But . . . → Read More: Behold the new Celeb! Our Ndulu Woes Vice President as Twana Twitu dances in support of the less fortunate]]> It was December 15th, 2011 and watching little Ndulu Ndunge as she walked across the hall at Serena Hotel headed for a photo op with Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, comedian Nyambane and other dignitaries, one would have thought that she has always lived in this territory, enjoying good food and rubbing shoulders with the high and mighty.

But the confident, bubbly and sweet-faced Ndulu is a totally different person from the miserable little child that our Twana Twitu first met in Ngai Village, Mbooni some eight years ago. As we have often said, nothing could have prepared us for our first encounter back in 2003. She had been waiting for us – or so they’d said – but there was no sign of that anywhere, at least not from the way she was looking at us. ‘She’s always alone,’ her neighbors shared as though reading our thoughts, ‘she is left here to die but somehow, day-after-day, she stays alive.”’

On the particular day we met her, she lay under a mango tree condemned to die after being rejected by her community. If she had AIDS afterall, she was as good as dead. And so they’d left her with nothing – no food or water to feed her tiny and naked malnourished body. “The situation was pitiful,” shares Mwende, “but in our eyes Ndulu was a beautiful child…a person we had to save.”

As Ndulu, now thirteen, mingled in Nairobi, she found herself an instant celebrity. A treasured guest during the Twana Twitu Christmas for Children gala at the Serena Hotel where the Vice-President was the chief guest, she smiled shyly inbetween the sumptuous meal before her. If you were not in attendance, you should have been! It was an evening of fun, food and dance – but with a different touch from your usual gala. Here, as the guests dined, they also had the option of treating others – the less fortunate – to a sumptuous “Menu of Giving” that, according to the organizers, was designed to offer “individuals and companies the opportunity to get help the vulnerable by getting involved with Twana Twitu in a tangible, long-term way”.

Our Raindrops for Life, which involves supplying water tanks to HIV-positive children; Villages of Hope, a gift to households with dilapidated homes and no source of income or material support to improve them and Income Inc., a program we describe as “Twana Twitu’s response to the need to become self-reliant,” each offered an opportunity to make our world a better place for a needy and deserving child.

Stonyridge Developments – or Table Number 3 as they become known – grabbed 20 raintanks as a start to what they have pledged to be a long-standing relationship with Twana Twitu. THANK YOU, Stonyridge! Your generosity has ensured that our ill children get clean drinking water! Other guests such as Mr. Eddy Njoroge, gifted Twana Twitu with greenhouses that will not only enable us to produce more of our own vegetables but also strengthen our financial health. God bless you!

The highlight of the evening came when we presented two very special ladies awards for their kindness and positive impact on society. Kiss FM presenter Caroline Mutoko received the 2011 Golden Heart Award for her “outstanding contribution to the less fortunate in Kenya.” Ms. Mutoko is fully involved in projects that empower and give disadvantaged children hope to face tomorrow. For example, she provides sanitary towels to girls who do not have the resources to purchase them on a monthly basis.

Alongside Caroline, was Jane Wathome, Executive Director of Beacon of Hope, a community based organization that assists women who are affected by HIV/AIDS within poor communities, with the Humanitarian Award. Beacon of Hope has directly assisted over 79,000 individuals since its inception and now that Ms. Wathome has sponsored one of our children, her reach has extended even further! These two ladies emulate great citizens and we were humbled to honor them. Congratulations again, ladies!

We would like to thank all those who attended and helped raise the approximately Kshs 2.5 million we received for the Twana Twitu program. With you by our side, we are stronger to serve. We welcome you to visit us and to walk the journey with us. Thanks also goes to our MC, Nyambane and the Altimate Band for keeping us entertained and focused on the evening’s cause.

Special thanks go to His Excellency the Vice President, Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka for gracing our event and joining our call to support vulnerable children. As he aptly put it, we should always strive to be a caring nation that remembers all its members particularly the marginalized. To Stonyridge, ZTE and KenGen, we are grateful for your generosity. Dr. Ekuru Aukot, we thank you for the customized copies of the Kenya Constitution that highlights the protections accorded our nation’s children.

