Wednesday, September 14, 2011
New Kitchen at CCC
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Church Newsletter Article about CCC
OUTREACH news from Asbury First United Methodist Church Rochester, NY
An Update on AFUMC’s Outreach in Kenya
I recently returned from a productive trip to Kenya. I was
picked up by the family of Pastors Samuel and Lucy of Chazon
Children Center (CCC). They were pleased to take me to Molo
as it was mother’s day and they got to spend it with their mother
and siblings. They are a close-knit family, as is not uncommon in
Kenya.
I was excited to go to the school on Monday. There are 350
students. The school is at the maximum it can hold, and they are
using every inch. The students gave me a warm welcome. They
have four new teachers for a total of ten.
I spent the next two weeks working: I did counseling groups for
students with “behavioral” problems (most of them are being
beaten at home). They were happy to have someone listen to
them. I bought them small notebooks to use as journals. I taught
them about feelings and asked them to record how they felt. I am
putting more emphasis on the importance of emotions and how
to deal with them. We also did positive affirmations: “I am smart, I
am strong, I am good.” I developed a class on culture and change. I
also revised policies and website content and took children to the
eye doctor. I do whatever needs to be done, and I love it.
Phillip Moses, a RARE (Receive and Reciprocate Education)
student, and I did a seminar titled Alternative Methods of Discipline
for the teachers and staff. It was well received. CCC is one of the
leaders in the area in trying to stop corporal punishment. This is
common in Kenya even though it is against the law.
With funds from AFUMC I was able to buy them a water tank. This
was desperately needed, as the tap works only when it wants to!
They were carrying jugs of water for 350 kids. As you can imagine
there wasn’t much drinking going on, let alone hand washing.
After a fast two weeks I went to Nairobi for the weekend and had
a very relaxing time with my three RARE university students (and
friends): Liz Njenga, Frank Olum, and Phillip.
Frank and Phillip and I went to the coast to visit with three other
RARE students, where we settled some issues and made some
necessary changes in their educational plans. Frank is the Kenyan
contact and mentor for the RARE program.
In April, 2012 Frank will finish the University of Nairobi with
a bachelor’s degree, earned in three years and with a double
major. He is hoping to come to Rochester to get a master’s in
social work. He plans to apply to Roberts Wesleyan College for
a scholarship. I hope some of you at AFUMC can help with this. If
you want to hear Frank speak about these plans listen to his
video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnE1l39mwNE.
I would love to come and talk to your group, school, or
organization about this project, please just send me an email at
drvduffy@gmail.com.
An Update on AFUMC’s Outreach in Kenya
by Dr. Virginia Duffy
(Upper Virginia with a group of children
at Chacon Children’s Center. The boy to her right is Michael, who
is being sponsored by the guests at Asbury Dining and Caring Center.
He is wearing a jacket that they bought for him.
(Lower) Virginia Duffy in Nairobi with (left to right) Phillip Moses,
Liz Njenga, and Frank Olum RARE program recipients.
I recently returned from a productive trip to Kenya. I was
picked up by the family of Pastors Samuel and Lucy of Chazon
Children Center (CCC). They were pleased to take me to Molo
as it was mother’s day and they got to spend it with their mother
and siblings. They are a close-knit family, as is not uncommon in
Kenya.
I was excited to go to the school on Monday. There are 350
students. The school is at the maximum it can hold, and they are
using every inch. The students gave me a warm welcome. They
have four new teachers for a total of ten.
I spent the next two weeks working: I did counseling groups for
students with “behavioral” problems (most of them are being
beaten at home). They were happy to have someone listen to
them. I bought them small notebooks to use as journals. I taught
them about feelings and asked them to record how they felt. I am
putting more emphasis on the importance of emotions and how
to deal with them. We also did positive affirmations: “I am smart, I
am strong, I am good.” I developed a class on culture and change. I
also revised policies and website content and took children to the
eye doctor. I do whatever needs to be done, and I love it.
Phillip Moses, a RARE (Receive and Reciprocate Education)
student, and I did a seminar titled Alternative Methods of Discipline
for the teachers and staff. It was well received. CCC is one of the
leaders in the area in trying to stop corporal punishment. This is
common in Kenya even though it is against the law.
With funds from AFUMC I was able to buy them a water tank. This
was desperately needed, as the tap works only when it wants to!
They were carrying jugs of water for 350 kids. As you can imagine
there wasn’t much drinking going on, let alone hand washing.
After a fast two weeks I went to Nairobi for the weekend and had
a very relaxing time with my three RARE university students (and
friends): Liz Njenga, Frank Olum, and Phillip.
Frank and Phillip and I went to the coast to visit with three other
RARE students, where we settled some issues and made some
necessary changes in their educational plans. Frank is the Kenyan
contact and mentor for the RARE program.
In April, 2012 Frank will finish the University of Nairobi with
a bachelor’s degree, earned in three years and with a double
major. He is hoping to come to Rochester to get a master’s in
social work. He plans to apply to Roberts Wesleyan College for
a scholarship. I hope some of you at AFUMC can help with this. If
you want to hear Frank speak about these plans listen to his
video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnE1l39mwNE.
