http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/ The Friends of Grandsons news feed. Keeping you upto date with Grandons of Abraham Fri, 13 Jul 2008 15:00:00 GMT en-us http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#1206082 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#1206082 Fri, 13 Jul 2008 15:00:00 GMT As you can see, the Kikambala site is developing well. The foundations for the Kitchen and Dining Hall are in place, and other buildings are now in use... http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#1206081 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#1206081 Fri, 13 Jul 2008 15:00:00 GMT Hallo, how have you been for many days. How are the girls doing and what about the friends of Grandsons. Well let me hope that all is well and the good Lord has been guiding you... http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#0505083 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#0505083 Sun, 04 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT Launch of the ‘Another brick in the wall’ Campaign, 2008 you may already be aware from the ‘Gifts for Grandsons’ scheme and our first Newsletter that we are currently raising money towards the ACE Collaboration kitchen and dining hall building project at Kikambala (see on the website under ‘The Future of Kikambala’ for further information). ACE is currently growing in scope and longevity (for further information about the larger Aproject visit their smart shiny new website at www.acecollaboration.org) http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#0505082 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#0505082 Sun, 04 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT Here is the latest news I have received from Sister Jane Frances: “Hallo Margaret and how are you. We are fine and working hard for thechildren. How are the friends of GOA. http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#0505081 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#0505081 Sun, 04 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT Luanne Mason writes: “I volunteered at Grandsons of Abraham Kikambala site in July 2007. I was very much affected by the risilience,character and hope of the street children and the committed work being carried out to improve their quality of life. http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#070308 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#070308 Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:00:00 GMT The News from Kenya is much more positive now, with a Government power-sharing agreement underway. Lets hope things keep improving. I recently received the following from Sister Jane Frances Malika. http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#1502083 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#1502083 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:00:00 GMT I have had a couple of texts recently from sister, but not spoken to her directly. I understand that things have calmed down somewhat now. All the boys have been moved to Kikambala where it is much safer. Food is still expensive and difficult to come by, and in recent weeks we have been concentrating on sending cash sums to help out with this. As an emergency measure, I have sent 450 pounds from the Grandsons account and from Rebecca Payne, which had not been earmarked for the ACE Collaboration kitchen and dining hall project. I know that other friends have also been active in this, and a Rotary Club from Canada who are developing an interest in supporting Grandsons long term were able to send 1500 dollars (Canadian). The News sounds more promising... lets just hope that Kofi Anan can knock those heads together so that Kenyans can start to rebuild their shattered society. http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#1502082 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#1502082 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:00:00 GMT It is still full steam ahead for the Ace Collaboration project. Ann Ruscillo tells me that the fundraising is going well with lots of events still planned (more on that to follow), and they are determined that the political situation will not stop them from going ahead. We received some 40-50 purchases in the Gifts for Grandsons scheme, from 2 pounds upwards, plus we have had further general donations to the scheme, and fundraising efforts. All this means that we currently have over 900 pounds in the Friends account, of which 226 pounds is for specified items (nails, cement etc). We hope to grow the balance and launch a new target of an item(s) for the project which the Friends can commit to funding (more of this to follow). http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#1502081 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#1502081 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:00:00 GMT A belated thank you... (hopefully things will return to business as usual soon!)... to Sam Coope (ex-volunteer) who raised an impressive 260 pounds before Christmas for the Ace Collaboration project by hosting a quiz night. Just shows what you can do when you put your mind to it! Well done Sam, and thanks to all who took part. http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#050108 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#050108 Sat, 05 Jan 2008 15:00:00 GMT I spoke to Sister Jane Frances on the phone today and was reassured that the staff and boys are all ok. Luckily around 50 boys are staying at Kikambala where to date there has been less trouble. However around 15 boys and staff remain at Mikindani where there has been a lot of fighting and many buildings have been burnt down. The boys at both sites have been staying indoors since the troubles began, as it's so dangerous to go out, although Sister feels that things are beginning to calm down now. The main problem now is the lack of food to buy, and the expense of buying it when it can be found. Sister and Emmanuel were forced to drive from Mikindani to Kikambala to take some food to the boys there, but she says they took their life in their hands doing so. I could tell that Sister remains extremely worried about the situation. Obviously we all hope that the situation will be resolved as soon as possible, though realise that psychologically, culturally and financially, things will take a lot longer to get over. If you are able to provide a donation to help with additional costs, it would be especially welcome at this difficult time. Also I have been sent details about an online petition calling for an urgent resolution to the Kenyan electoral crisis, which you may wish to sign. http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#201107 