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The Nyumbani (pronounced 'Nee-oom-BAH-nee') Village is located approximately 3 hours north of Nairobi. This village was built to serve elders and orphans whom have been left behind by the AIDS pandemic. The children that I will be teaching are orphans whom have lost both parents to AIDS. No doubt this is going to be an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience! "Lea Toto" (the name of this blog site) means, "to raise the child" in Swahili. Not only is this is the mentality of the Village where I will be living and working, but it is also the name of a program launched by Nyumbani to provide services to HIV+ children and their families. I am so fortunate and excited to live and work in a place dedicated to the AIDS pandemic, a disease that is devastating an entire continent, as well as the world.
Here are some of living/working details that I am aware of:
- The program lasts from July 2008-July 2009
- The cost of the program is $6,000. I am trying to raise that money, which includes my flight to/from Kenya, health insurance, visa, housing, and food. Pretty reasonable for 1 year.
- I will be staying in some type of volunteer housing with the 6 other WorldTeach volunteers.
- I am going to try to learn as much of Swahili and Kikuyu (local language) as possible. I love learning new languages!
- I will receive a stipend of $100 per month. Yes, living large and in charge!! :) This is truly volunteer work.
- I will work as a Teacher's Assistant, teaching English. I will be assigned to work with a class in a specific grade (grades 1-7).
- We will undergo a 4 week orientation session once in Kenya. The first 2 weeks will most likely be in an AIDS orphanage in Nairobi.
- We will have a 1-2 month break around December/January when the school is out for their end of the year holiday (like summer vacation) and we are encouraged to travel during this time!!! That is going to be amazing!
- The possibility of extending my stay in Kenya will be decided in June/July 2009, but I will deal with that when the time comes.
I have already received amazing support and I appreciate you all for that!!! If you are willing and able to support me financially, you can click on the "DONATE" icon on my page. It is a secure link. If you feel more comfortable sending checks or money orders, you can send them to my house in Austin.
James Butler
1134 Lawson Lane
Austin, TX 78702
Let me reiterate that I am extremely thankful for any type of support: thoughts, prayers, comments on my blog, love, hugs, positive energy, donations, good vibes, etc. I THANK YOU.
PEACE AND LOVE TO YOU ALL!!!!!
Feel free to enjoy this video about the Nyumbani Village. Click on this link and then there will be a video link (look for "wmv" or "mp4"). Click on one of those to see the video.
http://www.nyumbani.org/village_need.htm
3 comments:
dude, congrats on Kenya, it surely will be a life changing experience. maybe Jen and I can come see you down there, we want to visit since she was born there and hasn't been back since she was 2. I'm super pumped for you and this opportunity and can't wait to hear how things progress for you. Much peace, love, and prayers are with you!
by the way, here is my blog address so you can keep up with us!
www.41dmbfan.blogspot.com
moni! (hello! - chichewa)
loved the video jim! seems like it is a very organized program, and the village seems to be very accepted and supported by the community. wow! a couple of months to travel..i'm jealous...in a good way of course :). you must visit malawi, zambia, and south africa...but i am sure you will make great use of your time out there to see everything possible! thanks for sharing your love kiddo! lives are better because of you...well, that and people smile more when you are around :). love ya lots...m.e.
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