I volunteered for Lalmba from 1988 to 1990, serving as Medical Director in Matoso. Just three years out of my family medicine residency, I felt well-equipped to provide a broad spectrum of care, including obstetrics. At the clinic, we treated 70 to 100 patients daily, and once a week, we traveled to a remote village to vaccinate and offer consultations, often seeing over 150 patients in a single day. It was an exhausting yet transformative experience, with long days and 24/7 call responsibilities that shaped me in profound ways.
I returned to Matoso in 2019 with Tembea Na Mimi, walking alongside my son, Dan. When we arrived after 10 days of hiking, I was amazed by the transformation. In 1990, Matoso had two jeeps—virtually the only motorized vehicles in town—no electricity, and very few businesses. Fast forward 30 years, and the saplings we planted had grown into trees providing shade and swings for children. Cars, motorcycles, and electricity were everywhere. A cell tower offered better reception than I have at my rural home in California.
Where there was once just one school, there were now many, including high schools. The clinic had doubled in size, and Lalmba had introduced programs to address the devastating impact of AIDS, including an orphanage and the RCAR program for children at risk. Women’s cooperatives, a library with computers, a learning center, and thriving local businesses—from textiles to boat builders to restaurants—were flourishing. Most inspiring of all, the staff I worked with 30 years ago had become the leaders of these efforts.
This incredible progress is a testament to Lalmba’s investment in the people of Matoso. This will be my fourth trip back, and I look forward to seeing even more development and reuniting with old friends.
I am a (retiring) family physician and urgent care physician currently living in Honolulu, but originally from The San Francisco Bay Area. I have a long history of charitable work, starting with my involvement in The Amigos de las Americas vaccination program during my high school and college years, and continuing with my work as a family physician serving the low-income mostly native Hawaiian population on Oahu. I also have a love of hiking, backpacking and international adventure travel, and in the past few years completed a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal and an attempted through-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail.
I found out about the Lalmba Association from a long-term friend of mine who is an Emergency Medicine physician, and who helped to set up the Matoso Clinic in Kenya in 1988. He has since participated in numerous Tembea Na Mimi fund-raising walks, and shared his stories and photos of the walks and Matoso clinic with me, which piqued my interest. Participating in the 2025 Tembea Na Mimi fund-raising walk for me is a perfect marriage of my love for charitable work and my love of adventure travel, and I hope it is the start of a long relationship between me and the Lalmba Association.
This will be my sixth Tembea Na Mimi walk. Each journey has been an incredible adventure, offering not only the chance to experience the beauty of Kenya but also to witness firsthand the impact of Lalmba’s mission in action.
As the Chairman of the Board for Lalmba, I’m passionate about empowering local leaders to create sustainable solutions in healthcare, education, and economic development for rural communities in Kenya and Ethiopia. My work focuses on fostering self-reliance and prosperity through innovative, community-driven programs.
With a background in aerospace engineering and leadership, I’ve spent much of my career advancing groundbreaking technologies in the space and defense sectors. While that work has been rewarding, the meaningful change brought about through Lalmba’s efforts has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life.
I’m honored to be part of the Tembea Na Mimi 2025 team and to walk once again in support of Lalmba’s life-changing work.
Thank you for your powerful partnership with Lalmba Association. You have caught our vision of providing tangible HOPE to Ethiopian and Kenyan communities. Thanks to your generosity, we can save, transform, and change lives every single day of the year! Over the past 61 years, Lalmba has touched over a million lives, a legacy made possible by passionate supporters like you. Your ongoing or one-time support is fuel for our present and future operations!
In this final week of 2024, your year-end giving can ensure that our operations keep going strong in 2025. While 100% of our building projects for this financial year are fully funded, we urgently need general operational support to sustain the essential services. Through our three organizational pillars, we provide medical care to patients, at-risk intervention for children and elders, and empowerment pathways for a brighter future.
This is the final week of our third financial quarter, and we still need $150,000 to meet our general funding goals by December 31st. Your support is critical to keeping our ongoing operations running smoothly and delivering help where it’s needed most.
A donation of $500 distributed across our three operational pillars—Medical, At-Risk, and Empowerment—can transform the lives of 50 Ethiopians and Kenyans. Alternatively, you can designate your year-end gift to the pillar (Medical, At-Risk, or Empowerment) closest to your heart.