It is our hope that 2012, we shall expand to serve more communities and that with your backing, we shall make greater dents at combating HIV/AIDS and the impact it has wrought on our society. May God bless Twana Twitu.

Themed Christmas for Children, our gala . . . → Read More: Christmas for Children Gala: Twana Twitu teams up with Churchill to celebrate Christmas, children and Kenyan superwomen Caroline Mutoko and Jane Wathome!]]>
Don’t you just love this time of year? With Christmas we are reminded about the blessings we have and the many reasons we should celebrate, gather and enjoy the best gift of the holidays: each other. That’s why we’re hosting our first ever Christmas extravaganza for dinner and dancing!

Themed Christmas for Children, our gala will celebrate our ten years of service and the thousands we’ve touched over the years. It will also toast the lives of two very special, VERY inspirational women: Caroline Mutoko, mother, advocate and “Queen of Kenya radio” and Jane Wathome, Founder and visionary of Beacon of Hope. Our glasses are lifted…is yours?

Your ticket to this fabulous evening is available here.

For that past decade, Twana Twitu has quietly transformed lives in Kitui County. With a focus on children orphaned by AIDS, we have leveled the playing ground between the marginalized child and the rest of society. Making provisions that include access to education, healthcare, nutrition and poverty reducing income-generating activities, we have saved lives, educated more and, with a current reach of 1,088 vulnerable children, empowered several communities. Our work – like that of our honorees – is a testament to our collective ability to uplift humanity. We are doing it…and so can you.

By joining us on Thursday, December 15th, you will not only be allowing yourself an enchanting evening of entertainment but also the opportunity to support the programs that provide a lifeline to our society’s neediest – the children: Our children: Twana Twitu.

Please purchase your tickets now and celebrate our heroines while bringing Christmas cheer to the less fortunate. Show our children you care. Remind them that their elderly custodians are not alone and if unable to attend, support them through a gift that will anchor our programs and keep them healthy and thriving. From donating to a collective pool to specifically sponsoring a raintank that ensures clean drinking water to HIV-positive orphans, you can bless an orphaned child this Christmas.

Our dancing shoes are on and our doors open. See you on the 15th!!!
Venue: Nairobi Serena Hotel
Time: 7:00pm – 12:00am
Ticket Price: Kshs. 5,000/-. Available on website or via M-Pesa 0700-100-620

We’re getting ourselves in the Christmas spirit and have been blessed with a reason to smile: Jewel and Joy Malonza, the first two reindeers bearing us gifts.

When . . . → Read More: Books! Books! and more books for Twana Twitu: the Malonza Sisters gift us at Christmas]]> It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With the kids jingle belling,
And everyone telling you, “Be of good cheer,”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

We’re getting ourselves in the Christmas spirit and have been blessed with a reason to smile: Jewel and Joy Malonza, the first two reindeers bearing us gifts.

When they first came up with the idea of holding a book drive for Twana Twitu, it was, the put it “like a slow epiphany which held us and never let go.” Suggested by their parents Dan and Mary Malonza, the idea of gathering books was simple and fun. The books would bring happiness to a beautiful child and allow them to share. It sounded great! And they got to work.

They started spreading the word through the student population of Spring Valley High, announcing it in each of their classes as well as at the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes meetings. From here came the opportunity to let even more students aware of their goal with a friend helping them integrate it into Winter Days; a school wide charity event held in the Christmas season with the primary purpose of giving to those in their local South Carolina community who are in need. With their book drive, however, Winter Days was going international! It was not long before it had splattered itself onto the morning announcements, as well as onto bulletins that were posted throughout the school.

In two months time and despite their original plan to collect 300 books, more than 1000 books had flooded into numerous boxes from students throughout the school! Ranging from mystery novels to fables, the books, which recently arrived in Kenya, are going to fill our bookshelves with boundless journeys not only for the Twana Twitu family but also the broader community, which will at liberty tap the resource.

Twana Twitu is appreciative of these ladies and would like to say ‘thank you!’ to them for bringing us sparkle and joy at this festive time.

