Having just returned from Kenya I can report that in some areas things have changed some have remained the same and some are a great deal worse.

While there I was able to use the funds at my disposal to help nursing mothers get additional baby formulae to supplement their failing breast milk. At the same time provide them with some basic foodstuffs; rice, beans, green vegetables etc in an attempt to boost their health and thus the production of “mothers” milk. By doing this hopefully we can cut down on the growing number of orphans.

On the matter of orphans we now have a set of twins that we are caring for till some solution to their problem can be found, their mother died while giving birth. We were able to take them to a private hospital for a full health check to ensure they were clear of any illness. Apart from a small chest infection which is now fully healed with no problems for the future. This of course cost money but health is a priority.

As well as this we were able to supply some mosquito nets, and water treatment tablets and of course some large thermos flasks. The flask are used to store boiled water for making babies bottles and as it stays warm and is instantly available when baby needs a feed. It also cuts down the need to build another fire using the little valuable charcoal that they have to use for cooking. This saving means a little extra money can be used to purchase food.

As always clothes and school uniforms as well as school fees needed to be paid for or purchased.

The traditional party with roasted goat, coconut rice etc was held and as always was open to every child around - this time about 40 extras.

We hope to raise funds to purchase a 2 acre plot of land out in the countryside to enable the building of a rest and recuperation centre for children who are in need of special care after illness or trauma.
It would be built in traditional African style include a garden to grow and teach how to grow vegetables etc. Hopefully we can involve the local community and help villagers with green vegetables to supplement pregnant mothers and the children’s diet.

Of course there were also the footballs to football crazy kids to give them an exercise and anti boredom activity. Hair does for the girls, same the world over!

This all takes a lot of goodwill and obviously money - We have no shortage of goodwill as always it’s the money.

At present all the costs have been met with friendly donations and a lot of free assistance in Kenya. My own funds are at the limit now so I am appealing to all who read this please tell your friends about 50bob.org. Please ask your boss at work or your friends in the pub. If you know a celebrity that really does care about these issues and is not just a headline sound bite chaser give them a nudge.

Transport alone cost me £650 on this trip. No motor company has offered help with any vehicles. A multi tasking 4x4 would be a godsend transporting sick and recovering children food stuffs and medicines etc.

THANK YOU - Trev