There is also an urgent need for 13 new tablets to support the Kenyan Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system and provide crucial technical assistance for our clinical staff.
Your generosity today will bring hope and health to those who need it most. Thank you for being a part of this mission to change the lives of those who live at the end of the road!
Your year-end donation can be designated towards your preferred operational Pillar:
Medical Pillar: 4 Kenyan and Ethiopian clinics/health posts, Mother and child care, Public Health Outreach & Ambulance services
At-Risk: 2 Children’s homes, Community-based orphan care, Elder care, and Intervention for vulnerable populations
Empowerment: Micro-loans for single mothers, libraries, tutoring, scholarships, capacity building for staff, leadership training, and new empowerment activities in 2025
Daniel, Lalmba Ethiopia’s lab tech, is identifying malaria with our Olympus E Achromat 100X objective (from ROCKY MOUNTAIN MICROSCOPE CORPORATION) and our microscope from SAED.
Rob AndzikLalmba’s Year-End Giving: Supporting Essential Services in 2025
This Christmas, we’re excited to offer a thank-you gift that truly represents the spirit of Lalmba’s work in Kenya and Ethiopia. With every donation over $100, you will receive a unique, reusable grocery bag, hand-sewn by talented seamstresses in Matoso using vibrant Kenyan fabrics. Each bag folds into a built-in zipper pouch, perfect for on-the-go convenience, and no two bags are alike!
To make this gift even more special, each bag is adorned with a small Ethiopian cross, brought from Ethiopia to Kenya and attached with care by the seamstresses. It’s a symbol of the cross-cultural unity and support that your donation brings to people in the rural communities Lalmba supports.
By donating this Christmas, you’re not just giving a gift of hope—you’re empowering the local artisans who crafted it and making a real impact. A contribution of $100-$200 can support a child for an entire year, cover medical expenses for 10 patients, or provide education that empowers a young adult toward a brighter future. Your generosity creates lasting change in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for joining us in bringing hope and opportunity to those who need it most.
The Courage And Strength Of A Mother’s Love
It’s been two years since I joined this amazing organization, and each visit to Ethiopia and Kenya deepens my admiration for the people we serve. This past September, I once again had the opportunity to visit Lalmba’s work in Ethiopia. One day in particular stands out. As I walked along the hilly roads around Lalmba’s Agaro Bushi clinic, mud caking my boots and slipping on what seemed like every rock, I couldn’t help but think about a woman in labor I met earlier that week and her newborn son named Surafel. Just a few hours earlier, Surafel’s mother had made the same journey up the steep, rain-soaked trails, stopping often to breathe through contractions, steadying herself as the clay and mud slipped between her bare toes. For two hours she walked that path. Each step, each breath, was a testament to her courage, driven by the hope that her baby would be born safely under the care of Lalmba’s clinic staff.
She arrived, somehow without any mud on her dress, supported by her dear friend and mother, just in time for Surafel’s birth. Watching our team help her settle into the birthing room, I felt a surge of gratitude and admiration—not just for our skilled staff, but for the mothers of Agaro Bushi who make this journey through the mud and rain, driven by hope.
Moments like these are at the heart of our work in rural communities like Agaro Bushi. In 2023 alone, Lalmba’s staff in Ethiopia and Kenya delivered 228 babies — each birth a testament to the strength of these mothers and the compassionate care of our staff. Surafel’s arrival was a quiet triumph, a reminder of the resilience that thrives in these hills.
When I saw Alazar, Lalmba’s Ethiopia Medical Director, gently swaddle little Surafel in warm clothes, I felt overwhelmed by the beauty and challenges of this place. I saw what love looks like: it’s the deep red of a mother’s pounding heart as she walks through the mud, enduring labor pains, to reach Lalmba’s small clinic on a remote hillside in Ethiopia. It’s the kindness Lalmba’s staff showed her as she labored and brought an incredible new life into the world. Lalmba’s clinic may be a small beacon of hope in the vast Ethiopian highlands, but it’s a place where women like Surafel’s mother find refuge, and where, together, we witness these small miracles of new life and unbreakable spirit.
