WORLD AIDS DAY CELEBRATION

Comfort the Children International HIV/AIDS Program in partnership with AIDSRELIEF Kijabe and other stakeholders celebrated World Aids Day in Mai Mahiu town on the 1^st of December 2010.

This day was a success since we were able to reach about 2000 people. This success is measured by the fact that we distributed to individuals more than 2500 pamphlets bearing the message of that day. The purpose of distributing those pamphlets was to create awareness on HIV/AIDS and also the purpose of that day.

The activities of that included; A procession from CTC offices to the Venue (track Packing), Experiential sharing by two women living with HIV/AIDS, Speeches (MOH,AidsRelief Kijabe,CTC Director),Presentations e.g. songs, concerts etc from different Individual, local artist and comedians, Voluntary counseling and testing .We were able to test 30 clients for HIV/AIDS and referred those who turned positive to our partnering Comprehensive Care Center.

KIDS DAY

HIV/AIDS PROGRAM

Comfort the Children International HIV/AIDS PROGRAM in partnership with AIDSRELIEF Kijabe organized and held a kids day (Children who are on ARV treatment) on 6^th Dec 2010 at Maai Mahiu PCEA Church.

Category of attendance included; Children who’ve undergone disclosure. None disclosure, guardians and facilitators. We had 70 participants.

Purpose of this day was to teach on adherence, prevention measures, nutrition, hygiene to children who’s status has been disclosed to them.Sharing of real life experiences to enhance stigma reduction. Teach the guardians on disclosure issues and testing of family members. Create awareness on bonding between parents and children in order to reduce stigma in homes. Games, music, story telling for everyone.

Happy Holidays Our Friends

December is here with us and Christmas just around the corner. So calm in Maai Mahiu and no signs of Christmas anywhere. No Christmas songs, no snow, no decorations anywhere, no crazy shopping, no Christmas trees; nothing. Looks weird sometimes but again we see the great difference between Maai Mahiu and West Michigan. It is crazy cold this time in Michigan and very hot here in Maai Mahiu. There is possibly snow in Michigan but lots of wind and dust here. Where would I want to be at such a time? In the cold or in the dust, not very good choices. The good thing is that we are joyful here down from the bottom of our hearts.

We are wrapping up the year in our center here in Maai Mahiu. Looking back at the whole year, we are so thankful. To all of you the friends of CTC. What could we have done without your support. Thanks for coming out here to visit, work with us, encourage the mums, the kids and the list goes on. Thanks for giving out generously to our efforts. All the lives touched and those changed have smiles this holiday because of your kindness. I listened to prayers in our kids room today and was amazed at their joy for being in a great environment like CTC. Their joy is written all over on their faces and sincere thankfulness to those who have made it possible. Look out for more opportunities in our website.

Like we say here in Kenya, I would want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Thanks to all of you and keep us in your thoughts this holiday season.

Jeremiah Kuria

Kenya Director

technology for the youth.

Being in class brings the out the magic of technology to the young kids. We bring them up in terms of football, educational and technologically to help them contact globally. As the world changes in terms of technology we also assist them change as world changes to become a global village.
KUDOS C.T.C and everybody assisting in computer classes
OUR ORIGIN
This is after realizing that most of our youths are not enlightened in the computer field and our world is turning into a global village. This raised a need to bring in computer class and it is successfully working out. we have started with under fourteen [14 students],girls[14 students] and under 17 boys[14 students].we have 2 students per computer and each class goes for two hours long.

the empowered youth

Youth and the computer world!

Rafiki link

As usual things have been going so good with the schools.
We as rafiki link drivers were winding up for the term as the schools here in Kenya end their education year in November.

As we close up,the teachers are really happy with the efforts we have been putting in the program.
The teachers are also done with their trainings which was very useful to them.
Students are looking forward to next year with enthusiasm and great joy because they know there's a lot in store!

For more of rafiki link updates please visit our blog at http://www.rafikilink.org

CTC Shines

Enjoy these funny dances from George and Kamau from our Malaika kids during the Safaricom empowerment talent show for people with disabilities at Naivasha.
Don't also forget to check out photos from our 'photos from field'.
CTC Malaika kids also received a trophy and a certificate during this day for having presented the best poem.

By
Paul Mwaniki

CTC HIV/AIDs program

Diversification in HIV/AIDs program, it has gone for and wide. Last Monday 25/10/10, We had a community mobilization and awareness at Maasai land (Ewuaso). We joined hand with Palliative care department, dental department both from Kijabe, Ewuaso ang’ CBO and CTC HIV/ AIDs program where we did a comprehensive sensitization on HIV/AIDs, dental issues and survical breast cancer.

More than 100 people were screened for survical & breast cancer, more than 80 people had their teeth plucked. In regards to HIV/ AIDs testing, 56 clients were tested and a few referred to Kijabe hospital for further treatment and medication.

Currently at our VCT clinic clients are still coming for our services. Young generation is at the fore front knowing their status.

By

Program manager

Charles Wachira

CTC Soccer team wins!

CTC youth soccer team has been participating in a local soccer tournament and the most awaited game was our soccer team playing against the Maai- Mahiu champs, being the long awaited game, community members turned up in a large number to support our team with Paul Mwaniki being the leader of the cheering squad with a vuvuzela and the rest did not hesitate to join him in this huge cheering group. Surprisingly our team won the game with a goal aggregate of 2-1.
After the final whistle the field pomp up with songs and dances, the team has become the talk of the community and it is now taking the lead with 7 points with 2 matches remaining for first round,hey guys wait for surprises, CTC soccer team go go go go goal……………………………………………………..!!!!

CTC youth program manager
Bernard

UBUNTU DAY

This community service day was great where all community members and stakeholders were available where we did cleaning up of our environment. With the help of our administration we will be having assessments and tours of Maai- Mahiu town with ministry of health with a purpose of improving our environment. The environmental club at Ngeya primary school is doing great where we are involving the youth on issues within us, With help from mama hope we have started a tree nursery project whereby we intend to have 30,000 tree seedlings.
'Cucu shamba' (Grandmothers garden) is also doing great and they are ready for transition.
A successful leader must plan her work, and work her plan. A leader who moves by guesswork, without practical, definite plans, is comparable to a ship without a rudder. Sooner or later she will land on the rocks.It has been of great help over the year and with a lot of success from the community members getting involved for the provision of services we see a future for our community.

New life skills for our nine amazing women.

Hi everyone! economic program is still moving on very well and the mums are learning new life skills day by day. For now they are able to make 8 pieces skirt and yet to learn how to make 6 pieces circular skirts, they are very excited to learn these new life skills that will help them in their future, Florence and Trizah made some for their daughters.
In addition they have learnt how to make aprons and they have been able to make 4 of them for our cook mama Peter. malaika mums have also learnt how to make vikoi towels and some were exported to Canada, we are hoping to get market where we can sell them. be the first one to get these amazing products that will also help in supporting these ladies who have kids with disabilities.

By Liz Josiah.