GlobalGiving.org: Improving Lives of Youth with Disabilities, Kenya

Buddy Pairs Share Their Holiday Experience

Enouce Ndeche — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:13:51 GMT

George Mwai a peer buddy at St.Genesis High school and his buddy, Joseph Njau from St.Maurus special school had a fantastic December holiday. George and Joseph have been buddies for the last 4 months and their friendship has grown tremendously from one level to another level and they have both cherished each other like twin brothers. Their December holiday was long overdue as they had planned for it one month before. It all started on 27th of November just immediately they closed school and they decided to go on a series of safaris. They started by going to the zoo, a place they have never been before. After the zoo the following day they decided to go for 3 days in Maasai Mara animals game reserve.”It was such a fantastic holiday experience I have never had in my life, my buddy Joseph is such an incredible friend that has changed my life.”Said George Mwai. “I have never organized for such a historic moment with any of my friends, Best Buddies is a true movement that creates a change in somebody’s life. My attitude towards people with intellectual disability is quite positive as this is a very mutual friendship and an eye opening experience.”Said George Mwai. “On behalf of Best Buddies Kenya, I would like to thank all those who support Best Buddies Kenya either by in-kind or financial support. Your support has been truly of great impact and value towards the movement of Best Buddies and its mission. This kind of a revolutional experience is the kind of change we as Best Buddies Kenya would like to see and hear.” Said Mr. Benjamin,head teacher of Genesis High School

Best Buddies Farewell Party

Enouce Ndeche — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 09:43:56 GMT

On 18^th Oct 2011, Best Buddies chapters organized for a farewell party for all peer buddies who are sitting for their final form four high school examinations. The form four peer buddies from all the chapters and their buddies contributed some amount of money to organize for the event. A total of 80 buddy pairs from all the chapters attended this event that was organized at Ngei High school. Every school was represented by a faculty advisor teacher (the teacher who works closely with Best Buddies Kenya in terms of matching students).Also invited was Best Buddies Kenya, Executive Director, Enouce Ndeche.

It was a great moment full of joy and fun activities and laughter as buddy pairs exchanged words of encouragements.”My experience with Best Buddies has been quite phenomenal; my buddy John Mulusi has made a significant difference in my life and this is something that has been absorbed in me even when am out of school.”Said Samuel Njagi, peer buddy to John. There was lots of drinks and snacks as well some cool music playing in the background to grace the occasion.

At the conclusion time, the chapter presidents (a student in charge of a chapter) from all the schools and buddy director (buddy representative from each school) were invited to the platform to express out their views about the Best Buddies friendship. All the presidents and buddy directors congratulated all buddy pairs for their impressive mutual friendship and wished all the peer buddies (students without intellectual disability) all the best and good luck as they face their final examinations.

After the students comments, teachers were also invited to express their views.”It is such a great moment to see buddy pairs coming together for a farewell party, the friendship experience that they have had will no longer erase as this will continue for the rest of their lives. Starting it from Best Buddies is such a great start as they will have a positive perception towards people with intellectual disability and this will bridge the gap.”Said Mrs Josephine Atieno a teacher from Genesis High School.

Lastly, the Executive Director of Best Buddies Kenya,Enouce Ndeche was also invited to express his views.”I just wanna thank you all the buddy pairs for organizing this wonderful event. This really shows how Best Buddies friendship has been of great impact to your lives. If you are the people to create the change that we need and make this world an equal place where people with intellectual disability will freely be included in our social places, work places and our schools. Last I wish all peer buddies all the best in your final examination and thanking all the donors: corporate and individuals from GlobalGiving who have been making a generous contribution to support Best Buddies Kenya.”Said Enouce.

Soccer Donations to Best Buddies Chapters

Enouce Ndeche — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:58:22 GMT

Through the courtesy of SONY Best Buddies chapters received Sony labelled footballs. The footballs were donated to each and every chapter by Best Buddies Kenya’s Executive Director Enouce Ndeche.’’On behalf of Best Buddies Kenya, am so much excited for the donation from Sony and more importantly the recognition of people with intellectual disability by Sony. This shows how mindful and caring Sony is to the whole society.”Said Enouce Ndeche.