An Added Gift As A Member Of Lalmba’s Family
This year, along with the beautiful handmade bag, we’re including a special bracelet as a thank-you. Made from silicone in red and green—the common colors of the Kenyan and Ethiopian flags—one side reads “Lalmba” and the other, “A place and a people of hope.” Originally designed and donated as a gift for our staff, this bracelet has become a symbol of the Lalmba family. We handed them out with the help of Jenipher Atieno, our Kenya Country Director, and Atinafu Yohanis, our Ethiopia Country Director to Lalmba’s staff. Our Medical Director, Alazar, even wore his as he gently cared for newborn Surafel.
We hope this bracelet brings you a sense of unity with Lalmba’s family and the communities we serve.
Serving as a Volunteer in Agaro Bushi
Hello, Lalmba friends and family! My name is Tamara, or Tam, and I’m serving as a Public Health Educator at Lalmba’s Agaro Bushi Medical Clinic in Ethiopia for a year. My journey and love for Africa began as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya. Since then, I’ve worked in Ethiopia teaching English, and in public health with at-risk populations in Chicago and along Lake Victoria, tackling the HIV/AIDS crisis. I first worked with Lalmba in Kenya, and now I’m thrilled to be back, serving in Ethiopia.
Here in Agaro Bushi, I work with our clinic staff to address rising malaria cases and reduce malnutrition in the community. I love the work here, as there’s always that feeling of wanting to do everything you can for the people and to support the clinic’s amazing staff. Even after a tough day, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction and pride as I witness what people are capable of — not only because of the rural setting and the distances our patients travel to reach us, but because of the time and energy our staff spends making the community healthier.
On weekends, when the road is passable, I visit the Children’s Home in Chiri, where the kids’ energy and laughter are infectious — especially when they run to greet visitors! I feel honored and grateful for having the chance to make my small contribution to this program, for growing and learning together with local staff over the next year and for being part of the Lalmba family.
We Need Your Support!
At Lalmba, we’re driven to make every dollar count, empowering communities and bringing hope to some of the most underserved areas of Kenya and Ethiopia. Thanks to supporters like you, in 2023 alone, we provided care to over 57,000 patients, supported more than 1,300 children, welcomed nearly 19,900 visits to our library, and delivered 228 babies. That is nearly 80,000 times a life was touched, through medical care, supporting at-risk children, or empowering them to a better life, for an average of only $10.
But to keep these vital programs going — and to realize new projects like our education center — we need your help to strengthen our operational budget. Lalmba relies on the generosity of supporters like you to sustain our vital programs. Recently we have seen a drop in funding, forcing us to draw from our savings to continue our work. These reserves won’t last forever! Will you join us in continuing this mission? Please consider helping us impact 10 more lives by increasing your donation by $100 or more.
Lalmba’s leadership teams from Kenya, Ethiopia, as well as the US and Spain, gathered during the Leadership Summit in Nairobi, holding up the bags the seamstresses made. A group truly focused on supporting the poor in Kenya and Ethiopia. From left to right: Rob, Tam, Alazar, Joan, Wilkester, Jeremiah, Marcy, Atinafu, Aselefich, Tsion, Jenipher, Minalush, Linder, and Jennifer. This summit marked the first time all senior leaders came together. Our leadership team is more united and prepared to continue delivering Lalmba’s mission and vision and overcome any challenges on the way.
In the quiet lakeside village of Matoso, life moves at a different pace, dictated by the lake, the weather, and seasonal rains. On Wednesdays, a small market springs to life, and on weekends, everyone gathers at church. Every day has its struggles, and every small victory is a celebration. These challenges are felt throughout the community, but young adults are particularly impacted. Among the many stories of resilience, Maricus’s stands out, embodying the spirit of hope and determination that defines this community.
At just 19, Maricus has faced more challenges than many encounter in a lifetime. Her father passed away when she was only ten. Her mother, a cook, worked tirelessly to provide for her seven children. As the third oldest, Maricus dreamed of becoming a journalist. She studied hard and completed high school, but those dreams were halted by the harsh realities of living in this rural community. There are few opportunities, and recently, illness has confined her mother to bed, leaving Maricus to shoulder the household responsibilities. “I am a good writer, and I want to tell stories,” Maricus explained. “But, there is no place to work, and I just stay home taking care of my family.”
