Dear Friend
Give More - Get More Challenge
Thank you for your continued support to TYSA.We wanted to let you know about an exciting opportunity that we are participating in through our partners, GlobalGiving.
When a donation is made to our project; Educate 150 Teenage Mothers www.globalgiving.com/2161, on GlobalGiving between November 10 and December 1, GlobalGiving will match that donation at 30%, 40% or 50%. And if we raise the most money or get the most donations, we are eligible for bonus awards up to $10,000. Matching funds are limited, so act quickly.
You can help us raise more money and earn the GlobalGiving prize money by spreading the word!
1)   Pass along this email to your friends and families and ask them to tell others.
2)    If you are planning to make a donation this year to TYSA please do so by going to our project on GlobalGiving www.globalgiving.com/2161
Again our sincere thanks for your support and all you have done for TYSA
Thank you,
Gichuki Francis
P.S. Pass this email along to friends and family!

Girls going places

Knight Atieno a teen mother is going places. After joining the project one year ago, Knight has seen opportunities opening up for her. Last August she was in Uganda attending an international Youth camp. This week she is in Nairobi attending a Premier skills soccer coaching organized by the British council.
‘Am so grateful to TYSA and globalgiving for opening up opportunities for me. Initially I was hastened to join the project because of stigma associated with giving birth as a teenage. Today am confident and my future is looking bright’ Knight Atieno, a beneficiary.
We look forward to your continued support to help many more girls

With Warm Regards from Knight Atieno and TYSA

Pictures:

• Knight Atieno (Right)in Uganda at a youth camp (JPG)

Your Inspirational Donation

Margaret is a 15 year old girl from a single mother. Her mother is HIV positive. Aware of her mothers’ situation, Margaret was so depressed and disturbed.
We counselled her throughout last year as she was candidate. When Margaret sat for her Primary school national examinations 2008 she scored 335 points out of maximum points of 500.This was a great performance!
Through your kind donations she was admitted in St. Marks Girls Secondary School one of the best schools in the province. Margaret annual school fees and upkeep is US$ 450
For the next four years, Margaret depends on well wishers donations to complete her education. Margaret is a promising girl and we look forward to her excellent performance and bright future. Your donations are offering great inspiration and give hope to girls who had lost hope in life.
‘I have no words to express my joy and appreciation to you who has made it possible for me to be in school. You have made me proud and given me hope in life. I look forward to your continued support to help me finish school. All my love to you’ Margaret

With Warm Regards from Margaret and TYSA

Have a goal in Life

Kenyatta University Female Students in Science and Technology (KUFEST) on the 19th September 2009 came down to our village to give girls some tips for life.
Mss Amo Rebecca, the chairperson of KUFEST and a third year student at Kenyatta University shared with the TYSA Girls health Club members and the St.Teresa Secondary school sinyereri girls. 55 girls participated. Among the key issues discussed include:
Basics of Reading Behaviours; which relates to always reading a head of the teacher, revise after a lesson, form discussion group, read different books, have a goal in life, good time management, choose your friends wisely, ask questions in class, be active in class
Relationships; girls should know what they want in relationships, think about education first, avoid unprotected sex,
Reproductive Health; medical checks are important, use clean sanitary towels to avoid infections, get involved in sports,
‘ I am grateful to TYSA by brining the guest today. We girls here have not sent anyone to the university for the last 15 years. Iam so inspired now and lookfoward to reading hard and going to the university in the next two years’ Mary ,Laboratory Prefect St Teresa Girls
With your continued donations, the girls will be making a visit to Kenyatta University next year for a study tour to inspire them.
With Warm Regards
Gichuki Francis

Pictures:

• Girls_who_attended_Health_Club_Seminar.jpg (JPG)

In my last update I forgot to attach the launch of the girls health club document. Please find it here.

Warm Regards from TYSA

Attachments:

• Girls_Launch_Health_Club.doc (DOC)

It is amazing to see the girls take initiative to launch girls health club.

After almost one year of support from sponsors like you through global giving, 43 girls, came together last week and launched a health club.

'We have seen the need to come together and develop our skills, knowledge and reduce cases of early pregancies among our members' Mss Pascilia Osere, the chairperson o fthe club.

Read attachment for details.

We lookforward to your continued suppprt to help more girls as the project is growing.

Warm Regards
Gichuki Francis

Pictures:

• Some members of the club (JPG)
• Some members of the girls health club (JPG)

This project is one of it on own kind in Trans-nzoia District. Educational issues have never been simplified and brought to the door step of every home. For the first time, Makindu and Busemwa villages came together to reward their children in educational achievements. In a unique experience, the pupils from Nursery to Class 8 were awarded various prizes to acknowledge their performances.

Pupils who were between position 1 and 10 in their classes were awarded with various prizes which included, revision exercise book, revision text books, story books, school bags, lantern lamps.