The donated balls will be used for the extra-curricular activities between buddies (students with intellectual disabilities) and peer buddies (students without intellectual disabilities).”Am so happy that we have a new ball that we’re going to play with it alongside our peer buddies “Said John Mutuku a buddy student at Mathare special school.””As you can see my buddy John is so happy and this also confirms my happiness too, our friendship has been boosted as we are all footballers.”Said Mike Otieno, John’s peer buddy from Ngei High school.

Best Buddies Kenya would like to express it’s utmost THANKS to =Sony for the donation as well as other financial and material donations that we’ve been receiving through Global Giving.Your donation is playing a major role in the mission of Best Buddies Kenya.

BUDDY PAIRS's HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE

Enouce Ndeche — Wed, 11 May 2011 10:34:53 GMT

Francis Jama a peer buddy at Ngei High school and his buddy, Vincent Okumu from Mathare special school had a fantastic holiday over the month of April. Francis and Vincent have been buddies for the last 8 months and their friendship has grown tremendously from one level to another level and they have both cherished each other like twin brothers. Their April holiday was long overdue as they had planned for it one month before. It all started on 2rd of April just immediately they closed school and they decided to go on a series of safaris. They started by going to the animal orphanage, a place they have never been before. After the animal orphanage, the following day they decided to go for 2 days in Maasai Mara animals game reserve.”It was such a fantastic holiday experience I have never had in my life, my buddy Vincent is such an incredible friend that has changed my life.”Said Francis Jama. “I have never organized for such a historic moment with any of my friends, Best Buddies is a true movement that creates a change in somebody’s life. My attitude towards people with intellectual disability is quite positive as this is a very mutual friendship and an eye opening experience.”Said Francis Jama. “On behalf of Best Buddies Kenya, I would like to thank all those who support Best Buddies Kenya either by in-kind or financial support. Your support has been truly of great impact and value towards the movement of Best Buddies and its mission. This kind of a revolutional experience is the kind of change we as Best Buddies Kenya would like to see and hear.” Said Enouce Ndeche,Executive Director for Best Buddies Kenya.

Organization Meeting at Ngei High School Chapter

Enouce Ndeche — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:11:07 GMT

Organisation meeting of Ngei High School Chapter

“On doubt that a small group of committed individuals can change the world, indeed it’s the only way it has ever happened.”Margaret Mead, Anthropologist

On 10th January 20, just one week after school vacation, members of Ngei High School Chapter of Best Bubbies gathered for their organization meeting. The meeting took place in one of the Ngei High School’s classrooms. It was a successful l meeting with a lively interchange between the 30 peer buddies from Ngei High School and the 30 buddies from Mathare special School. Four associate buddies were also present at the meeting

Every chapter of Best Buddies Kenya is required to have an organizational meeting once a year. Organization meetings serve many purposes, including:

Socializing and Sharing Personal Storing and Mutual Experiences

Ngei meeting happened so soon after the Christmas holidays, the attendees had many exciting stories to share about what they did while on vacation.

Reflecting On the Personal Impact of the Best Buddies Program

During the Ngei meeting, the chapter president introduced peer buddy, Fredrick Juma and his buddy, Vincent Otieno.. The pear expressed how meaningful their mutual friendship has become and how much enjoyment and fun their friendship has generated for themselves, their immediate families and their local community. Both expressed confidence that the chapter would be a beacon of friendship and integration for people with and without intellectual disabilities.

Emphasizing the Commitment Needed When Joining a Chapter

During the meeting, the Ngei High School chapter president reminded his fellow peer buddies about the policies and procedures of Best Buddies and that: (1)pear Buddy agrees to be paired for one academic year, (2) make contact once a week either in person, by email, phone or mail; (3) have two one-to-one activities per month ;(4) attend all chapter meetings and group activities throughout the school year; (5) student can join as peer buddies or associate members agree to attend chapter meetings and group activities, but are not matched in a one-to one friendship. Associate members can also join committees to help plan activities or fundraisers.

