthetic memory for it to feel right as s/he is writing.
S/he doesn't look carefully
S/he may have a visual memory deficiency and therefore experience difficulty when interpreting symbols.
S/he's being awkward / impossible on purpose
S/he may be able to produce very good work one day and the next "trip up over every word". "Off days" are quite common and require extra encouragement and understanding.
Some common strengths
You may be surprised that:
S/he has a good visual eye
S/he may be able to arrange the furniture in the classroom very effectively.
S/he's very imaginative and skilful with her/his hands
S/he may be able to make the best models.
S/he's practical
S/he may be able to work the computer before the others - even perhaps repair it. S/he may be able to start the car when others have failed.
S/he's mad on sport
S/he may excel at individual sports.
S/he's got a fantastic imagination
S/he may be able to tell wonderful stories- if her/his long term memory is good.
See the chart that appears above. It is a quiz that teachers can use to alert them to the possibilities of dyslexia in an individual of any age.
“It is a lonely existence to be a child with a disability which no-one can see or understand, you exasperate your teachers, you disappoint your parents, and worst of all you know that you are not just stupid”.
Susan Hampshire
If a child cannot learn the way we teach then we must teach the way s/he can learn
In what way can the teacher make the dyslexic learner experience in class easier?
· An understanding of dyslexia as a condition would be useful.
· Evaluating existing methods of teaching and materials used in the classroom to determine how ‘dyslexia friendly’ they are is important.
· Subjects that are difficult and discouraging for the learner should be left out to a large extent.
· Teacher should suspend unremorseful or negative judgments about students, after all they are simply responding to our level of teaching skills. It is our responsibility to get through to the students to ensure a successful learning session.
· Learning is a multi-level experience therefore the most effective teaching has to be multi-sensory. The student will learn best through the use of all their senses
· The greatest percentage of what students learn is not in a lesson plan, it is in our attitude, feelings, dialogues, actions and classroom set up. It is very possible to learn something new from no information at all.
· One common tendency amongst we teachers is to teach the way that we like to be taught. This way is guaranteed to please at least one person; us. Our preferred teaching strategies will only be beneficial to us and this is not about us, it is about the learner.
· An ideal lesson will contain lots of emotion, celebration, play, humour, fantasy and imagination. Music is one example
· Appropriate communication -use language that the learner is familiar with. Remember that what has not been said is often more believable. For example you ask a student, “What is wrong?” He shrugs his shoulders and in a cracked voice says, “Nothing really…I’m okay.” You do not believe his words but you believe his non verbal message. Now reverse the situation…Our body language must be checked constantly. Our posture, eye contact, physical positioning, expressions and gestures must be thought through with a lot of care. Take notice of your voice qualities: tonality, pitch, tempo and rhythm. When you deliver your message make it short-watch the length of your sentences
· A picture presentation of words is an important. Help the learner to visualize words.
· Use colour coding to draw attention to the message.
· Repetition is vital. The challenge is to find 10 or more different ways of repeating vocabulary, concepts and sentence structures
· Whenever there is an introduction or teaching point start from a tangible point.
· When teaching vocabulary start with a general term before teaching a specific meaning. This makes comprehension and memorizing the word much easier. Generalized meaning would be words like ‘BIG’ and ‘LARGE’. These words can be broken down to have a variety of meanings for instance, ‘height, weight, width or length’ A specific meaning could be ‘tall or wide’. To put it simply ‘big’ should be taught before ‘tall’ and ‘large’ before ‘wide’
· In antonym pairs it is suggested that the (+) be taught first. On/Off. On is the positive state and off the negative state
· Pictures to teach new words should be simple. To teach the word DOG one should use a simple picture. To present one that shows a dog eating, jumping or inside a kennel could be misleading. These simple pictures are also useful when used to form sentences.
