Communication Log on 2008-01-26
Posted by Tobias Ounga on January 26, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Communication Log on 2008-01-17
Posted by Tobias Ounga on January 17, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Communication Log on 2008-01-09
Posted by Tobias Ounga on January 09, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Communication Log on 2007-12-23
Posted by Tobias Ounga on December 23, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Communication Log on 2007-12-03
Posted by Tobias Ounga on December 03, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Communication Log on 2007-11-30
Posted by Tobias Ounga on November 30, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Communication Log on 2007-11-30
Posted by Tobias Ounga on November 30, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Communication Log on 2007-11-05
Posted by Tobias Ounga on November 05, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Communication Log on 2007-10-16
Posted by Tobias Ounga on October 16, 2007 at 12:00 AM
- Food and domestic supplies for children at Children Rescue Mission.
- Volunteer allowances for George for August and September 2007
Dear Veronica,
We confirmed the wire transfer today and we managed to withdraw and purchase a gas stove, cylinder, hose pipe and regulator. Thanks so much for all this. I'll go there tomorrow to show them how to operate it and get some photoes. We have just finished and I left Caren on the way to CRM to deliver the items. The rest ammount we shall use on food items. I'll give you breakdown of costs of the items after tomorrow. Floods were very extreme in some areas very close. The closest was about 20 km away at a place called Kano in Nyanza - as you approach Kisumu from Nairobi about the last 15 km stretch just before Kisumu town. The other badly affected place was about 130 Km away near Kenya Uganda border. The villages we currently operate in were safe due to ragged and slopying terrain. Otherwise if we had capacity, we should have tried to assit the Kano people. There are very few NGOs operating there although the government insists they (govt) did enough to avoid blames during elections. They also down play the Nyanza (Kano) case so it does not reduce there popularity in the region - Nyanza always complain that the govt. is innefective.
Again thanks so much. And meanwhile, are there any plans about the school supplies? Especially uniforms?
Regards,
Tobias
Communication Log on 2007-09-10
Posted by Tobias Ounga on September 10, 2007 at 12:00 AM
There are new developments: -
- Agnes got admitted to a teacher training college and will be leaving next week.
- We have an idea of shifting the children to the bigger compound of Tropical Focus. We can then leave only one room there for use for Tropical Focus office work. Scholastica would then shift to stay at the former compound of the children's home or I will move so that I could offer more of my time to Tropical Focus and the children's home.
- Kenya Power company reviewed cost of power installation so that one now pays an initial Kshs. 15,000/= while the rest as instalments with monthly power bills.
- For transport, agents from India have introduced some cheaper motorbikes in Kenya which are as low as Kshs. 80,000/= which can be very suitable for use at the children's home.
- So far, we brought in 3 new children at the home, while 2 left. So they are more than previous number by 1. We had inteded to add 4 in addition to the replacements but these will depend on availability of funds.
Communication Log on 2007-08-20
Posted by Tobias Ounga on August 20, 2007 at 12:00 AM
- Needs for school supplies for CRM; schools are opening in two weeks time.
- Stove for CRM.
- Toilet for Obede and Dago Thim Primary schools.
Communication Log on 2007-08-20
Posted by Tobias Ounga on August 20, 2007 at 12:00 AM
- Needs for school supplies for CRM; schools are reopening for 3rd term in 2 weeks time.
- Stove for CRM.
- Toilet for Obede and Dago thim primary schools.
- We noted a special needy case among the Kajwang group (explained in the summary report attached in e-mail), is it possible to organizze some single micro-goal to assits the widow with some beddings, etc?
Communication Log on 2007-07-23
Posted by Tobias Ounga on July 23, 2007 at 12:00 AM
- Needs for school supplies for CRM.
Water tank for Children Rescue Mission, Kenya
Posted by Tobias Ounga on June 19, 2007 at 07:45 AM
Report by Tobias Ounga, 18th June 2007
Availability of clean water for domestic use has been a major problem to CRM since its establishment in 2005. In the beginning, the only two workers at the centre had to walk to springs about 2 kms away to fetch water, making a total to- and fro- journey of 4 km.
