Text Box: New Start Center has in the last couple of weeks embarked on a sustained campaign for volunteers to make the lives of the babies at the center as happy as can be. Members of the community, students on recess and all have been called upon to spend time with the children and their significant contribution will see happier babies. “Volunteers bring new energy and life to the center” says Betty Njuguna, the team leader at the center. “We hope to see more people taking this chance to make the life of a baby happier and better.”

VOLUNTEERS MAKING A HAPPIER NEW START FOR BABIES

Sprint!                                                                                                                     Parents celebrate a win over teachers in the 'tag of war’

The Annual  Fred's Academy Sports day held on 10th July 2010 was a colorful event with over 800 people present. Students, Parents, teachers and friends of the school were highly entertained by the games and races witnessed here! A message of breaking the silence against child abuse was presented  by the Founder /CEO of Ripples International, Mr. Chidi Ogbonna. This annual event attracts attention from members of the society and the media not only for its entertainment and bonding value for children and parents but also as a forum for making

BREAKING THE SILENCE 

REACHING OUT TO LEGAL PRACTITIONERS
Text Box: The month of July came to a close on a high note for Ripples International (RI). The RI Team hosted Magistrates and Lawyers in the region at Nairobi pacific Hotel (3 steers) in Meru for in-depth consultations over matters affecting the bar and bench. Advocates and Magistrates from the region were upbeat about the formation of a working bar and bench committee in the region. This will streamline and make their working relations better. Through funding received from Kindernothilfe, Ripples International took this day long opportunity to present a desperate need for the legal practitioners to be involved specifically in matters affecting the girl child in the region. Speaking at the gathering, RI founder/CEO, Mr. Chidi Ogbonna passionately appealed to the bar and bench to take action and look at the problem presented. He prioritized the fact that cases of sexual abuse took too long to conclude. Often times, the victims, some as young as four forget details of their ordeals and the evidence deemed insufficient by the courts. Responding to the appeal, former high court Judge, Professor Mutungi, now a senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi reiterated the need for a complete change in the moral fiber of the society. “There is need to first address the core of the problem which appears to be deeply embedded in the society and we commend Ripples International for this noble effort.” He said. Making an observation, Mr. Chidi reported to the gathering that there were increased reports of abuse. “This means that more people are aware and thus making reports to the relevant authorities.” He went on. “Ripples International is actively working with the communities in the grass roots and we promise to continually provide support to the vulnerable and abused children.” Mr. Chidi said in conclusion.Text Box: Mr. Chidi Ogbonna makes a presentation during the Bar & Bench meeting held on 30th July at the Nairobi Pacific Hotel (3 Steers Meru). He appealed to the Judges, Magistrates and Lawyers to consider volunteering their time to accompany RI field officers during awareness campaigns in the community.Text Box: Retired Justice Mutungi responding to the presentation and appeal by Mr. Chidi called on the more than 75 legal practitioners present to consider sensitization of the community against child abuse as a key ingredient in the reduction and prevention of future cases in court.

Questions or comments? Email us at info@ripplesintl.or.ke or call +254724370653/+254734948077 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +254734948077      end_of_the_skype_highlighting