The teachers from the two villages were present to give this unique project the support. Mr Otindo, the Headteacher of Surungai Primary school was the guest of honor. He challenged the community to prioritize education of their children. He regretted that some parents discouraged their children from studying saying their were no jobs for them after all.

Over 200 parents and over 400 pupils participated in the project which while over 70 pupils received awards. Out o fthe 70 awards, 40 went to Girls

This project was funded by globalgiving sponsors and other community stakeholders.

Attachments:

• Village_Education_Day_Report_Motivating_Students_for_Excellence.doc (DOC)

Progress in Education

Three girls who are beneficiaries of the project shared their feedback during the school holiday;
Mercyline Ipara a sudent in Uganda is dtermined to perform wel in her A leve eams at the end of the year. ‘ I want to get minimum of 14 points so that I can go to the university. Iam working hard’

Susan Ogola is a form one student at Wiyeta girls secondary school. ‘ Iam happy to have joined this school where I study and play my soccer. I want to thank all those who are contributing through globalgiving to pay my school’

Triza Nyongesa is a form two students at Sitatunga secondary school. ‘I just want to thanksglobalgiving through TYSA for supporying my education. I was droping out of school due to school fees.Iam even happy because TYSA took me to Uganda for a youth conference’

Magdalene Njeri is a student at Kapenguria Youth Polytechnic. ‘Next term Iam now going for driving course. Iam very excited for this. This is going to help me when I finish my mechanic course next year’

We want to appreciate the continued support we receive from you. The final school term for 2009 starts on 07/09/2009. Your donation will help us pay school fees for our needy girls.

TYSA Girls Shine in Uganda

Uganda Girls Soccer National Team were so impressed with TYSA players duirng a friendly match played in 12th August 2009 at Masindi stadium marking the International Youth Day.

TYSA girls have been invited to Uganda in November 9th 2009 to play during the Uganda Independence day. This is great boost to the girls who have come from far. ‘ I really enjoyed playing against the Uganda national team’ Night Atieno


Globalgiving sponsors have really made impact on the lives of this girls who were not exposed.

We want to thanks all those who continue to contribute toward this project. To participate in this Uganda invitation tournament, we need US$ 1000. Help us to take this girls to this tournament. Share this message widely with your friends.

‘We lookfoward to your support to enable us travellto uganda toplay the Uganda national team’ Mss Pambo.Team Captain

My Story from the International Youth Camp in Masindi August 2009

4 participants from TYSA attended the above youth camp and here are their stories

Pascilia Osere (Pambo)
According to me, am very proud because this camp has helped me to advance my career as a footballer and as a leader. I played against Uganda National Soccer Team. I now understand much more about youth issues in the community. I am also happy as we visited many places in Uganda and the most exciting one was the Murchison falls. I have learnt about other people cultures, dances and believe from different countries like Tanzania, Denmark, Sudan and Uganda. In conclusion, the youth camp was very good; facilitators were great and I learnt so much. I will never forget this day in my life. I give thanks to my organization TYSA for giving me a chance to attend this camp.

Trizer Nyongesa
I have learnt a lot from this East Africa youth camp in Masindi. The visit to Murchison fall was great experience. Cultural songs, dances from different communities in East Africa were excellent. Making the youth count discussion was lively as It opened space for the youth to express themselves as leaders of today not just waiting for tomorrow. Socializing with many people was good and learning new games like gymnastics. A lot of thanks to TYSA for allowing me to participate in this youth camp

Mercyline Ipara
I enjoyed visiting the Uganda gift of nature. We went to Murchison falls of which I didn’t expect that such a thing could even happen. TYSA gave me this chance to come and wish many more youths could get such an opportunity. I shared my experience and developed my self esteem. I now understand how young people are supposed to be enhanced in their leadership skills and good governance. I learnt how to encourage the youth to become aware of the importance of democracy and human rights in the society. I learnt about youth and job creation and wealth creation where I learnt that wealth is the ability of an individual to survive for so many days ahead. I just enjoyed the place and activities. It was wow!!!

Atieno Oduor
It was my first time to come to Uganda. The camp was so nice to me. I didn’t expect to see such things as the Murchison fall. I saw big town like Kampala. Another that I want to put across is about the tour which was educational. I learnt a lot about becoming a leader and job creation

Dear Friends,
We want to share with you the great inspiration that your support is giving to the rural girls. Today, 3 girls are in Uganda attanding the International youthcamp which brings together young people from East Africa and Europe.

The girls will be part of the soccer team that will play the Uganda National Girls soccer team.

This is very unique experience for the girsl.It is their first time ever out off the village. EWe do appreciate your continued support.

Please donate and help us raise 2000 Sterling Pounds in the on going alive and learning competition.