· In order to teach spellings start with the letters that are not confusable. ‘n’ ‘t’ ‘b’ ‘s’ ‘g’. This should be followed up by names and sounds. The letters ‘a’ and ‘I’ can be used to build up words like ‘bat’ ‘sat’ ‘tin’ ‘sin’ ‘bin’ ‘bit’ ‘big’. When these have been mastered the plural‘s’ can be added as soon as short sentences can be written.
· Add physical movement cues for example tapping for words or syllable gestures
· Shorten and breakdown information it is easier to remember
· PROVIDE INDIVIDUAL HELP
British Disability Discrimination Act (1995)
The community has a role to play in supporting disabled people. The community can choose to make the lives of the disabled easier. The community, namely SAGAM can be a ‘disabled-friendly’ community. If community members find basic ways of supporting people with disabilities, by using available local resources existing in the community, we can reach more disabled people in the community and improve their well being. Family members, teachers, religious leaders and disabled people organizations have the ability to support disabled people to achieve a more ordinary lifestyle. Undoubtedly, community members require knowledge about disabilities and guidance on how to assist disabled people and this article is a token of the extensive knowledge that can be made available to anyone who is interested. SAGAM take on this challenge!
In a ‘disabled- friendly’ community a more ordinary lifestyle for disabled individuals is made possible in many ways. Enabling access to information, treating people as individuals, providing support for the family as a whole are examples. The support should be imaginative and should be available at the right time. This should be provided by well informed, supportive and approachable staff that are flexible.
For the purposes of this article I will not expand on the ideas above. Instead I have chosen to focus on DYSLEXIA, one of the disabilities and the role that the teachers of SAGAM, our existing resources, can play in making our schools ‘dyslexia-friendly’. Dyslexia is just one of many learning difficulties but it affects severely a significant percentage of the population.
Dyslexia causes difficulties in learning to read, write and spell. Short-term memory, mathematics, concentration, personal organisation and sequencing may also be affected.
Dyslexia usually arises from a weakness in the processing of language-based information. Biological in origin, it tends to run in families, but environmental factors also contribute.
Dyslexia can occur at any level of intellectual ability. It is not the result of poor motivation, emotional disturbance, sensory impairment or lack of opportunities, but it may occur alongside any of these.
The effects of dyslexia can be largely overcome by skilled specialist teaching and the use of compensatory strategies.
The Dyslexia Institute 2002Each dyslexic's difficulties are different and vary from slight to very severe disruption of the learning process. There is no total cure but the effects of dyslexia can be alleviated by skilled specialist teaching and committed learning. On the positive side there is a hypothesis that the neurological abnormalities also give some dyslexic people visual, spatial and lateral thinking abilities that enable them to be successful in a wide range of careers. Each dyslexic person has her/his own pattern of strengths and weaknesses. Many shine in such fields as the arts, creativity, design and computing. What they need is to be identified and taught, to enable them to release their talents in wide-ranging careers.
The condition is linked to a huge range of social problems. There is a higher incidence of dyslexia in people in prisons, youngsters excluded from school and the long-term unemployed. Early intervention of dyslexic children who have behaviour problems usually improve when the right kind of teaching for reading, writing, spelling and basic mathematics is provided
Below are a few characteristics that teachers may notice in their students and these are possible pointers of dyslexia.
All ages
· Is s/he bright in some ways with a 'block' in others?
· Is there anyone else in the family with similar difficulties?
· Does s/he have difficulty carrying out three instructions in sequence?
· Was s/he late in learning to talk, or with speaking clearly?
Ages 7-11
Does s/he have particular difficulty with reading or spelling?
Does s/he put figures or letters the wrong way e.g. 15 for 51, 6 for 9, b for d, was for saw?
Does s/he read a word then fail to recognize it further down the page?
Does s/he spell a word several different ways without recognizing the correct version?
Does s/he have a poor concentration span for reading and writing?
Does s/he have difficulty understanding time and tense?
Does s/he confuse left and right?
Does s/he answer questions orally but have difficulty writing the answer?
Is s/he unusually clumsy?
Does s/he have trouble with sounds in words, e.g. poor sense of rhyme?