The springs are found in deep valleys of the hilly area and this makes the return journey quite heavy as it requires a hill climb on a steep slope. The amount of water carried per trip is 20 liters mostly in a plastic container. During dry seasons, the springs are over crowded and one has to queue over 5 hours to get water. Therefore only little water can be fetched and this is then used for drinking and cooking. The water used for other purposes is usually dirty and unhygienic posing a great health danger to children maintained at the center. The spring water is also not clean and is suspected to be infested by intestinal worms, microorganisms and other parasites from contamination by runoffs from surrounding higher grounds where locals usually defecate, urinate, bathe and discard other wastes.
The CRM children have frequently been treated for skin diseases, intestinal infections and parasitic infestations mainly attributable to inadequate and poor quality water.
Despite scarcities of water in the area and for the center, the areas receive bi-annual rainfall of about 1500 mm. This is received from March to June and from August to October.
The water problem was therefore presented to GlobalEyes with a request for solution through equipping CRM with a 6,000 liter PVC water tank. This, in addition to the earlier acquired 2500 liter PVC tank would capture water during rainy seasons and store throughout most if not whole of the dry season.
A total of Kshs 35,000 was received from GlobalEyes on 23rd May 2007 towards the purchase of the water tank and accessories (water harvesting roof gutters, roof hooks, tap and nails).
The tank was purchased on 11th June 2007 and delivered to CRM. The tank purchased is a 5000 liter water tank and costed Kshs 30,000. This allowed for the other Kshs 4,000 to be used for the accessories and transport (Kshs 1,000 was deducted by bank as commission). There was great Jubilation by the children and the caretakers when they saw the vehicle bringing the tank. The Children had just come from school and eagerly wanted to be involved at every stage of the unloading. Unfortunately, officials who had been invited to preside over the presentation of the tank changed their plans at the final hour and apologized for not being available to turn up.
With the availability of the water tank it is expected that: -
the risks of intestinal parasites, intestinal infections, skin diseases and other conditions of poor health will be reduced,
more attention will be accorded to the children because the caretakers will be more available,
performance of the children at school will improve due to less distractions by poor health,
the children will have better psychological wellbeing due to better health and more time for recreation,
there will be positive motivation to the caretakers due to relieved workload,
there will be more time for the caretakers to be involved in small scale food generation (kitchen garden vegetable cultivation) at the center.
Photos from Tobias:
Dear Veronica,
Please find attached brief about the water tank. Unfortunately the ceremony did not go well as planned because the officials invited could not make it, as I mentioned before. The photoes are therefore not so widespread, while also no video was taken. I was not able to send these infos by the day I had promised due to work engagements that kept me out of town from very early in the mornings until night, so that I’ve been unable to get to cyber. At least with smaller attachments, I’m always able to send even at night using Blue tooth in the house.
Meanwhile, we have had some bit of poor time as Caren fell ill again some days ago and the hospital said that she needs further check up in Nairobi for heart conditions. She has had spells of weaknesses.
Regards,
Tobias
Attachments to this email have been made into the next post
Communication Log on 2007-06-19
Posted by Tobias Ounga on June 19, 2007 at 12:00 AM
- Allowances for George for May and June
- Clearance of pending bills for CRM food and cooking supplies
- Malaria control activities
Dear Scott,
Thanks for the information. The main plans we had for the Malaria activities are to purchase mosquito nets and distribute to households with orphans and also hold some community awareness campains in the villages. We'll capture the activities and send over. Please pass alot of regards to Jessica we are so greatfull for what she and the rest of you are doing.
Regards,
Tobias
Dear Veronica,
Thanks for the info. We purchased the water tank and materials and delivered to Children Rescue Mission on 11th as planned. I also took some photoes of the process (I'll e-mail these probably tomorrow). Unfortunately the officials we invited did not come. The President of the country was in Kisumu the same day and the guests changed their plans in the 11th hour. Otherwise it was big exitement to the children and to Agnes, the caretaker when they saw the tank. It was hope for great relief considering that during dry seasons, Agnes and even George had to make 4 kms trek to fetch water for use at the centre. I'll send to you more notes with the photoes. Otherwise best regards for now.
Tobias
Communication Log on 2007-06-08
Posted by Tobias Ounga on June 08, 2007 at 12:00 AM
- Payment of George’s allowances for May.
Communication Log on 2007-06-06
Posted by Tobias Ounga on June 06, 2007 at 12:00 AM
- Payment of Volunteer allowance for George for May 2007.
