Last
Friday, a group of nearly one hundred individuals came together in New
York City for a Baraza for Kenya, hosted by and benefiting the East
African Center (EAC).
Guests
enjoyed food and drinks in The New School's Theresa Lang Center while
they took in the amazing photography of Brenna Britton. Brenna
generously printed a number of photos, some on six foot tall canvas,
that she took during her stay in Takaungu in 2006. These images truly
capturedthe strength and capacity of the people of Takaungu.
The
group was greeted by Jen Hill (below left), the US Program Director.
Jen welcomed the audience as the newest members of the EAC community,
joining with the over 15,000 who
benefit from our services each year!
Dr.
Carolyn Kissane of NYU's Center of Global Affairs, touched on the
history of development trends. Where top-down approaches were once
considered solutions to alleviating poverty and many of the challenges
faced by populations in developing countries, many have found that
smaller, bottom approaches are the ones that have the most positive and
long lasting impacts. Programs and projects that are transparent,
sustainable, link the public services to private ones, stem community
participation and support local capacity are today proving most
effective.
Following
Dr. Kissane, Kenya Program Director, Kate Crowley (above right) took us through each
of the programs at the EAC and how the organization incorporates these effective
development practices. From the EAC's partnerships with the Ministry of
Health and the Department of Adult Education to our emphasis on
community participation and indeed, leadership, the EAC is a terrific
model of what an NGO should be. That is, an organization that provides
opportunities, resources, access to information and services while at
the same time supporting the state's ability to provide for its
citizens in the future.
Projected
behind Kate was video of the Clinic, the CHWs, Health Education and
Adult Education classes, and of VJS students in class and participating
in extra curricular activities - a testament to the work of the EAC.
Priyanka
Rao, MA Candidate at the New School's Graduate Program for
International Affairs, shared her experience leading
the deployment of 100 XO laptops from One Laptop Per Child to VJS in
June.
Finally,
the EAC's Executive Director, Emma Nierman, (left) spoke of the past, present,
and future of the organization.
Founded on true community
participation, the EAC has accomplished much in the past eight years
and plans on achieving even more in terms of sustainability in the
future. As our programs strengthen and deepen, we are expanded the EAC
community to ensure that those living in and around Takaungu continue
to have the opportunity to live a happy, healthy and fulfilled life for
generations to come.
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