KUAP Pandipieri Newsletter

Sponsored by Issue 2

August 2013

Jubilee Celebration Fr Hans Burgman THE atmosphere was electric as the com-pound bubbled with a kaleidoscope of chatter from the many friends of Pan-dipieri as they greeted KUAP staff in preparation of joining the programmes activities. KUAPs long term supporters, both new and established had arrived a week before the Jubilee celebrations of Father Hans Burgman to experience first hand how their generous support has con-tributed to the lives of the community members who access our services. The co-ordination and preparation of the arrival of 25 visitors from the Netherlands, for a 10 day visit was monumental, but efficiently executed by Father Hans and Johan Smorenburg (a regular volunteer at Pandipieri). Some visitors were here in Kisumu for the first time, others repeat visitors, but all were excited and wanted to help Fr Hans celebrate 60 years as a priest, of which 35 years were spent in Kisumu as the visionary missionary who with commu-nity members founded KUAP-Pandipieri. Sixteen of the visitors lived with communi-ty members for the duration of their stay. Most were KUAP staff and some Millima-ni parishioners who opened their doors and lives to the visitors with marvelous friend-ships formed.

Friday 12th of July marked the awaited Celebration day for Fr Hans, held at Pan-dipieri and organized by an enthusiastic and passionate group of committee mem-bers from KUAP staff. The day opened with a procession begin-ning at Mill Hill House, lead by staff, visi-tors, community members and two choirs who filled the air with song reverberating throughout the walk to Pandipieri. Fr Hans was placed in a cart drawn by a donkey as a symbolic gesture representing the first makeshift ambulance ever used at Pan-dipieri to ferry sick patients from the com-munity to the clinic for medical care. The singing, dancing and music pervaded the entire day with the sounds of the choir fill-ing the Hall at Pandipieri and lifting the spirits of everyone present. Within the Pandipieri compound the cere-monial planting of 4 trees was done repre-senting Fr Hans, Friends of Pandipieri, Kerzel and Berghijk, loyal donors who have supported KUAP over the years. Soil was also brought from the Netherlands to mark the strong links to KUAP and added to the trees. A bronze plaque, placed at the

entrance of the Hall was also unveiled. A vibrant, song filled mass was celebrated by Fr Hans inside the Hall with people overflowing and spilling out into the com-pound, with approximately 300 community members, staff and international visitors attending the

celebration. Colorful presentations by chil-dren and youth from the art school were done to the delight of all attending the cel-ebration. In recognition of his tremendous work with the community, Fr Hans Burgman was formally given the title of Luo Elder . This was presided over by four Luo Cultur-al Elders and he was gifted a traditional spear, shield, chair and head piece to mark the honour. The KUAP compound was also filled with tents holding pictorial representations of all the work the three programmes in KUAP had done throughout the year. The celebrations were completed with a sumptuous communal meal that had been prepared by students from Magadi & Nyal-enda Domestic Schools, accompanied by music and dance throughout the afternoon. A second event took place on Saturday 13th marking the day for a grueling 30km charity walk which approximately 300 staff, visitors and community members participated in Kisumu to raise funds for KUAP. Finally on Sunday 14th a mass at Milimani Church was held by Fr Hans followed by a meal for 150 community members served by the visitors from the Netherlands. The Vicar General Fr. Moses Omolo who at-tended both masses stated that the Motto of Mill Hill is to love and serve and that Fr Hans Burgman is the living embodiment of this commitment.

Inside:

Vocational Centres - Artist at Pandipieri EDC - Kisumu Artists for Children Programme Acrostic Poems - Teacher Training - Compound Revamp

Editors Corner Anna Chinni

THE other day, two young visitors came to

the centre and spent the day with our chil-

dren in Non-Formal Education (NFE) cen-

tre. At the end of the day they blew up

balloons and the compound was filled in a

riot of colours tangled with the delighted

shouts of children and the occasional pop

of a balloon as it touched the ground.

There was laughter, chaos and sheer joy at

such a simple pleasure. This had me think-

ing of the great work that staff, visitors and

donors alike bring to all the beneficiaries

of KUAP. A simple but effective grass-

roots approach to what at first may appear

as insurmountable obstacles is dealt with

dignity, equity and passion so beneficiaries

are given a pathway to lead dignified and

fulfilling lives. So next time things seem

not to be working out how we want, take

time each day to see the world through the

eyes of a child taking delight in a balloon.

I hope this 2nd issue of our KUAP newslet-

ter brings delight to our readers. Enjoy!

Vocational Centres

MAGADI and Nyalenda Vocational Centres bring hope and opportunity to many vulnerable youth within the commu-nity. Through the perseverance and dedica-tion of the teachers and Programme Of-ficer, Frieda Okombo and Manager of Nyalenda Vocational Centre Caroline Bun-de a Government of Kenya employee. The recruitment of new students was undertaken and Magadi Centre has 37 stu-dents and Nyalenda Centre 80 students.