It is not every day that we attend a . . . → Read More: Philanthropy before Profit: Choice International Jewelry Ltd. Supports Our Children]]> For most, Tuesday November 8th, 2011 was just a regular day in Nairobi. The traffic jams were as chocked as ever and as life is in any large city, the people were in motion for a routine day. It was normal for everyone but those at Twana Twitu.

It is not every day that we attend a ceremony as colorful at the one hosted by the Chinese Company, Choice International Jewelry Ltd., at the Ole Sereni Hotel. In addition to local media, the room was packed. A Chinese contingent, which included representatives from the Chinese Embassy, Chinese media and celebrities – including a famous Chinese model and of course the Guest of Honor Mr. Ren Wenbo who is the Chairman of Choice International Jewelry, were all present. They had gathered to support vulnerable children by providing them school fees and funding for food. With the handsome donation of Kshs. 500,000, it was Mr. Ren Wenbo’s goal to also support Twana Twitu’s sustainability so that the organization can continue to foster the development of communities in Kitui County. We are most grateful.

The event was very precise with a few speeches made by the Chinese Embassy representative, Shifan Wu, who shared that in addition to commercial, the Chinese People’s interests in Africa were of the welfare of it’s citizens. Shifun Wu expressed pride for the relationships forged with groups and organizations such as Twana Twitu that were helping the vulnerable members of society such as AIDS orphans. In Mr. Ren Wenbo’s speech, he gave a brief description of his company and how it utilizes local products in the manufacture of jewelry for their local as well as international markets. He also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support Twana Twitu and stressed how it was just the beginning of a long lasting association.

Through his staff, Twana Twitu’s Chairman, Prof. Kiamba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology expressed deep gratitude for the generous contribution by Choice, noting that through it, Twana Twitu would continue its good work in Mwingi. He lauded Mr. Wenbo, Choice International Jewelry Ltd, the Chinese Government and its people, and called for more Chinese as well as International organizations to follow the good example set by Choice International Jewelry Ltd.

After the speeches were done, Mr. Wenbo presented the Twana Twitu team, which comprised of John Mulingi, Naomi Mutune and Muthoni Mwangi with a check of Ksh. 500,000.00. In appreciation and recognition, Twana Twitu presented Mr. Wenbo with a certificate. The festivities were crowned with a fashion show, showcasing Choice International Jewelry Ltd. products and a delicious Luncheon hosted by Mr. Wenbo.

We would like to thank Mr. Wenbo for his generous donation and the difference it will make in our communities. Thank you, Mr. Wenbo! We additionally wish to thank the Kenyan media who supported us as well as our MC, Mr. Ngari Gituku and Ms. Seraphine Kiambuthi who made this gift a reality. God bless them all.

At Twana Twitu we are constantly being faced with challenges that require head-on, hands-on solutions. We battle HIV in the infected by ensuring that all our affected children are well fed, monitored and provided with the necessary medical support . . . → Read More: Thanks to Training, Three More of Our Youth Secure Employment]]> What defines success to you? Wealth? Fame? Or the ability to pick oneself up when faced with adversity?

At Twana Twitu we are constantly being faced with challenges that require head-on, hands-on solutions. We battle HIV in the infected by ensuring that all our affected children are well fed, monitored and provided with the necessary medical support they need. We fight poverty by availing opportunities that enable individuals to learn…so they can earn. At Twana Twitu we believe that when one door closes another opens up. And such was the case with our children, Muli Mbunga, Kyalo Sammy and Syomiti Mbinzi now 22, 24 and 23 years, respectively, in 2008.

The three had gone through primary and secondary school under the custody of Twana Twitu completing the latter with poor grades. Muli scored C, Kyalo C- and Syomiti C+ effectively sealing off university education much to the heartbreak of their very needy and aged grandmothers. Without further help, they would likely be doomed to a life of further poverty.

And so Twana Twitu did what we do best: step in.

We embarked on a mission to get the three placed at the National Youth Service where, after acceptance, they trained for a period of 8 months and walked away with transformed lives. NYS allowed them to venture beyond the confines of Migwani that they were used to, socially connect with people from different cultures, gain technical skills and, most importantly, gain working experience by volunteering in government projects.

