Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Kenya: Summary of the Grant Proposal

(Taken from the FSD webpage.)

The rate of macronutrient malnutrition is high in Kenya and often results in diseases and chronic illnesses that can be expensive to treat with traditional medicines. In many communities macronutrient malnutrition and related diseases can be effectively managed through proper nutrition and use of affordable herbal remedy alternatives to pharmaceuticals. Herbal remedies are particularly powerful as a familiar, effective, and less expensive alternative to other medications. Unfortunately, many community members lack awareness of or access to proper nutrition and herbal remedies.

The Society of Orphans and AIDS Network (SOAN) manage various healthcare, poverty eradication and microfinance initiatives along the Coastal Province of Kenya to prevent and mitigate the impact of AIDS and related opportunistic diseases on communities. FSD intern Edith Han worked with the members of SOAN and other community-based organizations to prepare educational posters and a resource booklet about nutrition and herbal remedies. These tangible resources will support efforts to expand awareness and empower CBO staff and community members to cost-effectively prevent and manage macronutrient malnutrition.

Future FSD interns have the opportunity to address macronutrient malnutrition and subsequent diseases through public awareness and education campaigns. Interns may also work to enhance public access to herbal remedies and the resources needed to improve general nutrition. Those interns with business skills may wish to promote the development and sale of herbal remedies as a business opportunity that supports community health, ensures the proper preparation and use of such remedies, and empowers the community to manage their health with local resources.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Kenya: Images of Mombasa

Boarding Kenya Airways in Nairobi Airport.



During orientation week (I know, don't we look so chill?)



Inside a matatu (public transportation.)



Scenery...



Housemade (Maurine). She's either 16 or 18. Either way, she's young.



The goddamned ferry. I hate that thing. You have to be there to understand why.





Outside of the school.





Classroom for Std 6 (6th grade).



Logo for the office.



The office.



The office + people (Fred and Rohda).



My supervisor Michael Ker.



...Who apparently has no picture-taking skills.



Burning garbage outside of the school.



Students.



Doing everything by hand at the office.




These pictures are from the Midterm Trip to Diani Beach.

You gotta love the potholes. Especially when it rains.



Sunrise!!!



I really like the balance of this picture.



Giant snail!



Cool shell, yah?




Back to work...

Teaching Std 6.



Friend (Chiri) where I lived.



Friend (Garba) where I lived.



Host mom! Mama Rose! =) She was awesome.



Me and Maurine. I helped out in the kitchen and helped pick out peas and whatnot.



Teaching Std 7.



More Teaching Std 6.











More working in the office.



A common view outside of the office. How cute! ^_^ Unfortunately, you also knew that the dust and the dirt wasn't only dust and dirt...



Working with Mama Rukia on herbal medicine stuff.



In a Swahili house. We were making masala with pilau that day.



Pictures for documentation for grant project.













And then I came back home...

At the airport.