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 Donations Assist Sustainability
You can make sustainable develop-ment a reality for AIDs orphans and other vulnerable children and adults in SOTENI Villages of Hope in Kenya!
Sustainable develop-ment requires a steady stream of funding until programs become self-sufficient.
Consider "sustained giving" by making small (or large) monthly contributions to keep the dreams of the Kenyan people alive.
These dreams include:
~ a new and larger Dispensary
~ completion of the Academic Center of Excellence
~ crops for a demonstration farm
~ food for the feeding center in SVH-Ugenya
Donate to these programs here.
Other ways you can support SOTENI are listed on our website.
SOTENI International
2366 Kemper Lane
Cincinnati, OH 45206-2611
513-961-2100
513-324-0757
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"Sustainable development" is a "compelling moral and humanitarian issue".
-- Colin Powell, Former U.S. Secretary of State |
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Sustainability -- SOTENI's First Guiding Principle
April 2009 - Issue 3 |
Greetings!  ,
Over the next six issues, our e-newsletter will focus on SOTENI International's (SI) Six Guiding Principles and how they are actualized on the ground in Kenya. The principles include Sustainability, Opportunity, Training, Epidemiology, Networking and Interdependence.
There are hundreds of stories that witness to these principles. We will have space for only a few. To learn more, visit SOTENI's website . The first guiding principle is s ustainability. Since its founding in 2003, SOTENI has focused on three ways to achieve programmatic results and long-term sustainability. These are local leadership, infrastructure development and economic viability. The stories in this issue offer examples of each one. The first story introduces local leader Edward Wanyonyi who serves as SOTENI Kenya (SK) program manager in Nairobi. Edward shares leadership with local management committees in each of the four SOTENI Villages of Hope (SVH). Learn more about the committees and villages here. Our second story, an example of infrastructure development, profiles progress toward land development in SVH-Mituntu. The third story reviews progress toward economic viability at SVH-Mbakalo's Dispensary (health center). In an effort to enhance overall sustainability, SI and SK are diversifying funding sources through donations of land and buildings, enhancing contributions from individuals and families who sponsor the most destitute orphans and seeking funding for special projects from individuals, foundations, agencies and other grant-making organizations. We know you want to help! It takes all of us to help create a better future for the people of Kenya. We need you! Sisi Sote (Swahili for "All of us -- together!") Victoria Wells Wulsin, MD, DrPH Founder and President | |
Introducing Edward Wanyonyi, SK Program Mgr.
 Edward Wanyonyi has served as program manager for SOTENI Kenya (SK) for one year and Administrator for four years. He is an inspired leader who inspires others. Edward accepted his position with SOTENI for three reasons -- the people, the purpose and the leadership. "I was so touched by Victoria Wulsin's humility, insight and decision to leave her comfort in the USA to spend hours, weeks and months working to improve the lives of children in Kenya."
He also appreciated the impact of the organization's approach and accomplishments. "So many non-profits produce reports detailing extensive achievements, but this is more on paper than in practice. SOTENI provides direct and real services. Since SOTENI International Director Randie Marsh joined the staff, operations also have greatly improved. Today, SOTENI has an exceptional team that is translating people's enthusiasm into visible projects."
Edward observed how SOTENI recognizes everyone for their contributions - from the board, to staff, to the beneficiaries of services. "It is a teamwork web from Cincinnati to Nairobi to the four Villages of Hope. At the end of the day, everyone has an opportunity to do life-changing work and feel fulfilled."
Edward has varied responsibilities. He works with the SK board to implement strategic plans; supervises staff and monitors programs in the Villages of Hope; provides direction for the Sponsorship program; mentors SOTENI interns; administers and maintains accountability for grant funds; and prepares budgets and ensures compliance with government regulations. He also works tirelessly to extend the organization's reach through partnerships, programs and presentations in the Kenyan regions SOTENI serves.
Edward is proud of the progress SOTENI has made in five years: forming SVH management committees, hiring competent staff, expanding networking and developing successful grassroots projects. These include the AIDs Barefoot Doctors, the dispensary, a banana farm, direct support for vulnerable children and training women for micro-entrepreneurship.
"The reality is that SOTENI is reaching the 'un-reached' and allowing them to get the support they so much need," he said fervently. "SOTENI presents the positive side of humanity to so many vulnerable children and adults. They now see that a friend, neighbor or fellow human being can think about you and just decide to do something good. To reach the un-reached and vulnerable is a fulfillment in itself. You know you have changed lives." |
Land Ownership Helps Create Infrastructure for Sustainable Development
 Land development in SVH-Mituntu is a wonderful example of infrastructure that can support sustainable programs. The local community, through the Kenyan government, donated 52 acres of land to SVH-Mituntu to be used for income-generating activities.
The first initiative is the design and construction of an Academic Center of Excellence that will provide free secondary school education for vulnerable children and generate income from paying students across Kenya. With the aid of grants from Kenya 's Constituency Development Fund, construction work for two of the Center's classrooms is nearing completion (see photo).
Other plans for the land include installing a borehole for water access and creating a demonstration farm to teach improved farming techniques to local residents. The farm will show how to grow a variety of foods that can provide the best nutrition for HIV positive people on small parcels of land.
It is hoped that eventual revenues from the school and the farm will support community health programs. |
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Dispensary On Path to Financial Viability
 The SVH-Mbakalo health dispensary that opened in 2005 is making progress toward fiscal viability. Six staff members serve nearly 300 patients each month. Staff include the clinical officer in charge, a nurse's aid, a lab technologist, an accounts clerk, a cleaner/cook and a watchman. Patients pay a reasonable fee at the time of service.
This year, the purchase of new lab equipment and a solar refrigerator, which allows perishable drugs to be kept on hand for longer periods of time, increased service capacity. The staff also better learned to conserve funds by obtaining quantity discounts for drugs and supplies. Use of the dispensary solar panel to charge flashlights and cell phones provided an additional small income for the dispensary
These changes have allowed staff to treat larger numbers of people. From a fiscal perspective, more patients mean greater revenue and the amortization of costs across a wider caseload.
SVH-Mbakalo hopes to build a new, larger dispensary on 2.25 acres of land that SOTENI owns. Currently, the dispensary primarily treats opportunistic infections and minor injuries and provides some immunizations.
Plans for the new dispensary include a mother-and-child health clinic to provide antenatal care and postnatal care through age five. A larger dispensary will offer more types of immunizations, have greater diagnostic capability and provide family-planning support. This will enhance both utilization and the quality of care.
SOTENI is seeking contributors to join other partners to complete construction of the new clinic. The total cost is estimated at KSH4,600,000 , which is about $60,000 USD. It needs sponsors for items ranging from an examining table ($100) to the construction and equipping of a clinic room ($10,000).
If you or someone you know can help, we will be glad to hear from you! | |
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