Friends of Arrow Web Hospital: First Impressions

Sunday, September 20, 2009

First Impressions

From the time my plane landed in Nairobi, I knew that I had landed in a very special place. I was met at the airport by my guide and friend Bramuel, the director of Arrow Web Hospital. We started off with a traditional Kenyan lunch and headed over to the hospital so that I may see where I would be shooting for the next three weeks. When I arrived at Arrow Web, I was greeted by several kids and each one of them had their hand extended out to me with a huge smile asking me, "how are you?" It's no secret that I am an outsider and many instantly pegged me as an American. The people of Kayole know why I am here and they have made it a point to make me feel welcomed.

So far, one baby has been born at Arrow Web and I am told that many more will likely follow during my stay here in Kayole. I feel so far removed from my life in the States and for the next three weeks I hope it stays that way. I have made a decision to embrace the local traditions, customs and way of life during my stay here in Kayole. I feel it is the only way that I can truly understand and appreciate the daily lives of the people.

The streets of Kayole are filled with the laughter of children, the aroma of the street vendors that cook their dishes on an open wood fire pit, the banging of tools as the men fix, shape and build their homes and shops along the dirt roads of Kayole. The faces of Kayole are the faces of hope, compassion, believe and love. The stories can go on for ever, I hope to bring you just a few in hopes that we all can recognize what is important in our own lives, what is priority and why it is necessary to make the appropriate changes that we all know is needed to make our world a much better place for the kids. The road for these people and Arrow Web is a long and bumpy one, but it is a road that has already begun to be paved with the generosity of the international community, the staff of Arrow Web and the volunteers.

I still plan to post video blogs, I am having a few issues with my Internet connection out here, I appreciate your patience and look forward to hearing your feedback.

WlD

2 comments:

SewbieNewbieSeptember 20, 2009 at 5:02 PM
Keep it up out there Wes! It's great to read and hear about all this. Hope all is well and keep us posted man. Remember to take lots of stills homie
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Larry L. DownerSeptember 20, 2009 at 11:47 PM
Glad to hear you've arrived safely. Smiles and laughter from the children are universal signs that everythings going to be okay. I can't wait to hear about your progress there. Keep up the good work.
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OUR CORE VALUES

Transparency and Accountability:

To be open and take responsibility for the affairs of the organization and make it easy for all stakeholders to understand the processes and action.

Honesty and Integrity:

To be principled and fair in service delivery and conduct all activities with unfailing commitment to high professional standards.

Teamwork:

To create a climate of trust and respect that empowers the staff to develop to the fullest by encouraging excellence innovation and shared ideas.

Innovation and Creativity:

Endeavouring to cope with constant change by cultivating a culture of creativity and innovation among staff and the local community and utilizing the most modern technology in the achievement of the organization objectives.

Quality Service Delivery:

To provide high quality and sustainable services which are timely and affordable.

Commitment to Duty:

To display commitment in whatever we do.

Non-discrimination:

To accord equal opportunity to all within and outside the organization.

Diligence:

To display steady effort and show of concern of the community.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH ARROW WEB HOSPITAL

Volunteer with us Online

We always welcome the help of volunteers both online and at the hospital. Nabuur.com is an online volunteering platform that links Neighbours (online volunteers) with Villages (local communities) in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Connected through Nabuur.com, neighbours and local communities learn about each other, share ideas and find solutions to local issues. Everybody has something to offer, and everything is done online. Do you have a little spare time and the desire to make a difference? You can contribute via http://www.nabuur.com and find Arrow Web Hospital's virtual village here:

http://www.nabuur.com/en/village/kayole-soweto.

Volunteers are also always needed to help with the following;

Community Outreach

Develops methods and opportunities to spread the message of Arrow Web Hospital, educate the community and elicit their active support. Recognizing the need for mobile clinic services and enhancing relationships with the community, Arrow Web staff members and volunteers, will develop and implement strategies to maximize community involvement and formalize partnerships between the community and healthcare workers on the ground both locally and nationally.

Event Planning

Deals specifically with planning and implementing events that will enhance our image, promote our message, and invite participation of others. This group will be responsible for developing an on-going calendar of events and will explore ways to involve the local and national community.

Fundraising

Assists in addressing the financial needs for Arrow Web Hospital through the design and implementation of fundraising activities both in our local communities and nationally. This is a critical undertaking and impacts directly on our ability to build capacity and respond to the needs of the local communities.

Procurement

Focuses on acquiring much of the medical supplies and material needed to support Arrow Web Hospital and respond to requests for assistance. There is an overwhelming need to involve as many as possible in this effort.

Research

Engages in research to help the hospital identify resources and strategic partnerships that support the mission of hospital and ongoing sustainability.

If you would like to inquire about current volunteer opportunities please e-mail info@arrowwebhospital.org with "Volunteer" in the subject heading. Please include your full contact information, professional background and what type of opportunity you are interested in.