LittleDrops 5K Run/Walk: Run4TheirLives!

We've been very busy the last few months! We ended off summer with our Laughs For Hope comedy shows and started off fall with LittleDrops' first annual Run/Walk: Run4TheirLives. The event took place at Warren G Magnuson Park on October 11th and was a good turnout. It was good to see our board's work pay off and even better that the weather was cooperative! It was a beautiful crisp day at the park, and the trail we embarked on had a gorgeous view of the water. We had in total 40 participants : both runners and walkers. It was great to see the kids taking part in this event to help fellow children half way across the world. Their joy always reminds us of what we are working for.

Our first winner crossed the finish line at 19 minutes (Livestrong :) ). All of our runners/walkers were greeted to the cheers of our volunteers and the kids received medals when they completed. After their 5K the participants were treated to a well earned serving of snacks, fruits and drinks. It was a great time, and everyone is looking forward to next year's run!

G8 Summit and effects on Africa

Since 1995, helping African nations has been an important priority for the G8 summit. In 2005, when they met in Gleneagles, the G8 indicated it as a major breakthrough when they announced a doubling of aid to Africa by 2010 and forgive Third World nations' debt. It was dubbed as the "100 percent debt relief summit.” These measures were designed to speed up progress for the Millennium Development Goals toward poverty, hunger, education and health.

However, four years later, what was hailed as a Marshall Plan for Africa in 2005 risks disintegrating into just an unfinished plan. Even as non-G8 donors, responsible for a quarter of the total aid increase, are delivering on their side of the deal, aid from the G8 countries has decreased. So far, G8 countries have raised only one third of the total pledged in 2005. Italy, the host nation for G8 2009, has continued to decrease its aid spending, and now gives less than a fifth of one per cent of its national income to reduce poverty. Even worse, any debt that was forgiven in 2005 was deducted from the aid package, as noted by the European Network on Debt and Development.

So, in the midst of one of the deepest economic downturns we have faced, the 2009 G8 summit took place in early July. As chair, Italy placed the global economy, environment and Africa at the top of the agenda to bring collectively the leaders of major middle income economies. On the third day of the summit, the leaders issued a first-ever joint G8-Africa statement, expressing their determination to build a stronger partnership to increase access to water and sanitation.

They committed to sustainable development, including development aid, climate change and peace and security. The G8 met with Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, the African Union Commission and related international organizations. Their worldwide targets include halving poverty by 2015 by using sustainable development. During the G8 summit, world leaders pledged an additional $20bn in aid to speed up agriculture in poor countries at the end of the G8 summit when $5bn was originally expected. The US$20 billion will be used over three years through the L'Aquila Food Security Initiative in support of rural development in needy countries.

However, is the money pledged adequate? The UN estimates that the number of malnourished people has increased over the past two years and will reach one billion this year; head of the UN's Food and Agriculture Agency, Jacques Diouf, says that the aid falls short of what is needed even though it is still a big jump from before. Details of the deal, and the time-frame for delivery, are still sketchy. There are also questions like how much money will be loaned through institutions like the World Bank and which countries will get it. Aid agencies are skeptical about the form the aid might be delivered in since G8 failed to deliver their promise made in 2005 to double aid for Africa by 2010.

Failure to deliver on recent promises made by G8 will cost them heavily in terms of credibility. But more significantly, it threatens a huge social cost during a time when the global recession is hitting low-income countries hardest. Naturally, outcome of the G8 summit will be judged on its impact on the G20 summit in Pittsburgh in September, and UN climate talks in Copenhagen at the end of the year. However, it is Africa and how they solve poverty in Africa, where Italy in particular and the G8 collectively, face their greatest credibility test.

Sources

The Italian Job: What the 2009 G8 Summit Must Deliver on Health and Aid for Africa

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/world-vision/the-italian-job-what-the_b_224410.html

Has the G8 done enough for the poor?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8144205.stm

G8 Summit Agrees on Food Security, Climate, Nuclear Arms Control http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2009/2009-07-10-01.asp

Written By Contributing Blog Editor Mashfiqur Rahman

Good News from New Hope Orphanage!

