generating excitement

As luck (and good management) would have it, Robert Cork Permaculture Star happened to be visiting Kesho Leo at the same time as Rob Watson Architect Star. They used their star power to complete the last phase of getting Kesho self-sufficient with… youguessed it, power! The guys picked up the generator (funded by our friends at the Cotton On Foundation) and got to work building a shed to house it in. It is now fully installed and connected to the building. So the solar panels (funded by Golder Trust for Orphans and Cotton On Foundation) and reliable backup generator now have Kesho Leo fully (and self-sufficiently) powered up. What a great milestone reached!

gimme shelterseptember/october 2011

architecture in Arusha

fws architect Rob Watson was back at Kesho Leo recently, for the first time since the earliest days of surveying the site, when the award-winning design1 was still just a twinkle in his eye. He says “It was fantastic to see the building and site in the flesh. It truly is a remarkable effort from everyone involved. As the fortnight wore on I saw less about what needed to be done and more about what has been done.” Still, it is a long term project, and maintenance issues and improvements need addressing when funds can be raised. Rob cites guttering, painting, increasing natural light in the medical clinic and classrooms, improved design around composting toilets (done!), and tank fed spring loaded taps to encourage hand washing after toilet use. He was kept busy getting started on some of these projects, like the toilets design — already done! — as well as catching up with the heart of the project — the staff and residents who love living in the building.

Cindy Macdonald and ‘Good Weekend Magazine’ always make us feel good with their ongoing support, including the latest donation of $500! Thanks so much to our ‘shopping’ lovers — we have received $2400 in donations for Tanzanian Early Education Teachers, which more than covers the two half-time salaries, which is fantastic! Half of this amount was provided by the fundraising efforts of the Rotaract Club of Subiaco, and the other half from a generous individual donor. More Shopping List purchases have paid for the Kesho Leo Community Outreach Fund, Pig Feed and also School Supplies. Shopping really does make the Kesho world go round! www.foodwatershelter.org.au/shoppinglist.aspx A special afternoon of poetry and photography was enjoyed in Brisbane recently as talented fws education manager, Cindy Keong, performed and presented her Tanzanian inspired work as a part of the Queensland Poetry Festival. What a great opportunity for fws volunteers past and present to catch up.

Ever wanted to climb Mt Kilimanjaro? Ever wondered how you could raise some serious cash for the Kesho Leo project? Well we may just have the answer right here… www.peaksfoundation.org/our_adventures/your_peak_your_week_challenge/ groups/fws Don't be shy!

this month's smileys...

Rob and Mudi

Rob and Mudi survey the site

Many hands make... Kesho Leo self-sufficicent!

“It was fantastic to see the building and site

in the flesh. It truly is a remarkable effort

from everyone involved.”Rob Watson, Architect

Corky digs deep in the name of power

fws 2012 calendar alert!

ON SALE SOON

1. 2010 National Award for International Architecture from the Australian Institute of Architects.

Hongera sana (big congratulations) to Lillian, daughter of Mama Helena, who graduated Form 4 from Sinoni Secondary School this month. This is an outstanding achievement in Tanzania, as many students are unable to continue their education into secondary school. This special occasion was celebrated with Lillian’s family, Kesho Leo residents and fws volunteers, with singing, music and a lot of dancing. Lillian was presented with beautiful gifts such as kitenge and kanga (traditional colourful African fabric skirt wraps) along with a celebratory Tanzanian meal, a beautiful graduation cake and congratulatory speeches. Lillian’s goal now is to learn how to use computers and continue to strengthen her education so that she can go to university after Form 5 and 6. fws is very proud of Lillian’s achievements thus far and wish her the greatest success as we continue to support her in her final years of high school.

