Letter from the editor Events have conspired to reduce the frequency of newsletters in 2014 but the work continues apace. This edition looks back to 2013 and as we get into gear for Christmas, includes reminders of how Christmas was experienced last year – both in Kenya and the UK. We also include a report on an academic study of major developments in Turkana, and reports on nutritional nursery

schools – directly supported by the Advent Ball and other initiatives such as the Holy Family School fundraising. With the 2014 Advent Ball having raised a phenomenal sum it simply remains for me to wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Tony Earnshaw

Lake Turkana and the Lower Omo Hydrological impacts of major

dam and irrigation

developments—an academic

study

This study, by the Nairobi-based consultant hydrologist and civil engineer, Dr Sean Avery, is one of the outcomes of the AHRC funded project, ‘Landscape, people and parks: environmental change in the Lower Omo Valley, southwestern Ethiopia’, run by Professor David Anderson and Dr David Turton between 2007 and 2010. As work on this project proceeded, it became clear that the landscape of the lower Omo would soon undergo one of the biggest transformations in its

history, thanks to the Gibe III hydropower dam which had just begun construction in the middle basin of the Omo, about 600 kilometres upstream from Lake Turkana. Due for completion in 2014, Gibe III will regulate the flow of the Omo and permanently modify the annual flood regime upon which the agro-pastoralists of the lower Omo depend for their livelihoods. Furthermore, by uplifting the natural low flows in the river, the dam will make possible reliable large-scale irrigation development in the lower basin.

Since the Omo supplies 90 per cent of the water entering Kenya’s Lake Turkana, the

regulation of the Omo flows and the abstraction of Omo water for large-scale irrigation will alter the hydrological inflow patterns to Lake Turkana. This will directly impact the ecology of the lake, which is Kenya’s largest, and the world’s largest desert lake. The consequences of large irrigation abstractions were not mentioned in any of the environmental impact assessments commissioned by the Gibe III dam builders. An assessment was made, however, by Dr Avery in a report commissioned by the African Development Bank (AFDB) and submitted in 2010. This was before any official announcement had been made of the extent of planned irrigation in the lower Omo. Nevertheless, by using irrigation water demand forecasts from the Omo Basin Master Plan and a future hypothetical scenario, it was shown that the lake could drop by 20 metres or more,

NEW WAYS is a limited company in England and Wales, and a registered charity

Company Registration No. 2888488 Charity Registration No.1035688

Registered address: 47 Cumberland Street London SW1V 4LY

causing, amongst other things, a significant reduction in the productivity of its fisheries. The AFDB report also warned of the cumulative impacts of other associated developments and recommended that these be evaluated. A few months after the AFDB report was submitted, the full extent of planned irrigation development in the lower Omo became clearer, with the announcement that the state-run Ethiopian Sugar Corporation

would soon begin developing 150,000 hectares of irrigated sugar plantations. This was on land largely taken from existing protected areas and was additional to other land in the lower Omo that had already been allocated to, or earmarked for development by, private investors. It appeared that the lower Omo was set to become by far the largest irrigation complex in Ethiopia. We therefore asked Dr Avery to undertake a second study, on behalf of the

‘Landscape, people and parks’ project, updating and consolidating his earlier findings on the hydrological impacts on the lower Omo and Lake Turkana. This report constitutes the most complete, detailed and authoritative assessment yet made of the impact of river basin development in the Omo Valley on the Lake Turkana Basin. Article reproduced by kind permission of the African Studies Centre, University of Oxford

Two Christmas Stories These two stories from last year can help to gather our thoughts for the coming festive season

In Turkana

That Saturday was hotter than usual. The desert wind was picking off the dust as it covered our faces as we were finishing the food distribution to the hunger stricken village of Sies, which straddles between the Kenya and Ethiopian border. Then, as if on cue, the wind settled and from afar, in intense clarity, we spotted three young shepherds carrying lambs with care and love! It was a sight to behold. Perhaps, it was the irony of watching these innocent young boys all with smiles on their faces hugging the lambs at a time when drought has left many devastated.

This, indeed, was the sign of hope we were waiting for. The Dassanech in the village of Sies had gone through three months of despair and resignation because their grazing fields were flooded by the Omo river that broke its banks due to the intense rains about 500 kms

away. Since the flooding began, about 10,000 people were facing starvation when their animals, their main source of food, started dying. They rely on the Omo River for their livelihood through retreat irrigation and for grazing their animals. The flooding

