Kibera is still recovering from earlier violence

Article from BBC World News
April 8, 2008

Violent demonstrations have broken out in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, a day after the opposition suspended talks on forming a power-sharing government.

Opposition supporters in the Kibera slum blocked roads with burning barricades and threw stones at police.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga pulled out of talks with President Mwai Kibaki, accusing him of breaking an agreement over a new cabinet.

February's deal was supposed to end the violence which followed disputed polls.  (story continued)

"Celebrating Stories"

This Saturday, March 22nd is World Water Day!

In 1992, the UN General Assembly designated March 22 as "World Water Day" to draw international attention to the critical lack of clean, safe drinking water worldwide.  More than 1 billion people around the world lack clean, safe drinking water and more than 2.6 billion lack adequate sanitation services.

When as little as $1 can provide a year of water for an African , for instance, it's clear that everyone has something to offer. We believe that if we can rally this nation to care about this issue, we will see a dramatic decline in the water crisis. Through Blood:Water Mission, we have already seen transformation in hundreds of communities in sub-Saharan Africa. It's an amazing privilege to enter into the lives and struggles of friends an ocean away.

As Dan Haseltine says, "a huge body of water has kept us apart from Africa, but water is also the very thing that can connect us."

Go to the World Water Day's Website to learn more about events near you, including the Walk for Water in cities across America (as well as a virtual walk). 

Amidst the social drama of middle school and the stress of preparation for standardized testing, the sixth graders at Stewarts Creek Middle School took a break and turned their focus on a greater need, providing clean water to a community in Africa...

(story continued)
 

The deal follows talks lasting more than a month Leaders sign pact

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga have signed an agreement to end the country's post-election crisis.

At a ceremony in Nairobi, the two men put their signatures to a power-sharing deal brokered by ex-UN head Kofi Annan.

A coalition government comprising members of the current ruling party and opposition will now be formed.

Some 1,500 people died in political violence after Mr Odinga said he was robbed of victory in December's polls. (story continued)

The Sons of Lwala film site is now up and running.  The film represents just one story of many in which Blood:Water Mission has supported.

The film follows the story of two brothers from Kenya whose village sent them to America to become doctors.  But after losing both parents to AIDS they are left with a heartbreaking task: to return home and finish the health clinic their father started before getting sick. Unable to raise enough money on their own, the brothers are joined by students, politicians, and a rock band who launch a fund raising drive among young people across the United States.  Sons of Lwala follows Milton and Fred Ochieng on their incredible journey as they find a way, despite all odds, to open their village's first hospital.

Visit sonsoflwala.com to view the trailer and learn more about the film and how you can help.

Bicycle To Bring Clean Water To Africa!

This summer you have an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for the 1000 Wells Project by riding your bike from Los Angeles to Washington D.C.

MySpace.com has announced the winner of their "MySpace Impact Awards" contest for December, 2007 as none other than Blood:Water Mission! Thanks to all of you who campaigned and voted for us!  As the winner Blood:Water will receive a donation of $10,000 and publicity throughout the MySpace community. 

(story continued) 

Give the gift of clean water this Christmas season. A $10 donation will provide one person in Africa with a lifetime of clean water! Give personally or in someone else's name. 

If you donate in someone's honor, we've provided this downloadable card for you to print and give to family and friends for the holidays.

Download file

 from Jena Lee, Executive Director

Greetings from Java House in Nairobi! I just returned from a handful of days in Rwanda visiting with some of the communities we are supporting through Geneva Global. It was a good and challenging visit. It was the first time in a long time when I felt somewhat out of place, a bit off in my African-connecting, and way more jet-lagged than I’ve ever experienced...

Have you ever wanted to raise money for Blood:Water but haven't been able to give?  Well now's your chance to help Blood:Water financially without spending a cent.  Welcome Razoo.

Razoo is an innovative new web platform that is actively engaging individuals and organizations to mobilize a new generation for social change. Razoo is placing resources behind their mission of empowering and inspiring individuals for positive social change - and to celebrate their initial Launch, they are hosting a $10,000 contest for organizations to help build a global community for social change!  Join the Blood:Water group on Razoo before October 1st and we may win!

http://beta.razoo.com/groups/bloodwatermission 

"I have always had a heart for Africa. For my 13th birthday I decided to invite my friends and family to participate in raising money for clean water in Africa. The event was such a blessing and my hope is that this money will truly save the lives of African families by providing clean water." 

Click "Read" below to hear more about Micaela's story. 

"The first genocide of the 21st century has been ravaging Darfur for more than four years, costing up to 400,000 lives and displacing millions of innocent civilians.  While the U.S. and the international community have made some efforts to end the slaughter, those albeit limited efforts have been obstructed at every turn by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.  How has Sudan's dictator been able to continuously and successfully thwart UN Security Council resolutions, numerous cease-fire agreements, and growing international pressure?  With a lot of help from friends in high places, most notably from China..."  

Hey all we really need your help with this.  Please help us make
Blood:Water Mission better by filling out a very brief survey about
your experiences (or lack thereof) with Blood:Water.  We promise it's short and won't bite!

Click Here to Begin 

Singer-songwriter and avid Blood:Water Mission supporter, Derek Webb, speaks to the Washington Times about the "right things to rebel against" in this recent interview discussing his incorporation of often difficult to discuss themes in his work. Derek's recent release, The Ringing Bell, is garnering rave reviews, capturing public attention and continuing the honest and challenging conversation to which Webb has invited his listeners. 

Today March 22nd is World Water Day.

In 1992 this date was designated by the UN General Assembly as "World Water Day" to draw international attention to the critical lack of clean, safe drinking water worldwide. In recent years it has picked up momentum and now there are Walks For Water in more than 20 cities as well as a Virtual Walk for Water March 22 and 24.

For more information and resources go to the World Water Day website. 

At this year's Passion '07 Conference held in Atlanta Georgia, around a thousand participants met and exceeded the challenge to "Do Something Now" by committing to bring clean water to villages in Africa both as individuals and as groups.