Today, Muli, Kyalo and Syomiti are leading successful, gainfully employed lives in various parts of the country. Muli was posted to the Kenya Armed Forces Kahawa Baracks, Kyalo became a Prison Warder at the Ruiru Prisons while Syomiti is currently at the Western Turbo NYS.

Twana Twitu is proud of these three, their progress and the success our efforts have achieved.

Six-month contract, renewable subject to performance and availability of funds

Job Title Finance Officer Location Mwingi Reports to Program Coordinator

1. PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: Provide efficient, timely and accurate financial management information and expertise to enable timely management decision-making and safeguard the organization’s assets from loss arising from fraud or error.

2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management • Managing projects financial records i.e. Project . . . → Read More: We are on the hunt for a Finance Officer. Please circulate widely!]]> JOB DESCRIPTION

Six-month contract, renewable subject to performance and availability of funds

Job Title Finance Officer
Location Mwingi
Reports to Program Coordinator

1. PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
Provide efficient, timely and accurate financial management information and expertise to enable timely management decision-making and safeguard the organization’s assets from loss arising from fraud or error.

2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management
• Managing projects financial records i.e. Project books updating e.g. Bank and petty cash books, ledgers and journal.
• Preparation, co-ordination and control of budget, cash flow projections and actual cash analysis.
• Monthly Bank reconciliation of all bank accounts.
• Monthly trial balances and final accounts i.e. income and expenditure & balance sheet.
• Check and cash payment vouchers files maintenance.
• Banking staff salary checks in their individual bank accounts.
• Compilation of monthly financial reports to donor specifications.
• Sending accurate and timely financial reports to donors and trustees.
• Office petty cash management, i.e. receipts and disbursements..
• Petty cash projections and daily cash count.
• Budget forecasts and budget tracking.
• Payroll and statutory deductions management.

Risk Management
• Ensure that the organization does not suffer financial loss through fraud and error by ensuring that assets are safeguarded by closely monitoring and maintaining an adequate system of internal control.
• Ensure adequate insurance for all premises, furniture and equipment.
• Ensure that the organization complies with all the legal, regulatory and audit requirements, including submitting relevant reports to the management.
• Ensure safekeeping of all unused cheque books.

Inventory Management
• Inventory checks and stock movement procedures implementation.
• Property equipment updated register maintenance.
• Sourcing for quotations to facilitate procurement of program supplies and equipment.
• Doing quotation analysis to ensure best value for money is achieved during procurement.
• Placing orders for procurements and organising for transport for the same.
• Actual procurements for program supplies and equipment when called to do so.
• Receive and sign on Inventory receipts note in the absence of designated staff.
• Ensure that periodic inventory counts are undertaken.
• Checking all internal and external requisitions before issues or cash disbursements for procurement.

Maintenance of Premises/Office Furniture and Management of Procurement Process
• Ensure that project premises and office equipment are well maintained and are in serviceable and good working condition.
• Ensure that there is always adequate supply of office stationery and utilities.
• Ensure that service and maintenance contracts are in place where applicable.
• Maintain a comprehensive inventory of project furniture and equipment.
• Ensure effective administration of procurement process for office supplies.

Governance and Management
• Ensure adherence to Twana Twitu’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Financial Policy and Procedures Manuals, accounting standards and statutory requirement pertaining to accounting and financial reporting.
• Attend workshops and forums as organised by the donors or Twana Twitu.
• Coordinate logistics including facilitation of travel for staff, procurement of air tickets and hotel reservations if necessary, organising for visitor’s hospitality, construction work plans, negotiations, etc.
• Filing annual returns with Kenya Revenue Authority.

Other Duties and Responsibilities
• Any other duties and responsibilities which may be assigned by the Board from time to time.

3. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
(The knowledge, skills and abilities may be required through a combination of formal schooling, self-education and prior experience or on-the-job-training).

• Degree or Diploma in accounting CPA Part III or related course, and/or relevant experience
• Minimum two years of directly related experience including experience in administrative and financial management;
• Previous working experience with NGOs or international organizations will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of USAID policy and procedures an advantage;
• Excellent knowledge of computer software applications, Microsoft Excel and Word, and database applications an advantage. Experience in working with finance packages is an advantage.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision, as a member of a team and with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• At least three (3) years experience.

