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Read about some of the communities we have served, as well as our current work.



NAIVASHA, KENYA

Project Update:

ST. THERESE DEVELOPMENT CENTER  -   Spring 2012

Progress has been moving at a great pace. We are happy to report the latest developments:

Please click on the link following in order to view pictures of these amazing developments.

We conclude our joyful news by announcing that the opening ceremony of St. Therese will take place on Friday August 10, 2012.

PHOTOS


Summer / Fall 2011


St. Therese Development Center construction - August 2011


St. Therese Development Center construction - September 2011


St. Therese Development Center construction - End of September 2011


St. Therese Development Center construction - End of October 2011


St. Therese Development Center construction (front view) - End of November 2011


St. Therese Development Center construction (rear view) - End of November 2011


St. Therese Development Center sports field - End of November 2011


Water tower construction - September 2011                                            October 2011


Farm house construction - October 2011


Crop field with irrigation lines installed - November 2011

Crop field with irrigation lines installed - End of November 2011


Vegetable garden - End of November 2011


Work at the St. Therese Development Center is progressing well. This summer, a group of missionaries was the very first missionary group to work at the Center. They painted the soccer and volleyball posts, the front gate, watchman’s room and the central pond. They used a technique of cement engraving for the center’s name and logo at the entrance. They also used this same technique for a welcome sign and design at the front gate. They brought life to the center by planting 460 trees along the main pathway inside the center. In addition, they designed and planted two rock gardens near the central pond. The 24 large boxes of donated goods shipped from Canada, were opened and properly organized for the future use of the center. All curtains that will be needed for the center were sown and are ready for use.

PHOTOS

NAIVASHA, KENYA   2011






Ste. Therese Rehabilitation and Development Centre

After overcoming some administration obstacles, we were joyfully able to officially open the centre through a ground breaking celebration. Attending the ceremony were representatives from the Kenyan government, the local community, Maryknoll Fathers, the diocese of Nakuru, and Canadian Hearts and Hands. As ribbons were cut and shovels entered the ground, areas marked for future bore hole and rehab house were also blessed. This project will provide us with the unique experience of working with government leaders, lay people and clergy at the same time.

The 2011 July mission will offer missionaries an opportunity to work with both the Rising Stars in Langata as well as orphans and youth of Naivasha. Upon arrival in Kenya, they will attend a three-day formation course, which includes cultural, religious and historical orientation to Naivasha and its people. The formation course will be led by Maryknoll missionary Professor Michael C.Kirwen.

PHOTOS        new photos added (16-May-2011)


Naivasha, Kenya Project

Canadian Hearts and Hands is excited to announce our new project, the St. Therese Development and Rehab Centre for abused women, infants and children, over 22 acres of land in Naivasha, Kenya. Over the next 5 years, construction and development will take place as follows:

Year One: March 2011 - April 2012

Year Two: April 2012 - March 2013

Year Three: April 2013 - March 2014

Year Four: April 2014 - March 2015

Year Five: April 2015 - March 2016

All education and prevention programs for young mothers and children will begin as soon as the facilities are available.

As this project begins, we turn confidently to the words of Jesus, who promised us:

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)

Present Situation

Naivasha is situated in Kenya’s Rift Valley, with a population of 54,000. Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya’s major tourism areas. As in other areas of the country, Naivasha struggles with extreme poverty, disease and crime. In particular, sexual violence is on the rise in the area, and claims a victim every two minutes. Women, infants and children are most frequently affected by violent sexual crime, often committed by friends and family members.

Many incidents of rape have been reported in the flower farms. Women are put at risk for sexual assault by being asked to report for work during early morning hours and leaving late in the evening. After an attack, they are pressured and often bribed by their attackers to keep them quiet.

Gender equality is also a major concern. Women in Naivasha are pressured by male superiors and colleagues in their work places into satisfying certain demands as a condition to keeping their jobs. This, coupled with the area’s high poverty and unemployment levels, results in the women taking dangerous extremes in order to provide for their children.

Other issues affect the area. Flowers are one of Kenya’s largest exports, however, the presence of the flower farms has created a major environmental concern. Climate change, the lack of proper irrigation systems, over-irrigation of the flower farms, and water demands from the town are causing pollution and shrinkage of the lake. Fishing, which once was common, has now been banned due to large numbers of fish dying from the lake’s contaminated water.

High levels of fluoride in the town’s drinking water have resulted in a large portion of the population developing dental fluorosis, an irreversible condition characterized by blackening and cracking teeth. If left untreated, and coupled with lack of nutrition and care, fluorosis can also leave bones vulnerable to fracture. Women and teenage girls appear to be affected most often. The condition also creates a self-esteem problem among youth; their peers and other members of the public ridicule them.

Many of these issues are exacerbated by the lack of government initiatives to address them. The lack of programming to educate the public on health issues and abuse prevention results in vulnerable members of the community, namely women and children, from living productive and safe lives.





