It's almost here...DRUGS NI SHIDA TUPU! - KATAA!!

Its been described as "The big one. StAY Alive's biggest event - in terms of reach and societal impact", "The groups biggest event (by reach and budget)" and also "The major event in StAY Alives anti-drugs program", and true to that...its The StAY Klean & StAY Alive Anti-Drugs & Substance Abuse Raodshow.

Going down on the November 28, 2009 is the 2009 Edition of The StAY Klean & StAY Alive Anti-Drugs & Substance Abuse Raodshow, and its promising to live to its legacy. As we navigate our way in and out of Kahawa West, Githurai, Zimmerman, Roysambu & Kasarani Estates, we taking to the streets our gospel of 'Keepin' Away Threatening Abuse & Addiction'.

This year, we are ganging up to shout at the top of our voices that DRUGS NI SHIDA TUPU! KATAA!! and using that as our slogan, and the month has been slated with activities that will prepare us for this major event.

A sneak preview of the KATAA Calendar will be posted as soon as it gets approval from The Vicar. For now, lets keep on praying...

God bless.

It all starts with one glass of wine

Eleven years ago, she packed three suitcases and walked out on her husband of 20 years and their four children, leaving behind a life she had passionately worked hard to build for two decades.

By the time Sarah Macoun walked out of her front door for the last time, her life had been taken over by alcoholism, a vicious, relentless illness that had gradually eaten her former self and destroyed her relationships with those who mattered to her.

Her gradual journey to alcohol addiction begun with a glass or two of wine in the evening after a hectic day, ‘just to unwind.’ Her life in England was enviable – she was married to a very wealthy man, lived in a home that is only a distant dream to many and had four adorable children. What more could a woman ask for, you may wonder?

“I was a stay-at-home mum but ran a small business on the side from home. I dotted on my children, loved my husband and was what you would call a perfectionist,” she explains.

Her day normally started at 5am. She would prepare her children for school; ensure that household chores were done before turning her attention to her business. “At the time, I didn’t realise how taxing this was and every evening after a hard day’s work, I would relax with a glass of wine,’ she says.

With time though, the glass progressed to two then to half a bottle and eventually, to a full one. But Sarah wasn’t alarmed especially because the cloak of stress that constantly enveloped her would fall off after the first glass. What she didn’t comprehend at the time was that this was a temporary fix because come morning, the stress and the fatigue would be right where she left them.

“Without my noticing it, I had slowly become what you would call a functional alcoholic – even though I fulfilled my responsibilities as a wife, mother and business owner, I had got to a point where I just couldn’t function without alcohol. By this time I had moved from wine to spirits.’

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KATAA Post

Alcohol policy timely

Plans by the government to adopt a new policy on the sale of alcohol with the aim of preventing teenage drinking is not only sound, but also timely.

Teenage drinking is blamed for cases of indiscipline in schools, crime, spread of sexually transmitted ailments including Aids, unplanned pregnancies, road accidents and death.

Families are also spending huge sums of money on the treatment of alcohol-related diseases.

A recent survey by Consumer Insight revealed that Kenyan youths spend a whopping Sh37 billion on alcohol a year.

The study indicates that on average, the youths spend Sh1,031 on beer and Sh714 on spirits in a month — most of it gotten from their parents in form of pocket money.

The survey is also a clear pointer to the breakdown of family values.

As reported elsewhere in this paper, the government intends to ensure only those above 21 years would be allowed into alcohol selling entertainment spots.

We expect noisy resistance by the youths, but advise them to look at the big picture: that of self-preservation.

No heroism can be derived from too much drinking. At below 21 years, most youngsters are expected to be in school. Their energies should be devoted to studies and other productive activities.

The government policy cannot replace the role of parents and guardians. It is the primary responsibility of parents to teach their children the dangers of alcohol abuse.

Source: Daily Nation 16/05/09

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KATAA Post

At 18 years, you could be old enough to vote but too young to drink

Are you an adult aged 21 or less? The Kenya Government has a message for you: in less than two months, all doors to pubs and other alcohol selling premises could be locked to people your age.

In simpler terms, a proposed policy on the sale of alcohol considers you too young to drink.

This may sound far-fetched to young revellers, but it may become a harsh reality once the minister for Provincial Administration and Internal Security, Prof George Saitoti, approves the official adoption of the National Alcohol Policy.

When that happens, with the simple stroke of a pen, nearly two million youth aged between 18 and 21 will be officially banned from bars and alcohol selling points.

The move is bound to cause a great rift between the government and brewers who, by all indications, are gearing up for the battle to retain this extremely profitable constituency.

Details of the policy are still being hammered out. For example, officials are trying to decide whether the policy should be adopted by the Cabinet, or simply sanctioned by Prof Saitoti.

Source: Saturday Nation 16/05/09

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Annual Madaraka Day Children's Home Visitation

During the Madaraka Day celebrations (1st June), StAY Alive Fellowship (ACK St Andrews Youth – Zimmerman) makes a visit to a children’s home. This year is no exception and we will be visiting Kandara Children’s Home in Kandara. On behalf of the StAY Alive Fellowship, we invite you for a visitation to Kandara Children’s Home.