Despite the setbacks, Maricus’s spirit remains unbroken. She spends her days caring for her siblings and guarding herself against the many pitfalls that claim the lives of young adults, especially young women in her community. Early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and the lure of quick money through dangerous means are constant threats. “I stay home to avoid falling into bad groups,” she explains. “I’ve seen what happens. I don’t want that for me.”
The community believes that secondary school is the pathway to success. However, after graduation, employment opportunities are scarce. Jobs are typically only available through the government or larger organizations in distant cities. Job postings are listed on a board in Migori, an hour and a half drive away, broadcast on the radio, or published in newspapers. Lalmba’s current small library is one of the few places where locals can access these resources. Unfortunately, it’s common for hundreds to apply for a job that is already filled by family, friends, and bribes. Some find “hustles” like fishing or driving a piki piki (motorcycle taxi), but many give up, join bad groups, or, in the case of young women, sell themselves for money.
Yet, opportunities are no longer restricted by geography. For an aspiring journalist like Maricus, the real opportunities can be found online. Unfortunately, even that is seemingly inaccessible in rural areas like Matoso. We believe that the new Matoso Education and Empowerment Center will part of the solution. Our hope is that this center will ignite change, fostering a community where young people can thrive and contribute positively toward a self-sufficient future for their families and their community.
The Matoso Education and Empowerment Center
From its start in 1963, Lalmba has believed that education is a key part of breaking the cycle of poverty. Over that time, the essence of education throughout the world has evolved from basic literacy to include an understanding of the modern, digital world. The rural communities we serve are on the fringes of this technological revolution and risk being left behind. Without digital skills, opportunities are scarce, even for the educated. However, with computer and internet knowledge, new income avenues emerge, offering hope for a better future, even in remote areas.
In 2023, our small, outdated library at Lalmba’s Matoso Clinic had nearly 20,000 visits. People came to learn, pulling dusty books off the shelves and reading the newspaper for local, national, and world news. In the cramped, single-room space, children gathered around the few working laptops to learn basic computer kills. There is a strong thirst for knowledge, but our small library barely scratched the surface.
Our new Matoso Education and Empowerment Center addresses this need. It’s not just a building; it’s a cornerstone of Lalmba’s vision for a self-sufficient, empowered community. Here, children and adults will learn essential skills to thrive in a digital world. The center will offer programs tailored to the unique needs of rural communities, from digital literacy and internet readiness to public health and business skills, opening new opportunities for those struggling like Maricus.
We cannot do this alone. For the Matoso Education and Empowerment Center to become a true community resource, we need support. Several organizations are helping us: The Rotary Club of Southeast Denver has contributed furniture, and Compassion International has donated laptops. We are forming a partnership with the gold Youth Development Agency (goldyouth.org) providing peer-to-peer leadership training and future business opportunities for youth in remote African communities. Yet, we still need more funding to complete construction, buy books, and ensure a successful launch. With your support, this center can transform lives, fostering a community where everyone has the chance to succeed and contribute to a brighter future for themselves and their community.
Success Through Microloans
We want to share with you a great story of empowerment. As a single mother, Lilian Akinyi faced the daunting task of pro- viding for her family after being left with nothing when her husband passed away. Fortu- nately, she and her children were enrolled in Lalmba’s RCAR program, which became the foundation of their journey toward a brighter future.
Lilian needed a source of income to feed her family so she joined one of Lalmba’s small business classes. Armed with new knowledge and strong determination, she applied for her first Lalmba microloan to cover school fees while she started selling small fish at the local market. With this humble start, she was able to make ends meet and Lilian inside her small shop ensure her children went to school.
In 2019, Lilian took out a second loan and built a small roadside shop. Strategically located at the entrance of Matoso, her shop has become a go-to place for locals and visitors alike. The shop offers a variety of products, from fresh produce and school supplies to clothing and shoes. She works hard to manage her inventory. Perishable goods and sourcing inventory from distant cities are always a challenge. But, in the end, she is able to provide for her family and ensure her children are fed and going to school.
Lalmba’s microloan program has helped hundreds of single mothers, like Lilian, support their families by starting small businesses. These loans provide the initial funds needed to buy inventory and cover other startup costs. However, the success of their business is still closely tied to the overall local economy. In Matoso, where the economy heavily depends on fishing, the lake is overfished and floods have damaged the shoreline. The town sees fewer visitors, and small shops like Lillian’s are struggling.