Lillian’s graduation night at Kesho Leo

Much to the delight of the kids, a movie night was held at Kesho Leo as a treat to mark the end of August. On show was Night at the Museum — an adventure-

comedy film sure to excite any kid (and even some adults). Movie nights are a great way for the Kesho Leo residents to bond with each other and create great memories. One of the Chekechea rooms was used as the cinema (solar powered of course), with mats and cushions scattered in front of the makeshift screen (white sheet pinned to the wall). The corn was popped, the lights were dimmed and the kids happily grazed their way through the movie, whispering,

giggling and some running behind their mamas when they got a little scared. The night also celebrated Happy’s ‘Happy 10th birthday’ with party hats, delicious banana birthday cake and singing! A special night for beautiful bright little girl!

All eyes on the big screen —

it's movie night!

Last month Kesho Leo Mamas were taken on a permaculture excursion with Permaculture Managers Robert Cork and Lindsay Allen, to the Global Services Corps (GCS) — an NGO that designs and implements effective service-learning programs in the communities they serve. The group was taken on a tour with a local guide who explained GCS’ services and facilities with the added benefit of the tour being spoken in Kiswahili. Here they saw first hand how to implement and grow vegetables using sack-gardens (e.g. to grow spinach); different techniques and housing for solar drying fruit and

vegetables; how to save and store water and key hole gardening (one method that we hope to introduce at Kesho Leo). It was great to see the Mamas engaged and inspired with new and relatively easy permaculture practices that will hopefully be added to the repertoire of farming techniques already occuring on the Kesho Leo shamba (farm).

mamas go global Happy birthday to Happy,

happy birthday to you!

Mudi and Nema help Lillian celebrate

Mamas line-up for learning at GCS

A BIG thanks goes to Melbourne University for donating the projector

Often described as one of Tanzania’s more vibrant public holidays, Nane Nane celebrates the farmers’ contribution to the Tanzanian economy. The event is celebrated from 1-9 August every year, with the national public holiday being held on the eighth day of the eighth month (hence its name Nane Nane which is directly translated as “eight eight” in Swahili).

The fair showcases the latest agricultural and environmental technologies, animals, local products. Perfectly maintained sample plots of various crops were on show demonstrating different farming and growing techniques and comparing seeds.

Several companies showcased enviro-efficient products such as mini rocket stoves and biogas systems (we are very happy with ours!). We were particularly interested in the ‘corn cob sheller’ from Global Service Corps. This practical and efficient tool allows its user to remove dried corn from its cob with just a twist of a wrist… a great purchase just in time for the harvesting of our corn from the fws shamba (farm). This event is so important for educating and sharing valuable information between farmers, businesses and the public, and Kesho Leo was right in there as part of the farming community!

...and Lindsay looked

into rocket stoves

City 2 Surfers made it

Woo hoo! We cracked 3.4k!! A massive effort from the team — not only to get up Heartbreak Hill unbroken, but to raise such a hefty sum. Congratulations to fabulous fws team members Kerry Renshaw, Nick Renshaw, Andrew Fisher, Janie Albert, Lance King, Glenn Ryan, James Davis, Daria Bodzak, Karen Champlin. And many thanks to all who contributed cash, including a biggie from Bondi Junction Timber and Hardware, of $1050!

Nane Nane (nah-neh nah-neh)

A fishpond is a great addition to any garden. The two Kesho Leo fishponds, measuring approximately 10m x 6m, fit into a much wider eco-system. Aside from providing the Mamas and kids with an extra source of protein in their diet, the ducks on the farm aerate and deposit manure into the water, which then promotes the growth of algae. The algae is eaten by the fish and their waste fertilises the water that is used on the plants on the farm, which in turn feed the residents and animals at Kesho Leo.

For the past few months and after some information sessions highlighting the benefits and techniques of harvesting fish, the Mamas have been actively harvesting one day each week. Whilst a more popular task with some mamas than others, it is great to see that this important activity is now a ritual each and every week. Approximately 70 fish are being harvested every Wednesday for the families at Kesho Leo.

gone fishing

Got one! Esther and her catch

Who would have thought you could learn so much on a public holiday?! The team saw chickens living on the edge...

