Sixty percent of the Nairobi population live
in slum communities, that’s
about 2 million people! Some of these communities were established in
the forties as settlements for ex- soldiers, who served in the Kings
African Rifles.
Day to day life here is probably
much the same now as it was then, except that
today’s slums are colossal. These communities are swollen with refugees
from war-torn countries and people who have arrived seeking sanctuary
from perhaps the worst drought in living memory. Corruption within
the
Kenya government is widespread and common knowledge; as a consequence,
the World Bank and the IMF will now only offer loans with tough anti-corruption
conditions attached. All but abandoned, and with the spirit of self
sufficiency
which characterises these people, they continually formulate plans
for
themselves and their children's future. Kenya has also been dubbed
ground
zero for HIV and Aids. The National Aids Council released figures stating
that in 1999, 1.9 million Kenyans were HIV. Most Aids deaths occur
between
the ages of 25- 35 years. Assuming an incubation period of nine to
ten
years, then most infections occur in the teens and early 20s. The outcome
of all this means that there are many orphaned children who are quite
often alone.
Project Albert 2001 had simple and practical
aims, to improve conditions for as many children as possible, wherever
and however it could. It also intended to offer children the opportunity
to live and enjoy life despite their harsh and often cruel environment.
Primarily this would be accomplished through the construction of new
facilities and the refurbishment of existing but dilapidated ones. The
work carried out by the team was intended to provide accommodation to
help give some children an education, adequate living conditions and
in some instances even provide a source of water.
The RAF Liaison Officer Nairobi, Flt
Lt Dave Jarvis has been collecting and distributing aid in the form
of clothing, shoes and school equipment for several years now. Eddie
Brophy contacted RAFLO explaining the Albert concept and what he wanted
to do; Dave Jarvis then helped him do it. Money would be essential and
so fundraising started in earnest. The initial target of £5000
was reached by contributions from various sources including £1500
from ASDA Swindon, plus innumerable contributions from the many clubs
and messes at RAF Lyneham. Servicemen and their families generated a
large amount of income through a variety of fund raising events, including
sponsored cycle rides, runs, curry evenings, the production and sale
of an audio CD and even busking sessions in Swindon town centre; but
the fundraising didn't’t stop there. The Project Sponsor, Flt Lt
Dave Jarvis was doing his bit in Kenya too. British Airways (Kenya),
Swiss Air and Lonhro Hotels also contributed, with yet more funds being
generated by the team whilst in Kenya.
After some excellent inter-services liaison with the British Army, RAFLO secured accommodation, food, 2
Landrovers and even some tools for the team. In fact the generosity
and hospitality of Lt Col David Broadfoot, Commanding Officer British
Army Training and Liaison Staff Kenya (BATLSK), and all his personnel
was truly outstanding.
Project Albert 2001’s tasks had been selected and the work agenda
had been carefully assessed. A team of 10 were recruited, 3 of whom
were based at RAF Wittering. The flights were booked, everybody had
been inoculated against everything and on a gray January afternoon the
Project Albert 2001 team departed. |