Lalmba’s focus is on serving the poor, but our projects in both Kenya and Ethiopia have beneficial side effects that go far beyond the work we do directly. In Agaro Bushi, the local market day is now a bustling hub where people walk for hours to buy and sell goods and exchange information. We envision the new Matoso Education and Empowerment Center having a similar positive impact. Small shop owners, like Lilian, will benefit from more consistent traffic. People will come to Matoso not only for medical care but also for knowledge. Together, we are building a new economic engine and fostering a more self-sufficient community.
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 preventable 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.
Love has always been at the heart of Lalmba
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.
Celebrating our heros
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!
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.
As a Vision Partner, you have the flexibility to choose how your support is used. You can prioritize your support toward a specific pillar— At-Risk Children, Medical Care, or Empowerment—and receive focused stories, activity updates, and impact data related to your chosen pillar. Alternatively, you can contribute to our general fund to support all pillars of our mission and receive comprehensive updates on our latest endeavors.
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.
In Matoso, Kenya, and Agaro Bushi, Ethiopia, amidst the verdant fields of these rural communities, lies a silent crisis that touches the most vulnerable: our children. Malnutrition, a dire consequence of food scarcity, inadequate storage, and economic instability, threatens the future of countless young lives. At Lalmba, we witness daily the struggles and resilience of families fighting against the grip of hunger.
The story of a little bright-eyed young boy from a remote village near Matoso, brings this crisis to life. His journey to Lalmba began with his grandmother’s desperate walk to our clinic, seeking help for her grandson’s alarming weight loss and lethargy, classic signs of severe malnutrition. Like many in the surrounding areas, his family depended on small-scale farming and fishing, which, in recent years, has become increasingly unreliable due to shifting weather patterns and over-fishing in the lake.
Upon their arrival, his hungry grandmother was greeted with warmth and immediate action. Our staff quickly identified this young boy as severely malnourished, with not long to live unless immediate action was taken. They were both enrolled in our Chakula Bora program and received life-saving nutritional support and medical care.
The recovery of malnourished children like this little boy is both rapid and remarkable. Within weeks, children who once faced severe health risks due to malnutrition begin to show signs of improvement. Their energy returns, their smiles brighten, and they start to engage with the world around them in new ways. This swift transformation underscores the impact of Lalmba’s efforts and the resilience of the human spirit.
But our commitment extends beyond helping a child recover. Through education on locally fortified foods and sustainable practices, we empower families to sustain their health gains. This holistic approach ensures that children not onlyrecover but also thrive, embarking on a new beginning filled with possibilities.
Your support is crucial in this life-saving mission. Together, we can continue to provide hope and healing to children and families at the end of the road. Join us in transforming lives and nurturing futures, one child at a time.
Navigating the Challenges of Food Insecurity
As we continue Lalmba’s mission to support the most vulnerable, recent trends have highlighted an alarming rise in malnutrition cases within the communities we serve in Kenya and Ethiopia. This increase prompts us to delve deeper into the underlying causes, seeking not only to provide immediate aid but also to address the root issues contributing to food scarcity.
In the regions surrounding Agaro Bushi, Ethiopia, and Matoso, Kenya, several factors exacerbate the challenge of securing sufficient, nutritious food. A significant portion of these communities relies on subsistence farming, dependent on natural rainfall and traditional storage methods. However, the absence of electricity complicates food preservation, leaving families vulnerable to crop failures and food shortages.
Moreover, both countries face the double burden of relying on imported food staples, such as cooking oil and fatty foods, while grappling with national inflation and the high cost of fuel. These economic pressures make it increasingly difficult for families to afford the essentials, pushing more households into food insecurity.
The situation is further complicated by changing weather patterns, with prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainy seasons disrupting traditional agricultural practices. Livestock, a critical source of nutrition and income for many families, suffer from the lack of water and grazing land, leading to decreased food availability and higher prices for meat and milk.
As we navigate these challenges, Lalmba’s approach focuses on comprehensive support for affected families. From initial medical treatment and nutritional support to education on sustainable food practices, our goal is to empower communities to overcome these obstacles. By understanding the complex web of factors contributing to malnutrition, we can tailor our interventions to meet the immediate and long-term needs of those we serve.