Gichuki Francis

Dear Friends
Thank you for your continued support and interest in Trans-nzoia Youth Sports Association (TYSA)
We wanted to let you know that TYSA is participating in GlobalGiving.co.uk’s Alive and Learning challenge, a fundraising opportunity for health and education projects helping communities worldwide.
Projects that raise £2000 or more will receive prominent marketing on GlobalGiving.co.uk, the internationally recognised marketplace for philanthropy that connects individual donors to the causes they care most about, and promote our project to GlobalGiving UK’s national partners as well as be in the running for one of the top bonus cash prizes, which would help TYSA achieve so much more.
Every donation helps, and no donation is too small. You can show your support for TYSA for as little as £5 and make a big impact to our project. If you’re ready to donate now, please visit our project page on GlobalGiving.co.uk: www.globalgiving.co.uk/2161
TYSA is very excited about this opportunity to highlight our work for education/health in Kenya and raise fund and awareness for Educate 150 Orphaned Teen Mothers. Help us achieve our goal of £2000 by August 14th 2009 by making a donation to TYSA on GlobalGiving.co.uk/2161. Please share this email and our project link with your friends and family and ask them to help us too.
Thank you for your support,
Gichuki Francis

Behind Dorothy’s Smile

Dorothy Auma is a 14 years old girl, Joyful and always smiling. It is until you hear her story that one begins to shade tears and taker her story at personal level. She is a total orphan and a caretaker of her younger brothers and sisters (4).

Dorothy was diagnosed with a heart threatening ailment a month ago. She urgently requires USD $ 3500 for a heart surgery to save her life. Join other well-wishers in donating towards her surgery expense. Tell 5 other friends to donate as little as 10 USD$ and in a short while we shall all achieve our target.

Her uncle Mr. Benson the only other relative is a squatter and a milkman who is also taking care of 6 other children of his brother. Benson is overstretched and lives on less than a dollar a day

Dorothy who is in Class 5 at Cheparus primary school in Kaplamai Division, Trans-nzoia East District is supported TYSA in her educational needs. I want to be a doctor so that I can heal many people who are dying of diseases. Dorothy

We are very disturbed by her condition. When she is feeling well, Dorothy will struggle to come to school. She walks for two kilometers to school. Her love for education is inspirational. In Dorothy we see a great person with passion to serve her family and community. Head Teacher, Cheparus Primary School

Donate Now to Save Dorothy Life

Pictures:

• Behind Dorothy Smile lies her life threatening ailment. (JPG)

Reclaimed Dream

Sheila is a 16 year old, shy with a baby face girl. She lives with her single mother in the sprawling slum of Huruma, 100 Kilometers away from TYSA office.

At 15, years, Sheila wa already a mother of a beautiful baby girl. Her dream to be a Doctor was being shuttered. Sheila was equally disturbed. This was her first attempt to Sexual Relationship with a Driver. Her mother was furious and often contemplated of chasing her out of the home.

Jackline a TYSA Board Member and a nurse by profession runs a clinic at Huruma slums.She meet mum to sheila and shared her stressful situation. Jackline then shared with her what TYSA does to support such girls.

To date, Sheila is in Secondary School and in the next four years, she will have the time to have her dream of being a doctor on course.

‘Your support has made me reclaim my dream.I would now probably be a frustrated girl engaged in anti-social behavior and would have even contracted diseases like HIV/AIDs’ Sheila

We look upon you to continue supporting education of the many Sheila’s in the community

Donate now for sheila to go back to school for the third term in August.


Warm Regards

Gichuki Francis

Pictures:

• Sheila in school uniform holds her baby (JPG)

Leah Ambwaya visited this project as part of a GlobalGiving evaluation. She met some of the people affected by Trans-nzoia Youth Sports Association. Here are their stories:



Metrine Chelgat.
When we met Metrine a 20 year old girl she is jovial and full of life standing out like a girl who comes from a well off family, but this is not the case when you listen to her, “When I did my primary education I knew that was the end of my life” she poses and looks down shyly “But why?” I ask, she looks up confidently and continues “ I come from a very poor family and nobody goes beyond primary, and my life was complicated further when I got pregnant” this come as a surprise as she doesn’t stand out as a mother, Metrine goes on to narrate on how poverty and lack of basic needs led her into early motherhood but she later beams with a smile and says “Thanks to Tysa because due to counsel and support I am a dependable footballer striker in position 9, after my talent was realized I am now in Kapenguria polytechnic undertaking a two year Tailoring course”.



