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We’ve got a new 'aid worker abroad' type blog written by Eileen Morrow our Programmes Coordinator for East Africa.

Eileen blogs at least once a week about her life living and working in Kenya. It's sometimes funny, sometimes sad but should always leave you with something to think about. You can read it here .

Don't forget to leave a comment and tell us what you think. We love feedback - good or bad.

We Do Care - Crowd Gathers outside Dept of Finance

Yesterday morning, I joined a big crowd which had gathered outside the Dept of Finance.

We were there to call on the Irish Government to protect its overseas aid programme from further cuts. We were 222 people in total, representing the €222 million already cut from the 2009 Irish aid budget.

Poverty

These cuts are having a devastating effect in poor countries with aid agencies scaling down programmes and even pulling out of some countries, meaning even more people are going without life saving food and medicine.

We then heard a few words from Hans Zomer, Director of Dochas, the umbrella organisation for aid agencies in Ireland.

"As a nation, we do not want to see the weakest and most vulnerable suffer disproportionately. To target the poorest and most vulnerable who have done least to cause this crisis is a terrible injustice."

Take Action

You can find out more about the campaign to protect the Government’s aid budget from further cuts at http://www.wedocare.ie/

Tressan in Dublin

Dancing with children

This time last week I was dancing under the midday sun with 200 boys and girls from all over Northern Kenya.

We were celebrating the "Children's Voices" conference, which brought together children from the many different tribes here and gave them a chance to voice their concerns to the Government.

Drama

Through dramas, poems and testimonies we heard how their lives were affected by the food crisis, insecurity and crime, water shortages, poor health care and early marriage.

They then presented their recommendations and requests to the Government of Kenya in a formal document. The Government was represented by the Ministry of Health and the Department of Children's Services.

Tough Questions

The children asked their government many tough questions, which represented a real break with the tradition of silence and not challenging ones elders. "Why do we only have 2 doctors in our hospital and the only time they are punctual is for lunchtime?" "Why do we not have any tarmac roads or police in our area? Many people are being attacked".

Dancing

And afterwards we boogeyed. The popstar (Jimmy Gate anyone?) informed the audience that I was the first mzungu (Swahili word for white person) he'd met who had any rhythm. I was chuffed.

By Eileen in Nairobi

Visiting Farmers in Kenya

Part of my job as Programmes Officer for World Vision Ireland is visiting the development projects to see how things are progressing.

The other day I made a long bumpy journey in the back of a pick up truck to a place called Mutonguni in Eastern Kenya – an area which has not received a drop of rain for almost a year.

Supporting Farmers

I met Lucy Ndemange and her husband Sammy. Lucy is a member of the Kauwi Farmer’s Group, one of twenty groups that received training in new farming methods from World Vision and the European Commission.

With Sammy’s help, she tested these methods on their land."We planted kale and tomatoes and we harvest once a week, which earns us 3,000 bob (€28) per week. We are using the money to pay for our daughter’s secondary school fees and we have plans to expand this technology across our farm. Our neighbours have even started copying these methods" explained Sammy.

Water

Lucy and her neighbours have access to a well, which they can water the crops from, but it’s not easy work: She let me have a go at pulling the 20 litre bucket up the 18m well shaft and laughed when I broke into a sweat before it was half way up. Not easy, I can tell you.

By Eileen in Nairobi

World Vision CEO on Newstalk

I really enjoyed an interview with World Vision Ireland Chief Executive, Helen Keogh, on Sunday with Norris on Newtalk last weekend.

Claire Byrne was standing in as the presenter and they got to talking about Helen's life spanning feminism, politics and how she came to work for the overseas development agency World Vision Ireland.

Women in Power

Helen successfully ran in the 1992' breakthrough election' which saw 9 new women TDs get elected and brought the total number of female TDs to 20. It was really interesting to hear her talk about how they were all brought onto the Late Late Show and asked who was going to mind their kids while they were at work... It's well worth a listen.

You can listen to the interview online at http://www.worldvision.ie/server.php?show=nav.1365

It takes a minute to download as the files is quite large. You can also get the podcast on the Newstalk website http://newstalk.ie/newstalk/programmes/16/sunday-with-norris.html

By Tressan in Dublin

Power Cuts Hit Nairobi

I have no electricity on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The ongoing drought has dried up the rivers serving Kenya’s hydroelectric power stations and the Government is imposing strict power rations to ensure that the manufacturing and business areas continue to be served.

Three million people live in Nairobi, but the only light around right now is the glow from my laptop screen.

Shower
There are also frequent unscheduled power outages. You’ll be notified of these cuts by the yells issuing from my house.

Without fail, they will occur in the middle of my electric shower just when I have lathered up my hair. Suddenly the water turns from bubbly warm to darting icicles and the bathroom is plunged into darkness.

Rain Dance
But while the most I have to put up with is soapy hair, unironed clothes and stubbing my toes in the pitch black of night, my staff that live in Kangemi slum have almost round the clock power cuts.

This schedule will be maintained until October at the earliest, when hopefully our rain dances and prayers will be answered with the arrival of the much needed short rains.


