In the Kenya we live in everything seems to be sensationalized.  Each new thing must be bigger, better, and more expensive than the last new thing and, sometimes, regular acts of service get lost in the hype of it all. Here at Contrite Lafriqueen, though, we believe in the simple, the humble, and the practical approach because it is not our goal to be flashy but rather to be effective.

Cleaning toilets is, by its very nature, humble work.  There can be nothing glamorous about sanitizing a loo.  Many might find the thought of doing such a thing degrading and perhaps that is why so many of our toilets are dirty and neglected.  However, when you realize that keeping a toilet clean may help prevent a child from losing their life, doing such work becomes not a disgusting chore but an act of love. What human being, upon seeing a sick child near death would not rush out and clean any toilet if doing so could make them feel better?  What Contrite Lafriqueen does is exactly that, but we take it one step further and clean the toilet before the child falls ill in the first place!

In a day and age when everything is so big and exaggerated there can be pressure to overstate what is actually happening in order to be heard.  We believe, though, that simply being the change we wish  to make speaks so loudly that there is no need to shout.

People instinctively look for and desire truth.  I paraphrase what Ben Franklin said by saying that “an ounce of reality is worth a pound of make believe” when it comes to children’s health.  In an era when exaggeration is taken for granted being truthful becomes a “core principle” that defines and sets us apart as the foundation of all we do.

There are many people, with funds, that are looking to do good.  Their money, whether it is theirs or donated from a company or group, came hard and they naturally want to know that their gift will do some real and lasting good.   That is why we strive to be truthful in what we do so that people who work with us will know that they are investing wisely.

In conclusion, let us all have the courage to simply be “full of truth.”  Let us have confidence that doing right and being true to who we are will speak loudly enough for all to hear.  After all, when it comes to a child’s health, isn’t it worth it?

Be blessed,

Lilian Akinyi Oywech

Currently, there is a Cholera outbreak in many different parts of Kenya.  What is this deadly disease?  How is it spread?  And, most importantly of all, how can we protect ourselves and our children from it?

According to Wikipedia Cholera is defined as,

“An infection of the intestine by the bacterium Vibrio choleare. Symptoms may range from none, to mild, to severe.”

Vibrio Cholerae is a class of bacteria, some of which, causes Cholera.   Even though Cholera was identified by the Italian anatomist, Filippo Pacini in 1884, this disease still sickens many .

 

“Cholera affects an estimated 3–5 million people worldwide and causes 58,000–130,000 deaths a year as of 2010”

Wikipedia

 

Again, according to Wikipedia, classic symptoms of this disease are,

1. ” Large amounts of watery diarrhea that last a few days”

2. ” Vomiting and cramps sometimes occur”

This can lead to very bad dehydration.  Depending on the degree of infection, symptoms can appear in as little as two hours or as long as five days.  Proper medical treatment is vital to help in recovery.

 

“An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure”

Benjamen Franklin

 

To aid in protecting yourself and your loved ones against this deadly disease you can practice and teach others proper sanitation and do your best to have access to clean water.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends these five ways to help protect yourself.

1.  Drink and use Safe Water.

     –   It is best to used bottled water that has been sealed, or,

     –   boil your water for at least 1 minute.

2.  Wash your hands with soap and safe water

     –  Prior to eating or making your food

     –  Before you feed your kids

     –  After you use the loo

     –  After cleaning your kids bottom

     –  After  you care for someone who is sick with diarrhea

3. Use latrines or bury your feces; do not defecate in any body of

     water.

 4.  Cook food well (especially seafood), keep it covered, eat it hot,

       and peel fruits and vegetables.

5.  Clean up safely – in the kitchen and in places where the family

      bathes and washes clothes.

These simple, yet effective, practices can help prevent Cholera.  What is wonderful is that you can take these precautions without spending a lot of money.  Once you get into the habit of doing these steps they don’t take a lot of time either.

It is tragic to think that some people, especially kids, sicken and sometimes even die simply because some, through not fault of their own, lack the most basic knowledge of how to protect themselves and their family.  We can love our neighbor as ourselves by informing others as to these 5 steps and help each other all live healthier, happier lives.

If you would like to know more about Cholera and how to prevent it you can click on these links,

1.  CDC – Five Basic Cholera Prevention Messages

2.  Wikipedia – Cholera

3.  World Health Organization – Cholera

4.  Wikipedia – About the Bacteria that Causes Cholera

5.  A Video About Cholera in Haiti

 

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