Explaining the importance of the Best Buddies High School Chapters

The Ngei meeting was attended by the executive Director of Best Buddies Kenya. In his address to the peer buddies and buddies, he explained that Best Buddies fulfill its mission in High Schools by facilitating mutually enriching one-to –one friendship between high school students and their peer in a special schools.The Director expressed many thanks to all the donors who have contributed through globalgiving for making everything for BBK a great success

BEST BUDDIES KENYA IN THE BIG ISSUE MAGAZINE

Enouce Ndeche — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 08:07:08 GMT

The impact of Best Buddies Kenya program is gradually growing and continues to impact the lives of many students with and without intellectual disability as well as the community around. Attached read more stories about Best Buddies program that was featured in the Big Issue magazine.Big Issue magazine is Kenya's leading and most read magazine. We just want to thank you for your continuous support towards Best Buddies Kenya.

BEST BUDDIES HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE

Enouce Ndeche — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:53:03 GMT

James Mwanzi a peer buddy at St.Genesis High school and his buddy, Nicholas Okumu from St.Maurus special school had a fantastic holiday over the month of August. James and Nicholas have been buddies for the last 5 months and their friendship has grown tremendously from one level to another level and they have both cherished each other like twin brothers. Their August holiday was long overdue as they had planned for it one month before. It all started on 3rd of August just immediately they closed school and they decided to go on a series of safaris. They started by going to the animal orphanage, a place they have never been before. After the animal orphanage, the following day they decided to go for 2 days in Maasai Mara animals game reserve.”It was such a fantastic holiday experience I have never had in my life, my buddy James is such an incredible friend that has changed my life.”Said Nicholas Okumu. “I have never organized for such a historic moment with any of my friends, Best Buddies is a true movement that creates a change in somebody’s life. My attitude towards people with intellectual disability is quite positive as this is a very mutual friendship and an eye opening experience.”Said James Mwanzi. “On behalf of Best Buddies Kenya, I would like to thank all those who support Best Buddies Kenya either by in-kind or financial support. Your support has been truly of great impact and value towards the movement of Best Buddies and its mission. This kind of a revolutional experience is the kind of change we as Best Buddies Kenya would like to see and hear.” Said Enouce Ndeche,Executive Director for Best Buddies Kenya.

Best Buddies Ngei Sch attracts more peer buddies

Enouce Ndeche — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:04:48 GMT

Best Buddies program at Ngei High school has been so exciting and life changing not only to the current peer buddies who are involved but even to the other students in the entire school. Through the actively involved Best Buddies student members, they managed to organize for a recruitment meeting on 7th June 2010, to officially invite and involve their fellow students in the program. A total of 10 new peer buddies were recruited and matched into one-to-one friendship with buddies from their neighbouring school, Mathare special school.”After observing the activities of Best Buddies and the opportunities that it brings along to the lifes of both participants decided to be also involved and be a part of the change maker. Am looking forward to exciting and colourful friendship between me and my buddy,Tracia Nduku, a student from mathare special school.”Said Winnie Wanjiku, a newly recruited peer buddies who is in form 2.”Am so proud to be in Best Buddies and to have a new friend.”Said Tracia. Also in attendance to grace witness and grace the occasion was Enouce Ndeche, the Executive Director of Best Buddies Kenya, the faculty advisor teacher from Ngei High school, Mr. Joseph Nyaga and special education teacher from Mathare special school, Mr. John Mwangi.”This is truly an extra-ordinary friendship and a great revolution just by seeing how how these young people are advocating for people with intellectual disability.”Said Mr.Joseph Nyaga from Ngei High school. ‘Getting the awareness from this kind of tender age, it would make our nation and the entire world an equal place for all human beings. More students with intellectual disability would be included in our special school system other than being separated and hidden in their homes.”Said Mr. Mwangi from mathare special school.

The newly recruited peer buddies were given hand-outs that would enable them to effectively and perfectly understand what Best Buddies is all about. The meeting was concluded by the Executive Director of Best Buddies Kenya who praised and thanked everyone for coming and for taking part in Best Buddies movement and helping to change our world.”I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been donating to Best Buddies Kenya through Global Giving or any other channel, just to see the success of Best Buddies Kenya. I would like to encourage them to continue donating as we thrive to achieve our goals.”Said Enouce.