All in a (Wednes)day's work

Mary makes a splash

At last! The finish line

"It is important to me to give to those less fortunate in the world"

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Tanzania • Kwaheri to Lindsay

Allen who has spent the last 6 months as fws’ Permaculture Manager. Lindsay, fws and the Sinon community would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work, enthusiasm and knowledge passed onto the workers and staff in Arusha. You and your ‘green’ tips will certainly be missed!

(goodbye)kwaheri

Tanzania • Karibu Neil Shannon who has begun the important

role of fws’ Finance Manager.

(welcome)karibu

I work as a Business Manager looking after BMA and BHPB for QR National. So now I love trains and work in the resources sector, based in Brisbane.

what is your day job?

name: Mick Croninage: 43fws title(s): Secretary, Board Member & Gratitude and Donor Officer

• My wife Amanda and 2 year old Joshua — of course the smartest 2 year old going around!!

• Watching Union and AFL (go the Swannies).• Improving my very average piano skills.• Mixing all of this with a glass of champagne!

what are your passions (besides fws)?

• Support the broader management team by undertaking a range of administrative and financial support tasks.

• Email, email, email!• Coordinate fws Board and Management meetings.• As a Board Member, actively involve myself in all

aspects of the organisation, include Health, Social Welfare, Education and Finance.

what do you do for fws?

It is important to me to give to those less fortunate in the world, and there are many of them. Through fws I can have a positive impact on the lives of children and their families living in terribly difficult conditions in Africa, giving them hope for the future.

why do you volunteer for fws?

The people — both the Australian volunteers and the whole team at Kesho Leo. There is a strong, common bond between all involved to sacrifice what we can for the development of Kesho Leo and the future of the local community.

what is your favourite thing about fws?

• Thanks to Erin Cannon who spent the past six weeks helping out in the Kesho Leo Chekechea classes and various other activities.

• Thanks also to Corky for being back on site with permaculture and building support. We wish you both all the best on your move to the US.

A big farewell celebration for the lovely Lindsay

A big thank you to evergreen

Lindsay!

Education Manager (Tanzania) 2011/12☛ time: Full-time position

☛ term: 8-13 month contract, available now!

☛ where: Kesho Leo, accommodation provided

☛ salary package: $small stipend

☛ perks: Warm-fuzzies and the best PD ever!

In this dream teaching role you will be responsible for the management of all education programs. Working alongside Tanzanian staff, you will be responsible for the design, delivery and reporting of all educational services at Kesho Leo children's village.Skills & experience: • Teaching qualications and experience• Innovative with curriculum design and resources• Excellent relational and community liaison skills• Great communicatorEmail osvolunteers@foodwatershelter.org.au

volunteer vacancies

For information about these and other current fws volunteer opportunities in Australia and Tanzania, visit www.foodwatershelter.org.au/volunteerwithus.aspx

Graphic Designer☛ time: 2-6 hours per fortnight (on average)

☛ term: Forever we hope

☛ where: Work from your home

☛ salary package: $zilch

☛ perks: Warm-fuzzies

Join the fws communications team and help tell the world about the organisation's projects and achievements. You'll be provided with templates and a style guide so you can hit the ground running. We'd hope the new designer would be available to take over design of gimme shelter (yep! this snazzy newsletter!) in the coming months.Skills & experience:• Experience in Adobe InDesign, must have own

access to version CS4 or higher• Team player and good communicatorEmail volunteers@foodwatershelter.org.au

volunteer vacancies

Health Manager (Tanzania) 2011/12☛ time: Full-time position

☛ term: 3 month contract, with option to extend, available now

☛ where: Kesho Leo, accommodation provided

☛ salary package: $small stipend

☛ perks: Warm-fuzzies

You’ll be in charge of recruiting a Tanzanian nurse and working together with him/her to consolidate the policies and procedures of the community health centre and community outreach program. Community health education is also part of your role.Skills & experience: • Registered Nurse with wide experience• Experience in education/paediatrics/women's

health/mother and child health/public health/health promotion all desirable skills