Ages 12 - adult
Is s/he sometimes inaccurate in reading?
Is spelling poor?
Does s/he have difficulty taking notes or copying?
Does s/he have difficulty with planning and writing essays, letters or reports?
Some common problems
You may think:
S/he's not listening
S/he may have difficulty in remembering a list of instructions.
S/he may have problems getting thoughts together coherently for story or essay writing.
S/he may have sequencing problems and may need to be taught strategies to cope/alternative ways of remembering.
S/he's lazy
S/he may have difficulty in organizing work and need specific teaching to help her/him.
S/he may be able to answer the questions orally but can't write them down.
The child may have found that the less s/he writes, the less trouble s/he gets into for making mistakes
S/he's not concentrating
S/he may have difficulty in copying accurately. This is often because s/he cannot remember chunks but needs to look at each letter, write it, then look at the board again, find the place, and so on...
S/he's careless
S/he may have very poor handwriting as s/he hasn't sufficient hand skills to control the pencil.
S/he's not checking work
S/he may spell the same word several different ways if s/he doesn't have the visual memory to know what is right or the kinesthetic memory for it to feel right as s/he is writing.
S/he doesn't look carefully
S/he may have a visual memory deficiency and therefore experience difficulty when interpreting symbols.
S/he's being awkward / impossible on purpose
S/he may be able to produce very good work one day and the next "trip up over every word". "Off days" are quite common and require extra encouragement and understanding.
Some common strengths
You may be surprised that:
S/he has a good visual eye
S/he may be able to arrange the furniture in the classroom very effectively.
S/he's very imaginative and skilful with her/his hands
S/he may be able to make the best models.
S/he's practical
S/he may be able to work the computer before the others - even perhaps repair it. S/he may be able to start the car when others have failed.
S/he's mad on sport
S/he may excel at individual sports.
S/he's got a fantastic imagination
S/he may be able to tell wonderful stories- if her/his long term memory is good.
See the chart that appears above. It is a quiz that teachers can use to alert them to the possibilities of dyslexia in an individual of any age.
“It is a lonely existence to be a child with a disability which no-one can see or understand, you exasperate your teachers, you disappoint your parents, and worst of all you know that you are not just stupid”.
Susan Hampshire
If a child cannot learn the way we teach then we must teach the way s/he can learn
In what way can the teacher make the dyslexic learner experience in class easier?
· An understanding of dyslexia as a condition would be useful.
· Evaluating existing methods of teaching and materials used in the classroom to determine how ‘dyslexia friendly’ they are is important.
· Subjects that are difficult and discouraging for the learner should be left out to a large extent.
· Teacher should suspend unremorseful or negative judgments about students, after all they are simply responding to our level of teaching skills. It is our responsibility to get through to the students to ensure a successful learning session.
· Learning is a multi-level experience therefore the most effective teaching has to be multi-sensory. The student will learn best through the use of all their senses
· The greatest percentage of what students learn is not in a lesson plan, it is in our attitude, feelings, dialogues, actions and classroom set up. It is very possible to learn something new from no information at all.
· One common tendency amongst we teachers is to teach the way that we like to be taught. This way is guaranteed to please at least one person; us. Our preferred teaching strategies will only be beneficial to us and this is not about us, it is about the learner.
· An ideal lesson will contain lots of emotion, celebration, play, humour, fantasy and imagination. Music is one example
· Appropriate communication -use language that the learner is familiar with. Remember that what has not been said is often more believable. For example you ask a student, “What is wrong?” He shrugs his shoulders and in a cracked voice says, “Nothing really…I’m okay.” You do not believe his words but you believe his non verbal message. Now reverse the situation…Our body language must be checked constantly. Our posture, eye contact, physical positioning, expressions and gestures must be thought through with a lot of care. Take notice of your voice qualities: tonality, pitch, tempo and rhythm. When you deliver your message make it short-watch the length of your sentences
· A picture presentation of words is an important. Help the learner to visualize words.
· Use colour coding to draw attention to the message.