Best Buddies New Recruits

Enouce Ndeche — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:56:15 GMT

After experiencing a life changing experience and a mutual friendship that Best Buddies provides to both students with and without intellectual disability, 16 students from Ngei high school were recruited into Best Buddies movement. Each new recruit “peer buddy” (a student without intellectual disability) was matched into a one-to-one friendship with a “buddy” (a student with intellectual disability) from Mathare special school bringing to a total of 80 matches from 45 matches in the year 2009.” At first I was kind of afraid to have a friend with intellectual disability because I thought I would also be affected, that’s why I couldn’t join Best Buddies, but after watching the development of my classmate’s friendship with his buddy, I came to realize that it is just a normal friendship that comes with lots of joy and experience in someone’s life. On the other hand the way peer buddies have been having their chapter activities and meetings, it clearly shows how Best Buddies also builds leadership skills amongst students without intellectual disability who have been matched into a one-to-one friendship with buddies. “Said 15 year old Nahashon Omondi, a newly recruited peer buddy from Ngei High school who is in form one.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Best Buddies Kenya would like to express its utmost THANKS to: all the donors who have been donating through Global Giving , teachers of Ngei high school and Mathare special school for their continous programmatic support and the entire Best Buddies Student volunteers for making it happen…

BRAEBURN HIGH SCHOOL JOINS BEST BUDDIES

Enouce Ndeche — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:35:29 GMT

After a students’ training at Braeburn high school, a total of 16 peer buddies from Braeburn High school were recruited to join Best Buddies movement. The training was conducted by Enouce Ndeche, the Executive Director of Best Buddies Kenya with a back up of Mr. Andy Hill, the head teacher of the school. “Well a couple of days ago, I was approached by Enouce Ndeche about having Best Buddies chapter in this school and I was very much excited about it and I would encourage everyone of you to get involved in this wonderful program as it brings the most segregated population of this world closer to our lives. Am strongly convinced that your involvement in this unique program would go along way into your lives.” Said Mr Andy Hill during his first speech during the training session.

All the 16 peer buddies were matched with 16 buddies from lily of the valley special school, a neighbouring school to Braeburn.All the buddy pairs were so much excited with their first new kind of mutual friendship. “Am so happy to be a part of this great revolution and just having a great friend like Joram, makes me a complete live changer.” Said Bramwel Mwika a peer buddy from Braeburn high school. “This makes me feel good and excited to have Bramwel as my friend.” Said Joram a buddy from Lily of the valley special school.

Best Buddies Kenya would like to acknowledge its partners; Global Giving and Safaricom foundation for its great support towards its movement of enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disability by providing an opportunity for one-to-one friendship and integrated employment.

BEST BUDDIES KENYA 2010 GOALS

With this new chapter being the 5th chapter of Best Buddies Kenya, BBK is optimistic of launching 3 more chapters by the end of this year. Best Buddies Kenya recognizes the financial support that it has been receiving through Global Giving and it would like to thank everyone and appeal for more funding to achieve this goal.

Safaricom Foundation Grants Best Buddies Kenya for the other 6 months period

Enouce Ndeche — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:23:15 GMT

After a successful first half of 6 months period of funding from safaricom foundation that really improved the impact of Best Buddies Kenya’s movement, Best Buddies Kenya had to report back with a financial report to Safaricom foundation on 8th September,2009.The report had to undergo a thorough scrutiny in accordance to safaricom foundation’s financial report guidelines. After this exercise, Best Buddies Kenya once again had an opportunity of being awarded another 6 months grant that will end on May 10th, 2010 that would make a one year funding circle. The super exciting news was met with great joy by all Best Buddies Kenya’s volunteer staff led by Executive Director, Enouce Ndeche.”On behalf of Best Buddies Kenya, I would like to express my utmost THANKS to Safaricom Foundation, Best Buddies volunteer students, and teachers. I would be negligent, however, if I did not mention those who played a key role in the development and support of Best Buddies Kenya movement. I deeply appreciate all Global Giving donors who have and are still making their financial contribution towards supporting Best Buddies Kenya’s mission and moreover for being the pace setters. Without you it wouldn’t have happened.” Said Enouce.The funding will boost BBK’s mission and vision hence bridging the gap of people with intellectual disability in our society.