By Eileen in Nairobi

Frank Duffy 10 Miler

Good luck to everyone taking part in the Frank Duffy 10 mile race in the Phoenix Park this Saturday.

If you're inspired by the event and are considering taking the next step to the half marathon in September or even the full 26.2 miles in October, please consider using the event to help raise money for World Vision.

Chickens

Every little helps. Just €10 can buy 6 chickens in Africa. Chickens grow and breed quickly so they quickly become a steady source of income as well as a long term food supply for a family in Africa.

Go to http://www.worldvisiongifts.ie/ to find out more about what gifts you can buy with the money you raise.

All the gifts in the catalogue are requested by the community and are bought locally so as to keep transport costs down and support the local economy.

To find out more about running Dublin for World Vision go to www.worldvision.ie/dublinmarathon

Follow us on Facebook

You can now follow the blogging thoughts of Team World Vision Ireland on Facebook.

We update the page two to three times a week so be sure to check in regularly. Click here to become a 'Fan'.

You can see new photos from where your sponsored child lives, find out what other sponsors are up to and let us know what you think about anything we're doing.

Feel free to leave a comment - we really want to hear what you think and welcome all feedback.

Thanks for following

Team World Vision Ireland

World Vision Week on Today FM

World Vision has teamed up with Today fm to help children living in poverty in Sierra Leone.

We're looking for 100 new child sponsors every day.

Find out more at www.worldvision.ie/todayfm

Irish Runner 5 Miler

I can't believe the Irish Runner 5 Miler in the Phoenix Park next Sat (18th July) is already sold out. This is despite the radio ads with Eamon Coughlan still playing and calling for entries. This is the first race in the Adidas race series which many use as part of their training plan for the Dublin marathon on Oct 26th.


It just goes to show that running is experiencing a huge surge in popularity at the moment. It seems everybody's doing it!

For those lucky enough to have registered in time, here's the link to more info http://dublinmarathon.ie/index.php

Sales! Sales! Sales!

Just wandering around town the other day I couldn’t help but notice all the sale signs. Have the summer sales come early?
The thought popped back into my mind on Sunday morning as I was power walking (I want to say jog…by let’s be realistic) along the sea in Clontarf and noticed the much worn state of my trackies….

So I’m off on a shopping spree this weekend and wanted to share three of the sales offers as I saw with you guys:

Up to 70% off in Champion Sports and Lifestyle Sports and the Elverys Summer Sale has also kicked off!

There are loads of other offers on and all that running around between shops is bound to count for something! Let me know if you have any other tip!

If you are off to get the best out of the sales…don’t forget to do it the green way! Recycle your old clothes and runners (visit our blog entry from the 19th of March for a list of recycling centres).

New Races to Run

With memories of the Mini Marathon now fading, many women are wondering how best to keep up running. The fresh air and feel good factor you get from running can be quite addictive.

Race Listings

There are local races happening all over the country every day of the week. To find out where the races are on try http://www.runireland.com/ or http://www.bhaa.ie/.

Alternatively buy a copy of the Irish Runner and look at the back few pages for a near complete listing of all the races happening in the country.

Adidas Race series

A very popular race series is about to start in the Phoenix Park soon. It's the Adidas race series which consists of three races all of which start at 10am.

5 miles July 18th
10 miles Aug 15th
13 miles Sept 26th

A lot of people use the series to test themselves in the run up to the Dublin Marathon on the October Bank Holiday Weekend but you get a good fun running crowd at them as well. Highly recommended.

Don’t stop me now

The vibe around the Mini-Marathon this year was so positive and it’s amazing how you can still feel it in the air.

There are still a large number of women that can be sighted walking to work or with friends and jogging in evening times.

Besides all the health benefits, the imminent summer clothes season and the opportunity to catch up with friends and runners, keeping your training up now is so much easier that stopping and starting from scratch again.

If you need a goal or a little motivation to keep training why not try on one of these for size:

• Set yourself a running time or mile goal and work towards it.
• Set yourself a weight loss goal.
• If you walked the mini-marathon this year, start training now to be ready to run it next year.
• Get a group of friends together to train and motivate one another.
• Check out your local athletic club’s or the Athletics Ireland website for upcoming races.

Have you kept the momentum going? Let us know if you plan to continue running and what keeps you motivated!

Pictures in the Papers

We got some good media coverage for Team World Vision yesterday with pictures in The Star and The Sun and a mention in The Herald as well.

Don't forget you might still catch yourself on tv as Setanta Sports will be showing a special programme on the Flora Women's Mini Marathon on Thursday June 4 at 9.30pm.

A fantastic Day Out for a Worthwhile Cause

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Mini Marathon yesterday. It was a fantastic day out.

Undoubtedly, the glorious sunshine really helped but I got the feeling that the positive ‘can do’ attitude of all the women would have prevailed whatever the weather. It was very inspiring.

If you have any sponsorship money still to collect, the easiest thing is to gather the cash and then send a cheque, postal order or bank draft of the same value to World Vision Ireland. Our address is;

The Mews
Garland House
Rathmines Park
Dublin 6

The money will make a huge difference to our ‘Women’s Group’ in Sierra Leone helping them to learn a new skill such as weaving or soap making. With these new skills we hope they will be better able to earn enough money for them and their family to eat.