I would love to come and talk to your group, school, or
organization about this project, please just send me an email at
drvduffy@gmail.com.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
My Recent Trip to Chazon Children Centre
I have recently returned from a productive and fun trip to Kenya. I arrived in the middle of the night at Nairobi after having slept most of the way. Its a 16 hr trip from NYC with a stop in Istanbul.
I was picked up in the middle of the night by Liz, Patrick and Panena the family of Pastors Samuel and Lucy of Chazon Children Center. They were pleased to take me to Molo the next day as it was mother's day Sunday and they got to spend it with their Mary their mother and Lucy their sister. We also picked up Susan on the way! They are a close knit family as is not uncommon in Kenya.
I was excited to go to the school on Monday and see everyone. There were 350 students, the school is now at the max it can hold and believe me they are using every inch. The students who knew me gave me a warm welcome, it was so nice. They have 4 new teachers as well for a total now of 10.
I spent the next 2 weeks working very hard. I did two daily counseling groups for students with "behavioral" problems (most of them are being beaten at home!) They were so happy to have some attention and someone to listen to them. I bought them each small notebooks to use as journals. I taught them about feelings and asked them to record how they felt each day. At CCC I am trying to put more emphasis on the importance of emotions and how to deal with them. We also did a lot of positive affirmations. " I am smart, I am strong, I am good" ! I developed and taught a class on culture and change. I also revised policies and web site content and took children to the eye doctor. I do whatever needs to be done, and I love it.
Phillip Moses a RARE student and I did a seminar on Alternative Methods of Discipline for the Teachers and Staff. It was well received and CCC is one of the leaders in the area in trying to stop corporal punishment. This is very common in Kenya even though it is against the law.
With funds from AFUMC I was able to buy them a water tank to hold water. This was desperately needed as the water tap works only when it wants to! They were carrying jugs of water for 350 kids. As you can imagine there wasn't much drinking going on let alone hand washing!
After a fast 2 weeks I went to Nairobi for the weekend and had a very relaxing time with my 3 RARE University students (and Friends) Liz Njenga, Frank Olum, and Phillip. If you want to know about RARE , a program I started for education in Kenya go to my causes on Facebook. If you can share this it would be great. http://www.causes.com/causes/546366?m=98657f1f
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Arrived Safely
Hello all, I arrived safely after a good flight with Turkish airlines from NY to Istambul to Nairobi. Patrick Elizabeth and Panina picked me up in the middle of the night! We drove to Molo the next day to spend mothers day with Mary and Elizabeth, Lucy, Samuel and the belle of the ball Jemima. She talks up a storm and quickly let me in to her life!
The school has changed a lot since I was here last June, a big new sign, big new gate, 2 new classrooms, new teachers, but most of all 350 children. I couldn't believe it! Can you imaging game and lunch time?? Some how it all works.
The kids are terrific as usual, some have grown so much since last year. It was great to have them greet me with such love. Most of you know how that feels!
I am so pleased Iratxe is here, I met her last year and it is fun and helpful to work together. The weather is lovely, occasional hard rain that quickly passes. Lots of other things to tell. I will also add pictures and ask other volunteers to blog when I get a chance!
The school has changed a lot since I was here last June, a big new sign, big new gate, 2 new classrooms, new teachers, but most of all 350 children. I couldn't believe it! Can you imaging game and lunch time?? Some how it all works.
The kids are terrific as usual, some have grown so much since last year. It was great to have them greet me with such love. Most of you know how that feels!
I am so pleased Iratxe is here, I met her last year and it is fun and helpful to work together. The weather is lovely, occasional hard rain that quickly passes. Lots of other things to tell. I will also add pictures and ask other volunteers to blog when I get a chance!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Heading For Kenya and CCC
I am excited to be visiting Chazon Children Center again in May. Right now I am trying to pack a very large suitcase with too much stuff, and keep the weight to airline limits. I hate packing almost more then lugging it. I am thrilled that the kids at my church have collected shoes and socks for children of CCC.
I found a great deal by the way for just over $800.00 round trip from NYC. Turkish airlines goes through Istambul what an airport! I use Kayak which notifies you of price decreases then I buy when prices are low.
I found a great deal by the way for just over $800.00 round trip from NYC. Turkish airlines goes through Istambul what an airport! I use Kayak which notifies you of price decreases then I buy when prices are low.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Orphans need a home in Molo Kenya
Pastor Lucy Njenga talks about the plan/hope to purchase an unoccupied hotel in downtown Molo, Kenya. Lucy is one of the directors from the Chazon Children's Centre in Molo and they hope to purchase the hotel and convert it to a permanent home to accommodate the need to house and feed local children orphan.
Can you Help?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Chazon Children Centre, Growing so Fast !
To All Our Friends,
We have been very busy at the centre during the holidays, though not as hectic as it would have been if the children were there!
We reopened the Centre on Wednesday and guess what, it has been up and down very busy as usual. We now have two new classes, thanks to Fabio and Elena from Spain.