Attachments:

SAFARICOM_FOUNDATION_GRANTS_BBK_FOR_THE_OTHER_6_MONTHS_PERIOD.doc (DOC)

BEST BUDDIES GO GREEN!

Enouce Ndeche — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:16:44 GMT

Through the partnership of African Air Rescue, AAR, Best Buddies Kenya had an opportunity of establishing a tree-planting exercise in all the Best Buddies chapters. “The tree planting program has just come in hand as the rainy seasons are just around the corner. This is also a great opportunity for the buddy pairs to give back to the community as they all engage in community awareness activity.” said Mrs Musima the school head teacher of Mathare special school.

All the buddy pairs from all the chapters were all engaged in this unique community awareness exercise that also added in making their respective schools look green hence contributing to the healthy environment around. “We are proud to be a part of the climate change revolutionists here in our school.” Said Victor Mwanza and his buddy, John Mwangi from St. Genesis High School.

A total of 3000 trees were planted in all the chapters. “Best Buddies Kenya is so proud of AAR and other donors through Global Giving who have made and continue to make success of its movement around the country. We would urge the donors to continue with their generous contribution towards this worthy cause as we strive to make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.” Said, Enouce Ndeche, Executive Director, Best Buddies Kenya.

Attachments:

BEST_BUDDIES_GOES_GREEN.doc (DOC)

Best Buddies Friendship Forum

Enouce Ndeche — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:10:23 GMT

On 30th May, members of Best Buddies Ngei High school chapter hosted a Best Buddies Kenya friendship forum at their school. 40 buddy pairs from all the chapters gathered together to experience, share and network with their colleagues from other schools about their mutual friendship. “This is the day that I have been looking forward to, just to know and learn the friendship relations from other chapter members means a lot to me.” Said Fridah a buddy from Mathare special school. It was a jovial moment of experience and learning as buddy pairs came to mingle together enjoy and share ideas about their respective Best Buddies chapters. Also in attendance were 4 teachers from each chapter and Best Buddies Kenya, Executive Director, Mr.Enouce Ndeche

Attachments:

BEST_BUDDIES_FRIENDSHIP_FORUM.doc (DOC)

Best Buddies Interview

Enouce Ndeche — Mon, 18 May 2009 08:10:29 GMT

Also on board for interview were student participants from Ngei High school and their school principal who also shared out his experience and the quality revolutionary change that Best Buddies Kenya has instilled into his students, the school and the entire community.” Since the inception of Best Buddies Kenya into Ngei High school, the perception of people with intellectual disability has totally transformed from the negative to the positive direction. Through the one-to-one friendship of my students and their counter parts from our neighbor, Mathare special school which is a school for students with intellectual disability, my school generally has been a turning point for a great revolution of the entire society. “Said Mr. Gerald Angote, the principal of Ngei High school.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN! Best Buddies Kenya wishes to thank the Global Giving and all other donors who have been generously supporting our mission. We strongly believe that through your continuous support and support of others, Best Buddies Kenya will be in a better position to continue advocating for people with intellectual disability here in Kenya.

Attachments:

14th April.doc (DOC)

Visit to Best Buddies

Christine Illanes & Michael Acton — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:48:37 GMT

Christine and Michael visited this project. Michael wrote,

"We visited the office of AfriAfya to test a survey for Global Giving. The office was quite spread out with a few desks. AfriAfya works on various projects including the one posted on Global Giving. We had a fantastic conversation with Sara regarding how the global economic situation is affecting funding for the non-profit sector. Ann is working in the financing section and told us that she decided to work with AfriAfya because she saw how much difference it made when people had access to information that they trusted.

AfriAfya's main goal in all of its projects is to use information and communication technology to improve the health of communities in Kenya We were unable to visit the project's field sites due to our very compressed schedule in Nairobi."

