Newsletter #37

With Thanks, I write this mail with appreciation for the kind suport you have continued to provide to our work over the years. As we indicated in our last letter to you, hard economic times are geing felt ravagely in families affected by HIV and AIDS. Orphans are bearing the brunt, as their chances of a meal or schooling are diminshing everyday. This [is] the time when we really need the type of support you have given to intervene ad hoc, where a critical need arises.

On January 7 Mercy Thuo and Staff sent this item:

Happy new year, it is good news that the children have done better compared to last year in grade 8, girls are shining more than boys, it is a wonder though last year we were challenged by high prices of food and energy. We appreciate much for your helping hand and indeed it has a lot of impact toward raising underprivileged children my you keep up. The fund is in our account thanks.

We are now working hard to make sure they all join secondary school, we are appealing to our friends and partners to slip in so that we help this children to meet their objective

The following item are most needed

uniform

statonery [books,pens]

school fees

the number of children who are in grade 8 are 30

The children are happy for mosquito nets and they are frequently remembering you in their prayers

The February 2 New York Times reported on the death of over 100 people killed when a gasoline tanker exploded on a Kenyan highway as looters tried to scoop up the spilled fuel. 'The high death tolls seem to have been exacerbated by a mix of crime, poverty and questionable law enforcement.

The same paper reported on March 1 that 10 million people face starvation, partly because farmers had to leave their farms after the ethnic fighting the winter of 2008. The coalition government formed last year has been a disappointment. Kenya's safari business has not bounced back from last year's riots. “Many victims of last year's violence feel totally abandoned,” said Mary Macharia, one of those injured in the disturbances.

The Washington Post noted that the Pope may be right about condoms in Africa. While condom enforcement worked in such countries as Thailand and Cambodia, where AIDS is spread through commercial sex, in Africa high HIV rates are found in general populations where people may have 2 or more regular sex partners. What has worked in Africa is the encouragement to monogamy or reduction of the number of sex partners. The use of condoms there seems to suggest a lack of trust. Condoms do not address the challenges of cross-generational sex, gender equality, domestic violence, rape and sexual coercion—all problems that add to HIV infection in Africa.

A new website dedicated to increasing male circumcision, which has proved to lower HIV infections, started this winter. The World Health Organization created the website, www.malecircumcision.org to fight misinformation and the surge in complications from surgical caused infections.

In Nairobi, Kenya a partnership between Rotarians for Fighting AIDS works with young people to develop a smart campaign targeting teens. The partners hope to cut HIV rates in 10 to 24 year olds by 50%.through using grassroots volunteers, vocational counseling, and improving the quality of schools.

DEATH OF HUGO SALAZAR

Member Hugo Salazar and husband of founder Laura Salazar died on January 25, 2009. Hugo was a faithful supporter of Fabulous African Fabrics, Hugo accompanied Laura to most of the sales sites over FAF's nine and half years. His job was to help unpacked the van, read his book and hold down the booth when needed. At the end of the day he helped with the packing and celebrating high sales days. He proudly sported his FAF vest, tie, and shirt. It is fitting that his fatal fall took place at a FAF sale on January 24^th. He is missed and loved. Thanks to the members and friends who honored Hugo through donations to Fabulous African Fabrics.

FUNDS SENT TO AFRICA

No monies were sent to Africa this quarter, but we have $2000 in funds available to send next week It was a difficult time for FAF's sales this winter as the fates worked against us. In December our tent broke in a wind storm, and was fixed by FAF fan, Chuck Maready. FAF return to sales on January 24, was sadly cut short by Hugo's fall. Ironically, when Laura returned to sales in late March, she tripped over the tent, cutting her forehead and breaking her thumb. Is it time for FAF's tent sales to end? Fortunately FAF did well at its spring garage sale, winter donations, and occasional sales. FAF will continue to raise money for AIDS Widows and Orphans in Kenya through old and new means.

THE CLOTH

Since President Barak Obama's election, there has been a new interest in high end African art. African textiles are being seen in high couture shops in New York and Washington DC.

THE BOOK SHELF

Continuing arguments found in Giles Bolton's Africa Doesn't Matter, Bolton entertains the whys of Africa's poverty. He contends that day to day poverty is fueled by Africa's misrule, corruption, and instability. In addition, Africa suffers from endemic diseases such as malaria and AIDS, difficult geography, environmental degradation, and climatic vulnerability. He notes that Asian countries have done better than African countries in moving out of poverty because they have had long histories of nation-statehood before they became colonized.

FAF HEROS FOR WINTER, 2009

The Anthony Salazar Fund for Emergencies in Kenya raised $1000 this winter. Twenty people, including two new families donated to the fund.

Paul and Hilary Stratford have joined Fabulous African Fabrics. In their home church in Whitechurch, England, Hilary raised $150 in scarf sales this winter. Hilary and Paul have been great boosters of FAF over the years, and plan to spread the word with talks about how FAF came into being.

The good people of First United Methodist Church, Dunedin, FL raised over $100 by donating their coins to FAF this February.

Approximately $400.00 was donated to honor Hugo Salazar.

This quarter's donors include Gwendolyn Betts, Arthur and Pat Callan, Jane Campbell, John and Margaret Carlson, Lora Lee Dole, Rose and Roger Ellis, Pat Forrest, David Gardner, Tara Jacobsen, Curtis and Connie Jones, Elizabeth Knox, Joni and Carl Kobernik, Jennifer Militzer and Benjamin Kopperl, Bryant and Lanyce Mills, Tom and Jo Obenberger, Charles and Lucy Ramshaw, Hugo and Laura Salazar, Kiri and Alexei Salazar, William and Mary Seeger, Elizabeth Segal, Brian and Britta Smith, Rose Stein, Amy Tetzlaff, June Williams,

MEMBERSHIP

Members are the life blood of this organization. Do you know someone who might like to join our work? Pass on a brochure or this membership form; or e-mail Laura at our website www.laurafabulousafricanfabrics.org or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or Christine Coggins at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it with the name of the potential member and we will do the rest.

I WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF FABULOUS AFRICAN FABRICS

Annual Membership: Individual $20.00 Family: $30.00

NAME _______________________________ PHONE________________________

ADDRESS____________________________________________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS _____________________________________________________

I would like to receive my newsletter

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Mail this with your payment to

Fabulous African Fabrics

1158 Kensington St. NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49534

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