4. POSITION RELATIONSHIPS IN THE ORGANISATION

Within the Organization Outside the Organization
• Executive Director and Project Coordinator
• Staff
• Board of Directors • External Auditor.
• Donor Agencies.
• Regulatory Authorities.
• Suppliers and vendors.

5. SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS
The position requires the incumbent to work long and odd hours when necessary to meet deadlines or respond to specific situations.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Salary: A competitive package will be offered for the positions commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To apply, please send application letter, CV including referees and salary history to reach the undersigned by COB January 28 2011.

E-mail: mwende@twanatwitucares.org,

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Late because they’d been stopped severally while enroute (the rumor had gone around that . . . → Read More: We thank MUSYI FM for its generous blessing of food, bedding, t-shirts and last but not least, yummy biscuits!]]> December 29th, just a few days before the New Year, Twana Twitu was visited by Jacob Maunda, Michael Kyalo, Shadrack Ilava, Ngandi Mungála, Angela Mwikali, Syombua Mwele, Samuel Mutuku and Zedekiah Musyoki of Royal Media’s Musyi FM. What a day it was!

Late because they’d been stopped severally while enroute (the rumor had gone around that they were coming and hence the roads were lined with fans), the team reached us at about 3:00pm. And they were laden with gifts. Once settled in, their Assistant Director, Jacob William Maunda, introduced the team requesting them to say hello to their anxious audience. Blessed by their Director, Nzau Kalulu, their message was both powerful and kind:

Jacob Maunda started by thanking the caregivers for giving the Musyi Crew their day and stressed that since children are tomorrow’s leaders, they should be taken good care of. It is their right. But in doing so, he pointed out, that with every right came a responsibility and that on their part, the children needed obey and respect their guardians.

On his part, Michael Kyalo expressed what a great pleasure it was for him to meet such joyful children. In urging the caregivers to continue providing loving care to the children, he said that orphans have special blessings which are unknown and which, he believed would transfer to those that loved them.

When it was Angela Mwikali’s turn, she stood up and taught the audience the Musyi song, “Kisese namba imwe kuthuuia mukamba kwitu” which illustrated the radio station’s commitment to social responsibility.

Syombua Mwele who comes from the same county, urged the caregivers to keep on taking care of the orphans as they will be blessed in Heaven. She pleaded with the community to care for rather than stigmatize or point fingers at the orphans because God plans for all our futures and the child one picks on might potentially be someone one needs to achieve their dream.

Samuel Mutuku thanked Twana Twitu for the support we’ve been giving children noting that day he was happy to see the children supported and also the aged caregivers who without the organization support would be suffering. Bringing up the issue of child abuse, he urged the crowd to immediately take action when such cases were known, adding that contrary to the trends, family members should not try to sort sexual abuse cases on their own. That is the legal system is for!

We give thanks to our Committee Chairman, Mr. Malata Mboo, our Caregiver, Mutave Ikuli and our child, Mwendwa Nzusyo for their heartwrenching speeches of trial, tribulation and triumph over HIV/AIDS. Their speeches moved many hearts. We also recognize and thank our staff lead by Field Coordinator, John Mulingi and Field Assistant Mutune Nzinzi for their efforts to coordinate this event at late notice. To our Caregiver Kathooko who in her style, put together an entertaining dance, what can we say but Asanda?!

And last but not least, we give special mention to our District Children’s Officer, Jacinta Mwinzi who spoke on Twana Twitu’s good collaboration with her department, Cecilia Mueni from the Muthale Catholic Mission Hospital and most of all, our local Administrator, Chief David Mbosyo for leading our community in caring for its children. They are truly individuals who lay claim to the message we preach: that orphaned children are our children…our responsibility.

God bless Twana Twitu and all our special friends at Musyi FM. Nitwosa Vinya! (We are stronger!) from your gifts of maize flour, rice, blankets, sheets, cooking oil, T-shirts and biscuits.