The Challenge for Africa featuring Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Founder, Green Belt Movement

Monday, April 13, 2009
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Atrium Hall, Ronald Reagan Building
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004

Africa faces severe and wide-ranging challenges, from Darfur to HIV/AIDS, massive debt to election fraud, cross-border conflicts to environmental degradation. Yet the portrait of Africa painted in the media—poverty-stricken, desolate, and desperate—frequently ignores the intricacies of the issues. (Click title to read full story.)

The Kansas State University International Service Team is sending four students to volunteer for ten weeks this summer in Nyeri, Kenya. The volunteers will be working at the Children and Youth Empowerment Centre, a community-based organization that assists street-dwelling children, youth, and vulnerable minors find security, food, and education.

The team is seeking donations to fund materials and supplies for the Children and Youth Empowerment Centre that will be delivered by the volunteers.

To learn more about the Service Team and to make a donation, visit http://web.me.com/innrkid/Kenya_2009/Welcome.html or contact Caitlyn Mason at caitlynm@ksu.edu.

Global Deaf Connection (GDC) is hosting a Happy Hour fundraiser to support Funds for Deaf Kenyan Teachers at Sticky Rice, on Wednesday, March 11. Come and feast on yummy food (wings, sushi, tater tots, and more!) and help out a great cause.

Wednesday, March 11

5:00 PM–8:00 PM

$5 donation at door

RSVP to Norma at ninafrica@yahoo.com

Commentary by Bob Gribbin

Kenya is abuzz with Obama. Remember that Kenya declared a national holiday upon receiving news of his election. Obama’s picture is painted on matatus, tee shirts, coffee mugs, and printed on kangas worn by market women. Dozens of newborn babies are now named Obama. Maasai beadwork features his image as well as the stars and stripes from the “O” of campaign posters. Matatus bear the names “Obama Express,” “Fastest Obama.” Senator beers are ordered by asking for an “Obama.” Obama’s books are jumping off the shelves. Indeed on flights in and out, I saw a dozen Kenyans avidly reading his tomes. The airwaves resound to Obama songs. Even Obama numbers have been incorporated into the dance performances by Maasai morans at tourist lodges. (Click the title to read full article.)

Friends,
It is my pleasure to inform you that the Committee for a Museum of the Peace Corps Experience has entered into a collaborative effort with the Oregon Historical Society to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Peace Corps in 2011. Together, CMPCE and OHS will put on an exhibit that will highlight the contributions of Oregon and Northwest Peace Corps volunteers to the history and success of this great program. The show is scheduled to run from January to April of 2011. (Click title for complete article, how you can help, and contact information.)

Come and celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama with the wananchi at the Safari DC restaurant on Monday, January 19, at 7 p.m.

Friends of Kenya will meet at the restaurant and join our Kenyan friends in celebrating Barack Obama’s historic achievement and heritage. Have a Tusker, order nyama choma, and brush up on your Kiswahili. Casual dress.

Safari DC is located at 4306 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20011.