Si Mweraba … Tunalabagana!

As my amateur Luganda states above, this is not “goodbye” but “see you later.” I am writing this short note to you, my inspirational colleagues at African Children’s Haven, and to all of our many ACH donors and friends. It is with great sadness that I stepped down from my position on the ACH board this month due to a job offer and an impending move to Uganda. The job is one I feel I have been working my whole life to be considered for and it will allow me to live on the African continent – a place that has utterly captivated me since I first visited almost 10 years ago to the day.

Yesterday, while cleaning up and packing I found an old journal and flipped through the pages. On one page, written not long after my first trip to Africa, I wrote: “I am now totally fixated on going back to Africa. I think my purpose will be found there.” How serendipitous it is that exactly 10 years later I am moving to Africa to fulfill that prophecy.

Of course, leaving so many loved ones here in New York brings with it much sadness, as does leaving the ACH board. I was young and somewhat inexperienced when Ed took a chance on me and invited me to work with ACH. But, through his guidance, mentoring, and the support of his adorable wife Linda and the lovely Ginny I found my place in the organization. It has been a joy to watch ACH grow so rapidly – a powerful testament to the value of the work being done. Recent developments, particularly our membership in Aid for Africa will ensure this growth can be sustained and even accelerated.

I will forever support the work of ACH, visit its projects whenever I’m in the area, and continue to network people with ACH projects they can assist. I look forward to learning how the children benefiting from our projects are progressing and of the new ways ACH finds to enhance the support it provides.

To all ACH’s friends and donors, I thank you. Your support has enabled ACH to become what it is today and is truly making the world a better place, one child at a time.

All my love,

Skye Dobson

Dodger Helps Orphan Kids

It's been a long while since our last post. We'll be back with more regular updates soon. Meanwhile you might want to check out this story about orphan kids and a professional baseball player from the United States. It's a good news story that's sure to touch your heart...

Drought Continues for Sixth Year in Horn of Africa

Rainfall across the Horn of Africa has fallen short of expectations once again. The October/November rains in the region were projected to be heavier than usual due to El Niño effects, and millions of farmers and pastoralists had pinned their hopes on the weather experts being right.

Hope of improved food security was high with the rains beginning as promised in October, but there was a lengthy dry spell in November that continued into the first part of December. In their latest report, Oxfam GB said “Large parts of Turkana (northern Kenya), Somalia, and Ethiopia have received less than five percent of normal rainfall in November.” According to the report, Turkana has received just 12 mm of rainfall in the last three months.

This is the sixth successive season of poor rains in the region, which is experiencing its worst drought in 20 years. The next rains are now projected for April at the earliest. As a result, the USAID Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS-Net) predicts “food insecurity is likely to deteriorate substantially in the coming months, compounded by human and livestock disease upsurges, conflict, and higher food prices.”

After visiting affected areas, Mr. Jeremy Loveless, Oxfam GB Deputy Humanitarian Director, said “Millions of people in these areas are of particular concern as they face at least another six months of hunger and destitution.”

Tiff Harris

Reporting from Nairobi, Kenya

Special Needs Kids in Africa

African children contend with problems unknown to kids growing up in the developed world. Hunger, lack of clean drinking water, limited access to quality education, and poor healthcare are the norm. For African children with special needs, however these problems are greatly intensified. Eight-year-old John Mugisha Prudence is one such child. To support himself and contribute to his family and his community, John needs special schooling. To help, African Children’s Haven and the Wembly Fund have awarded John a scholarship that will allow him to receive a quality education. Learn how you can help.

Where the Water Meets the Sky

"Where the Water Meets the Sky" is the remarkable story of a young African woman orphaned by AIDS. Her self-made documentary, narrated by actor Morgan Freeman, depicts her struggle to provide for herself and her siblings. What began as a filmmaking workshop is transformed into a story of how African women are demonstrating with courage and humor that the future rests in their hands. http://www.watermeetssky.com/

World AIDS Day

According to the United Nations, AIDS infections in Africa were 25% lower last year than in the peak year of 1995. However, Africa still accounts for two-thirds of all HIV infections worldwide, 68% of new infections among adults and a staggering 91% of new infections among children. See the report.

Happy Home

A video shot earlier this year at the Happy Home Orphanage in Western Kenya provides an insider’s look at the lives of some 30 orphans supported by African Childrens Haven. Produced by McGill University students Will Miller andAlex Pritz, the new film is available on-line at http://www.vimeo.com/5327856