Everyone understands that HIV/AIDS has been an unrelenting killer around the world and in the last 20 years it has hit Africa especially hard. It is easy to comprehend the statistics, but difficult to truly understand how this disease affects people. In Kenya, in the 21 years since the outbreak, 1.8 million children have been orphaned. This has completely devastated Kenya, as the disease also infects many of these children, they will grow up without their parents, without education and without proper access to food and health services. The poverty cycle will continue for generations.
However, there are some who care and work hard to assist these people in need.
The Program
The Kenya Orphan Rural Development Programme (KORDP) is a non-governmental organization that works at the grassroots level to “promote community orphan care and support initiatives while contributing to the reduction of HIV/AIDS prevalence within KORDP’s partner communities in the country.” KORDP was the recipient of the Oscar Van Leer Award in 2005. It honours programmes 'for excellence in enabling parents and communities to help young children realise their full potential'. KORDP has established early childhood development day care centres throughout Kenya and in neighbouring countries. These day care centres provide nutritious meals and pre-school education. They provide education about HIV/AIDS, on how it is spread and how to prevent its spreading. They help to de-mystify the disease and break social misconceptions about the disease. KORDP also offers psychosocial support, an area of development that is in great need of being addressed. KORDP is supported by the following organizations: Bernard van Leer Foundation, American Jewish World Service, UNICEF, Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI), the Embassy of France, Peace Child International, Rotary Club International, Lutheran World Relief, National AIDS Control Council and others.
About Us
We, Jenny Goodwin, Leah Macdonald and AJ Paul have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to volunteer with KORDP. For the month of July we would be aiding Kathleen Okatcha, the executive and founder of KORDP with the psychosocial support for rural Kenyan communities. We would be providind education (regarding HIV/AIDS), psychosocial support and writing reports about the children's well-being.
This would be a beneficial opportunity as it directly relates to our studies. We are currently studying at Carleton University with the Arthur Kroeger College, for a BA in Public Affairs and Policy Management, specializing in Development Studies.
Since this is a strictly volunteer position we will be paying for our own airfare, accommodations, food, vaccinations, equipment and other expenses.
We would sincerely appreciate any support you or your organization is able to provide towards our goal. Thank-you for your consideration,