. NEWS

Current Events in Kenya

Saturday, January 6th 2008

Dear Friends, I have received a lot of inquiries about the political situation in Kenya. While the country is suffering from rioting, violence and unrest, our friends at Kirongo Christian Integrated Community Project (KCICP) are safe and continuing to support the Kojwach community in this difficult time. I spoke with Bernard Auma, the project’s manager this morning after many failed attempts to reach him via cell phone. I was relieved to find that he was safe at home with his family. He told me that all those associate with our project have suffered no physical violence.

 

The project’s location has saved it from the worst of the violence. KCICP is off the main road and tucked away from high traffic areas such as tarmac roads and markets. Travel in and out of towns was at a stand still until recently, so food and other supplies are moving back into the rural communities.

 

The receipt of recent donations will be delayed slightly because the banks are closed for security reasons. Many of the school children that we support are still attending classes. Their headmasters will be asked to remain patient with us and excuse the delay of school fees. While most of the news from KCICP was relieving, the Kojwach location has not gone untouched by the turmoil. Bernard reported that violence in the area while limited to looting and vandalizing included the destruction of homes owned by ethnic minorities in the area. Primarily people from the Luo tribe populate the Kojwach location. Those who are not from the Luo tribe, in particular members of the Kisii and Kikuyu tribes have been targeted in the aftermath of the election. Members of the Kojwach need the assistance of KCICP and Rowe Charities now more than ever. At no other time is our message of empowerment and positive change more essential.

 

While I hope this letter eases some concerns about the situation at Kirongo, I do not want to dismiss the severity of the unrest in Kenya as a whole. I encourage you to read more and discover the larger picture as the crisis bleeds into neighboring countries. I’ve attached some links to news reports from reputable sources. Whatever happens in the larger urban areas will affect those we serve in the rural community; and the urban areas are suffering greatly. Thus we must stay focused on the larger picture.

 

I’ll continue to provide updates on the situation as it unfolds. Thank you for keeping Kenya in your thoughts.

 

Sincerely,

Alyssa Lowe

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7172103.stm
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bdd9159c-b8d4-11dc-893b-0000779fd2ac.html

Austin World AIDS Week

Wednesday November 28th 2007

6-9 PM

San Jacinto Conference Room, UT Campus - Rowe Charities will participate in World AIDS Week, a bazaar of local and international non-profits, artists and health organizations that work in areas where HIV in endemic. The event is hosted by FACE AIDS, a University of Texas student organization focused on HIV prevention in Africa. Rowe Charities will have a booth at the event to raise awareness about the charity and accept donations for our work with local midwives in the Kojwach location. One dollar can provide supplies to help prevent natal mother to child transmission of HIV during home birth. Come enjoy an evening of awareness, art and advocacy.

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Austin to Africa

A Celebration of Culture and Community

What the Event is:

• 15+ African-focused Non-profits organizations will gather at Central Market North Lamar to give their “elevator pitches” about their organization and what they do to make a difference on the African Continent.
• Several of the organizations will offer brochures about their organizations and their initiatives.
• 3 different bands will provide entertainment including:
• Atash – Austin’s own world class international musical brotherhood, with members from the Middle East, Africa, Asia Europe and the Americas, fronted by Iranian vocalist Mohammad Firoozi.
• Lannaya – an extended family of dancers, drummers and singers, led by Master Drummer Alseny Sylla, with choreography by Master Jean-Dlaude Lessou; performing intricate and intoxicating dances, songs and rhythms from Guinea and the Ivory Coast.
• Didgeman – World class musician and didgeridoo player Omid Laridjani will be accompanied by a variety of flutes and/or drums. Although the didgeridoo is typically associated with Australia, the instrument originated in Africa.
• Other Musicians will be added to schedule as time permits.

When:

Saturday Sept. 22nd from Noon to 6 PM on the deck at Central Market North Lamar.

Cost:

Free to everyone!

Why Attend?:

• This is an opportunity for Central Texans to learn about the work being performed to improve the quality of life on the African Continent by the various Central Texas Non-profit organizations.
• It is also an opportunity for people to learn how they can become involved in the various non-profit organizations and meet the actual members running the organizations.
• It’s going to be an amazing party with music, dance, African costumes, fun, laughter, and a didgeridoo. Hey how many parties get to have someone run around in a grass skirt and play a didgeridoo……..who knows what other strange things might pop up.

Contact Info:

Staci Livesay at 512.657.5736 or via web at www.yessera.org.

Committed Participating Organizations:

• Yessera
• 10,000 Villages
• Amal Foundation
• Mother Maryam
• African Education Project
• Austin African Network
• Art Life Kenya

• Brother Brother Sister Sister
• Raising the Children
• One Campaign
• African American Chamber of Commerce
• Rowe Charities
• Africa Bound