Also, through the generosity of donors such as Bergeijk & Heijmerink Rijk Foundation, students have been supported through the acquisition of learning equipment ensuring all activities can be undertaken. Students have access to machines and sewing material for tailoring and dressmaking courses, kitchen equip-ment and food items for practical demon-strations in the catering course and equip-ment for masonry. This learning equip-ment is vital in retaining students who would otherwise be unable to meet the costs of their course. We thank the Government of Kenya for their support to students through the SYPT Project. Two inspiring students in their final year at Magadi Centre, Agnes Akoth Kidenda (24yrs) and Faith Auma Juma (16yrs) are two students who would not have been able to access vocational training if not for the provision of learning equipment. Both have lost their parents, could not complete secondary schooling due to poverty and struggle to bring to reality a better future for themselves. They have undertaken tailoring and dressmaking and catering courses and will sit for the Government examinations in November 2013. Agnes and Faith must work part time in catering to provide for their basic needs and firmly believe however much you strain or go hungry you know that school will provide the necessary training to rise above the poverty that threatens to engulf their future. Both girls have stood firm, despite ongoing challenges and both dream big for a hopeful future in setting up their own businesses in catering. Agnes and Faith attribute their ability to complete their training, despite at times feeling completely demoralized by life, to the wonderful staff who have offered guid-ance, counseling and encouragement to move forward and attain their dreams in realistic steps. Their wisdom and determi-nation is breathtaking and their advise to others is if youre not mature you can re-ally mess up so keep hope, faith and stand firm. Many of the students at the vocational centres have similar stories and it is this training and the compassionate understand-ing of staff that keep alive their dreams of a better future. In the past 2 years Misean Cara from Ireland have supported students from KUAP Vocational Centre to enable them to be sustainable and to hold on to their dreams of becoming future entrepreneurs.

Directors Cut Sr Bernadette Nealon

THE Management Team congratulate Fr. Hans Burgman on the Diamond Jubi-lee of his priestly ordination. We also con-gratulate KUAP Board Member Mr. Peter Muhula on his election as County Repre-sentative for Siaya and we are very proud of you Peter. We express sincere thanks to Fr. Michael Ochwo Mill Hill Missionary for the tremendous service he gave to KUAP Board as the Vice Chair for a peri-od of 3 years and we wish Fr. Michael a successful sabbatical in Ireland. On behalf of KUAP Board and Management Team I welcome Fr. Folkert Kruis Mill Hill Mis-sionary as Vice Chair of KUAP Board.

Local, National and International volun-teers are the mainstay of the organization and the Management Team welcome all our volunteers to KUAP Pandipieri and we thank you for your contribution to make a difference and to bring about change. A very big welcome to Dusica Naumovska who has just joined the team and is a VSO Jitolee Volunteer. Dusica will be with us for a period of 2 years. Many thanks to VSO Jitolee for this partnership.

The facelift to KUAP Pandipieri was made possible because of the generous donation from a gentleman from Ireland. We thank you very sincerely for your generosity to benefit the lives of children, youth and adults.

Enjoy the next few months until the next newsletter and I thank each and every person who supports KUAP Pandipieri in any way. May God continue to bless each one of you.

Agnes (on left) and Faith at Magadi Voca-tional Centre

Pandipieri EDC gets an Artists Touch THE Pandipieri ECD was given an oppor-tunity to renovate its building with the as-sistance of a very talented artist who was a former student of the Nyalenda Art School. Eric Obonyo Otieno is a total orphan who graduated from Art school in 2007 and since then has been pursuing his passion for art. He is the eldest of five siblings and has many responsibilities. Erics first painting ever sold was of an African wom-an carrying a child and this gave him a lot of courage and motivation to persevere with his talent. He is also a gifted portrait painter. Erics hope for the future is to one day have his own exhibition and for his art to be able to sustain him. Eric was commissioned to do the paintings on the outside walls of the EDC. Rhoda Anyango Ouma, Project Officer, has seen several direct impacts of this renovation work. Firstly there is now an attractive environment for the children to play and

learn, enrolments have increased from 47 children to 63 as parents view the school as being modern and better equipped. There has also been reduced absenteeism as chil-dren really enjoy their learning space. Par-ents have also had a more positive attitude towards the school which is reflected in improvement of fee payments, and regular visits to discuss childrens progress. The employment of a third teacher now means there are three separate classes rather than a combined class. Also through the work of the field officer a better understanding

of the backgrounds of the needy children has been established, with stronger links with parents created. An inviting learning environment definitely has far reaching benefits.

