Break Ground: advance adolescent care in Kenya

Dear Friends, 

Finally, after a sorting through a few logistics, our adolescents had their first clinic in the new clinic last week! The youth and the clinicians were thrilled to have such a beautiful space! We finally have a new home. Thank you all. 

As part of the celebration in November, our clients' shared many talents, stories and speeches.We want to share with you one of the speeches. It is below. It highlights the gravity of challenges, the hopes, and where we need to go. During the next update, please anticipate responses about the clinic, more on where we are going, and a fresh new page. 

Just like our client states: " we can do this together, Oooh Yes we can!"

~The Adolescent Team

November 28, 2016,

"I take this opportunity to thank the Almighty God. I am glad to have this chance to deliver my speech in such a historical function. The building you see is not only the blocks it’s made of, but it’s a representation the good work and commitment our doctors and partners have made to make this come true.

To be honest to myself and to you, I am not happy to be here, but at the same time am also happy. Please get my point: I don’t mean to insult anyone, but we have lost many of our adolescents in the start of this year, and one this past week. It makes me sad that they never had the chance to celebrate this day with us.

Nearly 500,000 adolescents in Kenya are living with HIV and likely 120,000 or more do not know their status. These are not statistics we should not be proud of.  I ask myself: why are we not defeating this epidemic? Maybe because we don’t want to, it’s too expensive, too daunting. These are just excuses.

HIV does not stigmatize itself. We are the ones who promote stigma. Understand, HIV is just a condition. We should heal the disease in our hearts by, most importantly, changing our attitude.

I would like to request on to make it possible for our adolescent to get more training in order to maximum use of this facility. We have a lot of bright guys who are not able to pay for their school fees, it’s my humble request they can be sponsored and mentored.

I am also passionate about street children and street families, because I have first-hand experience of living in the streets. I am also glad that they are part of this clinic.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the health care providers for the great work they have done for us- to live a healthy life."

        " we can do this together, Oooh Yes we can!"

Dear Supporters,

The clinic has made great steps forward since the last report. We now have a name:  the MTRH Rafiki Center for Excellence in Adolescent Health (!), chosen with the input of our adolescent patients and designed to reflect the borad focus of the clinic. The renovations are underway and we will be opening to see patients in the next 2 weeks!

Renovation Updates:

• Roof and ceiling repairs are complete
• Wall partitions to create clinical rooms are complete
• Doors are installed
• Painting is done

Hiring Updates:

• We are greatly appreciative of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for supporting the clinic with a pharmacist, records person, and a social worker.
• A plan for nursing, clinical officers and physicians is underway.

What next?

• To celebrate, there will be a clinic launch and celebration at the end of November. (Photos and update to come!)
• We are still looking for your support to help complete the building, landscaping, and to make the center as youth friendly and inviting as possible. This includes having skill building classes, art supplies to help the adolescents do crafts which they can sell, and to continue a thriving support group.
• Mark your calanders! GivingTuesday, November 29th,  is coming soon and donations will be matched! Please spread the word to your friends and family.  

Thank you all for your continued support. Have a wonderful holiday season. 

Sincerely, 

The Adolescent Health Team