CAIRO, EGYPT

Inspired by the example of the L’Arche communities, Our Lady, Queen of Peace Home seeks to provide a place of refuge and love for mentally handicapped children. Founded in Cairo by Fr. Antoun Francis Kabes in 1999, it provides housing for 100 residents, as well as day students. The facility seeks to support persons with mental conditions as well as their families. In conjunction to this centre is the Good Samaritan Home, which provides residence, training, love and support for orphan children. Fr. Douglas May, a dear friend to Canadian Hearts and Hands now working in Africa has been heavily involved with these two facilities.

Canadian Hearts and Hands: A Mission Without Borders has been supporting these ministries in Egypt for a number of years and we invite missionaries to participate in working with them. Please call (416) 347 0052 for more information about this mission.




NAIROBI, KENYA

Nairobi is Kenya’s largest city and its national capital. As in any capital, Nairobi is a modern city; advanced, populous and hectic. However, as in many African urban centres, Nairobi suffers from widespread criminal activity, poverty and a high rate of unemployment. The city contains Africa’s largest and poorest slum, called Kibera, with a population of 500 000 to 1 million people. Many of these people move from the rural areas into the city and end up living in these slums.



PROBLEMS IN NAIROBI:

Although the problems in Nairobi are numerous, Canadian Hearts and Hands has chosen to focus on the plight of the children. In the surrounding slums, many children are exposed to a life without healthcare, education or hope. Many of them are orphans, left to fend for themselves in the streets. Others have turned to working as domestics or have become involved in criminal activity. Drug abuse is rampant, and others are forced into prostitution.
Canadian Hearts and Hands, in partnership with the Salesian Order, is currently working to alleviate the problem by taking in street children in the Langata area of Nairobi, providing them with the means and support that they need to live full, productive lives.



NAIROBI MISSION UPDATE 2010

As Canadian Hearts and Hands enters its seventh year of service, we are privileged to undertake a very important project. For a number of years now, we have been ministering to street children and youth, providing them with a loving environment in which to develop their full potential. 2010 marks the beginning of a landmark objective in our Nairobi Mission to better provide for the needs of the most helpless in the community. Our current facility houses about 40 children at a time. Our goal is to increase the number of children we serve to 600. Through the generosity of donors and supporters, the Home for Rising Stars is planning an expansion in order to serve a greater number. This labour of love will take a great deal of effort and we rely on the grace of God and the continued support of our friends to ensure a brighter future for our students.





MACHAKOS, KENYA

The Machakos Catholic Technical Training Institute, more commonly referred to as the "Better Centre", is situated thirteen kilometres outside of the city of Machakos along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. The centre is thirteen kilometres from the centre of the city and currently houses 84 students. The centre began twenty years ago as a finishing facility for teachers, which eventually fell into disrepair. In 2005 his Excellency, Martin Kivuva, the bishop of Machakos, approached Canadian Hearts and Hands with regards to the renovation and renewal of the centre. The centre now functions as a technical institute which focuses on the training and education of youth from diverse backgrounds; some have dropped out of school, others cannot afford to pay tuition, and some want a new start in life. All of them are able to find a home at the "Better Centre".



PROBLEMS IN MACHAKOS:

The Building

The centre itself was not structurally sound. Over the years, it had deteriorated from lack of upkeep and it was not suitable for accommodation. The centre consists of 3 dormitories, four classrooms, a dining hall, kitchen and workshop as well as a separate building to house staff. There was no running water in the facility and plumbing was substandard. The sewage system had not been functioning for some time due to clogged drains, and residents were forced to dig holes around the property to use as temporary septic tanks. The centre had access to electricity but, due to faulty wiring and unrepaired fixtures, the centre was limited to using one light bulb per room. The tin roofs were rusty and in dire need of replacement. The kitchen lacked proper equipment and ventilation, resulting in hazardous accumulations of soot and smoke. Classrooms and workshops did not have adequate machinery and furniture to train students in their courses.

Security

Due to its location, the Training Institute was vulnerable to crime. In rural areas cases of theft and destruction of property are quite common. The centre is ten acres of property situated in the middle of an open plain along the highway and fenced only with chicken wire. In the area, many places (convents, churches, schools, as well as homes) have fallen victim to robbery and violence from criminals.

The Land

Although the property consists of ten acres, the land around the property is not arable. There have been many previous attempts to develop the land for agriculture to support the needs of the centre. However, the poor quality of the soil and the dry climate of the area have yielded little in the way of crops. The land was overrun with thorn bushes which resulted in infestations of snakes and other vermin.

Curriculum

Students were taught the basics of their courses without practical experience. Courses like auto repair and tailoring were taught using only theoretical methods with very little equipment. Teachers were not completely qualified as the school could not afford properly trained teachers.

Water

Water is a necessity as in any community. The centre was in desperate need of water because its sources were running out. Originally, the centre depended only on rain for its water source. However, this limited source does not always provide for the needs of the community because of the dry climate of the region. Rain is collected in concrete tanks which have deteriorated over time. Water was rationed carefully as this was the only source of usable water. All of these factors had an impact on the life of the centre. Decreased morale, increasing health problems and lack of proper materials contributed to the deterioration of the spirit and purpose of the facility.




