Ed Malcolm writes about his Kenya trip
Ed and Marilyn travelled with A Better World for two weeks, Click here to see!
March 22, 2019 – A Better World Canada Charity Interview with Eric Rajah
Ed Malcolm, Calgary writes a personal blog “EDVENTURES” he was on the trip and writes: Click here to see!
Our visit to the Lamu school for the mentally challenged children is always a highlight
Singing and dancing with our visitors
New uniforms were donated by the Lacombe Upper Elementary School
Inspecting our newest projects – completed repairs to the staff housing
More inspections
Our day ended with a nice sunset sailing in the dhow
Monday, March 17 and Tuesday, March 18 – Lamu Arrival and project visit
24 of our group of 29 left for Canada this evening. 5 of us flew to Lamu from the Mara Serena air trip.
Different teams have been in different project sites. Last two days I have been with this team.
Everyone went for a walk along the river to get a closer look at the hippos and crocodiles. Yes, with armed guards
Everyone had a great bush lunch. A catered meal along the river bank in view of hippos
Saturday morning after a game drive at 6:30 everyone was treated with a bush breakfast along another river bank
Twyla is learning to play a Massai flute
Make shift hats using napkins by King Edward and customer Joanne. At 30°C at 10AM any hat will do to keep the heat away
Youngest of our rehab team – never a dull moment. They seem to like cleaning the pool or be near it.
Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16, 2019 – Winding down
Today we began our wind down of our project work and headed towards our last two days at Mara Serena – a hotel built in a hill with a view to the Mara plains from all sides of the hotel. The hard working team deserves a great resting time before the long trip home.
Baby cheetahs playing on the side of the door
Ed and Marilyn speaking at the opening ceremony
Opening ceremony
Stu MacPhail, water program Manager and Board Member speaks
Roger and Alex Walls spoke at the water well opening at the Loigero School
Roger tasting the water with village Elder Saroa
Day ended with a camp fire and sunset
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 – Two new water well openings, Health Centre visit and a beautiful view of Mara
It was a long but rewarding day in the Masai Mara. Our day began with views of baby cheetahs on our way to the Irbaan Primary School for our first water well opening ceremony. Marilyn and Ed Malcom from Calgary are here on their first visit to Kenya to open the well. A grand ceremony took place. Afterward, we went on to Loigero to open another water well donated by Mona and Roger Walls of Red Deer. After that we visited the Talek Health Centre. At sunset we drove up a hill to celebrate and thank everyone.
Lions along the way
Juma clinical officer at Enkotoria
Immunization in progress
Stu, Ed and Juma discussing water needs for the clinic
The team I am with for today’s project assessment
Sekenani Primary School placed #3 in the count – Girls as young as grade 1 are in boarding school. This is the picture of the old nursery school. See the new one in the next picture
One of many Gord Bontje’s 60th birthday gift to Sekenani
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 – Project visits to Clinic and Schools in the Mara
We began inspecting projects in the Mara area today. On the way, we met up with a group of lions crossing the road! The Enkotoria clinic was busy as it was market day. The mothers come to the market and then to the clinic to get their children immunized. Our next visit was to the Sekanani Primary School which has been ranked third among 150 schools in the region.
Getting ready for the tow
Stranded passengers in good spirit
Exceptional lunch at Ollaro resort
Happy Birthday to Joanne and Karen
Monday, March 11, 2019 – Travel day and van breakdown
We left early today to make our almost nine-hour journey to the Maasai Mara. We had our first breakdown about two hours into the trip. The timing belt was the issue. Luckily we had a spare van to load the passengers and rented a small SUV to load the luggage. We were back on track, but our planned nine-hour trip took us eleven hours with a nice break for lunch at a beautiful resort. We celebrated birthdays for Karen and Joanne. We made it to our camp well before dark. Four days of rehab clinics will begin tomorrow.
Walking to the bridge
At the bridge
Karen and Marcia speak at the ground breaking ceremony in honour of Dr. Hill
New Physio building to start
Tent set up for celebration and meal
Roger and Merle at work
Jeff, Neil and Winston at work
Ed found some time to play
George and Neil won’t give up helping the welding shop
Sunday, March 10, 2019 – Celebrations and work all in one day!