Christine said, "I met Enouce Ndeche from Best Buddies Kenya. The original plan was to meet only with Best Buddies, but I found out that Best Buddies and CASL-VAP are the same organization, or at least run by the same people, so I ended up meeting with both. It was a hectic day, and totally exhausting, but well worth it! While the building that their “office” is in looked really fancy from the outside, the office itself was the size of a small closet, but they made the most of it, cramming 2 desks with computers and a small refrigerator (so they could sell drinks to support the project) inside. Enouce, and Best Buddies, love Global Giving since it was the first to finance their activities and is still their major source of funding.

The purpose of Best Buddies is to pair disabled children with other children from nearby schools to combat prejudice and ignorance, as well as increase the number of people advocating for the disabled. Enouce said that “disabled people weren’t seen as friends or individuals, but Best Buddies strives to make them fully included in society.” Listening to Enouce, eventually it struck me that the disabled children faced all of the same trials that any kid faces in a developing country- no food, clothes, job opportunities, lack of access to a decent education- but without the same abilities to adapt to situations, making their prospects twice as bleak.

The following day, we went to see 4 school or two pairs of partner schools, in the Manyatta slums of Nairobi. The first set were small, with all ages of children being taught. The disabled school was a secure compound, and we met some of the older kids that were paired with buddies. The school for non-disabled children was little more than a section of slum partitioned by metal sheeting. It had no books or supplies, but was the only option for parents who couldn’t afford the school fees (uniforms, pencils, books, etc.) for a public school. The principle was a small man overflowing with energy and enthusiasm that we were visiting his school, he was so proud of his school, dragging us into each class so that we could see how much they were accomplishing. I promised Enouce that I would send supplies for the school since they were trying to accomplish so much with so little!

The other set of partner schools were much larger, and government supported. At the disabled school, they taught mainly vocational education, but the principle was clearly burned out, saying “I don’t want to know what happens after” when referring to the prospects of her kids once they graduate. The last school we visited was a large, public school, but they weren’t expecting our arrival. Unfortunately some of the younger kids were out for recess when we arrived, and we were immediately mobbed by kids, to the ire of their teachers I’m sure. I managed to eventually make it to the head office by slowly wading through little bodies passing out handshakes and high fives as I went. I got to speak with the principle, who praised Best Buddies for changing his own attitude toward the disabled, as well as that of his students. It was another exhausting day in Kenya, but well worth the visit and experience."

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

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.

Best Buddies Interview

Enouce Ndeche — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:58:41 GMT

Despite the schools being on holidays, a couple of Best Buddies Kenya’s student participants showed up on 14th April at St.Maurus special school, a host location for (Buddies) who have been matched up with peer Buddies of Genesis High school. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct an interview with buddy pairs who participate in Best Buddies program to share out their mutual friendship experiences. Also on board for interview were student participants from Ngei High school and their school principal who also shared out his experience and the quality revolutionary change that Best Buddies Kenya has instilled into his students, the school and the entire community.” Since the inception of Best Buddies Kenya into Ngei High school, the perception of people with intellectual disability has totally transformed from the negative to the positive direction. Through the one-to-one friendship of my students and their counter parts from our neighbor, Mathare special school which is a school for students with intellectual disability, my school generally has been a turning point for a great revolution of the entire society. “Said Mr. Gerald Angote, the principal of Ngei High school.

MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP EXPERIENCE Student after student narrated how Best Buddies Kenya project has impacted their lives and the lives of their partners as well as the positive transformational experience that has been created. “My friendship experience with my buddy, Janet Wairimu has been the greatest moment of my life ever since, I have learnt so many important things that I didn’t know in life just through my buddy, Janet.Now I know that people with intellectual disability are just good friends, equals and they too deserve an opportunity to be socialized into our society, just as the saying goes, “Disability is not Inability. “Said Neema Fatuma, peer buddy from Ngei High School. THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN! Best Buddies Kenya wishes to thank the Global Giving and all other donors who have been generously supporting our mission. We strongly believe that through your continuous support and support of others, Best Buddies Kenya will be in a better position to continue advocating for people with intellectual disability here in Kenya.