· Repetition is vital. The challenge is to find 10 or more different ways of repeating vocabulary, concepts and sentence structures
· Whenever there is an introduction or teaching point start from a tangible point.
· When teaching vocabulary start with a general term before teaching a specific meaning. This makes comprehension and memorizing the word much easier. Generalized meaning would be words like ‘BIG’ and ‘LARGE’. These words can be broken down to have a variety of meanings for instance, ‘height, weight, width or length’ A specific meaning could be ‘tall or wide’. To put it simply ‘big’ should be taught before ‘tall’ and ‘large’ before ‘wide’
· In antonym pairs it is suggested that the (+) be taught first. On/Off. On is the positive state and off the negative state
· Pictures to teach new words should be simple. To teach the word DOG one should use a simple picture. To present one that shows a dog eating, jumping or inside a kennel could be misleading. These simple pictures are also useful when used to form sentences.
· In order to teach spellings start with the letters that are not confusable. ‘n’ ‘t’ ‘b’ ‘s’ ‘g’. This should be followed up by names and sounds. The letters ‘a’ and ‘I’ can be used to build up words like ‘bat’ ‘sat’ ‘tin’ ‘sin’ ‘bin’ ‘bit’ ‘big’. When these have been mastered the plural‘s’ can be added as soon as short sentences can be written.
· Add physical movement cues for example tapping for words or syllable gestures
· Shorten and breakdown information it is easier to remember
· PROVIDE INDIVIDUAL HELP
Will Sagam Village attain the MDGs?
From Khama ROGO:
"The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) signed by world leaders in 2001 are the new yardsticks for international development, to be attained by 2015. There are only ten more years to go, yet not many people in Africa have not even heard of the MDGs, leave alone know their significance. This is not acceptable, given that Africa face the most formidable of the challenges. This note assesses the probability of attainment of the MDGs by a modest village in the middle of Africa. We believe that we are the first African village to attempt this assessment.
At the 5th Asian-Pacific Population Conference in Bangkok(2002), Kofi Annan made a statement that is most relevant to Sagam village, Siaya District in western Kenya: " The Millennium Development Goals, particularly the eradication of poverty and hunger, cannot be achieved if questions of population and reproductive health are not addressed. And that means stronger efforts to promote women's rights, and greater investment in education and health, including reproductive health and family planning".
Today, Africa lies at the bottom of the league table of continents with reward to probability of reaching the MDGs; Kenya lies in the bottom half of the African league; and Siaya District has one of the worst socioeconomic and demographic indicators in the country. It is important to understand this as a prelude and to underline that Sagam is not a politically privileged village.
Here is how the village ranks its chances on meeting the MDGs:
Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty, eradicate hunger and malnutrition. One out of four people in the developing world lives in extreme poverty, earning less than US$1 a day. In Kenya, 56% of the population are below the poverty line. It is estimated to be around 70% in Siaya district. The district has no industry and no viable cash crops, most of it's income coming from expatriate labor. It imports most of the food and malnutrition is widespread. Sagam village has good soil but the population density is a setback. It could use the bountiful rivers to grow vegetables and fruits throughout the year. The district is a net importer of food to the tune of KSh. 100,000 per annum. RSA Development Trust is a local CBO working on income generation and the village has established a viable Micro finance bank that provides small loans 'Gramin' style. Women are utilizing these resources much better than men!Seasonal food shortages occur although there is no famine. The achievement of this goal is HIGHLY UNLIKELY in the current natinl economic environment. More investment is needed to accelerate agriculture and cottage industries and most important identify markets. Otherwise, poverty may actually increase.
Goal 2: Universal primary education. Globally, over 100m children are not in school for various reasons. Sagam contributes to this figure, despite having four primary schools, all of them overflowing; there are as many as 100 pupils per class in some schools. Previously school fees was the major obstacle to the attainment this goal but this has now been removed by the government. The present challenge is to build enough classrooms, ensure universal enrollment and completion, gender parity and raise the quality of teaching. The CBO is investing heavily in this area, within a progressive 'no child left behind policy, a bursary fund and care of orphans. A Village Polytechnic is also under costruction to cater for the many youth ful school leavers. Attainment of this goal is HIGHLY LIKELY, albeit with additional investment in facilities, books and teachers.
Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empowering of women. Two thirds of the world's 799m illiterates are women. Education is key to gender empowerment. Providing an extra year of education beyond the average boosts eventual wages by 10% to 20%. Women in leadership is not new to this area. Gem constituency, where Sagam lies, produced Kenya's first female mayor and parliamentarian (Mrs Grace Onyango). It has also been represented in Parliament twice by Mrs Grace Ogot, who rose to be Assistant Minister. Sagam has also elected a female Assistant Chief and a Councillor. Achievement of this goal is LIKELY, but will require targeted programs to counter culture-based biases and disempowering male attitudes. In this context, property rights and ownership and wife inheritance should be gieven special attention. The establishment of Gender Violence Center (GVC) at Sagam Community Hospital is a good beginning.
Goal 4: Reduce child mortality by 75%. Four million infants die annually in the first month of life, 99% in the developing world. Two thirds of these deaths are preventable using existing low cost interventions, costing less than US$3 per newborn. Neonatal mortality accounts for 40% of infant deaths in Africa. Infant mortality has risen in Kenya over the last decade and immunization rates have stagnated. Siaya district has one of the highest IMR in the country. Sagam village has the essential infrastructure to curb child mortality: excellent health facilities, staff, communication and all the services. Already Sagam's IMR is considerably lower that the rest of the district and has dropped significantly since Sagam Community Hospital in 1997. This goal is LIKELY to be achieved with full utilization of available facilities and application of child survival interventions at household level.
Goal 5: Improve maternal health and reduce maternal mortality by two thirds. 99% of the annual global maternal deaths of nearly 600,000 occur in the developing world, mostly South Asia and Africa. Another 20m women suffer non fatal complications of pregnancy and child birth while at least 70,000 women die from complications of unsafe abortion every year. Siaya district has one of the highest MMR in Kenya, estimated at 1,500/100,00 live births. Skilled attendance at delivery, availability of emergency obstetric care and post abortion care can prevent the majority of deaths. Sagam has good health facilities and is probably the only village in Africa running its own facility that offers comprehensive emergency obstetric care (CEmOC), including post abortion care (PAC). No wowan should die in Sagam and there has been none since the hospital became operational. (There were two deaths the week before the hospital opened!) This goal is LIKELY, but the with special attention to the demand side. Cost of services is a factor that makes TBAs a more accessible alternative. There are efforts to establish a community pre-payment scheme that should supplement the planned National Social Health Insurance to which the hospital is already affiliated.
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other communicable diseases. In 2004, 40m people were HIV positive, 5m were newly infected and 3m died. Almost half of PLWA are women; half of the newly infected are adolescents. Africa has the highest number of PLWA and Kenya one of the highest infection rates in the region. Western Kenya and Siaya districts lead the national statistics of HIV infection (20+%). Condom use is still unpopular with strong resistance by men and the influential Catholic Church. Less than 1% of the infected are on ARVs. The village has not received any sizable support from the much advertised national HIV control programs supported by the World bank, Global Funds or PEPFAR. This is not for lack of trying. The bureaucracy is thick and not easy to penetrate. At current levels of interventions, it is UNLIKELY that the HIV/AIDS goal will be achieved although there is hope based on the existence of strong community organization and infrastructure that could be effectively mobilized. For example, Sagam Community Hospital is now a VCT center and is providing limited amounts of ARVs while running an extensive home based care program. There are innovative orphan care programs run by Yaw Pachi women's group and faith based organization but they receive no externel support. There are also several youth groups opening up discussion on sexual behavior. The hospital has established an excellent free TB diagnosis and treatment program which receives reagents and drugs from the government and provides monthly returns. The incidence of TB has gone up and is unlikely to be controlled for so long as the HIV/AIDS epidemic is ravaging the population and the stigmas are in place.
