As many of you know, December 1st was World Aids Day. To celebrate this special day, albeit a day early (on Nov. 30th), we had three guest speakers come to Vutakaka Center. There were two VCT counselors from a clinic in Likoni (about 1 1/2 hours from Takaungu), and one woman by the name of RoseMarie, who is a Kenyan woman, infected with HIV/AIDS. We had about 80 people in the crowd.

The presentation lasted about 2 hours and included an exercise that demonstrated how quickly AIDS can spread through a community. There was singing, clapping, shouting and a lot of laughter. It really was a fabulous experience for all involved.

The presentation began with one of the VCT counsellors talking about all the facts of HIV/AIDS. What is it? How you can get it? Where do you go for testing? Why go for testing? What do you do if you have it? etc.

After the female counsellor's speech, a male counsellor stood up and essentially confirmed to the men in the crowd that what the female counselor had said, was true.

Finally, it was time for RoseMarie to speak on life with AIDS. I think it is safe to say that most if not all the people in attendance have never been able to openly ask someone, who openly stated they were positive, about living with the disease. It was powerful, and at first, because this woman looked so healthy, thanks to ARVs, they didn't believe that she was infected. Fortunately she brought along her supply of ARVs and passed one of the tablets through the crowd. She also showed pictures of herself from several months ago when she was much thinner than she is now.

Toward the end of the presentation the speakers offered to bring a mobile HIV/AIDS testing and counselling unit to Vutakaka Center, whenever they were called. The people in the audience actually seemed excited about the idea of getting tested for free, right in their community. They were also happy to hear that ARVs are available to them from the government, for free, if necessary.

After the presentation many people came up to me, smiling, thanking me for bringing the speakers. It seems like people were relieved to actually talk openly about AIDS, to see someone living with the disease, and to be able to ask their most embarassing questions to knowledgable, compassionate people. The event was a highlight of my year. - Suzanne Jeneby

As of November 28th, 2005, the EAC celebrated its 2nd anniversary in Takaungu. Since our opening, we have gone from 60 to 120 students at our nursery/primary school. We have taught farmers how to grow maize, tomatoes, beans, cabbage, and watermelon. We have trained over 80 women (and some men) in basic sewing skills. We have offered numerous classes on HIV/AIDS, malaria prevention, family planning, nutrition and skin infections. We have trained over 20 teenagers on the use of digital cameras, video cameras, and computers. We have taught business skills, bought milk goats, taught more than 50 adults basic literacy and math, and offered free after school tutoring to children from all over the Takaungu area. We have received international volunteers from Belgium, Holland and the US. Held multiple events in the US, and have even become a registered organization in Holland (www.eastafricancenter.nl).

I know many of you have been watching the organization grow over the past few years, and I wanted to thank all of you for your ongoing support. I am so excited to be a part of this organization and I can hardly wait to see what 2006 has in store. On behalf of the EAC board of directors and all those in Takaungu participating in our many programs, thank you. – Suzanne Jeneby

Acrobats performing at Vutakaka's 2nd Annual Closing Day Ceremony.

The EAC is a remarkable grassroots development organization offering real opportunities for positive change in the lives of hundreds of people, each and every day. In order to keep the organization continually running in good order, we are in need of ongoing volunteer support, both in and out of Kenya.

If you are interested in volunteering in Kenya, visit www.comekuona.org (Come Kuona has a brand new website - complete with a photogallery with more than 50 pictures of Vutakaka, Takaungu, and the volunteer compound). Come Kuona is a separate organization, based in Kenya, that recruits and guides volunteers through the entire volunteer experience of working with us at Vutakaka Center in Takaungu, Kenya. We always need more volunteers to help us run the Center. If you have any questions about the program, please email volunteer@comekuona.org.

Moreover, if you have a passion for international development, and/or skills in non-profit / NGO management, and can't get to Kenya but would still like to volunteer, please contact Theresa Wilson at twilson@eastafricancenter.org. We would be happy to list you as one of our "on-call" volunteers in the US. (This means we would contact you if we need extra assistance for specific events or special tasks)