Tumaini Counseling Centre

Here is a link to Tumaini's video on what they do in Kenya. I really think you should watch it. If you would like to know more information on how you can support these counselors, comment on my blog or send me an email. My friends, Roger and Shirley Brown need financial support before they can return to Kenya. They have been working at Tumaini for their career, but with the economic issues of the US, they have been struggling to maintain support. The work that the counselors do in Africa keeps everyone else who is working there, there.

Video:

http://tumainicounseling.net/images/stories/Tumaini.mov

I, Too

So far, while in Paraguay I have learned about humanity. While at the all girl's school up-country from Asuncion I was able to see how a poor girl from an ethnic group that was once hunted by others for being native to the land, and then hid in the forest for hundreds of years, can now stand with pride amongst her peers-- all her peers, of all colors-- as she presents her prize that she's won over all in the country. All she needed to obtain this was someone to fill her with the idea of worth and provide her with the skills needed to succeed.

This poem by Langston Hughes reminds me of these girls. The poem is about an African-American in the US, but I'd venture to say that it pertains to these Native Indian girls.

I, Too

I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes, but I laugh,
Eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table when company comes.
Nobody'll dare say to me
"Eat in the kitchen."
Then.

Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--

I, too, am America.




-Langston Hughes

Naval Academy Article about Nuru International

Click this link to read about how Nuru's founder and ex-Marine, Jake Harriman, fights terrorism with seed and fertilizer!

http://www.usna.com/Document.Doc?id=1254

Great article about Nuru written in Shipmate, the NA's magazine. Its exciting to see the different places we get press.

Jake was in Morgantown,WV this week for the first time in awhile (he mostly splits his time between Kenya and California), so it was nice to get to see him for a bit.

On Tuesday, I leave for Paraguay in South America with Nicole Scott, our partnerships Director, to check out a project called Teach A Man To Fish. We'll be there for 9 days (gone total for 11) to see if their most successful project, a self-sustainable high school, is something we can do in Kenya and possibly on other projects. I'll keep you all posted on how that goes and give more info. then.

Organic Farm in Kiberia

I know I know! I haven't blogged in almost a month and now I've done 3 in one day!!! Don't get overwhelmed, you have a month to read through them! Haha!

This link is to a BBC slideshow that also has commentary by the founder of the self-help group for the organic garden. Pretty pictures and interesting thoughts on organic farming in Africa's largest slum, which is located inside of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7865387.stm

Kiberia being cleared for low-income housing

I was reading the BBC, Africa and found the front page news to be that Odinga is clearing everyone (1 MILLION people) out of the largest slum in sub-saharan Africa, Kiberia, Kenya to make room for low-income housing. I'm still processing my thoughts on this one. Part of me feels like this is a good thing, to reduce crime and improve the lives of the people who live in Kiberia; however, on the personal side, generations of families have raised their children in those shacks. Although they may be shacks, they were called home to over a million people. Food for thought. Read the article by clicking the link below:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8258417.stm

Campus Reps, Birthdays, and America

Now that I'm back in the US of A, I am working with Derek and Billy on the Grassroots Movement Team, along with some excellent volunteers. My main job right now is connecting with students on university campuses to join in the fight against extreme poverty by volunteering their time on campus. We are getting geared up for some very important dates this fall: Oct 1st and Nov 1st. On Oct 1st we are launching the new website and also celebrating Nuru's 1yr anniversary and all the achievements that go along with it. Nov. 1st is the launch of the I AM NURU Campaign, which allows people to lift a family in Kenya out of extreme poverty over the course of 5 yrs. by paying $28/mo. If you are interesting throwing a party with a purpose for either of those dates--or both--email me to find out details. Last year's party with a purpose here in Morgantown was an amazing success. If you are interested in the I AM NURU Campaign, click on the Nuru website link to the right on Nov 1st for details.

Secondly, tomorrow is my birthday. Last year my friends in the counseling department threw me a surprise party in our Human Development class, with cupcakes and soda-- very sweet. That night a bunch of friends celebrated Mine and my friend Tara's birthday (today) at a Mediterranean restaurant.

This year, I would like everyone to donate to Nuru via the Facebook cause page: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/birthdays/152681?m=e0bc6388

I'm asking everyone to donate $10 to collectively get $200. So far we have raised $120 since last week when I set it up. $80 more bucks and we're there!

America is an interesting place to get used to the land of individualism and relational sterilization. But I'm slowly getting used to it, so that's good. This Friday I'm headed to the Paraguay consulate to get a visa for a business trip at the beginning of October. Fun rides on the metro in my future.

Nuru's 6th Episode: Harvest

Hey Everyone,

Sorry that I have been delinquent in writing. I am back in the USA safe and sound and have moved back to Morgantown,WV where I'll be working with Billy Williams and Derek Roberts and out volunteer staff on the Grassroots Movement Team, who tirelessly work to awaken individuals to action with NURU and to action within their own communities. More on that to come. But for now, watch Episode 6 here... its not long. I'm in it again, along with my handsome colleagues. Thank you.