Dehydration is a problem with malnourished children and in severe malnutrition, special formulas and rehydration solution are needed. Resomal, a oral rehydration solution, and the F-100 formula are not available through MEDS (Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies). Dehydration would be a reason for referral to a nearby hospital. They are also more prone to infection so a severe presentation of an illness such as Malaria could be another reason for referral. All other cases are treated as outpatient care by our clincal staff.
Dr. Manasa Irwin Lalmba International Medical Director (Kenya)
Lalmba conducts outreach clinics far into the Ethiopian rainforest. These journeys are not just a trek across rugged terrain, but a venture into the heart of human resilience and emphasize the reason Lalmba is needed in these remote communities. Recently one of our volunteers, Maria, experienced one such tragic situation.
Our small-but-mighty outreach team, consisting of an expatriate nurse and three Ethiopian staff, had come across a family with a feverish toddler. Maria quickly assessed that this was a serious situation and found herself surprised at her stern tone of voice when she insisted that the tiny child be brought to our clinic – straight away. The mother’s eyes darted between Maria and Aynalem, our RCAR social worker, as they explained the risks of untreated malaria. She wiped at the small band of sweat beads forming on the child’s tiny forehead. The fever was too high. They explained that the symptoms indicated malaria. Her child had to get a malaria test from our lab and start receiving treatment quickly. She nodded and agreed to bring her sick child to the clinic, but only after her husband returned from working in a village two days away.
It was difficult to leave the feverish child with her mom and siblings, but our outreach team had many families to visit. For families with children under the school age, a home visit is the only way to see them. Our volunteer, RCAR social worker, public health nurse, and guard spent hours that day navigating through the muddy trails and steep terrains. The homes they visited were smoky and poorly lit, with thatched roofs and mosquito-infested shadows. But it’s in these homes where the true spirit of community shone. Nominated by caring neighbors for Lalmba’s RCAR assistance, each family welcomed our team with open arms. Then, following a checklist, our staff asked questions and discussed how they are all doing.
Our team encouraged each family they visited to prevent sickness by using clean water, practicing hygiene, and eating nutritious meals daily. They reminded them that Lalmba’s clinic is within walking distance and advised them to come to our clinic for free treatment any time they are sick. Sadly this message is sometimes met with skepticism of modern medicine and disbelief that it is truly free.
That afternoon, as our outreach team began the long trek out of the lush green rainforest back to the village of Agaro Bushi, Maria’s thoughts were with that toddler with malaria. She hoped they would come soon, but sadly, later that week, the whole team shared in the deep sorrow of the mother who finally arrived at the clinic, too late for her feverish child to recover.
As I later spoke with Maria, her voice quivered, reflecting on the what-ifs. Malaria cases are on the rise in this region of Ethiopia and sadly toddler “Jane Doe” died of this treatable disease. But our resolve is unwavering. At Agaro Bushi Medium Clinic, and working with our European partner SAED, we see daily successes and we are making strides in educating the community through our public health initiatives. We are here, at “the end of the road” walking alongside each family, sharing in their struggles and triumphs.
We won’t lose hope, there are many patients treated at Agaro Bushi Medium Clinic, and thousands who are learning from our public health initiatives. We will continue visiting, teaching, listening, and engaging with the community we serve. Your support is integral to our journey. Together, we can continue to bring hope and change. Thank you for partnering with us and enabling us to continue this lifesaving and life-changing work.
As a mother of children who have survived malaria – I am forever grateful to the numerous medical staff, nurses and technicians who worked tirelessly to save their lives. I’m also incredibly grateful for malaria treatment and research that is reducing the number of lives lost to this preventable and treatable disease. – Jennifer Wenningkamp
Reflections on 2023
By Rob Andzik – Chairman of the Board
As we reflect on the past year, it’s not just the milestones we’ve reached that inspire us, but the leadership and adaptability that have marked 2023 as a year of exceptional transformation for Lalmba. Yet in all that, we are still the same small organization working at the “end of the road” and empowering the destitute and the poor to a better life.