• Experience in developing countries/rural or remote settings a plus

• Enthusiastic, patient, good communicator, team player

Email osvolunteers@foodwatershelter.org.au

volunteer vacancies

Social Worker (Tanzania) 2011/12☛ time: Full-time position

☛ term: 8-13 month contract, available now

☛ where: Kesho Leo, accommodation provided

☛ salary package: Small stipend

☛ perks: Warm-fuzzies

You will be leading the social welfare teamin ensuring the emotional wellbeing of KeshoLeo house mamas and children, and have theimportant task of liaising with Tanzanian socialwelfare as Kesho Leo accepts orphans. Youalso have the role of facilitating communityoutreach and education programs.Skills & experience: • Psych or social welfare experience• Great mediation and conflict resolution skills• Organised, proactive and innovative• An effective communicatorIf interested please email osvolunteers@foodwatershelter.org.au

volunteer vacancies

Golder Associates Corporation is a global ground-engineering and environmental services group. As part of its commitment to sustainability, it formed Golder Trust for Orphans in 2003, which supports sustainable development projects with a focus on services for orphaned or displaced children and families in Africa.

This makes it a perfect match with fws! In August 2009, Golder Trust generously contributed $26,800 that enabled fws to install a solar power system at Kesho Leo. Thank you!

Golder Trust For Orphans

solar!

Yep, there’s room for you. If you’re liking the sound of the work fws does and the innovative, professional and fun way in which we do it, and want to become part of it by becoming a project sponsor, please contact us! Email carolyn.nickson@foodwatershelter.org.au.

we’re after more friends…

In June 2009, the Goldman Sachs JBWere Foundation awarded a grant of $19,329 to fws for the fit-out of Kesho Leo’s bathroom, laundry, kitchen and sewing room. This enabled fws to deliver rainwater to the kitchen and buy cookware, benches, cupboards and even four kitchen sinks! Other items covered

included sewing machines to support a new small business, buckets, toilets, doors, a stepladder and a clothes line.

Goldman Sachs JBWere Foundation

sewing!

In 2007, Aussies For Orphans provided fws with grant funding to the tune of $36,000 to cover the costs of building accommodation for Kesho Leo's families. And in late 2009, AFO contributed another $1045 towards medical equipment and supplies for the health clinic. Thank you AFO!!

Aussies For Orphans

bomas!

The Planet Wheeler Foundation has been incredibly generous to fws, providing the set-up costs for the Kesho Leo permaculture systems and grounds through a $36,000 grant that paid for things like the biogas system, sheds, livestock and irrigation systems that now provide food for our mamas and kids, and organic produce now sold to bring direct income

to Kesho Leo. In 2010 Planet Wheeler again shone with kindness by donating a further $20,000 to purchase a Land Rover 4WD for safely transporting the Kesho Leo residents. Planet Wheeler was also incredibly supportive in covering many of fws’s expenses relating to security upgrades in 2008, for which fws is deeply and eternally grateful.

planet wheeler

permaculture!

The Cotton On Foundation has been donating to charities since 1991 and has now formed a relationship with fws. They have kindly contributed USD$7,490 to help fws expand the solar power system, USD$15,000 for a new generator and AUD$10,000 towards Kesho Leo infrastructure and maintenance costs. Thank you, Cotton On!

Cotton On Foundation

solar!

our project sponsorsfws proudly enjoys the support of the following organisations. Each contributes big, gorgeous dollarage to the various projects at Kesho Leo children’s village in Tanzania, East Africa

Read all about it! In 2010 the Francis Kealy Fund generously donated 9 years of funding to enable Kesho Leo to set up and run a library! The library is initially supporting Kesho Leo residents, students and workers and in time it will go mobile (yes, mobile!) into the local community.

Francis Kealy Fund

library!