R.O.C.K.bridge
Zablon Kuria
Details:
In January, 2008, a Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Centre was opened. Its services
include counseling and testing of HIV/AIDS, community and home services to create awareness on
how to prevent new infections and re-infections for those who are already infected.
A Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC) has been opened whereby the People Living with HIV/AIDS
(PLWHA) are followed up and assessed on nutrition, physcial examinations and Anti Retroviral
Therapy (ART).
Also in January the pharmacy was started where drugs are dispensed to our patients and the one's
from outside. It has been of great help to the community.
In February 2008, Queens professional hair and beauty college was introduced. The course offers
certification and Diploma in hair design and beauty therapy. The course will enable studnets to have an
edge in the competitive industry and to breakdown traditional barriers in cosmetology education by
offering market relevant courses. The goal is to produce well-qualified and focused students.
A beautiful kitchen garden where kales, onion, amaranths, managu, carrots and spinach was started
in February 2008. It is used for practical demonstrations to the clients on how to grow their own
vegetables at home and to acquire nutritional needs economically.
Continued support for Zablon and The Presbyterian Church of East Africa, and the efforts with the
camps for IDP’s (Internally displaced persons).
A tentative trip to Kenya is planned for January 2009.
Latest Kenya Update: (April 21, 2008)
1. Q: What is the status of the coalition government and peace? A: After the signing of the coalition
government about one and half months ago, the political temperatures came down tremendously and
incidents of violence have ceased. One of the major items the Kenyan parliament has passed is the
creation of the prime minister position. Now Kenya is in the process of forming the coalition government
through the various ministries. The government has formed a peace and reconciliation team that should
start working immediately after the formation of the coalition government.
2. Q: What is the number of IDPs (internally displaced people) currently in Nakuru? A: The current
number of IDPs in Nakuru is 13,840 at the show grounds and 1,300 at Afraha stadium totaling 15,100.
The IDPs are separated according to their tribe to reduce tension. Zablon was appointed Regional IDP
Coordinator by the local authorities. Without the continued support of RPC, Zablon would not have been
in a position to be able to accept such a responsibility.
3. Q: What is the current enrollment at the Nakuru West Training Center? A: The training center
currently has 28 students in the dress making class, 35 students in the computer department,
10 students in accounting classes, and 1 student in the new hair dressing department.