LittleDrops is happy to report great news from New Hope one of the orphanages that LittleDrops supports located in Busia, Uganda! The orphanage focuses on the care and well-being of the country’s most vulnerable children. It is a non-discriminative organization that does not practice discrimination based on gender, religion, ethnic background, nationality or color. It provides support to over 75 children who have been directly affected by HIV/AIDS crises and poverty in Uganda. The orphanage is able support these children as a direct result of financial support from the LittleDrops Orphanage Fund. Even with financial support New Hope still faces many challenges caring for these children that have been either orphaned or threatened by the HIV/AIDS crises and poverty that is prevalent in the region.

Holistic Approach and Mission

New Hope provides children with holistic care; it offers its children access to education, food, healthcare and clothing, in addition to psychological and spiritual support. New Hope also acts as an advocate by protecting the rights of these children. One of the stated goals of the orphanage is to provide hope and hope for the future.

New Hope’s mission is to alleviate suffering by providing children with the essentials that all children require: food, healthcare, education, love, and hope for the future. New Hope is managed by a board of directors and works with a small capable loving staff that includes a director, social worker, head matron, cook and a watchman that are responsible for the day to day operations of the project.

The Need

In the wake of the AIDS crises in Africa more than 2 million children have been orphaned in Uganda. New Hope was founded in 2003 by Ken Daniel and Suzan Mulago- a husband and wife team with a $15,000 grant from the Mustard Seed Foundation. When New Hope opened its doors it cared for 15 children and since then it has expanded to care for more than 75 children. The children’s ages range from infants to young adults. New Hope’s target populations are children that have been orphaned or are homeless. In turn New Hope donors can be confident that their money is being put to good use because over ninety- six percent of orphanage’s income goes directly back to helping the children in the orphanage’s care.

New Hope’s Nutrition Program

Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of New Hope’s Child support program. The goal is to provide children with adequate food that is nutritious and allows the children to thrive and grow. One of the biggest achievements accomplished by New Hope is the ability to feed 75 children per day. Currently no child at New Hope suffers from any dietary illnesses related to malnutrition. One of the biggest challenges that New Hope faces is the rising cost of food. To address this challenge the orphanage is planning to acquire a 15 acre garden located in Busia, Uganda in order to produce food for their children. New Hope currently has a four acre sweet potato garden which was acquired with the financial support of donors. New Hope is proud to report that the sweet potato garden has been very productive and successful!

New Hope’s Educational Support Program

Education is also at the forefront of New Hope’s agenda –it is considered to be an integral part of the New Hope’s holistic initiative in caring for children. With the support of the LittleDrop’s New Hope is able to provide education and supplies to 72 children. The children receive books, supplies, and other scholastic materials to help them succeed in school. In addition, New Hope staff implements an interactive approach by attending all parent teacher meetings. New Hope considers one of the charity’s greatest achievements is being able to provide 72 children with educational materials based on the direct support from the LittleDrops foundation! New Hope is also proud to announce that four of its older students Elijah Were, Violet Anungo, Proscovia Terela and Akim Menya are actively studying to enter college within two years time!

Goals

New Hope’s primary goal is support children in pursuing their educational dreams. In February 2009 New Hope opened its own primary school with the goal of providing quality education to its children at the New Hope facility. One of the biggest challenges that New Hope will face shortly is supporting their four older students as they enter college in the next two years.

New Hope’s Healthcare Initiative

A major priority for the New Hope Orphanage is providing quality healthcare and healthcare education for the children in their charge. All of the children in New Hope’s care receive treatment for any illnesses that they may currently have as well as access to preventive healthcare. Part of this initiative involves HIV/AIDs treatment and prevention measurements with funds provided by the LittleDrops Organization. New Hope provides transportation for children to and from the hospital. New Hope also teaches the children basic hygiene and disease prevention. The orphanage currently treats over 20 children with medical issues. Malaria which is prevalent in the region is a major threat to the children’s health. Previous to being connected to a clean water supply Typhoid Fever was a major concern for the orphanage.

