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In This Issue
Keeping in Touch
Now Your US Dollar Goes Farther!
Christmas Merry for Mituntu Orphans
Grant for Fencing Goes to Kuria
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Keeping in Touch
 
This is SOTENI's first email newsletter, and we are proud of it.  The newsletter's purpose is to stay closer in touch with you -- SOTENI's most loyal friends and donors. 
 
I will look forward to your comments on how we can make the newsletter better!  I also hope you will forward each issue to family and friends who you believe can be inspired, as you were, by SOTENI's work!
Forward to a Friend 
 
 Your commitment to assisting AIDS orphans and advancing the development efforts of SOTENI's four Villages of Hope is what keeps us hopeful about the future!  
 

Randie Marsh, Director 

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Quick Links
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. . . . [We] can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders. . . .For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
                                                                President Barack Obama
                                                               January 20, 2009
A Call for Involvement 
January 2009 - Issue I
Greetings!

children montage headerI had not been to Kenya for over a year, when my husband, Lawson, and I went this past November.  Of course, I kept in touch with events, but there is no substitute or greater blessing than being in Kenya to see the work for myself! 
 
I was thrilled to witness the growth in 2008 of SOTENI's programs in our Villages of Hope and humbled to receive the hugs of gratitude from the Kenyans whose lives SOTENI touches every day.

 I know that much of our success in 2008 was possible only through your caring, compassion and generous contributions to SOTENI. Your support, both spiritual and material, is a powerful influence for good in the lives of the Kenyan people. 
 
My hope is that you find it in your heart and wallet to expand your involvement with SOTENI in 2009: volunteer, spread the word to others and contribute.  Thank you again for your part in interrupting the devastating cycle of poverty and AIDS.
 
Sisi sote: together we make a difference. 

Happy New Year to each of you! 
  
Victoria Wells Wulsin, MD, DrPH
Founder and President
Now Your US dollar Goes Farther! 
Not all of us can travel to Kenya as our way of getting involved, but most of us can give $25.
 
The financial crisis affects not only the US, but all people around the world.  In Kenya this is compounded by the most severe drought in 15 years.  Humanitarian and philanthropic services, such as food and health care projects are being reduced because of the global economic downturn.
 
The good news is that the value of your dollar is stronger in Kenya than a year ago.  Your $25 gift to SOTENI will go farther than before!  Won't you help? Clickk on the link.
boy with potChristmas Merry for Mituntu Orphans!
Twenty sponsored children and their guardians from SVH-Mituntu joyfully celebrated Christmas with SOTENI leaders.  A highlight of the day was the distribution of Christmas gifts to the children!  The items given to each child were 25 kgs. of maize, wheat flour, cooking fat, two bars of soap and one blanket!  With food shortages on the rise, the gifts were greatly appreciated! (The photo above shows one of the children at home with his gifts.)
 
The holiday gathering included special recognition of children who did well academically at school.  Also, lessons on HIV/AIDS wellness and prevention education were presented, and time was given for letter writing to each child's SOTENI sponsor.  A simple Kenyan lunch of soda and biscuits was shared.   
 
If you are intersted in sponsoring a  child click on the link to the left for more information.
Grant for Fencing Goes to Kuria!
Mount Kenya University has accepted a proposal from SOTENI Kenya for approximately $6500 to fence SOTENI's 29 acres of land donated to SOTENI Village of Hope-Kuria from the County Council in Kuria.  Fencing will begin as soon as possible and be completed by May. 
 
The fencing project is just part of a larger plan to address food security in SVH-Kuria and enhance the economic well-being of the community.  The multi-phase initiative includes developing the land as a demonstration farm in order to teach local farmers modern techniques and building an education center there.  One of the uses for the center is a safe haven for young girls at risk for genital mutilation, a longstanding cultural custom in Kuria.