Taking A Bite Out of Malaria

If you asked most Americans what they know about malaria, you'd most likely hear two things: 1) It is spread by mosquitoes, and 2) It happens "over there somewhere." After all, Americans usually don't have to learn much or worry about malaria, as it is not a common occurrence in the United States.

But for many parts of the world, including East Africa, malaria has been and continues to be a very real scourge on the lives of those living there as people living in the poorest countries are the most vulnerable.  Every year, 3.4 billion people are at risk of malaria. This leads to about 207 million malaria cases and an estimated 627 000 malaria deaths.  It is estimated that a child dies from malaria every 60 seconds somewhere in Africa.   In 2012, 90% of the world’s malaria deaths occurred in Africa and about 460 000 African children died before their fifth birthdays.  (WHO)

Most also don’t know that malaria can be treated, and it can be prevented through some very basic steps like mosquito nets and repellents are easy and effective defenses against contracting malaria, and that adults can be treated with over-the-counter medication.

While preventing contraction through nets and repellents is extremely effective, treatments for those infected are still being developed; many strains of malaria have become resistant to the treatments. In addition, local "antimalarial" trees, which are used in the research and production of effective vaccines, have become threatened with extinction in many areas of East Africa, and urban sprawl has led to an increase of standing and stagnant water, which are high-breeding areas for mosquitoes.

Tabibu Africa encourages you to find out more about malaria and how you can get involved in providing simple, effective support to those in Kenya who wage a continual battle against this disease. With practical solutions and effective preventative measures, such as mosquito nets and repellants you truly can make a difference to help those most vulnerable.  Malaria is preventable, treatable and beatable.

 

 

 

 

Food For Thought

 

We all know that education, shelter and a well-balanced, nutritious diet are critical to the health and well-being of children. Imagine sending your child to school with no breakfast and a slim hope that there will be something to eat for dinner when they return. Harsh thought, right?

Sadly, that’s the plight of many of our students. At our Little Giants School, we have often heard our Director speak about children who would literally starve to death if it weren’t for the 1 meal they are served each day during the school hours. Because we want to ensure our children have the proper nutrition that will help them with physical growth and cognitive and intellectual growth, we are excited to announce that we will be building a vertical vegetable garden at the Little Giants School! Students will help participate in the building of the garden and will learn how to grow tomatoes, carrots, peppers, onions, beans and more.  Imagine how proud they will be to pick and eat carrots they have grown themselves!

In addition to the vertical vegetable garden, we are hopeful to plant a few papaya and fig trees. Again, such a good learning experience as students will learn how to start a garden in a smaller space and how to ensure good crop growth.

The future is definitely bright at the Little Giants School! With these new projects, not only will be able to give our kids more nutritious meals, but we are excited to see boost in their self-esteem. There really is nothing quite like watching a child learn how to build something and reap the benefits of hard work—especially if it’s a juicy, red tomato!

We would love to have your help building our garden! Every dollar donated is used to help our humanitarian efforts—we do not use donated funds for administrative costs.  We’re volunteers—and proud ones at that!

Tabibu Africa—Little Hands Making a Big Difference!

 

Tabibu Africa Inc is taking their dedication to new heights!

Come May 2015 Tabibu Africa Inc's board of directors is going to take their dedication to new heights! 

Next year, Tabibu Africa, Inc’s Board of Directors is going to climb for a cause! Each board member will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for a specific team; whether that’s medical, education, or construction. Each team figuratively racing up the mountain, and literally ascending together, to raise funds for Tabibu Africa Inc.’s mission of improving lives of the impoverished in Eastern Africa. Our goal is to raise $19,341! One dollar for every foot to help Tabibu Africa Inc. with their mission of improving the lives of those living in Eastern Africa. Every donor will be honored with their name on a t-shirt that the members will be wearing during their ascent. So, we will be carrying all of you, with your love and support, with us on our journey upward.

 Help us put our best foot forward knowing that 100% of donations received go towards Tabibu Africa Inc's mission.  One way to donate is to become a Rafiki Sponsor! There are 3 different sponsoring levels. 

 Shira (12,999ft) - $200 

Mawenzi (16, 893ft) - $350 

Kibo (19,341ft) - $700 

 -Or- 

Donate a self-specified amount to a climbing team of your choice: Each board member will be climbing for a specific team, donate to the team of your choice as they "battle it to the top" for the good of their cause! The teams competing against each other are Medical, Education and Empowerment Training, and Construction.   

All Good Things Must Come to an End...

As our first expedition comes to a close, Tabibu Africa Inc has had a wonderful experience! Our first team bonded beautifully to became a tight knit team who provided care and  compassion, and who received twice as much in kind by the beautiful people of Kenya.
They started the month out working in Little Giants School, building another classroom and providing medical clinics and education. They then moved to the Candlelight Village to provide medical clinics and education to some of those who need it the most. Here they learned and grew so much, both as a team and individually. They will finish out the expedition in the Maasai Mara working hard with medical clinics and education and then to relax on a much deserved safari.

