Through the partnership of African Air Rescue, AAR, Best Buddies Kenya had an opportunity of establishing a tree-planting exercise in all the Best Buddies chapters. “The tree planting program has just come in hand as the rainy seasons are just around the corner. This is also a great opportunity for the buddy pairs to give back to the community as they all engage in community awareness activity.” said Mrs Musima the school head teacher of Mathare special school.



All the buddy pairs from all the chapters were all engaged in this unique community awareness exercise that also added in making their respective schools look green hence contributing to the healthy environment around. “We are proud to be a part of the climate change revolutionists here in our school.” Said Victor Mwanza and his buddy, John Mwangi from St. Genesis High School.



A total of 3000 trees were planted in all the chapters. “Best Buddies Kenya is so proud of AAR and other donors through Global Giving who have made and continue to make success of its movement around the country. We would urge the donors to continue with their generous contribution towards this worthy cause as we strive to make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.” Said, Enouce Ndeche, Executive Director, Best Buddies Kenya.

Attachments:

• BEST_BUDDIES_GOES_GREEN.doc (DOC)

On 30th May, members of Best Buddies Ngei High school chapter hosted a Best Buddies Kenya friendship forum at their school. 40 buddy pairs from all the chapters gathered together to experience, share and network with their colleagues from other schools about their mutual friendship. “This is the day that I have been looking forward to, just to know and learn the friendship relations from other chapter members means a lot to me.” Said Fridah a buddy from Mathare special school.
It was a jovial moment of experience and learning as buddy pairs came to mingle together enjoy and share ideas about their respective Best Buddies chapters. Also in attendance were 4 teachers from each chapter and Best Buddies Kenya, Executive Director, Mr.Enouce Ndeche

Attachments:

• BEST_BUDDIES_FRIENDSHIP_FORUM.doc (DOC)

Despite the schools being on holidays, a couple of Best Buddies Kenya’s student participants showed up on 14th April at St.Maurus special school, a host location for (Buddies) who have been matched up with peer Buddies of Genesis High school. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct an interview with buddy pairs who participate in Best Buddies program to share out their mutual friendship experiences.

Also on board for interview were student participants from Ngei High school and their school principal who also shared out his experience and the quality revolutionary change that Best Buddies Kenya has instilled into his students, the school and the entire community.” Since the inception of Best Buddies Kenya into Ngei High school, the perception of people with intellectual disability has totally transformed from the negative to the positive direction. Through the one-to-one friendship of my students and their counter parts from our neighbor, Mathare special school which is a school for students with intellectual disability, my school generally has been a turning point for a great revolution of the entire society. “Said Mr. Gerald Angote, the principal of Ngei High school.

MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP EXPERIENCE
Student after student narrated how Best Buddies Kenya project has impacted their lives and the lives of their partners as well as the positive transformational experience that has been created. “My friendship experience with my buddy, Janet Wairimu has been the greatest moment of my life ever since, I have learnt so many important things that I didn’t know in life just through my buddy, Janet.Now I know that people with intellectual disability are just good friends, equals and they too deserve an opportunity to be socialized into our society, just as the saying goes, “Disability is not Inability. “Said Neema Fatuma, peer buddy from Ngei High School.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN!
Best Buddies Kenya wishes to thank the Global Giving and all other donors who have been generously supporting our mission. We strongly believe that through your continuous support and support of others, Best Buddies Kenya will be in a better position to continue advocating for people with intellectual disability here in Kenya.

Attachments:

• 14th April.doc (DOC)

Christine and Michael visited this project. Michael wrote,


"We visited the office of AfriAfya to test a survey for Global Giving. The office was quite spread out with a few desks. AfriAfya works on various projects including the one posted on Global Giving. We had a fantastic conversation with Sara regarding how the global economic situation is affecting funding for the non-profit sector. Ann is working in the financing section and told us that she decided to work with AfriAfya because she saw how much difference it made when people had access to information that they trusted.