Psychological Health and Support

Psychological health is as important as physical health and the two are inherently related. New Hope provides over 75 children with activities that are stimulating for the child’s mind and body. Play is one of the most integral parts of childhood and childhood development. New Hope provides soccer balls and musical instruments such as drums for the children to play with. Play permits children forget stressful events in their young lives and focus on being a child. New Hope feels that it is critical for all the children to engage in play and this promotes feelings of well-being.

The Future Looks Bright!

New Hope has been a great success since it has opened its doors in 2003. The work of the founders and the commitment of staff members have made it possible for many young lives to be saved from a life of hopelessness and despair. The financial support of LittleDrops has been instrumental for the orphanage as well as the support of other donors. As a result the orphanage expects to grow while caring for endangered children in the region. Financial support is extremely important to the orphanage that in turn uses that money in ways that can be seen by donors. This stems from the orphanage’s focus on transparency and accountability. The future looks bright for the children of the orphanage with the continued support and care from staff and donors.

Contributing Blog Editor Clarissa M. Green

Laughs For Hope- Benefit Comedy Shows

Laughs for Hope: LaughterThat Echoes Across the Ocean

Written by Brianna Dimas

Come and support LittleDrops Orphanage Fund by attending the Laughs of Hope comedy shows! Enjoy some great comedy and kick back, all while supporting our organization. Tickets are only $25 and all proceeds go to benefit food, clean water, clothes, health care, and education for children in need. Laughs for Hope is your opportunity to make a difference in the lives of 2000 African Orphans.

And remember, little drops of water make a mighty ocean. All our proceeds come from gracious supporters like you.

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Laughs For Hope Comedy Show (in Atlanta, GA)

Come join us on Saturday August 29, 2009 in Atlanta! There will be two shows back-to-back, one at 6:30 p.m. and at 8:30 p.m. Both shows will feature the comedic stylings of Jed Fearon, Nicole Chiles, Richard Conklin, and Scott Williams.

So come out to Nancy G’s Café located on 4920 Roswell Rd, Suite 55. Tickets are only $25. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The night promises to bring lots of laughs, and all proceeds go straight back to helping the kids. With your local effort, you can make a global impact.

To purchase tickets please visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/72886 and for more information call (425) 442-3234.

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Laughs For Hope Comedy Show (in Seattle, WA)

Come join us on Sunday August 30, 2009 for our Seattle show! Stop by the Giggles Comedy Club, located at 5220 Roosevelt Way NE from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

The two esteemed comics Andrew Sleighter and Mike Cummings will be performing. Tickets are only $25. The show will be a great opportunity to kick back, relax, and most importantly: laugh, all while supporting our organization.

To purchase tickets please visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/70241 and for more information call (425) 442-3234.

Proceeds go straight back into the fund, which provides much-needed food, clean water, clothing, health care, and education to orphans on a global level.

Can’t make either of the shows? Spread the word to your family and friends. Also if you’d like to make a contribution please visit our website www.littledropsorphanagefund.org

Reflections from visiting LittleDrops Orphans in Kenya

This was written by Jane Koinange, a Core Volunteer and the Country Manager for Kenya.

In sub-Saharan Africa millions of people lose their lives to AIDS and other related causes resulting in a growing orphan population of over 12 million children under the age of 18. These orphans, traumatized by the death of their parents from HIV AIDS are often thrown into desperate poverty. For many children, the loss of one or both parents brings stigmatization by family and neighbors, an end to schooling and destitution. About 40 per-cent are raised by grandparents, while 30 percent are cared for by orphanages.