NEW WAYS is a limited company in England and Wales, and a registered charity

Company Registration No. 2888488 Charity Registration No.1035688

Registered address: 47 Cumberland Street London SW1V 4LY

Queueing for food during the drought

of this area had forced them to move their animals to the Turkana side where, while armed, they posed a threat to the security of the area. Actually twice the Turkana had raided their herds and made away with a huge number of the animals. The Turkana had seen the Dassanech as encroaching into their land and depleting their reserve grazing fields. We feared retaliation and continuous revenge attacks occasioned by such circumstances. But the Dassanech felt vulnerable; in fact they told us that they were too weak to retaliate! Even though this was a good sign, their weakness was caused by the famine and the loss of animals. Each day, we saw more than 40 dead animals and this was also taking a toll on their lives. The children and the most vulnerable members were very weak and sickly. Following an appeal that we made, we managed to get two lorries of hay and two lorries of maize and beans to keep this community going for three months. This would enable them get through this sorry state of despair. According to the elders, this year’s famine was the worst they had experienced. Indeed in all the eight years we had worked with the Dassanech, we had not seen them so vulnerable, so weak and suffering such huge loss of livestock. Even with the food aid,

we still saw animals dying - although not in large numbers, nonetheless it was disheartening. More people still needed more food and their requests were unending! When we spotted these young shepherds, Ayaral and his friends, with the lambs, it was a sign of hope as new lives were finding home amid this bleak future. Ayaral and his friends brought with them the joy of Christmas. They too were announcing that the worst is over and new spring and birth is here. If the animals can give forth life, it means strength is coming back to the community and they can steady their trembling knees, wipe off their tears and say to the faint hearted, “Courage! Do not be afraid” as their liberation is close at hand. Soon the hungry will be filled, the animals will have their young ones and be milked and the people will sing and dance again, since it will be Christmas for them.

Steven Ochieng

And at Euston… Carol Singers raise £500

here was singing and dancing at Euston Station in London

one Sunday afternoon before Christmas, (next to a very busy Santa's Grotto) when a Christmas choir and musicians, invited by Virgin Trains, played for the crowds to raise funds for New Ways. This was the first time Virgin Trains have invited a choir to perform in Euston. Many passengers said music in the crowded station really lifted their spirits. The award-winning harpist Geraldine McMahon played some solo pieces, and also accompanied the singers, together with Ellen, Gerry, James and Simon Teague who sang and played guitars and accordion. Over £500 was raised. The participants were: harpist Geraldine McMahon, Gary Prazer, Gerry and James Teague on guitar, Simon Teague playing the accordion, Ellen Teague who sang, played guitar and directed the singers, together with Pat Gaffney, Mark Dowd, Dionne Marchetti, Julia Forsythe, Gloria from Fulham, Dennis and Suzanne Czech with their three children, John Powell, Mary Kelly, Bill Chambers, Joe McLouglin and family, Charlotte Kirkham and Maria and Lucia Geyer.

Story courtesy of Independent

Catholic News

PS let us know if you are interested this year.. not confirmed but we are hopeful.

NEW WAYS is a limited company in England and Wales, and a registered charity

Company Registration No. 2888488 Charity Registration No.1035688

Registered address: 47 Cumberland Street London SW1V 4LY

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Nariokotome Nutritional Units – how did we do in 2013? New Ways support three nutritional units in the Turkana lake area, at Katokori, Kaito and Kalomeu , and in 2013 over 200 children attended these units. In running these units, the role of the local committee is enabling the project to count on local cooperation and on commitment. The local committee have to be clear on the major objectives of the units which are: to feed the children; to have water nearby to improve health and hygiene; to give the children education; and to plant fruit trees so as to produce food. So, what happens in these units? First of all, food. The children receive two meals a day -breakfast which is mainly porridge made from maize flour, with sugar and milk; and lunch which combines maize and beans, fish and rice. In addition, key worker Lenny Jillo and team distribute chocolate and fruits (mainly oranges, bananas and watermelons depending on the season). During their visits, they also check the state of the food, the store, the kitchen, the fence, the growing of trees, the general state of the children, uniforms and materials. Three mothers have been selected in each unit by the local committee to be in charge of cooking for the children. The units are supplied with food on monthly basis. The food is bought in Lodwar, some 150 km away, and brought to the mission

by a lorry. It is stored in the mission store and distributed monthly to the units with a tractor. The products supplied are maize, beans, salt, cooking oil, rice, sorghum, maize flour for making porridge, dried fish, sugar and powder milk The mothers cooking do the work for free, but the supervising team assist them with chocolate, tobacco to chew, sandals, and “kangas” (length of cloth), so as to motivate them in their work. The nutritional status of the children is quite good. Regularly children are healthier in the mountain side, where the families have animals and a healthier lifestyle. However, most of the children are doing well. Nowadays we hardly see any severely malnourished children. Next, health. During 2013, different workshops were organized about “How to take care of our children” involving all the committees of the nutritional units. The participation was high and the women were very

interested in all that they learned. In the units along the lake, the children take a bath every day and they learn how to keep clean and about hygiene, similar to all the units where there is a well. The uniforms are washed two or three times a week. New uniforms are supplied regularly to replace either the old or broken ones. A monthly medical check-up is carried out by the mobile clinic. Medical cases detected during these activities are treated and any special cases are referred to the nearest hospital for further management. Common problems among the children include skin diseases like tinea and fungal infections, eye infections, malaria and wounds. Multivitamins syrup and de-worming tablets are distributed in all the units once or twice every year. In addition, a group of Spanish ophthalmologists organized a day clinic in Lodwar Hospital. And the team organized a special talk on eye problems with the local communities. Finally, education. The focus is currently on planting trees. It is important to raise awareness of the importance of fruit trees and vegetation - for food production, and for reforestation and environmental conservation. The emphasis is on practicalities - how to plant and take care of the trees starting with the preparation of the land, and including fencing

