Guest Speakers Kate Hodge & Julie Andrew

 

Kate and Julie left Australia on 19th September and after 40 hours travel arrived at Umoja Orphanage Kenya

Umoja means "Unity and Togetherness"

Kenya has a population of 43 million. Orphanage is to target children orphaned by HIV Aids.

 

Expectations: See first hand, experience first hand, pass on skills, expect a third world country, meet other volunteers.

 

​Concerns: Personal safety, being away from family, ups and down of travelling with a group, cost, climate, health, language barriers, confidence to use skills in different circumstances.

Worked on site 10 days 7an to 5 pm.

 

Project: ​Building first house for 10 children, plan for 6 houses and a school, plan to be self sustainable.

 

​Volunteers: ​Paul a farmer from Queensland, Gordon electrical engineer, Vicky from NSW earthworks contractor, Nola from Victoria a store manager for Woolworths, Tim and son Alex from Victor Harbour an accountant, and Wayne & Pam from Nathalia.

 

What needed doing: Boundary fencing, erection of an electric fence,, installation of an irrigation system, unpack a 40 ft. container, animal health checks, health clinic, construct chicken shed.

Numurkah Rotary donated $1000 US towards completion of septic system.

 

Animals: Orphanage has 2 milking cows, 4 goats and 2 guard dogs.

Locals have little knowledge about animal husbandry.

​Trying to build animals up to be self sustaining.

 

Health Clinic: Saw 180 patients in 3 days.

Lots of ringworm, tinea, fungal infections, jiggers in feet, malaria, disabled children.

 

What did we get out of it: ​Pleased to see change in attitude, friendship with locals, feeling of being part of community, learnt to be flexible, tolerant and patient.

 

Safari; ​6 day safari to Massai Mara Game Reserve, Lake Naivasha Game Reserve and Lake Nakura Game Reserve.

Absorbed colours, scents and sounds of wildlife.

 

Conclusion: Would love to go back, very rewarding, loved being able to make a small difference to other lives.

---