GrG Mission

Mission

Our mission is the following:

Create and develop a market for the baskets made by the grandmothers, which will be sold under the name of: “Ahero Baskets.” “Ahero” means “I love“ in Luo, the local language.
Raise money for the grandmothers' basic needs:

Mosquito nets, to prevent malaria
Provide at each meeting - which takes place every 2 weeks - flour, cooking oil, Waterguard and soap
Clothing and footwear, especially school uniforms which kids are required to wear

Create scholarships for the best and the brightest of the grandchildren. Primary education is now free in Kenya, but secondary education is not. It is not affordable for the grandmothers.

Achievements

While in Kenya, Bie facilitated meetings with the Grandmothers and the following organizations:

CDC (Center for Disease Control) on how to stay healthy.
Rotary Safe Water Project, on the importance of water treatment.
I.T.D.G. (Intermediate Technology Development Group) gave a demonstration about Solar and Fireless cooking.
VCT (Volunteer Counseling and Testing for AIDS): At the request of the grandmothers, a mobile VCT came to the community, everyone was invited to come; 200 people were counseled, 73 were tested and 19 were found positive.

Other Achievements

Upon returning to the States, Bie accomplished the following

A Non Profit Corporation “Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren” Inc. was applied for and after 6 months recognized as a 501(c)3 organization.
273 Ahero Baskets in 14 different States, plus 30 in Belgium and a few in New Zealand were sold. In December 2008, the grandmothers completed their largest order ever - 200 Ahero Baskets for a NY City lawyer who will use them as Christmas gift to his clients!
NorCal Peace Corps Association: awarded “GrG” a grant to buy Primary School Uniforms and shoes for the grandchildren. With the help of Moses Warah and Alfred Olweny we were able to buy 50 pair of shoes and local tailors made 50 uniforms. Each family were given at least one uniform and pair of shoes.

First visit to Ahero in September ‘08

Together with Moses Warah we visited most of the members at their homes. Through donations from friends and family, we were able to give each of them funds depending on their needs and size of family.

For the grandchildren we created a “fun day” to distribute the shoes and identify which kids would be measured for school uniform. The kids created their traditional clay dolls and cars which will be fired.

Visit to Ahero in September ‘09

In the previous year, 3 grandchildren and 2 grandmothers had died. Neighbors reached out to raise the kids in their homes and have been accepted in the program. Together with Moses we visited again the homes of members, to observe what progress was made and what was needed most. On recommendation of Moses, we also visited the local Primary schools where the grandchildren attend school. It was very informative to hear from different sources, people who meet the children daily and in different situation, how they were performing and hear their recommendations. The Head Mistress of Ayweyo Primary School, where 34 of the grandchildren attend school, suggested to start a lunch program at the school.

For the grandchildren we organized “fun days” - the kids created their traditional clay dolls and also used the colored clay provided by CAC (Ceramic Arts Club) of Rossmoor. These dolls will be given to people who donate money to purchase school uniforms for the kids.

Goals for the coming year

After the visit in September 2009, confronted again with their the needs and in consultation with local officials it was decided to continue to provide food regularly and also to create “Water Points”. At this time the grandmothers have to walk great distances for their daily use of water. With this program water will be piped from “Boya Water Supply”. For each spot an application has to be filed, after being approved, excavation - pipes - meters - taps and wall behind spot will be needed.

In the coming year, we hope to accomplish the following: