Moving Day at Facing the Future!

The teachers at kids at Facing the Future were so excited to move into their new permanent facility that we just had to share the excitement from their moving day!

 

 

More Great News from Kibera

What a difference five months has made in Facing the Future’s progress!  With bathroom facilities (a rarity in the slum), its own tank to ensure potable water, and income-generating ventures (kerosene pump and CFW Health Shop), FAFU is poised to become a model child development center in Kenya.

When the YMCA team traveled to Kibera in March 2011, this is what the site looked like:

Clearing the site for construction

Now, just five months later, we continue receive news and images of the wonderful progress being made on the facility, which presently serves more than 100 infants, toddlers, and primary school-age children.

 

 

 

 

FAFU children receiving medical services

The New Canaan YMCA’s World Service project in Kibera is made possible by generous donor support of our Annual Support Campaign.  To learn more or make a gift, contact Susan Cossette Eng at (203) 966-4528, ext. 142, or by email at seng@newcanaanymca.org.

 

 

 

Facing the Future Phase One Almost Complete!

Four classroom units at Facing the Future’s new Child Development Center in Kibera, Kenya are nearing completion!  Phase One of the Center’s plan calls for five units in total, as well as permanent toilet facilities–a rarity in Kibera!

As shown in these photos which we just received from Simeon Ajigo, FAFU’s Executive Director, the 100+ kids are already occupying the completed spaces and enjoying bright, airy classrooms and daily meals, and they now have a computer in the center.  Once an internet connection is established, the children are looking forward to “virtual playdates” with our kids here at the New Canaan Y!

FAFU’s New Center Takes Shape!

We just received these photos from Carter Via, our partner at Cross-Cultural Thresholds who traveled with the team during their March visit.  Carter has just returned from Kibera and reports that construction on FAFU’s new center is impressive. 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to all of our generous donors for their support.  You have made quite a difference in the lives of these children, and our “small act” half a world away continues to grow.

Amazing Progress on Facing the Future’s Facility

It has been two months today since our team landed on the ground in Kibera, Kenya, and Facing the Future’s new permanent facility is really beginning to take shape.  This is what the site looked like as it was being cleared during our visit:

and after we had worked with Facing the Future’s team to prepare the foundation footings:

Today, we were thrilled to receive word from FAFU’s Executive Director, Simeon Ajigo that the first two classroom units will be ready by the end of May and that the 125 children will be relocated to the new site by the first week in June.  Check out the progress:

It’s always worthwhile, just more so sometimes. . .

Time and again, we are so touched by the families we meet through our Special Needs Initiative.  Their love, inner strength, and human compassion continually inspire us on a deep and personal level and make all of us proud to do the work we do.

Check out this article from our friends at The Daily New Canaan:

http://www.thedailynewcanaan.com/neighbors/brotherly-love-inspires-prep-student-reach

Celebrating Abilities: Y Hosts World Down Syndrome Day

This past Sunday, March 20, we were thrilled to partner with CT-based 21 Strong to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.  21 Strong is a group of families located in Fairfield County who came together because their lives have been enriched by Down syndrome.  

Organized by Down Syndrome International, World Down Syndrome day has been observed in March since 2006.  The goal of the celebration is to promote awareness and understanding of Down syndrome, and to mobilize support and recognition of the dignity, rights, and well-being of people with Down syndrome around the world.

More than 200 people joined us for music, Bouncing Bears, art and sensory activities, Wii games, and sports.

This special event, hosted by our Special Needs Initiative, was free and open to all in the community.  Explains Marisa McBride, YMCA Director of Special Needs Programming, “Our Special Needs Initiative is all about celebrating and supporting the unique abilities within our community, and hosting an event like this gives us the chance to provide a fun day for families who are affected by Down syndrome as well as to educate others in an effort to make the already inclusive environment at the Y even stronger.”