This is Abby Onencan’s weekly life when we were staying with her.

Saturday 4th, July 2009
Drove an hour on the bumpy and dusty road to visit the St. Jerald Children Centre near Town Nanyuki as a special guest.

The students in St. Jerald were dancing within Christine ritual to welcome Abby’s participation in their new dormitory building opening.

Abby was giving a speech to encourage the students to become the persons that they want to be—most children in this center have been experienced severe family trauma.

Students were waiting for Abby to cut ribbon for their new dormitory opening.

Sunday 5th, July, 2009

Drove two hours to hold a picnic with the students and the Brothers in St. Joseph Poly-technique School in Worazo Village.

As essential supporters of St. Joseph Worazo Polytechnique School, Abby (left) and Monica (right) was planting a tree as foundation laying.

After picnic, students in Poly-technique school were dancing with their friends from another high school nearby.

Monday –Wednesday 6th -8th, July 2009
As a consultant on local development within the program founded by EU, conducted trainings for Community Development Assistants to equip the CDAs with the knowledge and skills to understand communities and apply the various methods of motivating them.

Group Picture: Abby(1st on the left) with CDAs of Municipal Nanyuki after three-day training—PS All of the CDAs are women

(Abby Onencan, a Global Advisor of Vital Voices, held a workshop for Community Development Assistants from 6th July 2009 to 8th July 2009 in Nanyuki, Kenya. During the break, the CDAs were singing and dancing. This workshop effectively motived the community facilitators to empower community menbers.)

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Thursday 9th, July 2009
Leaded the meeting to facilitate communication between community leaders in Nanyuki and the LASDAP Officer.

Abby was bridging communication gaps between councillors, community development facilitators, LASDAP officers, and local public in Municipal Nanyuki by her workshop series.

LASDAP officer Irungu was sharing the incoming challenges with local community leaders during the 4th day meeting.

Friday 10th, July 2009
Directed the final meeting with Nanyuki councillors a week after the Strategic Plan Workshop, brought the feedback of members in the community and assisted local authorities to produce the draft of Municipal Nanyuki Work Plan in preparation for the LASDAP process for 2010/2011.

Sent AP & VV fellows Luna Liu and Kate Cummings to Nakuru to continue reporting about the mentorship program within her NGO Ripe For Harvest.

Saturday, 11th July 2009
Finally, enjoyed free time with John—Abby’s 4 year-old son.

Abby Onencan/Muricho, a global advisor of Vital Voices, conducted a Strategic Planning for Municipal Council of Nanyuki from 30th June 2009 to 1st July 2009, to improve the governance of local authorities and to empower the local communities in Kenya.

For the text, please see Kate Cummings’ Blog: Prayer and Planning: Meet Kenya’s Local Government & Envisioning The Light at The End of Plan

Tea break