In Kenya, our largest project, we celebrated a seamless transition in leadership with Jenipher Atieno taking the helm as the new Country Director, succeeding Marico, who retired a year ago after a commendable 36 years of service. This change sparked a series of well-deserved promotions within our Kenyan staff, enhancing our organizational structure and invigorating our mission with fresh perspectives. Under Jenipher Atieno’s capable leadership, the team has navigated a year of both challenges and triumphs, from dealing with floods and inflation to hosting the 2023 Tembea na Mimi team. Their resilience and passion for the work shone brightly as we celebrated Lalmba’s 60th anniversary with speeches from community members, RCAR beneficiaries, and retirees. It was truly, a testament to the enduring impact of Lalmba’s work in Kenya.
Lalmba Ethiopia also saw a year marked by both challenges and victories. Atinafu Gebreyohanis, our Ethiopia Country Director, has steered the organization through these times with steadfast determination. Last year, we not only faced the usual hurdles of remote work but also celebrated significant advancements. We had to respond quickly and rebuild our boy’s dormitory in Chiri, build new staff housing in Agaro Bushi, which was only possible through the incredible effort of community collaboration, expanded our RCAR program to reach Agaro Bushi, rebooted our microloan initiatives in Chiri, and updated numerous processes and systems for better efficacy.
Back in the US, Jennifer Wenningkamp has done a great job taking on the roll of leading this amazing organization. Working closely with Joan Marques, our VP of Operations from Spain, their combined leadership has infused Lalmba with a new energy, driving forward enhanced communication strategies, increased financial transparency, and a sharpened focus on strategic planning. They have brought in new passionate volunteers, working in both the US and in Africa. And they have increased the involvement of our Board of Directors, a group I am personally very thankful for.
Now as we stand on the cusp of another year with new challenges and opportunities. We carry with us our faith, the lessons of resilience, the spirit of compassion, and the heart of community that have always been Lalmba’s hallmark. These stories of leadership and progress are not just our stories—they are yours, too. Your support fuels our journey, and together, we forge a path of hope and transformation for the communities we serve.
In this newsletter we have included an insert showing you the impact Lalmba has had over the last year. We encourage you to take a moment and see what your support has enabled our incredible staff in Kenya and Ethiopia to achieve as they work to improve their own communities.
Thank you for standing with us through every stride and for being an integral part of Lalmba’s enduring legacy.
Tembea Na Mimi 2025
Its not too early to start planning for another amazing Tembea Na Mimi in July/August of 2025. Maybe you or someone you know has thought about joining one of these incredible journeys. In doing so you will not only be supporting Lalmba’s great work, but you will be able to witness it first hand, meet our staff, and walk hand in hand with the people and children Lalmba serves.
Please let us know if you would like to be kept informed as we start planning our next walk by sending a quick email to tnm@lalmba.org. We’re not looking for anyone to commit to the walk now. We just want to start building up our list of potential walkers now so everyone can start planning.
This holiday season, we are honoring a symbol of enduring strength and hope: the east African shepherd. Much like the shepherds of yore, the individuals we serve hold stories of resilience and tenacity. Our Christmas emblem, a beautiful hand-carved wooden mask, about the size of a smiling infant’s face, represents the spirit of an East African shepherd whose life and struggles are, in some ways, similar to a shepherd’s life over 2,000 years ago.
We have all imagined that dark starry night – when silence was broken by the cry of a wee babe. Humble shepherds were amazed to receive a message of HOPE from hosts of God’s mighty angels announcing the birth of the promised Messiah, the embodiment of living hope.
That moment rings across time, traditions, and cultures. During this holiday season, that same message of hope and joy reverberates through the hills and valleys of Kenya and Ethiopia. It’s in the smile of a child receiving education, in the relief of a farmer cured of illness, and in the bright faces of families empowered and lifted to a better future.
Your support weaves you into this tapestry of giving and receiving, of past and present. With this mask, we celebrate the connection between your giving spirit and the hope it brings to so many. Thank you for your heartfelt generosity. May your Christmas be filled with the joy and HOPE you help spread.
Send your Christmas donation early to be one of the first recipients of these limited hand-made masks!
We will ship the first masks on December 8th so they arrive in time for Christmas.
