SUPPORT OUR SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE

 

The work of prevention is not only about education, testing and advocacy.  It is mostly about hope – hope that we can end the HIV/AIDS pandemic, hope that our lives have meaning, and hope that we can make a difference.  For this reason, The Mosaic Initiative is establishing a scholarship for people disabled by HIV/AIDS who have demonstrated a desire and commitment to returning to work in some capacity.  Based on the results of a survey of how to best meet the need, the dollar amount of these scholarships will be based on the needs of the recipients (between $250 and $1000) in order to complete an education degree or trade/profession certification.  For the first year, we have a goal of offering $2500 total.

 

Opportunities for volunteer involvement include:

• Fund raising/donating
• Participation on a committee that oversees the application process
• Participate in the selection process
• Serve as a mentor/contact to recipients
• Participate in the October Ecumenical Youth Bike Ride (a portion of the funds raised will support these scholarships)
• Serve on the World AIDS Day Prayer Breakfast committee, integrating scholarship awards into the event
• Attend the World AIDS Day Prayer Breakfast in honoring the recipients

 

Not only will this help to create opportunities for the recipients, but they will be symbols and a message of hope for what is possible to the greater community – that having HIV/AIDS need not limit one’s life, merely point it in a new direction. Please contact us for more information or to donate to the Scholarship Initiative.

 

Download Application

 

 

SUPPORT OUR KENYA INITIATIVE

 

Kenya Mission Update

 

It is with a sense of relief and excitement that I share the most recent news from Buchifi, Kenya.  As you may know, or can imagine, the work of building from the ground up, from a great distance, in an area of overwhelming need, and further complicated by politics and personalities, has made the progress both frustrating and always a question-mark. But, with news and pictures from last week, the Buchifi Community Center is officially open. 

 

Local orphans in line for lunch

 

The inaugural lunch program resulted in a turnout of well over 70 children, far more than the 40 that were anticipated.  In addition, many from the community also turned out to witness what, for the residents of Buchifi, will be an historic day.  F.A.C.E. (Forum for AIDS and Community Empowerment) is the name of the group has been overseeing the development of the community center and its programs.  The land for the community center has been donated by the Wanalo family.

 

Children and F.A.C.E. Members

 

F.A.C.E. has had to confront many challenges; poor community education, mistrust, minimal resources, high demand, internal and external corruption, and close scrutiny. Through it all, they have finally achieved a milestone, one that we hope is a turning point in its development as a community.

 

Clearly, the building itself still needs work: windows and doors are the top priority.  With extra roofing sheets, plans are underway to build a shelter for the industrial solar oven (that was bought by the initial mission group that traveled to Buchifi in 2004) and kitchen. 

 

We are currently looking for and working to develop sponsors for the on-going funding of the orphan lunch program, so that these children can be guaranteed one healthy meal per day.  In addition, plans include monthly HIV-education and possible testing.

 

Many thanks to all who have helped support the development of this project.  We now turn to the future with great hope for all that can be in Buchifi, and with great inspiration from all the people of Buchifi for their strength and determination to move forward.  Please contact us for more information .