Lameck Nyadenga
Lameck is 26 years old, when we sat down with him in the Tysa resource centre he stood up as one of the youths milling around the sports ground, anxiously waiting for the whistle blow so as to start playing there favorites sport which is soccer, after we introduce ourselves and mission of the visit we ask the gentleman to introduce himself. My partner and I look at each other in amazement when Lameck introduces himself and goes further to say “I am a farmer from the nearby villages but volunteer my services here at TYSA as a sports facilitator” we are surprised because the rains have just come and everybody is busy working on their farms either planting or weeding since the grounds are soft. To answer our question Lameck takes us through his experience during the post election violence and how TYSA really helped in the healing process and him being a victim of this violence the least he could do to appreciate the efforts by Tysa was to offer his services, he quips “I feel great when I sacrifice an hour or two just to volunteer my services, to an organization that’s helping in the peace building initiative after the post election violence” Lameck explains to us if the youth are not engaged in such initiatives on how to live in harmony they are the same people who will turn against each other, butchering each other like chicken in 20212. They are the key to peace in the community. “I need to go clear with the boys before going back to my farm” we thank him for his time, at the point he runs back to the field where girls and boys are involved in different activities.



Mercyline Ipara.
From her dressing,Mercyline is a modern girl, after we introduce ourselves and request to know her, the young girls goes on without posing on how she used to be a very shy girl after her final year of Kenya secondary certificate of education ,we interrupt her “What happened?” with a lot of pride she continues “I joined Tysa and after counseling and empowerment I realized as a young growing woman I need to actively find my place in the society, and that’s when I joined the soccer team” she goes on tell us about her prowess in the field before adding “ I am now a form 6 student in Mashariki high school Kampala Uganda, Infarct I am a professional y unstoppable no. 7 player” she prides “After my high school I will be a lawyer putting behind bars anybody who treads on children and women rights ,If not I will be a journalist to highlight on this issues”. We wish her all the best in her Endeavour’s believing she will definitely achieve her goals and beyond.



Collins Samuel
Collins Samuel is an 11 year old boy behind a wheelchair beaming with smiles, pushing the weel chair is his mother Elizabeth Ng’aleche.The mother goes on to narrate how Sammy was born prematurely at 7 months and placed in an incubator. She tells us how they thought the boy was a curse forcing them to hide him as an outcast until God brought Gichuki who has helped her and other parent who have children with special needs to appreciate the facts this children are just like any other. “As you can see, now Samuel has a wheel chair and Tysa has found him a school in Kisumu and he is joining very soon.” “You see that man”, she quips referring to a Mr. Francis Gichuki the Director and founder of TYSA, he has spend so much time with me and my family, encouraging us to give Collins a chance, he took us to Joy land school in Kisumu to have Collins assed by experts, we always pray for him”.



Samson Taboso
Samson is another 11 year old boy with special needs, quite special because his is mentally challenged. The father, Michael Kitio is says Samson is his 3rd born “We first noticed Sam had a problem when he clocked 4 years without walking” as he narrates Samson is sharing a bottle of water with my collogue Leah, who doesn’t seem bothered with his state. The father goes on on tell us how he dug a whole neck high the height of sam and would burry him inside everyday for 2 hours for a period of 4 months until he started walking. At this particular moment Samson is comfortably patching on Leah’s laps and in deep conversation, this is quite hilarious since from when we got here is it’s the only time I have seen the boy settle and sit down, “Its motherly communication” I tell myself.
The father is very grateful “Thanks to Tysa,after some therapy he can now feed himself, he is able to play and do some activities like move things from one point to another” .Tysa has managed to secure and sponsor Samson to a special School in Eldoret town about 100 miles from the village. I am forever grateful to TYSA, they have taken a big burden off my shoulders, my son can now walk and he is attending school.” We learn that the Director of the project has a very special interest in this children with special needs, he does school visitations all the time, Samson love Gichuki.



Leah also spoke to many of the beneficiaries. Here's what they had to say:



Pascilia Osere:

"TYSA has enabled me complete school after being out for one year. I have attended various training workshops which have built y capacity in leadership, community mobilization and event management.

TYSA offers excellent opportunity and space for build our future. You can buy a car (Prado) through this leg, by playing football. Through sports, we come together here in the field and this reduces our involvement in social ill activities



Francis Ojilo:

"TYSA sponsored my secondary education. Through TYSA, I have trained as a soccer coach and currently am in charge of sports and recreation in the organization. I stand in for the Director when he is out of the office. I enjoy every moment in the organization as I get mentored into leadership.



Mary Juma (community parents’ representative):

"TYSA has offered support to the many girls and boys in this community to access education, training and exposure. As a community we are happy with the work of this organization and we shall continue to support it.

My own daughter refused to participate in the TYSA activities and now she is married; I was telling my daughter to come to this field and play with other girls but she refused, only to learn later that she was planning to get married. I am so disturbed."



Joseph Marube (Community parents’ Representative):

"TYSA has shaped the minds of the youths as today they are involved in sports and do not have time to participate in ad behaviors. As parents we are aware of the children movement. If I want to know where my child is, I just come to the field here and I find him."



