News From Africa. Vol. 61, No. 1
November 19, 2024
Photos by Lalmba’s Ethiopian Staff
We want to bring you an update on a little girl named Mekdes. You might remember hearing about Mekdes in a previous newsletter, a precious baby who came to us after her mother sadly passed away from malaria and her father had no means of taking care of her. Working with the local government officials, Lalmba staff took her into the Chiri Children’s Home in Ethiopia and she became part of Lalmba’s family.
Now at just eight months old, Mekdes finds herself battling another life threatening hurdle — measles, a highly contagious disease that is especially dangerous for young children. Our staff noticed Mekdes had developed a bad fever and quickly took her to the nearest hospital as her condition worsened. Thanks to the swift actions of our dedicated team at Lalmba’s Chiri Children’s Home, she received much needed oxygen and after about a week of hospitalization she is starting to improve.
For us, this very personal story of Mekdes highlights both the severe outbreak of measles we are dealing with Ethiopia and a larger concern that affects children globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over half of the world’s countries are at high risk of measles outbreaks due to vaccination gaps left during the COVID-19 pandemic. In remote communities like Agaro Bushi, a disease like measles that primarily affects children under five, can be devastating, particularly for the poor people in these regions.
As Mekdes battles this pre
ventable disease, her story serves as a poignant call to action for the global community. It is a reminder of the importance of healthcare access and the critical need for robust vaccination programs. Lalmba is on the front lines of this battle, ensuring that children like Mekdes receive not only the medical care they require but also the preventive measures that can protect them from such diseases.
Your continuous support enables us to provide these lifesaving services. It ensures that our clinic has the resources to treat and care for the most vulnerable children. Each donation helps us extend our reach further, utilizing Health Extension Workers to vaccinate more children thus preventing the spread of preventable diseases like measles.
Thank you for standing with us and with children like Mekdes. Together, we are not just saving lives but also building a healthier future for the children who depend on us.
We are thrilled to highlight a recent inspiring chapter in the journey of Lalmba’s founders, Hugh and Marty Downey. Their commitment, spanning decades of selfless service, recently brought them back to Kenya, where they connected with our staff and the communities we serve. This trip was more than a return; it was a reaffirmation of the lasting bonds they have built with the people of Kenya. During their visit, Hugh addressed our dedicated staff, sharing words of encouragement and gratitude that reinforced the deep connection between Lalmba’s mission and its people. We invite you to watch this special moment captured in a video now available on our YouTube channel.
Hugh and Marty Downey were also recently featured in an article in the Denver Catholic. This piece offers an in-depth look at their lifelong dedication and the profound impact of their work with Lalmba. You can find the article online by visiting Lalmba’s website under About Lalmba / Our History, or simply using the link to the right. This enriching read provides further insights into their mission and the powerful legacy they continue to build with each passing year.
The story of Hugh and Marty inspires us all to consider how we might contribute to Lalmba’s ongoing mission. Whether you are new to our community or have been with us through various chapters of our journey, there is always room to make a difference. By volunteering, sharing our stories, or donating, you help sustain the cycle of love and service that defines Lalmba.
Thank you for your continued support and for being a part of this extraordinary family. Together, we are not just changing lives; we are transforming futures.
At Lalmba, we are blessed with a community of volunteers that spans continents and we want to take a moment to thank you all. From expatriates who commit a year or more to live and work alongside our staff, to local community members who step up to help their neighbors, our volunteers are the heart of Lalmba.
Many of our expatriate volunteers come to us from the US, bringing diverse skills and a shared passion for service. They immerse themselves in local cultures, often learning new languages and adapting to different ways of life. Their commitment goes beyond the daily tasks; they build lasting relationships that bridge continents and cultures.
Equally important are our local volunteers in Kenya and Ethiopia, who offer what little they have to support our efforts. These dedicated individuals know their communities best. They are our guides, our translators, and our partners in every sense. They teach us, even as they learn new skills that enhance their own capabilities and the well-being of their communities.
To our volunteers, past and present, we extend our deepest gratitude. You are the backbone of Lalmba, the spirit behind our mission, and the hope for our future. Together, we continue to change lives, one act of kindness at a time.
Your support helps sustain this vibrant volunteer culture. As we move forward, we invite more of you to join us, whether by volunteering, spreading the word, or contributing financially. Every action you take makes a difference.
We want to extend a special
Thank You
to Martin Alkire for his year of volunteer service in Ethiopia.
You have been a great mentor and friend to all of us!
Join us on June 22nd at 2:00 PM Mountain Time to learn more about our three pillars!
We are excited to introduce a special opportunity for you to deepen your impact with us: the Lalmba Vision Partner program. This new initiative invites you to join a community of supporters dedicated to advancing our mission through strategic, long-term commitments. As a Lalmba Vision Partner, your ongoing support will directly enhance our capacity to deliver meaningful change to those who need it most.
Focus Your Impact
Our efforts are structured around three crucial program pillars: Children, Medical, and Empowerment. Each pillar is designed to address specific needs within the communities we serve:
At-Risk Children: Supporting the health, education, and well-being of children, ensuring they have the opportunities they need to thrive.
Medical Care: Providing essential medical care and health education to prevent disease and improve quality of life.
Empowerment: Offering training and support programs that empower individuals and communities to sustainably improve their own circumstances.
To join the Lalmba Vision Partner program or to learn more, simply visit www.lalmba.org/vision-partner. Together, we can achieve our vision for a brighter future, bringing tangible hope and help to those who rely on us. Thank you for considering this opportunity to stand with us as a Lalmba Vision Partner.
Lalmba Association
PO Box 2516,
Monument, CO 80132 USA
lalmba@lalmba.org
720-260-6785
Accountability and Disclosure
EIN: 43-6057338
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