We also completed the old classes and the children are comfortable now. The construction took place over the holiday and we are happy with the progress. Fabio also initiated a feeding programme to improve on the quality of food we give the children.
We now have 290 children who have reported so far. We had an interview for all the destitute and orphans last November and you would be surprised to tell you that we had more than 150 who came for interviews.
Happy new year from Pastors Samuel and Lucy in Molo Kenya
We have been very busy at the centre during the holidays, though not as hectic as it would have been if the children were there!
We reopened the Centre on Wednesday and guess what, it has been up and down very busy as usual. We now have two new classes, thanks to Fabio and Elena from Spain.
We also completed the old classes and the children are comfortable now. The construction took place over the holiday and we are happy with the progress. Fabio also initiated a feeding programme to improve on the quality of food we give the children.
We now have 290 children who have reported so far. We had an interview for all the destitute and orphans last November and you would be surprised to tell you that we had more than 150 who came for interviews.
Happy new year from Pastors Samuel and Lucy in Molo Kenya
Monday, January 10, 2011
Greetings from Spain!
Hello Chazon family!
I've been promising Virginia and Daniel that I would write a post here and I have postponed it for too long I think.
I was back from Kenya in May 2010 and, as most of you know, I spent in Molo three wonderful months.
Loads of things have happened since I'm back. Spanish volunteers arrived, the centre is taking in more kids, the creation of an associaton in Spain to help Chazon officailly and legally is taking place...
Since I'm back I'm spending a lot of my free time to keep helping Sam, Lucy and the kids from here and, I have to say, I couldn't do it without the spanish volunteers that visited Molo last summer and without the ones that will visit them soon.
People like Vanessa. She was the one encouraging me with the creation of the association. She has become a wonderful friend and my support in this project. She doesn't know them yet but she is one of the family and soon she will fly to Molo to meet her kenyan family.
People like Alvaro. I know he's being a good help even from Spain with his projects for the kids. The fence, the grants to go to secondray school.
People like Soraya. Because she was the one, after Alicia from Canada, interested in The Macedonia Group and supporting them.
People like Rita and Ana. Thanks to them there is a new classroom in Chazon. They organised a party in Madrid to fundraise money and now 8th grade has a new classroom.
People like Adrià and Judit. They taught first aids to the teachers and they had the idea of starting a health-care project involving their Univeristy of Medicine.
People like Mencha. Because she has been one of the volunteers that supported this project the most. She's been there encouraging me and she also was the first one being honest and realising how alive a person can be with these kids.
People like Jordi. He met me before my trip to Molo and his help and information was crucial.
People like Almudena. She is "there" all the time. Supporting the causes, following the group on facebook and spreading the news to everyone.
Marc, Esther, Alain, Ximo... To all of them THANK YOU.
But, I can't finish this post not mentioning the two most important volunteers that have been there all the time, even before was there! :)
Daniel and Virginia. They are doing an amazing job. They are dedicating so much time, money, ideas, etc. for Chazon. It wouldn't be the same without you!!! And I'm so happy to came across you both one day on my way! :)
I've been promising Virginia and Daniel that I would write a post here and I have postponed it for too long I think.
I was back from Kenya in May 2010 and, as most of you know, I spent in Molo three wonderful months.
Loads of things have happened since I'm back. Spanish volunteers arrived, the centre is taking in more kids, the creation of an associaton in Spain to help Chazon officailly and legally is taking place...
Since I'm back I'm spending a lot of my free time to keep helping Sam, Lucy and the kids from here and, I have to say, I couldn't do it without the spanish volunteers that visited Molo last summer and without the ones that will visit them soon.
People like Vanessa. She was the one encouraging me with the creation of the association. She has become a wonderful friend and my support in this project. She doesn't know them yet but she is one of the family and soon she will fly to Molo to meet her kenyan family.
People like Alvaro. I know he's being a good help even from Spain with his projects for the kids. The fence, the grants to go to secondray school.
People like Soraya. Because she was the one, after Alicia from Canada, interested in The Macedonia Group and supporting them.
People like Rita and Ana. Thanks to them there is a new classroom in Chazon. They organised a party in Madrid to fundraise money and now 8th grade has a new classroom.
People like Adrià and Judit. They taught first aids to the teachers and they had the idea of starting a health-care project involving their Univeristy of Medicine.
People like Mencha. Because she has been one of the volunteers that supported this project the most. She's been there encouraging me and she also was the first one being honest and realising how alive a person can be with these kids.
People like Jordi. He met me before my trip to Molo and his help and information was crucial.
People like Almudena. She is "there" all the time. Supporting the causes, following the group on facebook and spreading the news to everyone.
Marc, Esther, Alain, Ximo... To all of them THANK YOU.
But, I can't finish this post not mentioning the two most important volunteers that have been there all the time, even before was there! :)
Daniel and Virginia. They are doing an amazing job. They are dedicating so much time, money, ideas, etc. for Chazon. It wouldn't be the same without you!!! And I'm so happy to came across you both one day on my way! :)
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