Thank you for your support. It’s very much appreciated.

Running in the Sun

What a day outside and the weather forecast is for a sunny bank holiday weekend. Here’s hoping… Running in the sun is not something Irish people are used to though so here are a few tips for the day;

• Dress lightly – light coloured, loose-fitting clothes will help your body breathe and cool itself naturally. Tight clothing restricts that process. Dark colours absorb the sun’s light and heat.


• Wear sunscreen – at least SPF 15


• Hydrate – drink plenty of water the night before and in the morning of the race. Sip regularly rather than gulp it all in one go. Be careful though, don’t over do it. You don’t want to have to go to the loo during the race.


• Wear running shades if you have them. They’ll stop you squinting.


• Bring a spare pair of socks to change into after the race. You’ll love the fact that they’re dry.

Don't forget we're all meeting at 2.00 pm outside the Russell Court Hotel, 21-25 Harcourt St for a group photo with Lorraine Keane. Post-race celebrations are in Dicey Reilly's Beer Garden, also in the The Rusell Court Hotel from 5.00 pm. See you there.

Best of luck !

Team World Vision.

Race Day Logistics

Pick up your race number in advance

Don't forget to allow time to pick up your race number this weekend.

If you've opted to pick up your number in the RDS you get free entry to the Womans World Show. It's an exhibition of fashion, beauty and health products. Here's the link so you know what to expect;

http://www.womansworldshow.com/

Others will be picking up their number from Elvery's sports shops around the country . If you're forgotten where to pick your number up, here's the complete list of pick up points;

http://www.womensminimarathon.ie/race_information/collection_points_2009.48.LE.asp

Road Closures

If you have to travel to get to Dublin, bear in mind there will be road closures in place on the Bank Holiday Monday. Some will close as early as 8 am, click here for more info;

http://www.womensminimarathon.ie/race_information/road_closures_2009.89.LE.asp

Meet your team

Don't forget to factor in our pre-race photo shoot at 2.00 outside the Russell Court Hotel on Harcourt St. The shoot should be over by 2.15 to give people time to get to their starting area.

Girls on Film

Pre Race Photo Shoot with Lorraine Keane

If you would like to join TV presenter, Lorraine Keane for a group photo shoot, please come along to the Russell Court Hotel, Harcourt St at 2.00 pm on Bank Holiday Monday June 1st. We'll all meet on the steps to the hotel.

Members of the press may be there so don’t forget to wear your orange t-shirt. We’d love as many as possible of you to come.

Lorraine has sponsored a little boy from Tanzania for the past 8 years and we’re delighted to have her on the team.

You may also want to bring your own camera for the shoot.

Want to start the race with others from Team World Vision?

Quite a few of you were interested in starting the race with other runners/walkers from Team World Vision. We’ll all meet at 2.00 outside the Russell Court Hotel, 22-25 Harcourt St.

After a few photos (optional) and maybe a group hug (compulsory – just kidding!) everyone can make their way to their starting area together.

Post-Race Celebrations

Don’t forget to pop into Dicey Reilly’s Beer Garden in the Russell Court Hotel for some post race celebrations from 5.00 pm onwards.

We can't wait!

What to Eat before the Race

One of the most frustrating things in a race is to get a stitch and not be able to run. This sometimes happens as a result of eating too soon before a race or eating the wrong kinds of food before a race.

This week is the time to experiment with what food suits you. Don’t try anything new on the day of the race.

The day before the race

• Focus on eating about 70% of your calories from carbohydrate eg rice, pasta or potatoes.


• Double your water intake to make sure you are well hydrated

On the day

The race starts at 3pm so a late breakfast around 11am is a good idea . Make sure it’s filling though – eat carbs such as porridge or cereal and maybe a bannna.

If you know you can tolerate food before running, try a cereal bar, yoghurt or scone about 90 minutes before the start. You should try this straight away and see if you are ok with it as many people do get a stitch from eating so soon before a race. A lot of people leave 3 hours between eating and running.

Sip water on the morning of the race, especially if it’s warm but don’t drink too much as there is always a queue for the portaloos and you don’t want to miss the start.

I planned to train but…

…life got in the way.

For many of us it’s hard to juggle work and personal life as it is without trying to squeeze in another thing like training for the Mini Marathon.

The Mini Marathon is now only 2 weeks away so here a little bit of advice if you haven’t trained yet:

If you haven’t trained and were hoping to run/jog the entire stretch – think about revising your goal (maybe walk sections), start training now and don’t push yourself too hard, you don’t want to sustain any injuries before or even on the big day!

If you were planning to walk, try and add a little walking routine into your daily life starting today. Why not get off the bus a couple of stops early or walk to the shops instead of driving.

Either way, don’t try to force months of training into the last 2 weeks because it may do your body more harm than good and leave you exhausted!

Remember, participation is everything! So whether you walk, run just few miles or sprint the whole thing, know that you are showing your support for women in Sierra Leone and everywhere around the World!