Jody, our fearless leader, was amazing, ensuring that everything went smoothly and that every team member was safe and happy. George headed up the construction with a steady hand and heart, guiding, mentoring, and pitching in wherever needed. AJ lived up to his name "Shujaa", meaning hero in Swahili. He helped with construction, being a runner in the clinic, playing with children, and sharing his compassionate heart. Kay provided assistance in the clinics, shared her smiles with all the children, and helped with all the education opportunities. Sarah was a gem in the clinic, sharing her expertise and knowledge and providing compassionate care. Elaine was a trooper! She worked hard in the clinics and on the construction sites, and shined like a star with her education sessions on how to make menstrual pads!  Brandon was as hard a worker as anyone-working hard building a school room all day, and still having enough energy to play with all the children. Let's not forget George, our in-country director, who worked hard all year to ensure our team had safe lodging and transportation as well as a great time in Kenya.

The stories I've heard from the team are inspiring. Wonderful experiences were had by all and Tabibu Africa has been blessed with excellent leadership as well as wonderful individuals to compose our first expedition. Stay tuned for pictures!!

Asante Sana everyone for all your love, prayers, and support. We are looking forward to our next expedition!

Feeling the Journey

We at Tabibu Africa Inc are in full swing preparing for our maiden voyage. I love seeing the excitement in all the team members, and their enthusiasm to go volunteer is contagious.

I am Wima,  one of the founding members of Tabibu Africa. However, I won't be joining the team on this trip because I just gave birth to a beautiful daughter a few months ago. The closer it gets to take-off the more I wish I could go, just to feel Africa again. I say feel for a reason...most people want to see Africa...but the eyes, the mind, can be deceiving. I want to feel Africa. Feel it's heart beat. I want to feel the love, kindness, and courage of the people flow through the veins, and through me.
That is my wish for you my rafikis. As you journey to Africa enjoy with all your senses. Embrace Africa like it will embrace you! My heart is with you on this journey...

Did you know that...?!?

• Water, sanitation and hygiene has the potential to prevent at least 9.1% of the global disease burden and 6.3% of all deaths.
• An estimated 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation(more than 35% of the world's population)
• An estimated 801,000 children younger than 5 years of age perish from diarrhea each year, mostly in developing countries. This amounts to 11% of the 7.6 million deaths of children under the age of five and means that about 2,200 children are dying every day as a result of diarrheal disease. 
• Unsafe drinking water, inadequate availability of water for hygiene, and lack of access to sanitation together contribute to about 88% of deaths from diarrheal diseases.
•  Improved water sources reduce diarrhea morbidity by 21%; improved sanitation reduces diarrhea morbidity by 37.5%; and the simple act of washing hands at critical times can reduce the number of diarrhea cases by as much as 35%. Improvement of drinking-water quality, such as point-of-use disinfection, would lead to a 45% reduction of diarrhea episodes. 
• According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, regions with the lowest coverage of 'improved' sanitation in 2006 were sub-Saharan Africa (31%), Southern Asia (33%), and Eastern Asia (65%). 

Read these and other water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facts from the CDC's website at http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/wash_statistics.html. 

One of Tabibu Africa Inc.'s goals is to provide education on these and other sanitation, hygiene and first aid issues to remote areas of Eastern Africa in an effort to reduce disease burden and morbidity. Education points such as appropriate hand hygiene, ways to ensure more sanitary water supply, how to obtain clean water, and basic first aid can help improve quality of life immensely.  By providing even just one small village with the means to obtain clean water and education on sanitary and hygiene issues we can save lives! It would only cost approximately $50 US Dollars to make this a reality. 

To see how to donate to this or one of the many other goals Tabibu Africa Inc. has visit our website at www.tabibuafrica.org, and help us continue empowering the people of Eastern Africa...one helping hand at a time. 

The Maiden Voyage!

As preparation for our maiden expedition kicks into high gear we at Tabibu Africa, Inc. are more excited then ever. However, we are also in dire need of a few more items to be donated!

 While in Kenya we will be at various sites in and around Nairobi before packing up and heading out to the Maasai Mara to work with the Maasai people. During this time we will be providing medical care as well as teaching the women how to make washable sanitary napkins and educating on hygiene and maturation. All of our volunteers are excited and ready to have an amazing experience as they meet and work with the wonderful people we have and have yet to meet.

In order to provide the best possible medical care and educational experience for the amazing people we will work for, and with,  we are in need of the following items:

• Aspirin
• Tylenol
• Children's Vitamins

• Sewing needles
• Thread
• Sew on snaps
• Fabric (of any kind)
• Cotton panties (of all shapes, sizes, and color)  

Tabibu Africa, Inc. is still in it's infancy but with all your love, support, prayers, and donations we are growing and thriving in love and can't wait to make our contribution to, and to continue learning from the people of Kenya and Eastern Africa.

Help us make our dreams at Tabibu Africa and reality. Help us to provide the best possible medical care and educational experience possible. To donate items you have a few options! If you are in the Salt Lake City area drop by office located at Bad Land Bow Hunters at 2927 S 2300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84109. If you are in the Honolulu area contact email us at wima@tabibuafrica.org to schedule a pick-up. If you happen to be in any other location, again email us at wima@tabibuafrica.org or comment below to find out how to donate, because your donations are greatly appreciated!!

Thank you to all who have made this maiden voyage possible. We look forward to many, many more expeditions and only your support allows us to dream our dreams! We would be lost without the support of wonderful people like you! Asante Sana Rafikis!