Today we were introduced to our partner organization reps. Sure, mine showed up a little late, but we’re on Kenyan time now. The man I met is named Isaac; I can’t remember his last name. People are often referred to by only their last name in a business setting; I would obviously be called Woodruff. It’s polite for me to refer to others as Bwana (sir) or Bibi (ms.).
So my placement. I’ll be working for the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK) and here’s what they would like me to help them with: sending out PR announcements, creating and maintaining a newsletter to send out, develop a website that can: receive feedback, capture contact information, etc., set up their in-office network, create a database of contacts, create a financial system, create an hr/payroll system, create reports for as needed information…I’m sure there’s some I’m missing. Oh yeah… and train all their employees to use and maintain these systems. It seems like a mountain of tasks and I hope to achieve them all, but I know there’s only limited time and limited resources so we’ll see what I can do. I’m always up for a challenge.
What is UDPK? UDPK is an umbrella organization that promotes advocacy for persons with disabilities in Kenya. It overseas over 200 organizations that work directly with people with disabilities and HIV/AIDS. What they strive to achieve is equal rights for all disabled individuals and reduce the stigma that comes along with it. The Kenyan government has still not included equal rights for people with disabilities in their constitution. UDPK is working hard to ensure that this happens. I hope I can help speed up this process.
Hard to believe you’ve been there only about six days, huh? Sounds like you’ve got quite the mountain of work before you. Good to hear that your attitude is a good one – I know some people would laugh at those requirements and say, “you’re going to be lucky if we get the newsletter up and maintained”.
Just remember – keep it simple. And keep up the good work. I’m very proud of you. Stay healthy and we’ll talk with you soon. I have a Skype account as well – mikebwoodruff.
Later, bud.
Mike