Six people from County Waterford will join the Friends of Londiani team travelled to Londiani in Kenya last Saturday (25th July). The volunteers will form part of a 70 strong team from all over the country who will be working with local communities on development projects during their three week placement. During their time in Kenya, they will work on projects that will help the Kenyan villagers become the authors of their own development. This will involve organising Health Awareness Days, constructing buildings, running activity camps for children, installing rainwater tanks and running education courses on important issues such as HIV AIDS, maternal health, sanitation and malaria. All this work will be done in tandem with the local government and community organisations and helps build on the partnerships Friends of Londiani has with local groups.

Friends of Londiani is an Irish charity working in the Londiani area of Kenya since 2002 in the key areas of Health, Education and Water. The 2009 summer project is called Harambee. This is a Swahili word for "togetherness" and together with the local communities the Waterford volunteers will work towards a better future. Friends of Londiani is a volunteer-led Irish charity that depends on fundraising events around the country. Every donation counts and is much appreciated in Kenya and if you would like to make a donation please contact Friends of Londiani as above.

The Waterford volunteers vary in age, profession and experience and include family members, friends and work colleagues. They have been preparing for this project since last September and have worked hard to fundraise for the project.

Kenya was in the news in early 2008 due to the post-election violence and Londiani is an area of Kenya that was badly affected. It was featured on Irish radio and TV and former Minister of State Liz O Donnell visited Londiani during that time for the RTE programme Far Away Up Close. Since then the local people have been working hard to restore their life. They have shown resilience and determination to bring about these changes in their community for the sake of their children. They are a very welcoming community and this volunteer placement will provide many opportunities for cultural exchange and shared learning.

For further information please contact Friends of Londiani Ireland or any of the volunteers as listed here:

Freddie Hatton, Dunmore Rd 086-259 0532;
Iain Hatton Dunmore Rd 086-304 6740;
Jayne Crowley Tramore 087-609 1768;
Mary Dunford, Stradbally 087-6691667;
Carol Whelan, Stradbally 087-669 8576;
Margaret Noonan, Ballyduff Upper 087-641 7392