NEW WAYS is a limited company in England and Wales, and a registered charity

Company Registration No. 2888488 Charity Registration No.1035688

Registered address: 47 Cumberland Street London SW1V 4LY

the area from the threat of the animals like goats and teaching them on how to irrigate the trees using water economically. Some units have been very successful in planting and have already harvested watermelon and some vegetables. In addition, there have been teaching sessions focused on diet and involving the distribution of seeds such as

watermelons, papayas, cassava and tamarind trees. Much emphasis is placed on the importance of a well-balanced diet for the children at an early age and for the pregnant and lactating mothers. Most of them lack vitamins since no vegetables are produced and therefore consumed in the area. Children will be able to grow healthy with

an input of vitamins in their diet and these education sessions can make a huge difference. And how are these projects supported? By fundraising efforts such as the Advent Ball – and by the children of Holy Family School, West Acton who have adopted New Ways as their overseas funding project and had great success – see report below!

his year the Ball was a phenomenal success raising over £60,000. Huge thank you

to everyone who contributed to this massive success as it will help us fund some of the costs of our 20 nursery schools, our health programme and the water infrastructure needed to provide the most critical resource for the people of Turkana. The Ball was held in the grand surroundings of the Connaught Rooms, a host of friends and supporters enjoyed an evening of good food, good

company and dancing. We have had really great feedback about how much fun the event was this year and, of course, this experience was enhanced by Paul Craven our MC showing us some of his magic tricks and keeping us amused throughout the night. Chris Sheasby’s fantastic support of the table game and the auction helped encourage people to dig deep. The highlight was the wonderful speech by Lenny Jillo who was given rapturous applause as she shared her experience of the challenges and the positive impact New Ways supporters are making for those less fortunate. She talked about

the nutritional units she manages and how she works to empower women. Our supporters are truly changing lives. The event is a great way to kick off the Advent and Christmas season. Do put 20th November 2015 in the diary!! We hope the 2015 event will be as well attended as 2014. Why attend the ball? Well, it’s a great way to raise money and a chance to catch up and socialize with old friends and colleagues, all focused on helping New Ways.

NEW WAYS is a limited company in England and Wales, and a registered charity

Company Registration No. 2888488 Charity Registration No.1035688

Registered address: 47 Cumberland Street London SW1V 4LY

Advent Ball

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Many of our supporters have undertaken various challenges to raise much needed funds for our projects during 2014: Donny’s biking challenge - Donny Hay, a veteran fundraiser for New Ways, undertook a demanding challenge by cycling The Caledonian Etape – 81 miles of mountainous terrain (1,945m) in and around Pitlochry. Donny says “In 2004 I cycled across Kenya for New Ways, visited the projects and met many people and was impressed by the work they are doing and the difference that it was making for the children in particular. This cycle ride may be a challenge for me but nothing compared to the lives of those New Ways helps, giving them a better start in life”.

Franck Margain, one of our Directors, participated in the Venice Marathon to raise funds to build a rock catchment dam to provide

much needed water to the people of Turkana. Only knowing what a difference he was making spurred him on when he hit the “wall” at 20 miles so that he made the finish line. What an achievement! Osterley Parish in Isleworth really enjoy supporting the Nariokotome Nursery Schools

programme and a group led by Nicolette Robson undertook the 7 Bridges Challenge this autumn raising over £3000. Ben Warrilow and his friend Nas undertook a trip to Budapest to raise funds to build a boat for five families to fish in Lake Turkana. Finally Bike Rides - Stuart Garner undertook two this year and was joined by Rob Baker and others on the second one raising much needed funds for the 20 nutritional nursery schools we suport.

NEW WAYS is a limited company in England and Wales, and a registered charity

Company Registration No. 2888488 Charity Registration No.1035688

Registered address: 47 Cumberland Street London SW1V 4LY

Holy Family Primary School and the stars - Charles and Hero

Sponsored activities

We are most grateful for all the wonderful people who participated in these events to help others

achieve a better quality of life. Thank You.

As mentioned previously, Holy Family school is fundraising for New Ways, with Skipathons and Speakathons, and coffee mornings. In total the school has raised an amazing £2100 in 2014.

For two of the reception class, however, it seemed a long time to wait for the formal events—so Charles and Hero hopped down their street to raise money and raised over £150, a great start to the school’s activities. With enthusiasm and commitment like this, maybe the future of New Ways is assured! Fantastic fundraising activities

at Holy Family Primary School