Lameck Nyandega:

"I was affected by the 2008 post election violence and lived in the Noigam IDP camp till it as closed. It is here where TYSA found me. I volunteered to work with the organization in running daily sports and games activities. Since then I have remained with the organization. TYSA has trained me in coaching and have attended training workshops.

Through TYSA, many girls who were in the IDP camps were sponsored to secondary schools. Counseling of those traumatized during the violence has assisted many to return to normal life."



Mercyline Ipara:

"I am a student in Mashariki High School in Kampala Uganda. TYSA played an important role in supporting me. Initially I never knew what to do. I was so enclosed in our home. One time, I walked out and came to the field. I found so many girls playing different sports. Slowly I was attracted and joined the group.

While at the sports ground, I discovered myself more and TYSA opened up more opportunity for me including access higher education. I was very shy and unable to talk in public unlike today when I am very confident."

Leah Ambwaya visited this project as part of a GlobalGiving evaluation. She said:

If I have ever seen a community mobilizer, then it is this man called Gichuki. We give him a call on a cold and wet Saturday morning just to let him know that we had spent the night in Kitale town. He gave direction to the project, but he cautions, “We are a little out of town” that is fine. About fifteen minutes drive we met him at a small shopping center, around him, there were young people. Both boys and girls milling around his Toyota Mark II. It was about five of them and they all screezed themselves in his car, he tells us to drive behind him. He drives ahead of us on a wet marrum road at high speed, I tell my colleague this guy has the right car for this road, will our car make it. Anyway we successfully followed him. About kilometer away, he stops the car, and we pull off the road next to his car, here we notice a little building on the roadside painted in green and yellow colors and branded Tysa. The colors are fading away, he notices the shock on my face and reckons, “this is our old office, we had rented it, but due to financial constraints, we can’t afford the rent so we are moving out to a new place, allow me to pick some records” I wonder, how much rent would they be paying for this facility? Probably USD 100 per month.

He jumps in his car and zooms off at high speed again as we follow him, he realizes that we are not in his sight, so he stops at bridge that is flooded for the previous nights’ rains. Our car wades through the water slowly and we cross to the other side, the story is the same, we drive behind him in hot pursuit again and we stop at a large field soaked in rain water and wet soil, he gets out of his car and tells me , “this is our stadium “ there were tented latrines { long drops} around this big field covered with UNDP tents, Goal posts and netball/ handball posts, the marks of an athletic truck had been washed away by the heavy downpour, but we could see some signs of it.

There were young people both boys and girls, busy with different sporting activities, a small boy was brought in on a wheel chair, other kids pass on the ball to him and that excites him, next to us is another child who seems to be mentally challenged trying to climb on Gichukis back , and another small girl calling out uncle!, uncle!, he talks to her while the other boy is still perched on his back, he puts him down and consults with a group of young girls standing in one corner for the field, so many things are happening, some old women and men suddenly appear and are just hanging around , who is this guy? I wonder silently, surely there is something about this guy, I tell my colleague, I just can’t wait to hear the story of this man.

This guy is so popular within the community; I was forced to ask him, if he has ever contemplated trying his hands in politics, he gives me a big NO. You see that problems we are dealing with now were caused by politicians; we are spending a lot of time and energy doing fire fighting through peace building, psycho social support for IDPs, and resettlement of families and formation of peace clubs in schools. All this energy would have been directed to building the capacities o f this young people through sports and education.

With the tribal dynamics in Kenya, I can’t help, but ask him how he survived the post election violence, now that he belonged to the perceived “wrong tribe”, I was born and brought up in this community, and this is my home. This people are my fathers, mothers, daughters and sons, I am a Kenyan. The realization that I am Kenyan made me survive the violence. Through sports, I visited Rwanda, and what I saw in that country, sharpened me, I can never think tribal. My experience from the trip helped a lot in putting together the peace meeting; some of the youth who travelled with me were the facilitators of the peace meeting. Leah said she would tell her friends that this project is great: They are making a difference.

He ushers us into a small newly constructed building with iron sheet walls and roof, the floor is made of mad, they have improvised timber for seats. “This is our new premise, the little extension at the far corner will act as our office and the rest of the room will be a youth friendly counseling centre. This brings all services closer to the people” This unsung hero has donated his own land that he inherited from his father to the community, and he has no regrets whatsoever for that action. “While other farmers plant maize on their farms, I plant the future of this nation on my farm, the youth” he says. I was shocked by what he called his house, simple and the boys just walk in and out at will.

I ask about the levels of Global Giving funding to TYSA, “They have been funding our girl’s education and disability project for which we are forever grateful. You can see that we have been able to take these children to special schools, and the young mothers back to school, we held one disability day and we are planning the next on 1st of June.