Dear Veronica,
The Camera arrived in Kisumu today. I collected it from the DHL office in good condition together with the cable and batteries. Thanks so much for a lot of efforts. I'm working on the communication log so that you get them by tomorrow.
Regards,
Tobias
Dear Veronica,
We are fine. The arrangements about the water tank ceremony are that we contacted an official of the District Children’s Department to come to CRM and officiate over the handing in of the tank. He has time from next week so, we plan the delivery for any of the first three days of that week depending on which would be best for him. We will confirm this by Wednesday.
About schools, the current term (second) will end on 3rd August while the third term will begin on 3rd September.
I saw the website. It contains quite a lot on the activities so I don’t think we need to add more at the time being. We shall be reviewing it with time and communicating to you our suggestions incase of need for updates. Thanks so much for the information, I’ll check on with DHL from tomorrow.
Best regards,
Tobias
Dear Veronica,
I visited the Kisumu DHL office and they said I can collect the parcel from there. I also talked to Nairobi office this morning. Both said that I could give the go a head to the Nairobi office to clear so that you pay at the office in New Orlearns as this would make the process faster. So they wanted me to confirm with you if I can give the the go a head.
Regards,
Tobias
Dear Veronica,
Thanks for that. I just saw your last e-mail when I wanted to resend the message. The money already arrived in our account, so if the issue of camera is cleared soon, we shall withdraw the money, purchase it and deliver to CRM. Thanks so much.
Thanks Jessica for forwarding the message to Veronica.
Regards,
Tobias
Dear Veronica,
DHL informed me by phone that the parcel has arrived. They informed us that we need to pay duty amounting to about Kshs. 8,500/=. However, we seem to have hit a snag because I,ve contacted other members and no one is able to raise that amount. Today DHL sent us the break down by e-mail as attached. Now I'm really stranded of how to get that amount.
On another note, we discussed with the rest about the water tank and it was generally felt that this would be a good opportunity for publicity. So we agreed that we organize for a government official to conduct some delivery ceremony, probably with some news coverage if possible. We'll need about a week to organize that. We'll be checking tommorrow if the money has arrived.
Regards, Tobias
Note: forwarded message attached.
————— Forwarded message —————
From: "Beatrice Lukose (DHL KE)"
To: tobiasounga
Date: Thu, 24 May 2007 10:07:18 +0300
Subject: AWB 7870434600
Good morning Tobias,
Please find attached a copy of the assessment, also note that the amount is not inclusive of kshs. 434.00 dhl administration fee.
Kindly advice if we may proceed to clear.
Rgds, Lukose
Dear Veronica,
Thanks so much for all your efforts and the assistance. I'll keep monitoring on the web and also I will check with the bank after Friday. It seems the camera will almost arrive at the same time with the money or a head of the money, so the purchase will be probably when we have received the camera. The process we use at the moment for procurements is simply by walking round the various suppliers and checking for the lowest so it may not take long. I would prefer that we withdraw the money only after we pick the camera, because the one I've been using is not reliable it must have been one of low quality.
Best regards, Tobias
The address you have indficated is sufficient as I would collect it personaly from the DHL office. I will check with DHL tommorrow. The batteries are quite available even in Kisumu, the AAA and the smaller ones. It is OK if the USB cable is also available, this is the same way I've been connecting. Otherwise thanks and best regards.
Tobias
Dear Veronica,
Thanks for all the info and for the tank, it will be very usefull for saving water for the orphans for use during the dry seasons. The two most reliable parcel services are UPS and DHL. Both have services to Kisumu. Please do not send by EMS or Kenya post they may not be safe.
The links to the online com logs open very easily, so it is o.k we shall be using them. I managed to read even the older communications.
Regards,
Tobias
Communication Log on 2007-05-15
Posted by Tobias Ounga on May 15, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Submission of expenditures for April
Need for funds for activities at CRM
We have not resumed the feeding at Obede because of lack of parents payments for cooks wages and firewood.
We made a formal application for registration of CRM as a childrens home and Ministry officials are yet to visit the home.
We are not doing well financially, we have borrowed some Ksh. 10, 000 since about 24 th of April, plus some medicines arround 10th April.
I discussed with the owner of the land to be donated for CRM activities - a relative - and he said he would proceed with further formalities only when he is sure that a project is to be done on it.
Local contributions are not performing well due to changes on job of some 2 members.