AfriAfya's main goal in all of its projects is to use information and communication technology to improve the health of communities in Kenya We were unable to visit the project's field sites due to our very compressed schedule in Nairobi."

Christine said,
"I met Enouce Ndeche from Best Buddies Kenya. The original plan was to meet only with Best Buddies, but I found out that Best Buddies and CASL-VAP are the same organization, or at least run by the same people, so I ended up meeting with both. It was a hectic day, and totally exhausting, but well worth it! While the building that their “office” is in looked really fancy from the outside, the office itself was the size of a small closet, but they made the most of it, cramming 2 desks with computers and a small refrigerator (so they could sell drinks to support the project) inside. Enouce, and Best Buddies, love Global Giving since it was the first to finance their activities and is still their major source of funding.

The purpose of Best Buddies is to pair disabled children with other children from nearby schools to combat prejudice and ignorance, as well as increase the number of people advocating for the disabled. Enouce said that “disabled people weren’t seen as friends or individuals, but Best Buddies strives to make them fully included in society.” Listening to Enouce, eventually it struck me that the disabled children faced all of the same trials that any kid faces in a developing country- no food, clothes, job opportunities, lack of access to a decent education- but without the same abilities to adapt to situations, making their prospects twice as bleak.

The following day, we went to see 4 school or two pairs of partner schools, in the Manyatta slums of Nairobi. The first set were small, with all ages of children being taught. The disabled school was a secure compound, and we met some of the older kids that were paired with buddies. The school for non-disabled children was little more than a section of slum partitioned by metal sheeting. It had no books or supplies, but was the only option for parents who couldn’t afford the school fees (uniforms, pencils, books, etc.) for a public school. The principle was a small man overflowing with energy and enthusiasm that we were visiting his school, he was so proud of his school, dragging us into each class so that we could see how much they were accomplishing. I promised Enouce that I would send supplies for the school since they were trying to accomplish so much with so little!

The other set of partner schools were much larger, and government supported. At the disabled school, they taught mainly vocational education, but the principle was clearly burned out, saying “I don’t want to know what happens after” when referring to the prospects of her kids once they graduate. The last school we visited was a large, public school, but they weren’t expecting our arrival. Unfortunately some of the younger kids were out for recess when we arrived, and we were immediately mobbed by kids, to the ire of their teachers I’m sure. I managed to eventually make it to the head office by slowly wading through little bodies passing out handshakes and high fives as I went. I got to speak with the principle, who praised Best Buddies for changing his own attitude toward the disabled, as well as that of his students. It was another exhausting day in Kenya, but well worth the visit and experience."

When asked what they would tell their friends about this project Michael said, "Incredible: You need to see this!" Christine
said, "Great: They are making a difference."

GlobalGiving is committed to incorporating many viewpoints on our 600+ projects. We feel that more information, especially from eyewitnesses helps donors like you continue to support organizations doing great work in the community.

Despite the schools being on holidays, a couple of Best Buddies Kenya’s student participants showed up on 14th April at St.Maurus special school, a host location for (Buddies) who have been matched up with peer Buddies of Genesis High school. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct an interview with buddy pairs who participate in Best Buddies program to share out their mutual friendship experiences.
Also on board for interview were student participants from Ngei High school and their school principal who also shared out his experience and the quality revolutionary change that Best Buddies Kenya has instilled into his students, the school and the entire community.” Since the inception of Best Buddies Kenya into Ngei High school, the perception of people with intellectual disability has totally transformed from the negative to the positive direction. Through the one-to-one friendship of my students and their counter parts from our neighbor, Mathare special school which is a school for students with intellectual disability, my school generally has been a turning point for a great revolution of the entire society. “Said Mr. Gerald Angote, the principal of Ngei High school.

MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP EXPERIENCE
Student after student narrated how Best Buddies Kenya project has impacted their lives and the lives of their partners as well as the positive transformational experience that has been created. “My friendship experience with my buddy, Janet Wairimu has been the greatest moment of my life ever since, I have learnt so many important things that I didn’t know in life just through my buddy, Janet.Now I know that people with intellectual disability are just good friends, equals and they too deserve an opportunity to be socialized into our society, just as the saying goes, “Disability is not Inability. “Said Neema Fatuma, peer buddy from Ngei High School.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN!
Best Buddies Kenya wishes to thank the Global Giving and all other donors who have been generously supporting our mission. We strongly believe that through your continuous support and support of others, Best Buddies Kenya will be in a better position to continue advocating for people with intellectual disability here in Kenya.

Attachments:

• 14th April.doc (DOC)

In downtown Nairobi I waited for Eunice Ndeche, the founder of Best Buddies Kenya (BBK www.globalgiving.org/1741) to show me to his offices. The 4-lane highway was clogged with Matatus and buses. I noticed a few horse carts dodging traffic in the nearest lane, opposite the Kenyan Central Bank. Only there weren’t any horses or donkeys, just burly men dragging supplies on their carts. I reached for a camera to save this strange juxtaposition of modern and archaic. One of them smiled at me as he gave the yolk of his cart a yank. He smiled at me.
   “Hey wazzap!” he said.

   BBK’s offices were on the 6th floor of a 20-floor high rise. As we boarded the elevator, I thought, this doesn’t feel like a typical globalgiving project! I thought our projects are village-based grassroots operations.
   When I saw BBK’s office I understood. Capitol Area Soccer League (http://www.globalgiving.com/1885) and Best Buddies Kenya (www.globalgiving.com/1741) share one five-foot square cubicle subletted from another company. CASL has a staff of 18 with 2 full time employees. They all cram in here when they need to. This is what “cost-effective change” looks like; two NGOs crammed into one cubicle because there isn’t enough donor money to support the Geneva convention’s minimum human space requirements.
   Each of these organizations operate on less than $5000 a year and they need your help. They don’t have money for big ad campaigns or media consultants. The staff is a handful of 20-something youths trying to curb the spread of AIDS. Imagine what you could do for them if you just re-tweeted their needs or used GlobalGiving’s new “tell a friend” tool to help them as a “virtual volunteer.”
   We’re on a listening tour of Kenya because there is so much more we can learn from our client organizations in person. The organizations I’ve seen are not always as I expected, but I have been impressed with what they’ve done with our donors’ support.

   CASL is planning a soccer tournament in two weeks (www.globalgiving.org/1885). They wanted to host 16 teams but currently only have funding for half that. They’ve successfully courted Cola Cola and SarafiCom (mobile phones) in the past but the economic downturn has put a damper on youth sports AIDS prevention.
   They expect to host 60 players. All will be tested for HIV and will partake in AIDS awareness education. I got them signed up on twitter and you should be able to follow the tournament live on March 28th, 2009 (@endeche or @globalgiving on twitter). In addition they have a youth network of teacher trainers who go to schools and combine sports education with AIDS prevention messages. The two full time staff look to be in their twenties. These truly are youth teaching youth.
   Michael Kremer wrote that for what it costs to treat one AIDS patient for one year, you could prevent new infections worth 25 to 110 years of life. If just one of their four projects was fully funded, over 1800 years of combined AIDS-free living would result (using Michael Kremer’s upper estimate and the AIDS treatment cost per person).
   Nancy Waweru manages a similar project to empower girls and educate them about AIDS (www.globalgiving.org/2221). Her workshops emphasize “reproductive health,” meaning they discuss healthy relationships, sex, abortion, menstruation, STDs, and fighting stimga.
   “What is one organization you really admire for the work they do?” I asked Nancy.
   She immediately replied “Step by step!”
   “Why?”
   “They are new but have already done much. They hosted a very effective workshop on reproductive health at Kaimbo. They also got CocaCola to sponsor it. And they work with ‘deviant girls.’ They are not so easy to work with.”
   Great Nancy! Thanks to you and Eunice for meeting with me. It was an honor. And know that if our projects recommend another organization, you can bet we’ll invite them to join GlobalGiving in the future. This is how we uncover great new organizations. Whether big or small, new or old, any legitimate, recommended, social media-savvy organization has the same opportunity to attract funding on our site.