We had a peace and reconciliation meeting with all IDPs in this area and the local community, that’s why you can see those latrines {long drops}, this was in partnership with UNDP, and they put them up. We are still using sports to enhance the capacity of young people while at the same time preaching peace.

What are your future plans? We ask? “The list is long, but if we can have this building completed, the young people can have a place to access information, read watch movies, learn how to use the internet, interacts with the rest of the world, but look at our situation, we trust God that will touch the hearts of our friends to help us reach there. You see we need electricity, the power line is just next us here, but we need about USD 1000 to have the same fixed in out new building.

Truly this project has lifted this community to a new level; all that is left is a strategy to sustain the same I tell my colleague. This mother Teresa has done so much with so little, how much more could he do if he had enough?, that was the question that still lingers in my heart to date. “The needs are overwhelming, the resources are minimal, we cant do it alone, we need all of you out there” appeals Gichuki.

Leah said that she would tell her friends this project is "incredible: You need to see this!"

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.

Last month Kara and Michael visited over a dozen GlobalGiving projects in Kenya, including this one.

Kara wrote:

"While recently in western Kenya, I had the pleasure of spending the day with Gichuki Francis, the executive director of TYSA (Transnzoia Youth Sports Association). After an early start, we visited three schools – all located in very rural parts of Kenya. As Gichuki described it, we were “deep in the bush.” These schools had all received assistance from TYSA, especially when many of the rural families were displaced after the post-election violence.

Throughout the day, I realized that TYSA is doing many diverse activities to help the poor in rural western Kenya. What hit me most during the day was visiting with a widowed woman who had ten kids – four of them had mental or physical disabilities. But living in extreme poverty, she lacked the resources to do anything about their situation, so they all remained at home. A community health worker discovered the situation and referred them to TYSA, who has adopted the care of the rural disabled as one of their priorities. TYSA took them in to medical specialists where they were diagnosed for the first time in their lives. TYSA now hopes to get them into specialized schools, but they don’t currently have the funding to do so, since such expenses are costly and they are already paying school expenses for other disabled poor. I was struck by the isolation and lack of care that exists for many of those who are disabled and born into rural poverty.

I also met a young boy – about 10 or 11 years old – who had received a wheelchair from TYSA. Until recently , he had never been able to leave the house, because his legs are crippled. Once he got his first wheelchair, his life completely changed. Both he and his father were beaming as I spoke with them. They were incredibly grateful for the gift of the wheelchair. Gichuki says that this boy is now a completely different person. And Gichuki is trying to find a suitable yet affordable school for this boy to go to, where his needs can be met, and TYSA hopes to cover his school fees. TYSA is a great organization, not only focusing on sports for social change, but also extending care to the rural poor in other ways."



Michael wrote:

"TYSA works on many projects both with Global Giving and with C.A.R.E. Gichuki had a full day planned for us. We started by visiting an elementary school that was greatly affected by the post-election violence in 2008 Most of the students were forced out of their homes and into camps for IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons). They were unable to grow crops and have to rely on the government for food rations. Gichuki often comes to this school to engage in play and counseling for the students to help them process the atrocities they witnessed during the violence.

We then visited a nearby school, where Gichuki pays for the tuition for a couple young ladies who were child brides in Kisumu, but later escaped back to their home area.

Next we visited a family where the single mother had several mentally disabled children. Some of her children got married and some are working nearby, but still she has three at home who are of varying functionality.

After that we visited another school whose football/soccer program was one of the top in Eastern Africa. It had won many regional championships. TYSA gave scholarships to several young ladies at the school and we spoke to an enraptured student body.

Then we visited a technical school where some of TYSA's students were attending to get skills. Gichuki spoke with the principal about strengthening their partnership. To be honest, I think this visit was more for his benefit than ours.

We visited TYSA's soccer field and office last. There we tested our survey and met several other beneficiaries we didn't have time to visit, including Collins.

Gichuki strikes me as very open and excited about using technology and networking skills to the benefit of those in his organization. He is well known and respected. A local KBC correspondent visited him to discuss ways to promote his projects while we were talking at our hotel. He definitely has a more proactive and western view on how to find funding for his programs."

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

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

Dear friend,
You continuous contribution makes you one of us in the family of TYSA. Your generous contribution has kept this project Alive! I want to let you know that you have made us the beneficiaries gain recognition in our community and even made our self-esteem high.

I want you to know that it was not easy for us to be where we are today if you never came to our support. For example, I was thinking about going to the street (Prostitution) and get some little cash to support my children.

Dear Friend, just imagine what would have become of me if you did not come in time to save me and the rest of the members of this project. We want to let you know that we are grateful for your contribution. We have a long way to go to clear our studies (2 Years) and we hope you will be with us on this long journey.

Warm Regards from your dear daughters/Sisters!!

