I warned a few months back that I was going to be updating the blog more frequently, and now that we are in 2011 the fun can begin! As many of you know I am planning to return to Kenya this summer to complete my masters Practicum and Thesis at Daraja! I will be planning and implementing a health education program on campus, as well as teaching CPR again. Additionally, I will be visiting the local hospital to gather some data on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of young mothers. I'm hoping to find out why so many Kenyan children suffer from diarrheal disease, even though their mothers are aware of the causes.
So Christmas eve I get an email from Mount Sinai that basically says "oops! We ran out of money, so you get nothing for your trip to Kenya... but you have to go anyway!" Perfect. Luckily I anticipated having to do some fundraising, but definitely wasn't prepared to try and raise nearly $4,000! Between airfare (2 grand), compensation for research participants (a few hundred), living expenses (i can swing $2 a day x 8 weeks), and supplies (a few hundred) I really need some help! Here are my ideas so far:
Car wash (early june)
selling Daraja shirts (already have them - let me know if you want one)
bar nights in NYC (once the weather is warmer)
raffles
selling organs on the black market (i only need one kidney!)
Do you have any ideas? Are you in a band and want to put on a charity concert? Do you know how to cook and want to do a potluck? Is your best friends cousin dating a celebrity who loves Africa? Whatever your talent I can use all the help I can get!
And it's not just money, it's spreading awareness! If you don't got the funds - spread the word! Email my blog to your friends and co workers, do some research on the importance of female education in third world countries, or the devastation of diarrheal disease in Africa.
Be prepared for invites to fundraisers in the near future, and email me your brilliant ideas at mgaughra@gmail.com
Kenya Dig It? I bet you can!
