From Drought to Flooding in Kenya
By Jennifer Wenningkamp
We want to update you on the recent challenges faced by the communities surrounding our Matoso Clinic in Kenya. As you may recall, we previously mentioned the nearly 2-year-long drought that had taken a toll on these remote areas. The lack of rainfall not only parched the land but also devastated crops, starved farm animals, and left vulnerable elders and children struggling for food.
However, a sudden shift in the weather has brought about a new set of difficulties for these communities – excess rain and flooding! The rains, which were initially received with prayers and feelings of relief, have now become a source of distress.
In mid-May we received a note from Jenipher Atieno, our Lalmba Kenya Country Director, providing more information on what’s going on:
Flood has affected some areas in the community and
Jenipher Atieno, Lalmba Kenya Country Director
their farms are being swept away, which increased famine in our community. We are planning to give some Relief food in two weeks time for the vulnerable and desperate people who were affected.
Thanks to your generous support, Lalmba’s staff in Kenya was able to distribute this much needed food to people desperately effected by these dramatic changes in the weather.
Photos of the flooding and food distribution by Jenipher Atieno, Lalmba Kenya Country Director
A Behind the Scenes Look in Ethiopia
By Jennifer Wenningkamp
As you know, Lalmba focuses on serving the most destitute and poor, yet it wouldn’t happen without the constant efforts of our amazing staff. With that in mind, we want to give you a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes efforts that make it all happen.
We recently submitted the Agaro Bushi Medium Clinic’s 5-year report. This report summarizes our operations from 2018-2023. Our Ethiopian staff did an amazing job! The local and regional government officials attending the presentation were impressed by the great work Lalmba is doing, and even offered suggestions for other communities in need of help.
All the administrative work our staff does behind-the-scenes plays a vital role in Lalmba’s operations in Ethiopia. It helps us secure the resources we need, form valuable partnerships, and navigate the maze of regulations and policies. By running things efficiently, we make sure that your generous donations have the biggest possible impact.
Moving forward, we’ll keep focusing on transparency, accountability, and excellence in all our endeavors. It’s the combination of impactful work on the ground and diligent behind-the-scenes efforts that creates lasting change and empowers the communities in both Ethiopia and Kenya.
Lalmba is Turning 60!
On September 21, 1963, a young man named Hugh Downey started this incredible organization. For 60 years Lalmba has served the poor and destitute in Africa and in doing so touched well over 1,000,000 lives. It is time to Celebrate! We are planning parties in Kenya, Ethiopia, and the U.S. this July, August, and September. Contact us for details if you are interested in joining one of the Celebrations!
How Were Your Generous Donations Used in 2022?
In our commitment to transparency, we want to share with you how your generosity and support of nearly $800,000 transformed lives in remarkable ways over the past year.
We Have Upgraded Our Communications
For over two decades Lalmba has used the same donor database to track all our amazing supporters. The system though was becoming cumbersome and a distraction from the real work, so we recently transitioned to a new, online system. Please let us know if you notice any incorrect information (names, addresses, etc) in any of our communications.
But don’t worry, we’re still the same Lalmba you know and love!
A Special Walker Joining Tembea Na Mimi 2023
By Dickens Otieno
Hi, my name is Dickens Otieno,
I am honored to be in the team of walkers in this wonderful adventure!
I was born and raised at Matoso, a small village in Kenya (where Lalmba is actually located). I am glad to inform you that I’m a pure product of Lalmba. I joined Lalmba Ongoro Children’s Home in 2006 till 2011, when I completed my primary education. Lalmba proceeded to pay for my high school until I finished and still, Lalmba supports me at the University.
I generally have no other way to say thank you for all these. That’s why I requested for this opportunity to join the walk and also raise money to help fund other needy children. I’m just one of the thousands of needy children Lalmba has supported, there are thousands of children currently in the program and there are thousands who are also not in the program but still need help, that’s why I’m joining this walk, coz there is still a bigger task.
I am a third year student at Mount Kenya University pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in International Relations. Kenya has a rich and unique diversity of culture, wildlife and resources. I in advance welcome all the walkers to Kenya and welcome all to come and see the good work Lalmba is doing right here. Lalmba supported me, I will always strive to pay back in whatever means so that other needy persons can also get help. Lalmba has played a major role in community development and has also steered its growth. Please help me in supporting my young brothers and sisters.
Thank you!
Please take a moment to watch Dickens’ interview and hear his story in his own words at www.lalmba.org/tnm
