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Call to Action: Crisis in KenyaSpecial AnnouncementFebruary, 2008 Dear Friends, Our nonprofit organization – Trestle Group Foundation – has been actively supporting the Kenya-based African Centre for Women, Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT) since May of 2007. The mission of this pioneering organization is to promote women's access to and use of ICTs as tools for social, economic and political advancement. Kenya is considered to be one of Africa’s the most stable democratic countries and a positive influence in the region. One of the most vibrant economies in East Africa, its capital Nairobi also serves as the main financial, transportation and communications hub for the region. Because of a disputed presidential election in late December, Kenya now stands at a critical moment in its history. Post-election violence and civil unrest has erupted and the fallout poses a serious threat to Kenya’s society and economy. According to Red Cross, the death toll from weeks of violence has surpassed 1,000 people, and an additional 300,000 people have been displaced. Business leaders have warned of a severe economic downturn and estimate that hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in business will be lost over the next six months – even if the crisis is resolved immediately. In response to the post-election crisis, ACWICT has been identified as a key partner in the “Heal the Nation” campaign – a peace building initiative developed by a consortium of humanitarian NGOs in Kenya. Working alongside the mainstream media, as well as media-focused NGOs, ACWICT will play a key role in generating and disseminating peace messages in an effort to heal the rifts caused by post-election violence in Kenya. As a friend and supporter of Trestle Group and Trestle Group Foundation, I am personally asking you to consider supporting this pioneering organization and this critical campaign. They need your help! As communicated in a recent letter from ACWICT Executive Director Constantine Obuya, “Women are our focus and they have borne the greatest brunt in the violence. As is common in any situation of conflict, men succumb to injuries leaving women as heads of households. Any support – financial or in-kind – would greatly help our efforts to reach out to these women and give them hope.” How to support ACWICT’s efforts and the “Heal the Nation” Campaign: • Financial Support – Contact ACWICT directly for information on how to contribute to the Heal the Nation Account. • In-Kind Contributions – Immediate support including humanitarian aid (food, tents/shelter, clothing, bedding, mosquito nets, etc.), assistance relocating the displaced to their ancestral homes, and ACWICT's logistical costs. • ACWICT Centers – To restore ACWICT's regional centers vandalized during the unrest, computers, software and accessories are needed. Please consider how you can support ACWICT and their important efforts to heal a nation and its people, as well as help reconstruct Kenya – a vital country and economy. Additional information is contained below. You can learn more about ACWICT through our recent film: http://www.trestlegroupfoundation.org/videos.php . Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration and support. Sincerely. Ralph Schonenbach CEO Trestle Group About ACWICT The African Centre for Women, Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT) is a pioneer Kenyan based ICT for Development with regional outreach, whose mission is to promote women's access to and use of ICTs as tools for social, economic and political advancement. For more information: http://www.acwict.org or http://www.gendergovernancekenya.org. Contact Information: Dana Brice Smith, Managing Director, Trestle Group Foundation T: 41 43 488 36 06 E: d.smith@trestlegroup.com Constantine Obuya, Executive Director, ACWICT M: 254 720 853 992 E: cobuya@acwict.org Florence Koros, Programmes Manager, ACWICT M: 254 722 347 431 fkoros@acwict.org ACWICT Nairobi Office: 254 20 3862907 / 2068162 For more information about Trestle Group Foundation click: http://trestlegroupfoundation.org/ |
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