The rehab team has been working very hard and today was no exception. The 30-degree heat can take its toll on Canadians who are not accustomed. In spite of the blaze, everyone walked three kilometres to the bridge. We had a ground-breaking ceremony for a new physiotherapy centre in memory of Dr. Ken Hill. It was an inspiring event, followed by another celebration marking 25 years of rehabilitation services in Nyaburi and the retirement of Bernard Opio. Tonight was our last here in Kendu Bay. We all leave for Mara in the morning. We will all reconnect again in four days’ time.
Tent set up for our lunches for the team
Much cooler outside
Our Finland Partners are here to begin surgery on 50 children on Monday
Went out to the pier at Lake Victoria to enjoy some cool breeze
Dinner and planning session
One of my many bosses pretending to work – Julie and Barb
Saturday, March 9, 2019 – Finally a day to rest and get ready for the next week
After many long days of travel and work, we all had a rest today. Some went on a hike, but most went to Nyaburi School to be with the 130 children. We all got together for lunch hosted by the Kendu Hospital. A tent was set up to keep us cool from the 30-degree weather which has been consistent since our arrival. We also toured the hospital. We spent our evening planning and debriefing before ending the day. Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day.
Pat Romerman and Michael Ochieng, a local resident, inspecting bridge.
Thank you Pat for the incredible work of more than ten years with A Better World. It was fantastic to have your eye on so many projects this week.
Wheel chairs hauled out for repairs. Some team members are sourcing out parts and helping Bernard the shop-man.
The new anesthetic machine supplied by Jack and Joan Hilde, ready for use next week.
The surgery room renovated with lights and working equipment. 50 surgeries on children with physical disabilities have been scheduled
More paper work to review on the lab expansion.
Thursday, March 7, 2019 – Building: Bridges, Labs and Phyiso Centre
Our day began with a 3 km walk to a bridge. Ten years ago, Pat and I had stood on the banks of this river and watched children and adults wade through the water to cross over to school and to the hospital. A year later, Pat was working with local engineers and had designed a bridge which soon came to be a reality. The villagers no longer need to slip and fall in the river as they cross. Even motorcycle taxis can use this bridge.
We spent more time at the Kendu Hospital and Nyburi School for children with disabilities.
New Head Teacher and deputy at Ndanai.
The old school buildings as we found them.
All of the old buildings have all been replaced.
An amazing gardener at the school provides for the feeding program.
Our very dedicated rehab volunteers at work.
Pat is at work on the plans for the Kendu Hospital Lab expansion.
A new physiotherapy building is also in the works at the Kendu Hospital. Karen Leung, PT, daughter of Dr. Ken Hill, and his family and friends will honour his work through this building.
This is Jane. Every step is a struggle for her. Because of hundreds of people that care, Jane will soon walk much more comfortably. Thank you.
Wednesday, March 6, 2019 – Project visits to Ndanai Primary School, Small Home and Kendu Hospital
Pat and I headed out to see several projects today, the first being the Ndanai Primary School. Our goal here was to see some new methods of construction, check on the water system, and meet the new principal. So much has happened here. Gord Bontje, Dale Russell, and recently Marcel Paquin have invested heavily in the school buildings. Many others were involved in bringing water to the school and community.
We met with the Small Home which is a traditional name for children with disabilities. Here our rehab team is continually working towards improving mobility for children. Our rehab team has organized a 3 day clinic for parents and their children on how to manage and care for children with disabilities.
We made it to Kendu Bay in the afternoon to work on renovating the laboratory at the Kendu Hospital. 29 years ago, this is where A Better World began its first project and now over 10,000 children have received mobility through its services.
Stu MacPhail, Board member and Water Project Manager
One of the new buildings at Gilgil school
Ringa School is grateful for the water – A shallow well was drilled this year
Grade 9 students – 64 in a class. This new Ringa High school section allows the students to live closer to home
Pat inspects three new classrooms under construction at Kipkerimwo school
Kipkerimwo students welcoming us
I met up with the Rehab team in Kericho this evening and will begin travels to see their work
Tuesday, March 5, 2019 – Kenya project visits begin
Today we visited several projects as we travelled to Kericho for a one night stay. Our first stop was at the Gilgil Primary School. We met up with Stu and his group – Jocelyn, Ed and Marilyn. They are on a slightly different itinerary. At Gilgil we spent some time with the Principal, viewed past projects and discussed new projects. Then on to Ringa to see the amazing growth where, currently a high school is under construction. At Kipkerimwo, we looked at the 3 new classrooms that are under construction.
