September saw Alice and Ernie Mitchell travel to Kenya to monitor our project. Their short trip was packed with matters to check on and people to connect with. They were able to achieve a whole range of things while on the ground, and have returned home with a lot of valuable feedback and strengthened relationships with local project stakeholders.

During the trip Alice and Ernie surveyed the progress of construction of the new project offices – building is in the fourth and final stage and has been kept in line with the planned budget. Local management will soon be able to move in and begin to establish the envisioned health development ‘hub’.

Alice and Ernie found that project activities continue to be well implemented, with a positive morale present among workers and volunteers. Speaking with key individuals, such as Project Manager Mordecai and Maternal and Child Health Officer Conslata, ideas were explored to further refine and improve various activities. These included Conslata’s mode of travel for meetings and client visits, introducing a new HIV counsellor, possible sources of local income to support the project, organising a ‘refresher’ course for the community health workers in Boro, and revising the local management structure and allowances.

They attended a board meeting of the local Uranga board, representing Positive Aid in updates and discussions of how things are going – both in Kenya and Australia. Overall it was a worthwhile trip enjoyed by Alice and Ernie. We thank both of them for their time and input while in country, and look forward to working together over the coming weeks as we action various recommendations.