A Shepherd’s Journey to Life-Saving Treatment
By Jennifer Wenningkamp & Rob Andzik
Recently Jeremiah, Jenipher and Wilkesta, Lalmba Kenya staff members, shared several stories of some of the young patients who visited the clinic. We wish we could share them all. Instead, keeping true to the stories they shared, we have creatively combined the stories to provide a look through the eyes of the children they talked about. Brave children who turned to Lalmba for help.
The sheep woke me up this morning. They’re louder than the cows but I like their curly hair and funny tails. They want their breakfast. They are always hungry. So am I.
We had to get up earlier today to tend to our neighbor’s animals as well. Our mom was feeling labor pains last night and the neighbor took her to the clinic on the back of his bicycle. Dad would have taken her but dad isn’t with us anymore. I hope she is ok.
I woke my sister, got dressed and we went outside. It was still dark and my sister doesn’t like the dark. I don’t either, but we pretended we’re strong and courageous like grown-ups. We left our farm and started to head to the pastures, encouraging the cows with a sturdy “eheheh yah”. The animals are stubborn and never go where we want them to. They kick up a lot of dust too. It was hard, and we had to cover our faces to keep the dust from burning our throats and nostrils.
As we walked, my sister started choking and coughing. It wasn’t like the little coughs you get from the dust. This one sounded deep and frightened me. I remembered the people from the clinic talking about more serious coughs. She was making the same sounds that sapped our dad’s strength at the end. I was worried.
It was our job to look after the animals and make sure they eat and drink, especially now with the new baby coming. Since dad isn’t here anymore, mom says we have to be responsible. But my sister’s cough was really bad and she was struggling to breath. It got me thinking, ‘What would mom do?’ I knew we needed to get help. So I decided we had to go to the nearby clinic.
But what do we do with the animals? Then I saw my friend watching her sheep nearby. I left my sister sitting and coughing by a big rock on the side of the road and ran to my friend. I begged her to watch our animals so I could get my sister to the clinic. At first she didn’t want to help, but when she heard that raspy cough, like the one that took her little sister away last year, she got scared too.
I tried to help my sister when she struggled and fell down. I thought I wasn’t big enough to carry her on my shoulders, like my dad did when she was smaller. But I was strong and carried her the last part, down that dirt path by the lake to the clinic. It was far and it seemed like forever but we made it. The clinic has always been such a nice place, but it can be confusing too. I was really nervous. Did I make the right choice leaving the animals?
A nurse in a white coat saw us and took us inside. She looked worried as she listened to my sister’s cough. She was a nice lady and told me we did the right thing by coming to the clinic. She said this was tuberculosis and that it could spread throughout the house. She asked me if anyone else in our family had a bad cough? When I drew in a deep sigh and held back tears, she patted my shoulders and let me explain more about my dad and my mom, and the baby on the way.
She comforted me like mom does and explained that my sister has a sickness but it will go away after she finishes taking medicine. I had a hard time believing her. I told her my dad took medicine and he didn’t get better. His cough didn’t go away. She asked me a few more questions and then explained that the sickness my dad had was really bad. People with that sickness need to be treated with special life-saving medicine and they have to take it for the rest of their lives. It wasn’t the cough alone that took his last breath, but the hidden sickness in his blood.
My sister is doing a little better but I’m still worried. Will mom or the new baby need life-saving medicine for the rest of their lives too?
The remote corner of Kenya where Lalmba works has long been a hot spot for HIV. At first those who contracted the disease were shunned and often hid the fact that they had it to avoid the stigma. But with new medicines came a new chance at life.
In Matoso and Ochuna, nearly 800 Kenyans living with HIV contribute to their communities and families and boast seamlessly productive lives. Seen by a Lalmba clinician every 2-3 months and routinely taking HIV medications, these men, women, and children attend school, fish in Lake Victoria, and grow maize, taro, and barley.
However, Congress’s failure to renew PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) in October may compromise their health and stability. Without this funding, HIV medication and clinical support will dwindle, and affected communities may see a return of epidemic proportions similar to that in 2000-2002.
Finally, during this Christmas Season we want to recognize Lalmba’s Founders, Hugh and Marty Downey for the amazing organization they created 60 years ago, and Jeff and Hillary James for carrying the torch for 9 amazing years. Without their vision and leadership we would not be where we are today.
brings to people in the rural communities Lalmba supports.