Attachments:

14th April.doc (DOC)

Visitor postcard: Best Buddies Kenya and Capitol Area Soccer League HQs

Marc Maxson — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:45:12 GMT

In downtown Nairobi I waited for Eunice Ndeche, the founder of Best Buddies Kenya (BBK www.globalgiving.org/1741) to show me to his offices. The 4-lane highway was clogged with Matatus and buses. I noticed a few horse carts dodging traffic in the nearest lane, opposite the Kenyan Central Bank. Only there weren’t any horses or donkeys, just burly men dragging supplies on their carts. I reached for a camera to save this strange juxtaposition of modern and archaic. One of them smiled at me as he gave the yolk of his cart a yank. He smiled at me. “Hey wazzap!” he said.

BBK’s offices were on the 6th floor of a 20-floor high rise. As we boarded the elevator, I thought, this doesn’t feel like a typical globalgiving project! I thought our projects are village-based grassroots operations. When I saw BBK’s office I understood. Capitol Area Soccer League (http://www.globalgiving.com/1885) and Best Buddies Kenya (www.globalgiving.com/1741) share one five-foot square cubicle subletted from another company. CASL has a staff of 18 with 2 full time employees. They all cram in here when they need to. This is what “cost-effective change” looks like; two NGOs crammed into one cubicle because there isn’t enough donor money to support the Geneva convention’s minimum human space requirements. Each of these organizations operate on less than $5000 a year and they need your help. They don’t have money for big ad campaigns or media consultants. The staff is a handful of 20-something youths trying to curb the spread of AIDS. Imagine what you could do for them if you just re-tweeted their needs or used GlobalGiving’s new “tell a friend” tool to help them as a “virtual volunteer.” We’re on a listening tour of Kenya because there is so much more we can learn from our client organizations in person. The organizations I’ve seen are not always as I expected, but I have been impressed with what they’ve done with our donors’ support.

CASL is planning a soccer tournament in two weeks (www.globalgiving.org/1885). They wanted to host 16 teams but currently only have funding for half that. They’ve successfully courted Cola Cola and SarafiCom (mobile phones) in the past but the economic downturn has put a damper on youth sports AIDS prevention. They expect to host 60 players. All will be tested for HIV and will partake in AIDS awareness education. I got them signed up on twitter and you should be able to follow the tournament live on March 28th, 2009 (@endeche or @globalgiving on twitter). In addition they have a youth network of teacher trainers who go to schools and combine sports education with AIDS prevention messages. The two full time staff look to be in their twenties. These truly are youth teaching youth. Michael Kremer wrote that for what it costs to treat one AIDS patient for one year, you could prevent new infections worth 25 to 110 years of life. If just one of their four projects was fully funded, over 1800 years of combined AIDS-free living would result (using Michael Kremer’s upper estimate and the AIDS treatment cost per person). Nancy Waweru manages a similar project to empower girls and educate them about AIDS (www.globalgiving.org/2221). Her workshops emphasize “reproductive health,” meaning they discuss healthy relationships, sex, abortion, menstruation, STDs, and fighting stimga. “What is one organization you really admire for the work they do?” I asked Nancy. She immediately replied “Step by step!” “Why?” “They are new but have already done much. They hosted a very effective workshop on reproductive health at Kaimbo. They also got CocaCola to sponsor it. And they work with ‘deviant girls.’ They are not so easy to work with.” Great Nancy! Thanks to you and Eunice for meeting with me. It was an honor. And know that if our projects recommend another organization, you can bet we’ll invite them to join GlobalGiving in the future. This is how we uncover great new organizations. Whether big or small, new or old, any legitimate, recommended, social media-savvy organization has the same opportunity to attract funding on our site.

Best Buddies Kenya Receives Grant

Enouce Ndeche — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:41:58 GMT

After a successful bid to safaricom foundation, finally Best Buddies Kenya’s proposal was approved by safaricom foundation’s board of trustees. No sooner had Best Buddies chapters resumed back from their December holidays than the grant announcement was made. The super exciting news was met with great joy by all Best Buddies Kenya’s volunteer staff led by Executive Director, Enouce Ndeche.”On behalf of Best Buddies Kenya, I would like to express my utmost THANKS to Safaricom Foundation, Best Buddies volunteer students, and teachers. I would be negligent, however, if I did not mention those who played a key role in the development and support of Best Buddies Kenya movement. I deeply appreciate all Global Giving donors who have and are still making their financial contribution towards supporting Best Buddies Kenya’s mission and moreover for being the pace setters. Without you it wouldn’t have happened.” Said Enouce,pictured with the grey suit.

