Seattle to Nairobi

I'd like to start off by introducing myself, my name is Wes Downer, I am a documentary filmmaker from Seattle, Washington. On September 17 I leave the comfort of my own home in the states to travel to Kenya, Africa. The purpose of the trip is to document the area known as Kayole-Soweto, it's residence and the Arrow Web Hospital that treats and attends to it's 760,000 plus population.

My intentions are not to be the "story teller" nor the creator of stories, I will simply be the messenger. I plan to post video blogs to show the viewers exactly what it is I am doing and seeing on a daily basis. The residents of Kayole are in need of serious medical supplies, equipment and attention, it is my goal to produce enough visual evidence to see that this happens in hopes of gaining international support, both from the United States and the UK.

It is not important that people know who I am, but it is extremely important that they know what myself and the hundreds of other people are trying to do to bring much needed attention to this area of the world. I understand that Kayole-Soweto is not the only place in the world that needs international attention brought to the spot light, however it is where I will be and because of that, it is my primary focus. Poverty is an universal problem that effects every country and every type of person in existence. More and more people each day become one of the several millions that live life below the poverty line. Perhaps that is something that will never change, however, every single person deserves the basic "luxuries" of life such as the right to basic education, the right to change his or her current situation and the right to medical help. This documentary film is in no way a political statement, it is however an insight to a way of life that probably most you reading this, including myself will never have to experience. Knowing that, I believe we still have an obligation to help those that truly cannot help themselves. I hope you all follow the blog, I hope the people of Kayole are able to capture your hearts, as I am sure the will mine and I hope together we can find a solution to this problem whether it be in Africa, America , the UK or anywhere else in need of serious attention.

To see more photos of this experience, visit my facebook page under the name Wes Downer and I will post more pictures throughout my stay in Kenya.

Medical Supplies Secured! 9 boxes arrive at Arrow Web Hospital

Following a week long struggle with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). We have managed to secure 9 boxes of medical supplies donated by Motorsport Medical Services. After being told that we would have to pay well over $200 to secure the boxes, we were able to pick them all up for no extra cost other than to Kenya Airways for storage.

We would like to send a very special "Thank You!" to all who participated in getting this donation of supplies to the hospital. On behalf of the Board of Management staff and the community at large, we humbly thank you all, most of all Alison, from AVIF Volunteers, who tried her best to make sure the donation reached the hospital.

Medical Supplies Arrive in Nairobi

Last year, Motorsport Medical Services in the UK agreed to donate 2 boxes of medical supplies to Arrow Web Hospital. Alison, from AVIF Volunteers worked tirelessly to negotiate transport of the boxes with Kenya Airways. Before it was all said and done, 9 more boxes were added to the donation. The first 2 boxes arrived safely in Kenya last week and were picked up and delivered safely to Arrow Web Hospital.



The last 9 boxes arrived yesterday, but unfortunately the same agent who released the two boxes of supplies to Bramuel last week now believes he needs $200 to release them. All 9 of these boxes were marked to show they are of no monetary value. The KRA official asked Bramuel to provide official paperwork, which he obtained from the NGO Council. This was still not enough for this official to be satisfied and release the donated supplies.

Bramuel and Alison from AVIF worked all day trying to get the donation released. A formal complaint will be filed with the anti-corruption office, but for now we wait.