Friday, February 22, 2008

Together we are making a difference.

We heard recently from a Kenyan girl called Julliana whose education was sponsored by a Footsteps supporter. She writes:

“The slums where we used to live were burned down with people inside. When you sent the money it improved our lives and we were able to move from the slums to better rooms. Your support has saved our lives.”

Together we are making a difference.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Peace talks progress, but Kenyans are still suffering

We thank God that there has been progress in the talks aimed at resolving political Kenya’s political crisis. Although a degree of normality has returned, there are still many thousands of people displaced from their homes, and the drop in tourism has resulted in thousands of redundancies.

The situation as far as Footsteps’ projects is concerned is that things re getting back to normal, but food price rises are causing real hardship. Martin and Mary Print plan to travel to Kenya at the end of February to see first-hand what impact the troubles have had, and what help is needed. While in Kenya they can be contacted on +254 722 537 205.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Kenya calmer and more hopeful

General situation:

The talks between Kenya’s political leaders facilitated by UN envoy Kofi Annan continue. There is encouraging new of a possible breakthrough, and conditions in Kenya are calmer.

Naivasha

The town has been relatively quiet for the past 10 days. Construction of the new Sunshine Home (funded by our partner Mission Care) continues to provide jobs for many of the ex-street boys.

Mark (an ex-street boy who now works as a motor-cycle taxi) plans to marry his fiancée Naomi later this month.

Recruitment has started for the Polytechnic, but is delayed because of the troubles.

Mombasa

Glyn and Jane have returned to Mombasa. The new classrooms at the high school are progressing well (the roof is due to go on).

Hubert Seifert (Director of APDK) reports that he has had to put workers on short-time working because of a drop in workload. There are many requests outstanding for mobility aids for people injured in the fighting.

Kware slum, Nairobi

Bernard and Ruth are OK, and the school has re-started. Pastor Brown is recovering after was mugged as he travelled in the slums.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Naivasha still tense

The situation in Naivasha is still tense with many non-indigenous people trying to leave for their homelands, and an influx of refugees from other parts of Kenya.

All our boys and the staff are OK. Recruitment of trainees at the Polytechnic has halted due to the troubles.

Food prices have increased substantially.

Moses, or project officer in Lake Victoria region, has been organising the burial of his grandmother. He will be travelling back to Mombasa this weekend. Pray for a safe journey.