CHRISTMAS HAS NEVER BEEN SO MERRY!

Thanks to everyone who donated towards our Xmas catalog 2009. Tumaini was able to purchase 2 cows and 3 goats for the project. The best part is that one of the cows is expecting a calf in June and the mama goat is to deliver twins any day now! Thank you a zillion times :) The kids are enjoying fresh milk in the morning!

NEW

You can now post comments on all of our emergency care stories found in "TRUE STORIES - REAL HOPE".
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We look forward to hearing what you think!
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A short message from the founder and director.

Tumaini = HOPE

I would be lieing if I said that putting all of this together was easy. I've become capable (but definetely not master) of completing numerous tasks since I decided to get involved in the developing world of Kenya. That's because I pride myself in running this organization without administration costs. I want every penny that finds its way to me to get to them. Unfortunately for me (and sometimes the viewer) this also means that I have to teach myself how to do things such as create websites! I've chosen to use blogger because there are no fees to maintain it. It's been a painful process, but I've somehow managed!

Why? I fell in love with a small community in Western Kenya and the amazing people that live in it. They are my grandmothers, grandfathers, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters - and truly are in need of some simple support systems in order to better their own lives. It is not my wish to create a 'western-dependant' culture but rather to mobilize the people by providing opportunity thus allowing them to sustain themselves in the future. The resources are there, I promise you that. I've lived with them, shared with them, grown with them - I know.

I want to sincerely thank you for taking the time to take a peek inside of their lives. The pictures, stories, EVERYTHING are my own. Through the internet, a camera, some story writing, and a bit of compassion... I am their voice. And I love every bit of it.

Sincerely, Amanda Flanagan
Project Founder & Director


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VISION

A society that is socially, mentally, and economically empowered; Educated and able to cope with and overcome issues affecting poverty within the marginalized community of Shibanze.

MISSION STATEMENT

To be a transparent learning organization that uses cultural and gender sensitive strategies to mobilize, encourage and enable the community; Encouraging appropriate health-seeking behaviors and promoting a socially and economically sound community through education and training in income generating activities.

ORGANIZATIONAL MAIN OBJECTIVE

To prove sustainable support services in alleviating poverty and bettering living standards of all members of the community through the development of strategies and initiatives at a grass roots level within the community.

ANNALS OF THE GROUP

The organization was officially registered in 2008, although pre-existing programs were previously underway. The organization is registered in the Western Province of Kenya, Mumias District, Matungu Division in Khalaba sub-location. The land was acquired and programs were started by international volunteers as early as 2006 and have slowly grown since. In 2008 one past volunteer returned to find the previous management system deteriorating which is when Tumaini Community Development Centre officially opened in order to correct the problem. Tumaini Community Development Centre is collectively run by two directors as well as 13 members of the community. It is a community project, run by the community, for the community.

ANTICIPATED RESULTS

We anticipate a self reliant future generation. Through the education and training of the community, especially youth, women, orphans, and those suffering due to the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic, we believe that it is possible to see today’s impoverished become tomorrow’s successful leaders. We believe that these groups of people can lead the community as a whole to social and economic sustainability.