On behalf of the girls

Elizabeth Njeri (Mechanic student)

Pictures:

• Shairing together (JPG)

Accounting for all funds received up-to-date 17.04 .2009

Accounting for every penny donated:

We want to thank you for your contribution which has amounted to 2,905 US Dollars. It is real encouraging to see how little contribution put together makes great difference.

This is how your contribution has been spent:
1.Meals for 60 children of the orphaned teen mothers: 250US$
2.School fees for 15 orphaned Teen mothers: 1700 US$
3.Loan to 2 teen mothers to buy cow for milk: 200 US$
4.Loan for 2 Teen Mothers to start small business: 105 US$
5.Medical bills for 35 children: 250 US$
6.Paying 2 volunteer teachers for children: 250 US$
7.Training 30 Mothers for 2 days in Business: 150 US$


Beneficiaries Served
We have so far been able to serve 45 Teen mothers and 60 children. We are happy that their lives have changed and taking positive dimension

Challenge:
Our main challenge remains educational support both for the Teen Mothers and their children. We 25 children who are now ready to join nursery school, and 30 Teen mothers ready to join secondary school in 2010

Hope
We believe with your continued support we shall be able to provide support for these needy members of our community.

My name Metrine Chelagat, a 20 years old girl. My dream was to be a doctor to save my people from diseases.

My dream was shuttered when I dropped out of primary school due to early pregnancy. I have a 2 year baby girl.

I had lost all my hope of ever making it in life. My parents are poor and we live as squatters.

After TYSA introduced sports program late last year I was attracted and joined. It is here where I regained my lost dream. TYSA Director Mr.Gichuki Francis was so instrumental in encouraging me to participate in sports program

Am overwhelmed by how much sports has changed my life. I look even younger than my age. I am currently training as a tailor/dressmaker and fashion design at Kapenguria Youth Polytechnic courtesy of Goblalgiving family.

I hope other girls who are in my state could get more support for them to come and achieve their dreams through your support. I want to change the lives of 50 girls in my community who are affected by early pregnancies and prevent more than 3000 others who are at risk of early pregnancies.

Can you help us win $5000 for the Educating 250 orphaned Teen Mothers. All you need to do is make a donation of $10 or more to ww.globalgiving.com/2161,www.globalgiving.com/2173
Global Giving is running a competition to give $5,000 to the Women's project that can call in the largest number of donations.
Have a look at the http://www.globalgiving.com/dy/v2/womenx2challenge.html. We need you to make a donation to take the top spot! Global giving will double your donation too.
We have plans to develop WOMEN EMPOWERMENT CENTRE and project will significantly benefit from $5,000.

Please help us win this prize by donating now and tell your other 5 friends to donate 10 US$

Heart Felt Thank you

Gichuki Francis

Pictures:

• Metrine off to college (JPG)
• Metrine with her 2 year old girl (JPG)

Back to our Dreams

January and February were a busy month as it was back to school season.

We want to report that a great success has been achieved by the girls who are in our project. All the 8 girls who did their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education were successful and joined secondary education

Magdalene joined Vocational training and taking a course in Mechanics.
Metrine, Joined vocational training college and taking a course in Tailoring and Fashion design
Edna, Lillian, Eucabeth, Rose, Susan and Mary have all joined form One and have the next four years to complete their secondary education.

‘Globalgiving has become our family, our care take and our love’ Metrine, a beneficiary who is taking a course in Tailoring and fashion design.

From your kind donations, this is how the money has been spend for education:
Vocational training fees for 2 girls US$ 700
Secondary education fees for 6 form one girls US$ 1200
Secondary education for continuing 12 girls US$ 1400

We look forward to your continued support to help the girls attain their dreams. Next school terms starts in May 2009 and your donations will help the girls to go back to school

From Marriage back to Classroom

Eucabeth is a 17 year old girl from rural part of our district. At the age of 15, after completing primary school, she got married for one year. She got a child and thereafter the family life become very hard and divorced by her husband. She returned to her mothers’ home last year. Unfortunately the Post election Violence affected them so much. To date they still stay in a tent. While TYSA was offering sporting and psychos-social support for the children and youth, Mss Eucabeth became very interested in our programs. During the interactions with TYSA, she indicated her desire to go back to school. She is now in secondary Form two.

Ms Eucabeth desire to complete her studies is unstoppable. Despite all odds she is focused and involved in sports programs to reshape herself and be re-energized. She is from a single mother who also stays with her grand mother.

As an organization we are very encouraged with her commitment. We shall through your continued donations support her education and see her become a powerful women in the society

Make your contribution today to help pay school fees for Eucabeth.

Pictures:

• Mss Eucabeth from marriage back to school (JPG)

Giving back to community
Josephine decided to open her own hair dressing/ saloon business after completing her course earl this year. Josephine is one of the beneficiaries of this project. She had lost hope after becoming pregnant at the age of 14.