Pat with our local contractor Asumani.
A closer look at the renovations.
A new maternity wing, delivery, and recovery rooms are in the planning stages.
Victoria, the head nurse, works seven days. On her way from church she stops by to check on the newborns.
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Our final visit to Mombo Health Centre today went very well. Because it was Sunday there were few patients. It allowed us to enter some areas without interfering with patient privacy. Pat was working continuously onsite and kept going even when we returned to the hotel. He has incredible technology that allows him to place buildings in a virtual to-scale model in order to see how they fit on the site. He also works with locals and helps them learn from his experience.
We accomplished what we came here to do. There are always inspiring people that we meet. The nurse in charge, Victoria, is one of them. Today she came to the hospital and I wasn’t sure that it was her without her uniform. She works six days and on Sunday she stops in to see the newborn babies. A few hours later, she changed into her uniforms as two mothers had gone into labour.
We met the children that were walking 4 hours to their homes for the weekend
Hillside dug out by hand and leveled for the Lutundi Secondary School
Kwa Kombo Primary with 674 students has 8 toilets needs 14 plus 2 for teachers
Pat giving some tips on buildings at Kwa Kombo School
Area MP Mary Chentinda has been travelling with us. She has deep passion for education Rama Kaoneka ABW project manager left.
Majengo toilets
Inspection
Grade 7 student Zainab expresses gratitude for the toilets
Chekelei 14 toilets were completed. Big gathering was there to greet as and other dignitaries
3 classroom opened at Mbaghai
Four students expressed gratitude in English.
Saturday, March 2, 2019 – School Visits
Today we visited a new site for a secondary school called Lutindi Secondary School. Lutundi villagers are dedicated to their children’s education. After the primary school, the nearest school is a 4 hour walk each way. Since that is not practical, parents have rented some houses and placed their children near the school. They have also started building a secondary school by digging into a hill and carrying rocks and blocks way up a steep hill as there are no roads.
We also visited Majengo school where we recently completed sixteen toilets and parents contributed an additional two. We visited Mbaghai Secondary School where three classrooms were completed and Chekelei School where fourteen toilets were completed. Kwa Kombo has 674 students and only 8 toilets. We are hoping to build more.
Dr. Joseph Medical Director at MHC
Twins born at MHC
Anya Delafield 11 years of age from Lacombe sewed this dress
Friday, March 1, 2019 – Engineers meet at the Mombo Health Centre (MHC)
We were back at the Mombo Health Centre today for Pat’s day. The government sent their engineers from the Public Works and Health Departments along with health professionals for the planning day. I saw many scenes where professionals were discussing various points of view. Pat came prepared with technology and the local professionals were also well prepared.
Dr. Joseph, the MHC medical director, runs the hospital, does 4 surgeries a day, sees roughly 25 patients a day, attends to emergencies, and meets with us in between as we make plans to better the facilities. While the engineers were occupied, Rama and I were working on statistics and interviewing people to see how we can improve the flow of patients through the MHC.
I saw 5 new babies who were born last night and 5 more born the day before we arrived. I gave the mothers a care package Candi had prepared.
Pat at work at MHC
Renovations needed throughout MHC
Old Mortuary
New Mortuary
Kilimanjaro Lodge
Thursday, February 28, 2019 work begins at Mombo Health Center in Tanzania
Pat Romerman, an engineer from Calgary and I arrived in Tanzania last night after two 9-hour fights and checked into the Kilimanjaro Lodge in Moshi. This morning we woke up to a beautiful view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. After a four-hour drive we arrived at Mombo Health Centre (MHC) where we will spend the next several days. We have completed some renovations and installed equipment in the operating room. We also built a new mortuary.
Pat, a civil/structural engineer from Calgary, has traveled to six countries, including Tanzania, with A Better World. He and his wife, Bev, have volunteered for ten years and have also funded many educational projects in Kenya. His expertise is needed as we begin the next several phases of our work here at MHC, including renovations, new buildings, and the redesign and repurposing of existing structures. We will also be supplying equipment and training. You can read more about MHC on our website at Mombo Health Centre.