Getting our hands dirty...learning the in's and out's of development programs in a 3rd world country

This week has been full of new experiences and and increase in our management responsibilities.

Microsavings project: We both made field visits to villages even farther out than our own to meet with the mircrofinance and savings groups that have begun to form. What an AMAZING group of women. They are eligible for interested rewarded saving at the end of a year if they individually meet a 70 shilling per month goal. At the end of the year if they have faithfully saved they are then eligible for a loan that includes the interest accrued over the year(thanks to donations) as well as their actual input. Through group meetings facilitated by WWB the women then decide whether to pool the money to buy a larger item such as a foot pump to irrigate during the dry season which helps them to increase the amount of crops that they can grow, or a smaller individual purchase such a a goat, or rabbits which can be sold or used to supplement the meals or both. We walked close to 10 miles round trip to get to these homes which is the same distance that the women travel anytime that they wish to make a "deposit" to WWB. Again, amazing, strong ladies.

Bio Gas Project: We have been working all week to arrange for delivery of manure to continue to get our bio gas up and running. The goal is to reduce fire cooking by 50%. This will increase respiratory health of children and staff who are constantly exposed as well as reduce the labor required to forage, chop, and haul wood each day. If the 50% goal is not reached we will be looking into a more efficient cook stove in order to reach that goal.

Sanitary Pads Program: I had an excellent time teaching a class on decision making to a group of 60 girls that arrived from all over to recieve sanitary products(which are shunned in this area, as are the women during their cycles) It is held once a month and we use the time to teach life skills to the girls included, goal setting, college, personal safety, etc.

HIV/AIDS community outreach program: We had some excellent volunteers sherry and laura who had been here for 6 months (both in the medical field) who took this program to a whole new level. Recruiting and training community members to teach to their own communities on the risks, causes, stigmas and prevention of HIV which has really hit the mid 20's to mid 40's age range drastically. I got to make a field visit to meet 3 of our trainers who have taken this on as their own. What an eye opening experience. I look forward to continuing the program as Sherry and Laura had to leave. They were amazing and left an amazing legacy behind.

Community Education Center: This has just been completed on our campus and we just put the 2nd coat of paint on yesterday. I will be heading this initiative and hope to get a fully operating classroom with lights, boards, books, posters, teaching material etc.A longer term goal would be computers and sewing machines. Starting with developing curriculum and teaching our children here and extending the schooling option to children in surrounding villages on Saturdays, particularly those who are being cared for by our microfinance women. We also have a new volunteer here for 6 months who is trained in teaching English as a second language to adults who would like to use this classrom for that purpose as well. The furniture(real hardwood) just arrived from Nairobi today. Very exciting and I will keep you posted on this!

Animals and Agriculture: We just bought and walked home a pregnant cow yesterday. It was a good purchase as she is vaccinated, dewormed, pregnant, and producing 3 times as much milk as the other. We also have a prego pig so will be learning to take care of piglets soon too! I haven't had a milking lesson yet but know that it's on the way. Actually looks pretty difficult to do it correctly.

Solar Power Project: We are putting solar power in this week too! However, I'm down to 3% battery power and have to power in the house so I better publish and go before little mackie dies :)) I posted an entire album of pics on facebook. Love to all and we are doing great.