I'd like to thank 3 amazing girls for their efforts, big efforts!.. running the British 10K London Run 2009 and raising funds for our projects in Kenya.
We've already been able to contribute directly, today, to securing the land that the Ingrid Education Centre sits on in the Matopeni slum area of Nairobi where volunteers are currently helping out.


[Abby, Isabel, Frances & Zoe]

Zoe, Frances and Abby .. thank you so much.
If anyone wants to contribute you can visit the girls own fundraising (via Justgiving) pages by clicking on their names above.

Despite injuring herself training for a marathon, Zoe didn't think the 10km run was enough so the following week she did the Anthony Maynard bike ride from Reading - it's 190km but Zoe then decided that wasn't enough to ride in one day and so ended up riding 215 kilometres. Wind, rain, punctures and all!

AVIF Volunteers rock!!

Deb & Alec from UK are settling into Yala, western Kenya, making itineraries and ensuring they put their skills to good use. Beckee and Sam from UK continue to do amazing things at Ingrids and Laurence, Christina & Amy (from UK, US & CANADA) are settled into Nakuru as I've just read on Facebook!!! We eagerly await more updates and photos.
Asante Sana Everyone x
Technorati Tags: AVIF, kenya, africa, volunteer

Beckee and Sam are already making such a difference to the childrens lives of the Matopeni slum area. Thanks to Douglas' hospitality to our volunteers and their overall generosity, meals and clothing have been provided for the children for at least the next month at Ingrids Angels Education Centre.







Outside the centre

AVIF and your contributions will also be going to the appeal for funds to secure and buy the currently rented land on which the centre stands. Deadline for initial deposits is Tuesday. Again if you can help please contact us.

Beckee and Sam will be joined tomorrow by Mariam and we hope for updates from the rest of the volunteers shortly.



Eating well, rice and beans for all
Technorati Tags: ingrids angels, kenya, poverty, volunteer, Africa, AVIF

The volunteers have arrived in Nairobi and had their experience marred by corrupt police threatening to arrest one of them for smoking on the street. I've reported the incident to the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission but of course the officer didn't give a name or badge number. Luckily, despite an initial attempt to take a Ksh20,000 fine???? then lowering it to Ksh5000, the volunteers in question talked them down to Ksh500 + a $5 note !

Its such a shame that this kind of thing happens because it ruins Kenya's reputation but the Commission are working hard to reduce perhaps even remove the problem. You can report incidents to them anonymously through the Anonymous Whistleblower's System on the Website or :

By Phone 020 2717468 (Nairobi)
041 - 2319081 / 2319082 (Mombasa)
eMail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Today orientation was pulled forward and Sharon spoke with everyone at the hostel before they all left early, some with liaisons, some for upcountry transport to their individual placements for the Summer. They have already made plans to meet up to catch up each other on life in rural Kenya. We'll keep you updated as the adventures continue.

Sam & Beckee are now in Nairobi with Douglas, at Ingrids Education Centre



Sam has been in Kenya for a month already, assisting Tony at the RABUOR Self Help Group in western Kenya and will NOW spend some time in the Matopeni slum area before moving onto another project. The "oasis" that is Ingrid's is in dire need of funds now as the land itself is a rental plot where they have put up 6 iron sheets/tin built classrooms, 1 office and small kitchen. The land has been offered for sale since the owner is struggling himself. If you can help secure the education centre's future contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ' target='_blank'>AVIF or Douglas.

Matopeni lies in the Nairobi Eastlands, 15km from the city centre and is home to over 35,000 residents. Women earn a living by making necklaces, basket-weaving or labouring in the nearby quarries. Necklaces can be bought from Ingrids or they can send them in bulk for you to sell on. They really are wonderful items.

Douglas and his team work hard to provide the best level of care for the children, to provide food, care and education. We look forward to more photos and updates from Beckee and Sam.





Technorati Tags: ingrids, kenya, slum, poverty, takeaction, AVIF, volunteer