Upendo Village has received many blessings during the last quarter of 2005.  Through our continued networking efforts with nearby Kiijabe Hospital 25 clients have been placed on Antiretroviral (ARV) medications, in addition to the 21 clients on ARV’s through the Naivasha public hospital and 5 through hospitals in Nairobi.  A nurse from Kiijabe now visits Upendo Village once or twice a week to follow-up with ARV clients and to screen new clientrs for ARV therapy.  We are grateful to Doctors Allen and Trinkus who were two of the mission service volunteers from the Joliet diocese who worked at Upendo Village this summer.  They advocated with Kiijabe Hospital for growing collaboration and cooperation, which has led to greater numbers of clients receiving AIDS therapies.

 Another blessing was a gift of fresh vegetables received from the Longonot Horticultural Farm in December.  Harry Milbank, the farm manager in Naivasha, made this marvelous donation valued at about $870.  Such in kind contributions are examples of the local support for Upendo Village.  It was especially appreciated at this time when severe drought is gripping the country, bringing much suffering and death. 

At this time of critical water shortages we received checks from the Naperville, IL Rotary Club and Naperville Rotary Club Charities for the entire amount needed for constructing a well at our permanent Upendo Village (UV) site.  This precious gift of water will serve our clients and neighbors and will allow us to slowly begin other construction.  The perimeter wall around the complex and electrical power to the site have already been completed thanks to a contribution to the capital campaign by the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters.  The first building to be constructed will be the multipurpose building donated by the Ochylski Family Foundation.  We are deeply grateful to the capital campaign donors for making this dream a reality.

 

Our heartfelt thanks also goes out to our many general donors whose contributions have made it possible for us to continue our crucial day to day services to the many poor people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.  In Lisle, IL the St Joan of Arc parish fundraising dance raised over $3000.  The Merrion Family Foundation in Colorado and the Kemetic Institute in Chicago IL both presented us with generous grants.  Through a donation from the staff and employees of All Saints Healthcare in Racine WI, Upendo Village has hired a second nurse to assist Sister Agnes. Sr Elizabeth Mbete, RN was welcomed as a member of the team on  Jan 4.  We also welcomed Mary Kyengo as our new accountant.  She is replacing Sister Catherine Mutio who served as our accountant for the last 2 years.  We thank Sr. Catrherine for her dedicated and loving service and wish her well as she continues her life of service to God’s people.

 

On December 16 UV hosted a special Christmas gathering for our clients. Food and clothing from local Naivasha donors were shared with 80 families, making this a special time of blessing and hope. Also in December, UV participated in an HIV/AIDS prevention workshop attended by 187 youth. Behavior and attitude change due to this program were evidenced by the 38 young people who sought voluntary counseling and testing after completing the program.

 

As part of our ongoing commitment to the anti-rape campaign, UV staff and clients attended a workshop teaching self defense techniques.  115 participants learned how to respond in case of an attack.  On Dec 1^st Naivasha participated in World AIDS Day gatherings.  One of our clients shared her story of struggle to live with hope and dignity with HIV/AIDS.  She shared her gratitude for UV’s support and urged all Kenyans to reach out in love and solidarity to those who suffer due to this pandemic.  Her courage and dignity are an inspiration to others to come forward for counseling, testing and prevention education.

 

On Dec. 2^nd UV was awarded 4^th place in the Miconazole MAT Award 2005, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Credo USA.  This competition was hosted by MEDS (Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies), an organization founded by the Kenyan Episcopal Conference (Catholic Bishops) and Protestant Churches to provide essential medicines to church based healthcare institutions at more affordable prices.  Home based care organizations from throughout Kenya participated in the MED competition, which presented awards to the top 6 programs.  UV’s prize was 100,000 Kenyan shillings (about $1429) to be placed in our account at MEDS by Johnson & Johnson Credo, to be used for medicines for our clients.  The check was presented to Sr Florence Muia and Michael Mumo, representing UV, by Conrad Peterson, Director of Internatinal Programs and Product Giving, Corporate Contribution Johnson & Johnson USA at the Hotel Serena in Nairobi. 

 

 

Also in attendance were Buckingham Warren, PEPFAR Interagency Coordinator, US mission to Kenya and William M. Bellamy, US Ambassador to Kenya.  This award will greatly enhance our ability to provide for the medical needs of our clients.  It also serves as a special recognition of the high quality of services being provided by UV’s dedicated staff and volunteers.  We thank all of our donors who, through their donations and solidarity, continue to make Upendo Village a reality.

 

Thank you for your support for Upendo Village and the people of Kenya.  Your concern and solidarity bring hope and life to many.  Together we continue to work toward the day when the people of all the countries of the world will be able to live healthy and happy lives.—

                   Beatrice Hernandez, OSF, MD

Upendo Village, NFP.

HIV/AIDS Women Project-Kenya

Sr. Florence Muia, ASN – President

Sr. Beatrice M. Hernandez, OSF,MD-Executive Director

Mailing Address:  P.O. Box 449

Wheaton, IL 60189

E-mail:  contact@upendovillage.org