NZAIKONI, KENYA

The parish of Nzaikoni covers about 93 square kilometres with a population of 71,000. The community is situated in the lower region of the Kenyan highlands and water is scarce during the dry season. The main water source is rain water collected during the rainy season and stored in tanks. Piped water is available but only in certain areas, albeit minimal and irregular.

The area is served by one water treatment plant. Most families depend on subsistence farming to support themselves. Families of 8 to 12 people on average rely on a small plot of land they own for their food. Crops include corn, mango, sugarcane, coffee and various legumes. Many also raise poultry to supplement their income.

Transportation in the area is poor due to mountainous terrain, with underdeveloped or unrepaired roads. In fact, during rainy seasons travel is virtually impossible, resulting in crops not being taken to the market and a decrease in income. This is a daily problem in the region. Electricity is rare in the area. Many have tried to apply for installations in the community but poor management and lack of funds have not made this possible. The parish of Nzaikoni has done many things to alleviate various problems in the community. Currently, two priests serve the parish and the 19 centres that are dependent upon it.



PROBLEMS IN NZAIKONI:

Employment

Because of a lack of education, most people in Nzaikoni are employed in low paying jobs. Due to its geography, most of this labour is agricultural. Many travel to larger cities such as Nairobi to find work, only to end up with low paying menial jobs. The federal government provides very little financial support to communities, resulting in poor infrastructure.

Agriculture

Agriculture is a major source of income; however, due to high taxation and exploitation from private companies, farmers make very little. Poor infrastructure (transportation, communication) also means that products cannot be taken to the market, especially during the rainy season. Modern technology, with regards to farming/ livestock techniques, is also inaccessible to the community, resulting in poorer yields. On the average, most people make about 60-70 shillings/ day. ($1 CAN)

Education

Most people in Nzaikoni are under educated due to poor financial status. Only recently did the government waive tuition fees for primary school. However, middle and secondary school is still paid for by the family, costing up to $600.00 CAN/ year. Most children stop their schooling until sufficient funds are met, resulting in gaps of years within their education.

Disease

Three of the largest health problems facing the community are Typhoid Fever, Malaria and HIV/AIDS. Poor health in farmers leads to less work in the fields and less income for the family.




PIEDRAS NEGRAS, MEXICO:

The community of Piedras Negras is situated in the northern state of Coahuila, on the US - Mexican Border. It is about 150 miles south of San Antonio, Texas. It is also a newly founded diocese, covering about 57 000 square kilometres, with a population of 550 000.

The missionary base was in the parish of San Antonio de Padua, about one hour and a half outside of the city proper. The area is divided into districts called colonias. Each has a chapel wherein the community gathers for mass, teaches catechism to children, with some even functioning as a clinic. Currently, there is one parish priest serving the 12 outstations dependent upon it.

Missionaries worked in many of these centres: San Antonio de Padua, San Isidro, Nuestra Señora del Refugio, Nuestra Señora del Santo Rosario, and Santissima Trinidad.

PROBLEMS IN PIEDRAS NEGRAS:

Employment & Education

Employment and education go hand in hand in Piedras Negras. Many of the area’s population work in low income jobs because they do not have access to higher education, which means they do not earn enough to send their children to school. For many, the only option is for the children to also earn income by working in the city. Children, some as young as eight or nine years old, work by selling cigarettes or newspapers in traffic, bagging groceries or working as domestic help. Many who are unemployed and are not in school have turned to crime. Gangs, mostly composed of youth, have become a problem in the area.

Healthcare

There is no lack of services in Piedras Negras. In the city as well as in areas outside there are doctors, dentists, optometrists and orthodontists. The problem is that many do not have access to these services because they cannot afford it. Medication, even for basic conditions, can be hard to afford for families who have little income. In the parish, there is a doctor who volunteers her services during week-ends and there is no shortage of patients who come to see her.

Flood

In April 2005, the area experienced a disastrous flood. Due to unusually heavy rain, the Rio Escondido overflowed its banks and rose 25 feet, flooding the city. Bridges were wiped out, homes were demolished and many lives were lost. Citizens who were used to a dry and desert-like climate did not expect the torrents of rain, let alone flooding that would devastate the entire city. Many of the casualties were either young children or the elderly.



WHAT WE DID

*In 2003, we started with repairs to CARITAS, a charitable organization which provides for underprivileged families and to the parish church of San Antonio de Padua.

*The situation of the centre of Nuestra Señora del Santo Rosario was presented to Canadian Hearts and Hands. Throughout 2003 and 2004, funds were raised to pay for the land as well as begin construction of the actual centre.

*Participation in many activities with the local children including English classes, soccer tournaments and Catechism.

*Construction of the clinic and learning centre attached to the Rosario centre.

*Furnishing the learning centre with computers donated from Canada.

*During the flood of 2004, funds were raised and donated to the community through the Diocese of Piedras Negras.