Malaria remains a major public health problem in the village and a major contributor to child mortality and anemia in pregnancy. It is the leading cause of hospitalization in Sagam. Treated bed nets are not readily accessible in the district except for a restricted research area under CDC/KEMRI. But it is LIKELY to meet the goal on Malaria if the Global funds and other support could focus on building the opportunities offered by the RSA Trust, its local network and the qualified staff at the hospital to improve accessibility of treated bed nets and newer antimalarials. Resistance to Chloroquine and Fansidar (SP) is high in Western Kenya.Typhoid and cholera are the other endemic communicable diseases. The incidence of typhoid has remarkably dropped following inauguration of the water project. Cholera is no longer a problem nor are other water related diseases such as trachoma. The achievement of this target is HIGHLY LIKELY.
Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability. Nearly 60% of 4.4b people in the developing world lack basic sanitation and access to clean water. The safe water goal has ALREADY BEEN ACHIEVED in Sagam and the sanitation aspect is on course. The Sagam water project is a shining example of how a village can attain self sufficiency in tis valuable commodity. Sagam is now also selling bottled water to the nearby city under the trade name of 'Western Springs'. Environmental conservation is a problem, due to the population pressure (Sagam is the most densely populated sublocation in the district), and wanton cutting of trees for construction and fuel. We have electricity but is rather expense for cooking. The CBO has intensified environmental work establishing tree nurseries in every primary school, introducing energy saving stoves, mandating a ' family tree corner' in every family plot to cover domestic needs and protecting water catchments/springs. With more effort and identification of alternative enegy saving sources, this goal is LIKELY to be achieved. The population growth factor would however have to be tackled and the CBD family planning program by the hospital is a good start.
Goal 8: Develop and strengthen partnerships. As seen from the above Sagam community is highly organised, with high levels of mobilization and community participation. The village has a healthy relationship with the government and has a clear road map to the MDGs. But, partnerships with major development partners and funding agencies remains surprisingly thin. Apart from the European Union which supported the water program and UNDP who gave seed support to the women's dairy project, the village relies on its own resources, especially the sons and daughters working outside and retirees at home. More could be done in this area to make this goal HIGHLY LIKELY. It will be interesting to see if donors can embrace the type of partnership that Sagam offers - not the hand down type. We strongly believe that herein lies the secrets to the attainment of the MDGs in rural Africa.
In summary, Sagam village scores rather well on its potential to achieve the MDG targets by 2015. This is due to the innovations, clear road map and investments that have been prudently managed over the last decade. Sagam is obviously has a head start over most African villages but is showing that IT CAN BE DONE....With proper leadership and sustained efforts.
Could the Sagam example be the beacon of hope for rural Africa?"
"The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) signed by world leaders in 2001 are the new yardsticks for international development, to be attained by 2015. There are only ten more years to go, yet not many people in Africa have not even heard of the MDGs, leave alone know their significance. This is not acceptable, given that Africa face the most formidable of the challenges. This note assesses the probability of attainment of the MDGs by a modest village in the middle of Africa. We believe that we are the first African village to attempt this assessment.
At the 5th Asian-Pacific Population Conference in Bangkok(2002), Kofi Annan made a statement that is most relevant to Sagam village, Siaya District in western Kenya: " The Millennium Development Goals, particularly the eradication of poverty and hunger, cannot be achieved if questions of population and reproductive health are not addressed. And that means stronger efforts to promote women's rights, and greater investment in education and health, including reproductive health and family planning".
Today, Africa lies at the bottom of the league table of continents with reward to probability of reaching the MDGs; Kenya lies in the bottom half of the African league; and Siaya District has one of the worst socioeconomic and demographic indicators in the country. It is important to understand this as a prelude and to underline that Sagam is not a politically privileged village.
