Christmas gifts for the Kibera family...

Today, Chloe & Halle (on behalf of Debbie Riopel) and the Munro family (on behalf of Elaine Munro), donated towards the project...and we have decided that this will go towards the family we have been focussed on in the slum of Kibera. In particular, we have asked Silas (16), David (15) and Wyclef (20) to get the costs (with our Kenyan based helper) of attending high school in 2007. These boys have just finished free primary education...and there is no way they can go to high school next year. They are amongst the 9 orphaned grandchildren living with their bed-ridden grandmother and they are beautiful boys...who with education will do so well in life. I know it may sound as though i think everyone is wonderful, but in reality, there are always a handful in life like this whom helping really does feel right for.
We cant help the whole 800,000 in the slum, but we can help a few...and we will.
So Debbie, Elaine, and Nina, your donations will go towards covering the costs of school fees. In general we estimate one High School education to cost Ksh50,000 ($1351.00 NZD) per year...so eventually we hope to be able to help all 3 boys.
Their story is complex, and interesting...and you'll see for yourself in the film. But for now you may have to trust my word that they are worth it :)
Thanks so much - and to my family who are thinking of buying me anything for Xmas, please don't! I have enough. Just donate to this family - that will make my 2007 worth starting on the right foot.
Love the AGT team.

A message from Nina Petrowsky...

Dear Q and Dean

Now that Christmas is drawing near and shopping malls are turning into nightmares, I wonder if us city people have forgotten all about the true meaning of life and happiness! I, for one, find it very easy to get swept away with the hustle and bustle of spending up large for your loved ones during this festive season - until I read your blog! It's amazing how much further money goes over there, with all the good work you guys are doing for the grandmothers and their kids. It brings tears of joy to my eyes and happiness butterflies to my stomach (thanks Qiulae) - it's the most wonderful feeling in the world! I want to share this feeling with my family and friends this Christmas. So instead of buying them average gifts that they may or may not like, I'm going to gift my very modest Christmas budget for you two angels to put to better use. So Margaret Malcolm, Qiujing Wong, Dean Easterbrook, Qiuchee Wong, Qiulae Wong, Jilyin Wong, Amporn Saepur-Petrowsky, Sonia Petrowsky, Laurent Haumonte, Jurgen Speck, Lamduan Speck, Abigail Scollay, Christine Lin and Cayden Lin - this is my Christmas present to you all! I hope it will also bring tears of joy to your eyes and happiness butterflies to your stomachs. Who said money can't buy happiness?

Merry Christmas!

Luv,
Nina

Urban life & meeting Nicholas!

Hi from Nairobi again...firstly thank you ever so much Nina for your comment on our previous posting. It is beautifuil and your Christmas thoughts are so appreciated! I know there is already a need in the village. Granny #2 is waiting for her home to be built so when it rains she doesnt get soaked, and there are needs for borehols badly. Not to mention to help the grannies' grandchildren go to secondary school, and not be school dropouts.
Today, on our "in between filming" day, we met Nicholas, a friend of Roz's and saw first hand what a little support can do to make a boy into an awesome man. He is now 25 and has no use of legs. He is on crutches, has been schooled with the support of many, and is about to gradutate with awesome skills in poetry and literature. He wants to be a teacher! And coincidentally, he comes from the village near where we've been working!!!! So, we hope to create more connections - it would be great to encourage as many people to stay in the villages rather than become urbanised. With so many living in slums, city life has not proved itself to be much for young people. Thats why I think what's going on in the village is incredible!!!
All our love Q xx