Mum and son prepare for charity project in Africa
A MAYO nurse and her son are off to Africa in June to help an impoverished community living high in the mountains of Kenya achieve better health and an improved standard of living.
Delia Queenan originally planned to travel to Africa with her beloved partner, Alan, to carry out humanitarian work. But fate intervened in the form of a serious illness which recently took Alan’s life.
Now Delia, who is picking up the pieces of her life again, has revised her travel plans.
Her son Shane (25), a mechanical engineer, will now travel with his mum to Londiani, a town 220 kilometres northwest of Nairobi, for what is known locally as the ‘Harambee’, a Kenyan tradition of community self-help events.
Mother and son are travelling with Irish charity Brighter Communities Worldwide (formerly known as Friends of Londiani), which works in partnership to deliver programmes that enrich deprived communities.
One of the founder members of Friends of Londiani was Dr. Meadbh Ni Bhuinneáin, consultant obstetrician at Mayo University Hospital.
Dr. Ni Bhuinneáin has been involved in humanitarian work in Londiani since 2004.
Harambee is a Kenyan tradition of community self-help events such as development activities or fundraising. Programmes focus on health, access to clean water, better education and increasing household income.
Says Delia, who works with Murray Ambulances in Castlebar: “The literal meaning of the term translates to ‘all pull together’ in Swahili. It’s very like the Meitheal system which used to exist in Ireland.”
Due to its location and climate, Londiani (at an altitude of 7,553 feet) is a primitive place where life’s comforts are virtually non-existent. Studies have shown only 11% of the population have access to electricity, 44% do not have access to improved water and up to 60% are living below the poverty line.
Programmes and courses which Delia will facilitate along with Kenyan counterparts include emergency care in remote areas, health education, the care of critically ill patients and courses in life skills.
Shane’s main role will be in installing and trying to improve smokeless stoves and endeavouring to improve the unreliable and often polluted water supply system.
“We can utilise both our skills,” emphasises Delia. “My background is medical. I worked in HSE intensive care for many years. I have lots of experience in looking after seriously ill patients and hope to impart some of those skills to the native Kenyans.
“I will also be involved in health promotion across schools and clinics along with providing remote emergency care where needed.”
Shane, meanwhile, is equally enthusiastic about his work schedule over a two-week period starting June 15.
“Smokeless stoves are revolutionising domestic life for many Kenyans nowadays,” he explained. “Smokeless stoves have a chimney to remove smoke from cooking areas and reduce the amount of wood used by two-thirds, which creates a healthier, safer and a more economical home. It can be installed in less than a day for as little as €12 per household.”
As June gets ever closer, a busy schedule of fundraising events are being organised by Delia and Shane including participation in the West of Ireland Mini-Marathon (starting and ending at the Mall, Castlebar, on May 5). Anyone looking for sponsorship cards can contact Delia at (087) 2239679.
Further fundraising events for the Londiani project include an Oscars Night in Tolster’s Bar, Spencer Street, on Friday, May 10; a table quiz in the Grainne Uaile, Newport, on Friday, May 31; and a ‘Sing for Africa’ night in the Cobweb Bar, Castlebar, on June 8.
The link for online donations is www.idonate.ie/queenansforkenya.
Brighter Communities Worldwide is a registered charity, CHY16505, who is also registered with the Charities Regulatory Authority - CRA 20059583.