Here is how the village ranks its chances on meeting the MDGs:
Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty, eradicate hunger and malnutrition. One out of four people in the developing world lives in extreme poverty, earning less than US$1 a day. In Kenya, 56% of the population are below the poverty line. It is estimated to be around 70% in Siaya district. The district has no industry and no viable cash crops, most of it's income coming from expatriate labor. It imports most of the food and malnutrition is widespread. Sagam village has good soil but the population density is a setback. It could use the bountiful rivers to grow vegetables and fruits throughout the year. The district is a net importer of food to the tune of KSh. 100,000 per annum. RSA Development Trust is a local CBO working on income generation and the village has established a viable Micro finance bank that provides small loans 'Gramin' style. Women are utilizing these resources much better than men!Seasonal food shortages occur although there is no famine. The achievement of this goal is HIGHLY UNLIKELY in the current natinl economic environment. More investment is needed to accelerate agriculture and cottage industries and most important identify markets. Otherwise, poverty may actually increase.
Goal 2: Universal primary education. Globally, over 100m children are not in school for various reasons. Sagam contributes to this figure, despite having four primary schools, all of them overflowing; there are as many as 100 pupils per class in some schools. Previously school fees was the major obstacle to the attainment this goal but this has now been removed by the government. The present challenge is to build enough classrooms, ensure universal enrollment and completion, gender parity and raise the quality of teaching. The CBO is investing heavily in this area, within a progressive 'no child left behind policy, a bursary fund and care of orphans. A Village Polytechnic is also under costruction to cater for the many youth ful school leavers. Attainment of this goal is HIGHLY LIKELY, albeit with additional investment in facilities, books and teachers.
Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empowering of women. Two thirds of the world's 799m illiterates are women. Education is key to gender empowerment. Providing an extra year of education beyond the average boosts eventual wages by 10% to 20%. Women in leadership is not new to this area. Gem constituency, where Sagam lies, produced Kenya's first female mayor and parliamentarian (Mrs Grace Onyango). It has also been represented in Parliament twice by Mrs Grace Ogot, who rose to be Assistant Minister. Sagam has also elected a female Assistant Chief and a Councillor. Achievement of this goal is LIKELY, but will require targeted programs to counter culture-based biases and disempowering male attitudes. In this context, property rights and ownership and wife inheritance should be gieven special attention. The establishment of Gender Violence Center (GVC) at Sagam Community Hospital is a good beginning.
Goal 4: Reduce child mortality by 75%. Four million infants die annually in the first month of life, 99% in the developing world. Two thirds of these deaths are preventable using existing low cost interventions, costing less than US$3 per newborn. Neonatal mortality accounts for 40% of infant deaths in Africa. Infant mortality has risen in Kenya over the last decade and immunization rates have stagnated. Siaya district has one of the highest IMR in the country. Sagam village has the essential infrastructure to curb child mortality: excellent health facilities, staff, communication and all the services. Already Sagam's IMR is considerably lower that the rest of the district and has dropped significantly since Sagam Community Hospital in 1997. This goal is LIKELY to be achieved with full utilization of available facilities and application of child survival interventions at household level.
Goal 5: Improve maternal health and reduce maternal mortality by two thirds. 99% of the annual global maternal deaths of nearly 600,000 occur in the developing world, mostly South Asia and Africa. Another 20m women suffer non fatal complications of pregnancy and child birth while at least 70,000 women die from complications of unsafe abortion every year. Siaya district has one of the highest MMR in Kenya, estimated at 1,500/100,00 live births. Skilled attendance at delivery, availability of emergency obstetric care and post abortion care can prevent the majority of deaths. Sagam has good health facilities and is probably the only village in Africa running its own facility that offers comprehensive emergency obstetric care (CEmOC), including post abortion care (PAC). No wowan should die in Sagam and there has been none since the hospital became operational. (There were two deaths the week before the hospital opened!) This goal is LIKELY, but the with special attention to the demand side. Cost of services is a factor that makes TBAs a more accessible alternative. There are efforts to establish a community pre-payment scheme that should supplement the planned National Social Health Insurance to which the hospital is already affiliated.
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other communicable diseases. In 2004, 40m people were HIV positive, 5m were newly infected and 3m died. Almost half of PLWA are women; half of the newly infected are adolescents. Africa has the highest number of PLWA and Kenya one of the highest infection rates in the region. Western Kenya and Siaya districts lead the national statistics of HIV infection (20+%). Condom use is still unpopular with strong resistance by men and the influential Catholic Church. Less than 1% of the infected are on ARVs. The village has not received any sizable support from the much advertised national HIV control programs supported by the World bank, Global Funds or PEPFAR. This is not for lack of trying. The bureaucracy is thick and not easy to penetrate. At current levels of interventions, it is UNLIKELY that the HIV/AIDS goal will be achieved although there is hope based on the existence of strong community organization and infrastructure that could be effectively mobilized. For example, Sagam Community Hospital is now a VCT center and is providing limited amounts of ARVs while running an extensive home based care program. There are innovative orphan care programs run by Yaw Pachi women's group and faith based organization but they receive no externel support. There are also several youth groups opening up discussion on sexual behavior. The hospital has established an excellent free TB diagnosis and treatment program which receives reagents and drugs from the government and provides monthly returns. The incidence of TB has gone up and is unlikely to be controlled for so long as the HIV/AIDS epidemic is ravaging the population and the stigmas are in place.
Malaria remains a major public health problem in the village and a major contributor to child mortality and anemia in pregnancy. It is the leading cause of hospitalization in Sagam. Treated bed nets are not readily accessible in the district except for a restricted research area under CDC/KEMRI. But it is LIKELY to meet the goal on Malaria if the Global funds and other support could focus on building the opportunities offered by the RSA Trust, its local network and the qualified staff at the hospital to improve accessibility of treated bed nets and newer antimalarials. Resistance to Chloroquine and Fansidar (SP) is high in Western Kenya.Typhoid and cholera are the other endemic communicable diseases. The incidence of typhoid has remarkably dropped following inauguration of the water project. Cholera is no longer a problem nor are other water related diseases such as trachoma. The achievement of this target is HIGHLY LIKELY.
Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability. Nearly 60% of 4.4b people in the developing world lack basic sanitation and access to clean water. The safe water goal has ALREADY BEEN ACHIEVED in Sagam and the sanitation aspect is on course. The Sagam water project is a shining example of how a village can attain self sufficiency in tis valuable commodity. Sagam is now also selling bottled water to the nearby city under the trade name of 'Western Springs'. Environmental conservation is a problem, due to the population pressure (Sagam is the most densely populated sublocation in the district), and wanton cutting of trees for construction and fuel. We have electricity but is rather expense for cooking. The CBO has intensified environmental work establishing tree nurseries in every primary school, introducing energy saving stoves, mandating a ' family tree corner' in every family plot to cover domestic needs and protecting water catchments/springs. With more effort and identification of alternative enegy saving sources, this goal is LIKELY to be achieved. The population growth factor would however have to be tackled and the CBD family planning program by the hospital is a good start.
Goal 8: Develop and strengthen partnerships. As seen from the above Sagam community is highly organised, with high levels of mobilization and community participation. The village has a healthy relationship with the government and has a clear road map to the MDGs. But, partnerships with major development partners and funding agencies remains surprisingly thin. Apart from the European Union which supported the water program and UNDP who gave seed support to the women's dairy project, the village relies on its own resources, especially the sons and daughters working outside and retirees at home. More could be done in this area to make this goal HIGHLY LIKELY. It will be interesting to see if donors can embrace the type of partnership that Sagam offers - not the hand down type. We strongly believe that herein lies the secrets to the attainment of the MDGs in rural Africa.
In summary, Sagam village scores rather well on its potential to achieve the MDG targets by 2015. This is due to the innovations, clear road map and investments that have been prudently managed over the last decade. Sagam is obviously has a head start over most African villages but is showing that IT CAN BE DONE....With proper leadership and sustained efforts.
Could the Sagam example be the beacon of hope for rural Africa?"
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