I (Tobias) have joined Kisumu Rotary, although I'm yet to learn of their activities and membership requirements.
We would like to remind Veronica about a printer donation she mensioned earlier. Although we still don't have power at the office, we could be doing the relevant work at my house.
We have noticed that the CRM financial log for food and supplies always require about 14 extra rows. Please add these.
Dear Veronica,
Attached please find the updated microfundraising list. The changes are highlighted.
Regards,
Tobias
Dear Jessica,
Thanks so much for what you have done. We were informed that you conducted a succesfull event on "Swim against Malaria".
Pass our regards to Mr. Chacon.
Tobias
|
|
Will work on the costs for the needs and send to you early next week.
Current short term priority projects are care at CRM, additional tank for CRM and toilet at Dago Thim.
At Obede, there has been lack of cooperation from parents and committee in payment of cooks for the feeding programme and purchase of firewood. It has been difficult to pay the cooks hence the current headmaster stopped the lunches. The last feedstuff we delivered were not used and we are planning to collect them and probably use at CRM.
The heavy rains have started already - since 15th this month and may continue to about 10th June. The tank we proposed for CRM is 6000 litres costing about Kshs. 35,000 together with the accessories. However if funds shall be limiting we can go for 3000 litres which costs Kshs. 21,700 together with accessories, but the storage will still not last long.
We are likely to be in need of more funds from end of next week.
Dear Veronica,
Attached please find communication log for March week 3.
Nb: Sorry again for the lateness, we had problems with power in Kisumu most of yesterday and internet was down.
Regards,
Tobias
Dear all,
Pleased to inform you that the wire transfer went through. We checked yesterday and found our standard bank account credited. Thanks so much.
Regards,
Tobias
Dear Veronica,
Thanks so much for all that effort. We are sending Scholastica to go and check, although we think that it will as you say, take some few days. Lets all hope that wiring direct will work out. Attached please find the communication log for week ending 24th (yesterday).
Meanwhile Caren has been sick (probably you saw on my e-mail to Margee copied to you) for the past 3 days and most of yesterday I was assisting her and her husband to get to the hospital
|
|
Additional water tank for CRM.
Rose Jakoyo called and informed us that she already received (today) US $ 300 for Georges salaries.
Heavy rains season in western Kenya is just beginning and we would like to purchase an additional water tank for CRM during the time to store water for coming dry season.
We are negotiating with some individuals in the villages who have indicated willingness to offer some land free to be given to CRM for development.
Schools in Kenya shall be closing for April vacations from next week.
Feeding programme at Obede continued.
|
|
Clearing of last week's issues that are still pending
Continuation of feedings programme at Obede
Feeding programme at Obede continued.
We may start the above on small scale, for example diggers can start doing the holes and then we will be engaging on subsequent stages as time goes and as we receive the funds.
We have plans of going to Dago Thim to officially introduce ourselves to the rest staff and board, however, should we go a head or wait untill you confirm to us when we could start activities there (this depends on availability of funds.
|
|
Payment of George's salary
Payment of outstanding bills
CRM activities continued as usual.
We have had lots of rains here and still more will come in the normal rainy season of April so at Tf we want to conduct community sensitizations on planting vegetables.
We want to try above through volunteerism among ourselves.
We still receive demands for support of more orphans but we refer them to try later ifncase we will have the capacities.
It is fine if you could give us some space in your new upcoming web, please let us know how this can be done.
Just to confirm again about financial communications, are they due only month ends or also weeks.
Hi Veronica,
Hope you are all fine. I'm really do apologise for delaying in communication for last week. I had a journey to south western Kenya where there were no internet connections and only managed to be back yesterday.
No much is new on last weeks com log apart from issues of the final week of February, since most had not been attended to.
For the accounts, it is fine we can still do with Western Union for the time being. We only hope that the routine will be solved so that things are simplified.
Greeting to all,
Tobias
Hi Veronica,
Hope all are fine. We have been hearing of tornadoes arround California. Ourselves we are fine. I have hereby attached the communication log for this week. Unfortunately it was not so easy to include the expenditures as I have stated in the communications log. You'll probably get them next week once you make the adjustmets. Meanwhile I have also attached more photoes of beneficiaries of the mosquito nets which I did not managed to attach last time.
Regards,
Tobias




