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#201107 Sat, 20 Oct 2007 18:00:00 GMT Thanks to ex volunteer Tom Butterworth, his dad the Reverend John Butterworth, Mr Jean-Victor Kabanda (from Rwanda), Mr Rupert Pattisson, the Wives Group and the congregation of the Outwood Parochial Church Council, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, over 485 pounds was raised for Grandsons. Well Done to all involved! http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#281007 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#281007 Fri, 28 Sep 2007 18:00:00 GMT There is now an image of the development plan of the Kikambala site, together with a breakdown of the costings on the site (There is also a word document of the costings which is a bit more legible). This is an amazingly ambitious long term plan which is already underway. You can read about the rationale of the development elsewhere on this site (see ‘Future Developments’ under the ‘What is it?’ page). It is not a pie in the sky, asyou may know the bore hole and one of the boys dormitories are already completed, with a scheme underway for the completion of the dining hall and kitchen next year. (More to follow soon). However we really need your support to help with this project. Whatever ways you can think of to raise money would be so appreciated by the boys (as long as it’s legal!). http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#210907 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#210907 Fri, 21 Sep 2007 18:00:00 GMT James Hole displayed a period of madness by deciding to run in a half marathon. After some ‘gentle’ persuasion from work colleagues in Gloucester, he agreed to do so in aid of Grandsons. As a result of this, and James mighty efforts, a fantastic 100 pounds was raised. http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#250707 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#250707 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:00:00 GMT f you would like to organise an event of your own, or are preparing for a talk etc, we have some publicity material you can access. Obviously you can take a lot of information directly from the website. But we also have a short power point presentation that you can leave running in the background, and also a brochure supplied by the rescue centre which you can download. If you're interested, please email mombasa2006@tiscali.co.uk Thanks and Good Luck! http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#210707 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#210707 Sat, 21 Jul 2007 18:00:00 GMT Grateful thanks must go to Cheryl and John from Staffordshire who combined a 'big number' birthday celebration with a fundraiser for Grandsons. 'Apefest' involved several live bands, much (sober?) jollity and a real effort from all family and friends. We were due to join them to publicise Grandsons but were marooned on the 'isle of Gloucestershire'. However our efforts were not needed as a fabulous 250 pounds was raised despite the attrocious weather. During the evening 7 dozen hot dogs and 60 portions of chilli were sold...so perhaps it's a good job it wasn't held in sanitation-less Gloucestershire! Just shows that all you need to do is to enjoy yourself, whilst telling a few people about Grandsons at the same time. http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#010607 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#010607 Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:00:00 GMT The Tsavo Power Company (the biggest independent power company in Kenya) have been supporting Grandsons for the last four years. From initially supplying a cow for fresh milk, they moved onto supplying other much needed items such as a fridge freezer, TV, video recorder, cooker, copying machine and table tennis table. They have also contributed towards general running costs, and vitally with the purchase of the land at Kikambala. Recently they provided the balance of funds needed to allow the bore hole to be completed. To date the Tsavo power company and associated friends in the UK have funded almost kshs 1,900,000. http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#010407 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#010407 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 18:00:00 GMT This is really exciting. We have a contact who is hoping to take a large team of people to Grandsons for a few weeks in 2008 to provide sports and music activities, and carry out a specific building project - more info to follow. http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#070307 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#070307 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 18:00:00 GMT Today was the grand opening of the new boys dormitory at Kikambala. http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#010307 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#010307 Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:00:00 GMT Tom Butterworth spoke to a group of people at his church. It must have been a great speech as the church has agreed to take on Grandsons as their fundraising charity for the year! http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#170107 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#170107 Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:00:00 GMT Boys who cannot be reunited with their families face an unpromising future. Grandsons seeks to give as many boys as possible a real chance in life by sending them to board at secondary school and gain some qualifications.Toti Rapheal Mohamed is 16 years and in form 2 of Tala Secondary School. He was facing great difficulties as he had been forced to leave school - (he was 'chased away') as there wasn't enough money for his school fees, and Grandsons had no money to pay them. Toti’s school report shows him to be very capable, and it would have been a waste of a life if he wasn't able to fulfill his promise. The costs of a boys annual boarding fees are generally between 300 pounds and 500 pounds. Thanks to Friends of Grandsons Toti’s fees are now being paid, with plans to support two others. However There are up to 50 boys that Grandsons would like to fund through Secondary school. Could you help anothor Toti? http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#070806 http://www.africawatoto.org.uk/news/#070806 Sat, 17 Jun 2006 18:00:00 GMT Great news! Ex volunteers have learnt that their application for a grant from the i-to-i foundation towards a borehole at Kikambala has been successful. This money, together with some 800 pounds raised by the volunteers will help ensure a water supply at the site, and so facilitate further developments.