Kageno Kids-Helping Hands

The Dallas Morning News

Bishop Lynch students: Mission Trip, A life-changing experience

Shelton High School News

The White Rock News

Davis Wiggins, Ross Gray "It Changed My Life"

Bishop Lynch News"No Comparison"

Ross Grey and Davis Wiggins travel to Kageno Kenya

Local boys return from a global trip and act locally

BISHOP LYNCH STUDENTS

In August 2006 the following article was published in the Dallas Morning News, Bishop Lynch School newspaper, and many other places.
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TWO BISHOP LYNCH STUDENTS TAKE MISSION TRIP TO AFRICA


Senior Bishop Lynch students and  Friar Football players, Davis Wiggins and Ross Gray, traveled to poverty-stricken Rusinga Island on the Kenyan shore of Lake Victoria to volunteer for the children of the fishing village’s community.

In August 2003 - New York Orthodontist, Frank Andolino was on Mt. Kilimanjaro when he first heard about Rusinga Island.  Andolino, who is a well renowned orthodontist in New York City, felt compelled to visit Rusinga Island where AIDS has ravaged the community. Because of the AIDS epidemic, 85 of the 185 preschool aged children are orphans, and up to 40% of the population is sick. The culture of the people will not allow adoption, but extended family takes on the responsibility for the children. However many of those extended family members have AIDS and well below the poverty line.  Therefore there are prominent and basic needs for the children.

Andolino formed “Kangeno”, a service organization with the philosophy to teach people how to provide for themselves, not to “over give.”  For starters Kangeno helped provide for anonymous aids testing, medications and organized support groups.  The first structure Kageno built was a community center.  Thanks to Kangeno, construction for a new preschool is over 80% complete and equipped with a computer lab, internet access, generators, solar power panels for electricity and playground equipment.  The playground equipment was put together by Bishop Lynch students Davis Wiggins and Ross Gray. During their 10-day mission they learned about the importance of community service. 

“The experience has changed my life.” said Wiggins.  “It has given me a new meaning to community service.  We are so lucky to have all the things we need here.  I don’t feel too bad anymore when something doesn’t quite work out for me.” 
Since his visit, Gray wears a necklace and bracelet that some of the children made for him.  “You think you know what poverty is but you really don’t until you see this place.”  Said Gray, “Even though the conditions were horrible the people, especially the kids, have such a love for life.  “More people here should have that spirit.”
Visit Kageno’s blog at www.kageno.typead.com to learn more.
Wiggins and Gray are planning to return next 
summer.

Kageno Roots-Kids Outreach

Beads of Hope

James Nittie, Stephanie Tager and Elyssa Nitti, from left, making bracelets using African trade beads, that were sold during the Kageno Harambe Fundraising Benefit Event in NYC. Proceeds from the event are helping the Kageno projects in Kenya and Rwanda improve the lives of communities suffering from war, disease and poverty.

GREAT JOB Elyssa, Stephanie, James and friends!!!!!!! ASANTE SANA from everyone at Kageno!!!!!!