MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday, 21 January 2009

President's Kenyan namesakes are the focus of ChildFund appeal

President Obama's Kenyan heritage has reportedly inspired many Kenyan couples to name their newborn babies Barack or Michelle after the US President Elect and his wife. Yet, while the real Barack and Michelle will feast on the finest food and wine at their inauguration celebrations this week, ChildFund New Zealand is launching an appeal to help provide their namesakes in Kenya with the bare necessities of life.

ChildFund is today launching an appeal for orphaned and vulnerable children in Emali, one of the poorest regions in Kenya. HIV and AIDS has left many young children orphaned and now the situation has been worsened by extreme drought. Water is now scarce, crops have failed and food prices have tripled in the past year. The Kenyan government recently announced a national emergency; 10 million people nationwide are estimated to be in need of food aid.

ChildFund National Director Paul Brown says, "While the new US President may be an inspiration to Kenyans, the reality is that many of these newborn Baracks and Michelles will suffer the stark realities of poverty, hunger, and illness."

ChildFund New Zealand Programmes Coordinator Laura Patterson has just returned from Emali, Kenya, where she has been able to assess the situation on the ground. She says thousands of orphaned children are being looked after by grandparents or older siblings who can barely survive themselves.

"One in three people in Emali are infected with HIV and AIDS - that's three times the national average for Kenya. Our appeal is aiming to support around 2,500 of the most vulnerable children."

Laura Patterson says New Zealanders' donations will provide simple practical help such as:

o Clean fresh water through new water tanks, wells and pipes

o High energy porridge to make children stronger

o Books and learning materials for schools, and trained care-givers

o Training on how to avoid HIV and AIDS, and stay safe and healthy

Through the appeal funds, ChildFund will also provide children with Memory Books. These simple books are a place for children to keep drawings, stories and memories of their parents. Parents who are dying are also provided with Memory Books to record stories, letters and family history so their children will always know where they came from, and how much they were loved.

"I urge New Zealanders to make a donation to ChildFund's Orphans and Vulnerable Children Appeal," says Ms Patterson. This can be done by visiting www.childfund.org.nz/urgentappeals or phoning 0800 223 777.

ENDS

About ChildFund New Zealand

ChildFund New Zealand is a member of the ChildFund Alliance, an international child development organisation with 70 years of experience helping the world's neediest children, which works in 55 countries, assisting 15 million children and family members regardless of race, creed or gender.

ChildFund New Zealand works for the well-being of children by supporting locally led initiatives that strengthen families and communities, helping them overcome poverty and protect the rights of their children.

ChildFund's comprehensive programmes incorporate health, education, nutrition and livelihood interventions that sustainably protect, nurture and develop children. ChildFund works in any environment where poverty, conflict and disaster threaten the well-being of children.

ENDS

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