BBSM on the Radio

Something exciting happened last week. For the first time, Community Breakthrough Support mission had large public radio coverage. The moderator, Joseph Wanjala, of WESTI FM 99.8 spoke for over 15 minutes about CBSM. Even though we heard the programme and rejoice in the event, we can hardly believe it happened.

It all started on Kenyatta Day, Oct. 20. This is a day that is meant to honour the first president of Kenya, Mr. Kenyatta, in official style, when people gather together and participate in all sorts of public entertainment. On this day, our school children performed a song and a poem for the attending crowd.

A journalist approached us, wanting to know more about the children. Out of this conversation, came Joseph Wanjala’s request to air our activities. Of course, we readily accepted.

The day arrived. Unfortunately, the programme did not go on as scheduled, but was delayed for about 30 minutes. The committee members, who had been waiting to hear the programme since the morning, managed to reach me as I was out doing various tasks for the mission.

I rushed to a home nearby with a radio and listened to last half of the programme. This was the part where they were talking about our dilemma to find sufficient resources for the children. They went on and discussed both the short term and long term benefits of our project in the community. It was wonderful to hear people speak so positively about our work.

They finished by giving the two names of people behind the project: mine for local inquiry and Lia Hadley in Germany for other inquires. They also talked about “Our Song Circle - Wimbo Mviringo” site. They mentioned our wish for active participation from other schools.

The committee members, who had managed to listen to the whole programme, said it started with a recording of the performance of our children on Kenyatta Day. All in all, the programme managed to extensively cover our work and our vision for improving the health and education of our children. What a gift this is for our CBSM family.

There have been many inquiries since the programme was aired. Schools have been calling to find out more about “Our Song Circle - Wimbo Mviringo” site. This is very good and we will do our best to react promptly, so as to benefit from their interest. Many people, even some of our neighbours, have come over to offer their help. They didn’t realise what it is that we are doing. They were misguided and thought we were some up-and-coming private school. Thankfully, this radio program dispelled these notions.

Sadly, the programme has also triggered an inflow of potential applicants for needy children to be helped. Presently, we are struggling to feed and educate the 250 OVCs in our care. We just do not have capacity to admit any more at this time. The fact that so many people are coming to us asking for application admission forms challenges us. I have to talk to the elders’ council about these matters and see what can be done.

All in all, we are very thankful for Joseph Wanjala’s interest in BBSM and feel that such media exposure is a wonderful thing indeed.