Kisumu Artists for Children Programme ONCE again the Children Services Pro-gramme has been given the wonderful op-portunity for 27 of our children to partici-pate in a very special drama program which promotes talents and builds confi-dence in vulnerable children. Francis Omungo is the artistic teacher who guided and mentored our children in dance, music and mask making, with the support of Mark Owino and Sophie Onyango (NFE teachers). Francis and the children together

decided to name their troupe Theatre for Young Children Muskateers. The children did drama every Friday afternoon and weekends for several months in prepara-tion for the grand performance that was held at Hippo Point on 3rd August. Both Francis and the teachers felt the whole drama process was very worthwhile in drawing forth the creativity of our children, raising their self confidence and helping them to voice their dreams, hopes

and fears for the future. On the day of the grand performance, approximately 200 children from six organizations all present-ed colourful and entertaining performanc-es. The organizations involved in the col-laboration were KUAP, CSP, Child First

Organization, Cherryberry, HOVIC and MFA/Salem, who all deal with vulnerable children in Kisumu. All the children per-formed brilliantly with the Children Ser-vices team showcasing originality, confi-dence, humour and energy as can be seen from these photos. Despite the day being overcast, with the threat of rain and a

piercing cold wind blowing in from the lake all the children kept poise and profes-sionalism as they braved the elements to present a magnificent array of traditional African stories and fables to an apprecia-tive crowd of onlookers. The day was filled with music, masks, dance and laugh-ter punctuated with incredible smiles and pride of the children and mentor artists. Special thanks to Harber Charitable Foundation for sponsoring the event and giving meaning & life to children.

Eric Obonyo Otieno next to his creation at Pandipieri EDC

Children's acrostic poems

TWO enthusiastic Tenteleni youth volun-teers from the UK, Harry & Maddy, who have been working with the children in non formal education since July, did an activity in poetry writing. The children had a great experience and produced remarkable pieces of work. We present just two of the poems composed by our children.

BY GEORGIA People of Pandipieri Are very Nice and good Delicate to everyone and help children like I to learn Pandipieri will Ever shine It will be popular in everything; they Really help us and others Its good

BY AUSTIN

People of Pandipieri-we are happy And God will bless that Now we are praying for Dr Hans Burgman I like all the staff of Pandipieri and the children In our school Everybody in Kisumu Really wants to see what we do here- Id like to show them

Pandipieri Compound Gets A Face-lift THOSE who have visited KUAP-Pandipieri in the past month would have noticed an amazing transformation in the old girl. Several buildings and the outside wall have been repainted, lending a rejuve-nating feel to the entire compound. The community are very pleased and impressed with the make over and the ultimate message to all of Kisumu is that KUAP is thriving and continuing its wonderful work. The Patient Support Centre is especially delighted as the impact of improved facilities means easy patient flow, improved confidentiality as patients can be examined in private, & clients with TB can be seen in a separate room reducing risk of infection, with all services under one roof: Laboratory, Pharmacy & Reception.

Teacher Training THE Child Counseling Project conducted a five day Psychosocial Support Training for 12 KUAP teaching staff from ECD, Voca-tional and non formal education centres. Robert Omuga, Project Officer, Sarah Vijzelman and Anna Chinni were the facilitators. Recognizing the vulnerability of children and youth who attend these schools, it was felt staff would benefit from the training which encompassed top-ics of stress management, self awareness, child growth and development, child abuse and child rights (facilitated by Victorine Odhiambo, Child Rights Officer) and child approach strategies. The 2010 Kenya Violence against Children Study uncovered current levels of violence reported by 13 to 17 year olds indicated that 11% of females and 4% of males

experienced sexual violence and 49% of females and 48% males experienced phys-ical violence. In light of these staggering statistics the training was pertinent to the challenges faced by teaching staff. Participants shared their experiences of dealing with cases of abused children and greatly appreciated the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge and ability to work with the children. Another 5 day training will be held in late November to conclude the modules at which time teachers will be given a certificate of participation.

Next issue: Grand Opening of a Childrens

Resource Centre at Bala

KUAP to get a new webpage domain, and Facebook link

News from the Health Programme NIC Bank Kisumu, donated a cake which was greatly enjoyed by our children in temporary shelter

Thank you to our Donors A warm thank you for all the support and goodwill from donors, well-wishers and partners. We recognize the support from international donors, individuals, national and international volunteers who have sup-ported KUAP-Pandipieri programme fi-nancially and in kind.

Donations in Euro currency can be made through Pandipieri Catholic Centre Ac-count at Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Ltd A/c No. 9304055090300 Swift code: SCBLKENXXXX.

Donations in Kenyan currency can be made through KUAP Pandipieri Health Programme A/c at NIC Bank Ltd, Kisumu Branch A/c No. 1000012137.