I SEE YOU,DO YOU SEE ME?

Enouce Ndeche — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:53:51 GMT

Just a week prior to the closure of schools for the third term vacation,members of Best Bud dies chapter at CASL organized for an indoor Buddy dance...

Attachments:

I SEE YOU.doc (DOC)

A Cloud of Joy!

Enouce Ndeche — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:11:08 GMT

Following the donation of school equipments to Ngei High School, a chapter of Best Buddie s Kenya,this time round was time for St.Gene sis High School...

Attachments:

BBK Office Report.doc (DOC)

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine!

Enouce Ndeche — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:46:53 GMT

Best Buddies Kenya is on a campaign trail of reaching out to its chapters by donating school supplies to all students who partake in Best Buddies program. As a result of post election violence, the donation exercise is coming just on the nick of time as many students lack basic school necessities to continue with their normal education.

Attachments:

BBK Report donation.doc (DOC)

Aftermath of Kenya's Election Violence

Enouce Ndeche — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:52:59 GMT

HELL BROKE LOOSE!

No sooner had the announcement of the disputed December 27, 2007 presidential elections were put in public than the hell broke loose in the entire country. Most parts of the country were engulfed with massive disorder that resulted to killings, looting of properties, torching of houses, schools and an attitude of unlawlessness was witnessed all over. Some of the areas that were severely affected were, Eldoret, Kisumu, Kakamega, Mombassa and Nairobi.

BBK FALLS VICTIM

In Nairobi where Best Buddies Kenya operates, some of its stronghold programs were not spared either. Two of our Best Buddies High school chapters,Ngei High school and St. Genesis High school which fall under the mathare area where hundreds of lives have been lost, houses torched and properties looted were also affected. Both peer buddies and buddies of these chapters who live within mathare have been directly and indirectly affected with the aftermath. Some of these students’ houses have been torched, looted and even some lost their loved ones in the skirmishes which were mostly generated by a fight between the two communities. EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

Due to this tough situation, it has been hard for these students to cope up again with their normal life which includes reporting back to school for their new term. School necessities have been a big shortage and a major obstacle to them. As a result of this, Best Buddies Kenya is planning to donate school supplies, exercise books, text books and pens to support their educational endeavours through the Global Giving Kenya Relief Funds.

SPECIAL DEDICATION

Best Buddies Kenya, would therefore like to express an utmost ‘THANKS’ and gratitude to the unwavering support to the donors who have made this mission a success and welcome them wholeheartedly to reply by email or posting a comment on the update page if they have questions or concerns.

THANK YOU ALL!

Attachments:

AFTERMATH OF KENYA.doc (DOC)

Best Buddies Holiday Wishes

Enouce Ndeche — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 07:47:11 GMT

Members of Best Buddies chapter from Ngei High school and St.Genesis High School gathered together to celebrate and wish each other a Happy Holiday and a prosperous New Year...

Attachments:

HOLIDAY WISHES bbk.doc (DOC)

Organizational Meeting

Enouce — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 05:28:47 GMT

On September 14th 2007, just one week after school vacation, members of St. Genesis High School Chapter of Best Buddies gathered for their organizational meeting. The meeting took place in one of St. Genesis High School’s classrooms. It was a successful meeting with a lively interchange between the 15 peer buddies from St. Genesis High School and the 15 buddies from St. Maurus Special School. Four associate buddies were also present at the meeting.

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Organization Meeting at Ngei High School Chapter

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Visit to Best Buddies

Best Buddies Interview

Visitor postcard: Best Buddies Kenya and Capitol Area Soccer League HQs

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I SEE YOU,DO YOU SEE ME?

A Cloud of Joy!

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine!

Aftermath of Kenya's Election Violence

Best Buddies Holiday Wishes

Organizational Meeting

Report from the field