After delivery, and breast feeding her baby for 6 months, she went to a hair dressing college for one year. She is very grateful to TYSA and globalgiving donors who have changed her life for better. ‘People used to despise me and say my life is lost. Today they come to my saloon for hair dressing’ Josephine

Josephine is now able to feed her baby and take care of her own needs. The community looks at her differently as opposed to when she was pregnant. She is able to contribute to community development.Josepine is now training other girls in hair dressing

With more donations, we are able to support more girls to live their dreams

Pictures:

• Josephine in Her business (JPG)

Happy New Year
‘My name is Beatrice, a beneficiary of your donations. Am writing on behalf of my friends to wish you all the best in 2009. We want you to know that we are very encouraged and inspired by your kind donations through global giving. We receive all that you donate. Remember us in this new year.’

SIGNIFICANT CHANGE MADE

Through, ‘Educating Teenage Orphaned Mothers Project’, four teenage orphaned mothers have secured a place in secondary school next year.

The four girls, Lillian, Lydia, Lucy and Eucabeth demonstrated high soccer skills, disciplined and leadership. They will be joining one of the soccer power house secondary schools in Kenya.

We want to thank all of you through Globalgiving who continually support this project on educating Teenage orphaned mothers.

What you are offering however little is making great change in the lives of these girls who had lost hope in life. ‘I would not have imagined what is happening to my life now a few years ago before I joined this project. I was confused and lost hope after I became pregnant at age 13. Thank you to all your donations which reach us through TYSA. Next year am joining secondary school. Please continue supporting us so t hat we remain and complete school.’ Lilian

Pictures:

• Lucy, duirng the soccer event where her and other three girls we (JPG)

20 orphaned teenage mothers acquired vital business skills last week.A two day seina was organised by this project to equip the girls with business skills.

'Am very happy today, as I have lerant how to start a business, manage it and mae profit.' Chepkurui.

The girls discovered their great potential t hat has not been taped for a long time. The girls suggetsed that they be supported to start tailoriing, dress makng, cookery among other business.
This project wll oranize another workshop next year to follow up and support the grls to start small business. This project will next year work with schools to get tenders to make uniforms.

We hope that your continued support will make these project great for the girls.

Pictures:

• Chepkurui shares her soem group work discussions on business man (JPG)

Three more girls pictured below are back in school after getting support and are happy to be back to continue with their education.
'We are greatful to the donations that have enabled us to go to school. We hope that more support will come so that our kids are taking care of as we learn' Rebecca,Eunice and Mary

We ahve been able to purchase some warm clothes for kids. We are hoping to porvide more clothesas christmas gifts to 200 kids in December. 5 US$ buys clothes for 2 children.

Pictures:

• These three girls from right, Rebecca,Eunice and Mary are back t (JPG)
• Warm clothes for this little kid. your donation continues to off (JPG)

Your donation has enabled Miss Mary to sustain her small vendor business of buying and selling sugar cane. From this small, Mary get cash to buy food and clothing for her child, which was not possible before she joint the project.
Bring more smiles to teenage orphaned mothers!! Make you donation today!

Pictures:

• Miss Mary with her kid (JPG)

Mss Agness , is now enjoying a rare opportunity. She is now milking her cow which wa sbough by the project. this cow which cost US$ 400 ha sbrough joy to her daughter. Her daughter no wgets milk imporving her health.

Now Agness can continue with her studies while the daughter enjoys milk.

with your continued support, we shallbe able to buy more cows to the teeange girls.

Pictures:

• Mss_Agness.jpg (JPG)

On 20th October 200, children of Teenage mothers and a rare opportunity to enjoy and have fun!!! Over 50 kids together with the rest of the children from the community spend an afternoon learning gymnastics, playing and ride old tyres.

Two volunteers form Denmark, Rasmus and Camilla spend three weeks with the teenage mothers, their children and local community in supporting the project. They offered key live skills to the children.

This project supports 150 teenage orphaned mothers to get education, support them to start Income generating activities e.g. keeping cows for milk and offer safe space for 30 children of teenage mothers as their mothers go to school to continue with education.

Majority of the teenage orphaned mothers are in primary school, few in secondary school and others in vocational training centers. So far 25 girls have graduated and are making their own living and supporting their own children.

70 of the Teenage mothers were affected by the post election violence which affected the country early this year. Most of them were in the Internally Displaced Camps and few were accommodated in homes. This disrupted the projected so much. We are now trying to reorganize and offer them much needed support.

Children have no food and these makes the mothers to go looking for work in order to feed the children. This has affected school attendance.

“I can not go to school and leave my child hungry. I would prefer to go and look for food first the school later” Mercy

Your 10 US$ will feed one child for 14 days as the mother goes to school.

Pictures:

• Children learn gymnastics (JPG)
• Master Simon riding an old tyre (JPG)