Create a TB Photovoice project in Kenya

Dear Friends,

Once a week, I am so fortunate to Skype with the Nakuru Kenya photovoice facilitator, Alice Opiyo. We usually start out our calls talking about our families, as we both can see the action taking place in our respected livingrooms! Her 9-year old son Essence often talks with my 13-year old son Casey, while our two crazy dogs show-off their playing skills in the background! These weekly conversations about the logistics of the program have been very helpful to the TB Photovoice team as Alice prepares to lead the first photovoice session in the next few weeks. There isn't much to report during this prep time since we are all waiting for the final pieces to be put into action. Alice has methodically communicated with the participants and they are all looking forward to the big day. I will send an update to you when this first meeting takes place.

On other fronts, TB Photovoice has been invited to share our successes at the 46th Union World Conference on Lung Health this coming December in Cape Town, South Africa. This would be a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our US based TB Voices Project and share about our current Nakuru, Kenya photovoice project. However, we are realistic that to send the necessary TB Photovoice staff and Kenyan partners, the cost is simply beyond our reach. Finding funding to attend such conferences is very challenging. We believe we have a lot to share with others working with those impacted by TB around the world and we love listening to our partners in TB.

Alice, Eva and I would love the opportunity to represent TB Photovoice and expand our reach! Join us as we do our best to shine in South Africa!  We need to raise $8,000 by the end of September to make this opportunity a reality. But time is really, really, really short! If you have connections or organizations that could help us in this effort, please let us know!

Thank you all for your tremendous support!

In partnership,

Teresa Rugg

Links:

• Share TB Photovoice with your friends!

Dear Friends,

It is all because of you.

Yes, you! You believed! You understand that raising the necessary funds to create a photovoice project is not an easy, nor straight-line process. Our Kenyan project has seen its share of setbacks but we, which includes wonderful you, never gave up.

We are so happy to share the news that we have received additional funding from the Firland Foundation to move the Nakuru, Kenya photovoice project forward! We couldn't have even dreamt about partnering with Firland if it had not been for your trust and confidence over the years.

I had the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with our Kenyan partners from KANCO last week. One of KANCO's representatives, Evaline Kibuchi, was in the Seattle area for talks with another global health organization. It seemed fitting that we spent 3 days exploring the mountains of the Olympic National Forest together. As we hiked up a steep mountain trail for hours wondering if we would ever reach our destination, we encouraged each other to keep going. Eventually, we made it to a beautiful lake (see attached picture). The effort was worth it! A perfect metaphor for the next stage of the Nakuru photovoice project! Keep climbing, keep supporting one another, and the destination will be a success.

I am really looking forward to updating you on the progress of the project and most importantly, the stories and photos from participants. Their sharing will open our eyes to the realities of TB in Nakuru, while at the same time provide their communities with a new level of TB education and awareness.

Thank you so much for your continued support, and we cannot wait to share TB Photovoice's next journey with you!

In partnership,

Teresa Rugg