During my recent trip to Kenya, I met an 80-year-old grandmother raising her 5 grandchildren. Although she was going through severe financial hardship amongst many other challenges, she told me that living with her orphaned grandchildren brought back good memories, more so that the children felt loved and secure with grandma. LittleDrops Orphanage Fund respects this unbelievable act of self-sacrifice on the part of such families because frequently it pushes them over the edge since they have just enough for themselves and suddenly they have to take on more responsibilities. The situation is dire but not a helpless one, thanks to your kind contributions, LittleDrops is making a huge difference.

I also met Michael, an orphan who lost both parents five years ago. Since then he has had the full responsibility of caring for his 3 siblings and has barely managed to remain enrolled in school. He was happy to receive the good news that LittleDrops will provide tuition and school uniform for his siblings and himself.

LittleDrops has also sparked motivation in the heart of a young local named Ayuba, a 26-year-old and principal of Gerizim Academy. He has taken in orphans in his school providing them education, shelter and food. With the help of LittleDrops Orphanage Fund they were able to buy an electric generator, and the children can now study at night.

How we snatched 3 young lives from the claws of death...

This is how it started. We got this email from one of the homes we support in Ghana:

dear brother kwakye,

...four little boys have been sent to the home from the northern region after they lost their parents in the recent ethnic clashes during the political upheaval. these children are terribly sick and are on admission to the hospital at offinso if you know this place. they dont have health insurances and we need to assist with medications with is badly needed. we have no other person to turn to in case of such emergencies.at a just ended meeded with the executives, i was reminded to send you this special request for some assistances to redeem the situation of the children.. please brother, if there is any assistance from your end kindly let us know what you could do.we are hoping to hear from you.

i have sold my phone today to buy drugs for them and it is impossible to reach me on phone.

i shall be looking forward to hearing from you .

jim

A few days later we got this sad follow-up

dear brother kwakye,
...

i want to thank you so much for the concern of littledrops, however, i am so saddened to tell you that one of the children died in my arms on friday and was buried on saturday morning at 6.30am. this was indeed the saddest moment in my life as i watched the child close his tiny eyes as he passed out!!!ashan is a place that teaches me lessons each time and each day as i see what really is PAIN.

the kids are deeply saddened and are troubled as they know that they have lost a beloved brother.

we are so much concerned about the lives of the other three children, and each day goes by with no support coming in to their rescue.a church donated some cash towards the purchase of drugs on the day the child died and but we are in need of money to save the three.

as i mentioned to you earlier, i shall be most redeemed if you and the board could come to the aid of the three as i have explained that our hospitals dont run charity no matter who is is concerned.i have gone to the administrator several times but he keeps saying they dont have the drugs to supply and if even they have we will have to pay cash down since all patience without health insurances are not guaranteed health care.
...
accept our love and best wishes.

jim

They needed $1,200 altogether. they already got $200 from a church. LittleDrops sent them the balance $1,000. We just got this response. Finally, signs of good news.

Dear Brother Kwakye,On behalf of the executive board, management and staff and on behalf of all the children, i wish to write to thank you all so dearly for the assistance provided when the home was in distressed with funds to assist the little one in the hospital.

It was a testing moment in the lives of the people who work at ashan, but God blessed us so much when we got to know that little drops orphanage funds was there to rescue the situation.

I should have written several days ago to express gratitude to you all who came together to redeem the situation but i was bereaved a few days ago.I lost my grandfather and was kept in my hometown awaiting funeral arrangements.I have just returned home and want to take this opportunity to say thank you so very much.

By the grace of god the children are responding to treatment and drugs available are helping them so much and we are happy to see them eating so well.
...
I wish you all well and thank you for helping the needy around africa.
Regards from,Jim


Please keep these children and their lost parents and brother in your thoughts.

We would like to sincerely thank all our volunteers, donors, advocates and friends who make it possible for LittleDrops to help those who need it most. Thank You! Thank You!! Thank You!!!