W. Bro Jack Flint PProvGSec gives his latest report from Kenya where he is heavily involved in charitable work.
I begin my “Letter from Watamu” on this occasion by reference to the customs at Nairobi airport on our arrival. We had about sixty kilos of charity items, all had been donated and were destined to help several charities here in Watamu. Customs wanted to charge import duty at which stage I was about to explode. After about 30 minutes of heated exchanges, they decided that we were exempt.
In the meantime, I reminded them that every item was for a Kenyan and there was never a charge and that all had been given by one of Jacko’s band of girls. Apart from the experience of having some money grabbing customs officer we almost missed our internal flight to Malindi and were the last to board. However, the flight assistance at the airport was so helpful and exceptional. I was invited by the EAWL to give everyone an update on our charities which took place at Ocean Sports on Wednesday 18th September 2024. A setting more interesting and appealing than some of our Masonic Centres.
Jonathon gave a detailed account of his project in suppling reading glasses to the local community in Watamu. Alice Martin who helps Jonathon from the UK is raising funds for equipment to read prescription glasses.
The photo on the right is Dawn and Tush. Dawn runs a Foster Home which cares for 25-26 children and mothers whilst Tush from Jua Rescue Centre provides a haven for sixteen girls who have been raped, unfortunately usually by family members. Both do amazing work. Jua’s principal is Nelleke Hols who lives in Holland and continues to administer the centre from Europe somewhat like Lee and myself.
I mentioned the number of clothing articles and glasses which have been donated. Photos of those donations are below. I have also been contacted by brethren from the District of East Africa who were very interested in our “Watamu Project”. Maybe it will lead to a close working relationship between the Province of Middlesex and the District of East Africa which includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and the Seychelles. I was invited to their half yearly Communications in Nairobi but unfortunately both Lee and I are still resting after a rather stressful past nine months. However, I am hoping that whilst we are in Watamu I will be able to meet up with those members who journey to the coast on a regular basis. To conclude this section anyone who is interest in supporting our project you can contact me either by Email, WhatsApp or Facetime. 100% of the money raised goes to the charity although we are not a registered charity as I did not want the added problems of administration, it’s difficult enough co-ordinating and communicating with everyone in Kenya making sure those who need it most received exactly what has been agreed.
Notably Mrs Vivian White, Mrs Susie Holmes my cousin Mrs Elaine Windsor, Wendy Carter her mum and friends. Apart from W. Bro Martin Mellamphy who donated so many brand-new pair of reading glasses which have already been handed over to the co-ordinator Mr Jonathan Baya. We have also been in touch with suppliers of an Auto Refractometer to read lenses of prescription glasses. This will enable Jonathan to marry up those prescriptions glasses with clients who have impaired vision. Funds for this project has been soused mainly by Mrs Alice Martin in the UK.
An update from the Director (Steve Trott) of EcoWorld.
2024 has seen EcoWorld expand its operations and reach and provide an income for more than five hundred women and youth plastic waste collectors in Kilifi County. We set up a new plastic collection Centre in Malindi where we are collecting twenty tonnes of plastic per month. In Watamu we are collecting 2-3 tonnes /month.
Our target this year is to reach thirty tonnes/month and early next year we plan to open a collection centre in Mombasa, Kenya’s second largest city. Once there we aim to recycle more than fifty tonnes/month. This means more employment for waste collectors and recyclers and making an enormous impact by reducing plastic pollution on land and in coastal waters. Funds received this year from all the amazing supporters in England means that we can put in a wastewater recycling system at EcoWorld and provide waste collectors with personal protective equipment (boots, gloves, overalls). Part of the funds raised will also be used for local community beach cleanups, encouraging people to care for their local ocean.