After a successful bid to safaricom foundation, finally Best Buddies Kenya’s proposal was approved by safaricom foundation’s board of trustees. No sooner had Best Buddies chapters resumed back from their December holidays than the grant announcement was made. The super exciting news was met with great joy by all Best Buddies Kenya’s volunteer staff led by Executive Director, Enouce Ndeche.”On behalf of Best Buddies Kenya, I would like to express my utmost THANKS to Safaricom Foundation, Best Buddies volunteer students, and teachers. I would be negligent, however, if I did not mention those who played a key role in the development and support of Best Buddies Kenya movement. I deeply appreciate all Global Giving donors who have and are still making their financial contribution towards supporting Best Buddies Kenya’s mission and moreover for being the pace setters. Without you it wouldn’t have happened.” Said Enouce,pictured with the grey suit.

Just a week prior to the closure of schools for
the third term vacation,members of Best Bud
dies chapter at CASL organized for an indoor
Buddy dance...

Attachments:

• I SEE YOU.doc (DOC)

Following the donation of school equipments
to Ngei High School, a chapter of Best Buddie
s Kenya,this time round was time for St.Gene
sis High School...

Attachments:

• BBK Office Report.doc (DOC)

Best Buddies Kenya is on a campaign trail of reaching out to its chapters by donating school supplies to all students who partake in Best Buddies program. As a result of post election violence, the donation exercise is coming just on the nick of time as many students lack basic school necessities to continue with their normal education.

Attachments:

• BBK Report donation.doc (DOC)

HELL BROKE LOOSE!

No sooner had the announcement of the disputed December 27, 2007 presidential elections were put in public than the hell broke loose in the entire country. Most parts of the country were engulfed with massive disorder that resulted to killings, looting of properties, torching of houses, schools and an attitude of unlawlessness was witnessed all over. Some of the areas that were severely affected were, Eldoret, Kisumu, Kakamega, Mombassa and Nairobi.

BBK FALLS VICTIM

In Nairobi where Best Buddies Kenya operates, some of its stronghold programs were not spared either. Two of our Best Buddies High school chapters,Ngei High school and St. Genesis High school which fall under the mathare area where hundreds of lives have been lost, houses torched and properties looted were also affected. Both peer buddies and buddies of these chapters who live within mathare have been directly and indirectly affected with the aftermath. Some of these students’ houses have been torched, looted and even some lost their loved ones in the skirmishes which were mostly generated by a fight between the two communities.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT


Due to this tough situation, it has been hard for these students to cope up again with their normal life which includes reporting back to school for their new term. School necessities have been a big shortage and a major obstacle to them. As a result of this, Best Buddies Kenya is planning to donate school supplies, exercise books, text books and pens to support their educational endeavours through the Global Giving Kenya Relief Funds.

SPECIAL DEDICATION

Best Buddies Kenya, would therefore like to express an utmost ‘THANKS’ and gratitude to the unwavering support to the donors who have made this mission a success and welcome them wholeheartedly to reply by email or posting a comment on the update page if they have questions or concerns.


THANK YOU ALL!

Attachments:

• AFTERMATH OF KENYA.doc (DOC)

Members of Best Buddies chapter from
Ngei High school and St.Genesis High
School gathered together to celebrate and wish each other a Happy Holiday and a prosperous New Year...

Attachments:

• HOLIDAY WISHES bbk.doc (DOC)

On September 14th 2007, just one week after school vacation, members of St. Genesis High School Chapter of Best Buddies gathered for their organizational meeting. The meeting took place in one of St. Genesis High School’s classrooms. It was a successful meeting with a lively interchange between the 15 peer buddies from St. Genesis High School and the 15 buddies from St. Maurus Special School. Four associate buddies were also present at the meeting.

Click below to read the full report and learn more about the meeting!

Attachments:

• September 2007 Update – Report from the Field (PDF)