About the home:

The home was started in the 1950’s. The home has about 120 children in total. Some of their pressing needs include food, clothing (especially for the young ones and also briefs), utensils (including cutlery), sanitary pads (for the girls), and beddings. The children attend school in the nearby institutions especially public ones. There are a few older ones who are in secondary school and the home has managed to get a few sponsors for some of them. Some of them are in Njiris, St. Charles Lwanga and Kamahuha School. A few others are in technical training institutions where they are undergoing training courses such as carpentry and joinery, welding among others.

Donations in cash and kind are welcome. If there are people who would like to join us for this trip, fare charges are Kshs 500/-. Registration is going on at ACK St. Andrews Church, Zimmerman at the church office or at the youth desk every Sunday.

For more info kindly get in touch with our team leader on 254 0720 668 781 or send us an email: stayalive@myrealbox.com.

God bless you abundantly.

StAY Alive Fellowship.

Below are photos from previous visitations.

2 0 0 9 - T H E M E

Got Your Priorities RIGHT?

God's KINGDOM + His RIGHTEOUSNESS = The REAL DEAL

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AFLEWO Registration On

The annual worship extravaganza AFLEWO (Africa Let's Worship), is welcoming registration for its 2009 team. Departments available include choir, band/instrumentalists and support team, amongst others. The AFLEWO team is looking forward to, it their words, a bigger, fresher more exciting team". Registration can be arranged via email info@aflewo.com or phone (0720302036).

A Walk Down Memory Lane

During the 1st Patrons Kamukunji & Breakfast an exhibition was made of the different paraphenalia that has been used by StAY Alive over the years.

In light of the responses this elicited lets walk down memory lane and review some of the annual themes, banners and slogans that have been used over the years...

but before we post them here give ut a shot, how many could you remember? Post your response by replying to this post:




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New Dawn - Fresh Start

The Annual General Meeting of the StAY Alive Fellowship took place on Sunday January 25th 2009. With seven leaders responsible for seven dockets and throw in the Treasurers Report, we were set for a long day, but one that was well worth it.

The overiding point in most if not all reports was that StAY Alive had made major strides in the year 2008 but there was still alot of room for growth and improvement. Some of the challenges that stood out were the need of growing the small group fellowships and intimate Monday Fellowship. The issue of raising funds was discussed at length precipitated by the biggest deficite ever in the StAY Alive accounts that stood at over Kes 180,000.

On the brighter side, the AGM celebrated the first year after the launch of the three cell teams Eagles, Yakobo and G.O. The bearer of the 2008 Chairmans Award weighed in with an outsiders view of StAY Alive that reminded us of how highly we are regarded within the Church the community around and the Nairobi Diocese. He had a challenge that the potential of increased support was out there giving his personal commitment to act as the bridge with the highly endowed but low activity KAMA team.

After all the reports were completed with several comments and reactions from the membership, all was set for the election of Team 2009.

The Patron acted as the Presiding Officer introducing the voting procedure and regulations. After an interesting voting and tallying process the following were announced as the Team 2009 Officials:

Chairman: Dennis Wabukala
Secretary: Evelyn Muthoni
Treasurer: Mwihaki Muiruri
Committee Members:
Kenince Mbithi
John Kamau
Barbara Maina
Susan Irungu

Keeping with the StAY Alive tradition, new blood was injected in the form of Evelyn, John and Susan. Continuity was addressed through Dennis, Kenince and Barbara while Mwihaki made a return to her old docket at the Treasury after an years break and we hope she will be able to reinstate and rejuvenate the financials.

After blessing and commissioning the new team the Patron shared with the group about the sabbatical that he and his family are taking and that the Chruch is in the process of identifying another Patron to take over by the time of the main Church AGM.

All said and done, the future of StAY Alive is very promising and with a new team in place the sky has never been the limit.

Patrons Kamukunji & Breakfast

The first ever Patrons Kamukunji & Breakfast was held Saturday January 17, 2009. The idea behind the event was to bring together the StAY Alive fraternity to a gathering where they discuss matters of StAY Alive and they as individuals with StAY Alive PEVU.

On this occasion on the cards were the following topics:

• Vision, Mission & Values Of StAY Alive: Covering how we work, why we work the way we do, our aspirations and values to live by and the larger StAY Alive vision
•Awakening The Giant Inside: Motivational talk on understanding and evaluating self, expected to set you out on a journey of purpose
• CV Preparation & Interview Skills: Tips on how to sell yourself at different levels and how one should present self. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression!

Though starting late (due to slow trickling in of members) the day started off with prayers and an introduction of the days activities. This was followed by a sumptous breakfast, appropriately hosted by the Pevu members in attendance with their spouses.

The first discussion session was handled by Elias Wamae. He weaved through the history of StAY Alive, the vision and values, the groups activities and enumerating the threats as well. The distinction that makes StAY Alive not just any other church based youth group was brought out clearly by sharing the StAY Alive Brand.

This session was followed by a welcome break where the outgoing chair Anthony Kibigo led in an interesting group activity.

Following thereafter was the talk on awakening the giant inside. The talk, presented by the Patron Cris Mwangi dwelt on bringing out the best in us by mainly understanding our God intended purpose, relating it to where we are and projecting it into the future. Peppered with loads of Bible references and pertinent examples both biblical and practical, the path to greatness as defined by God and not man was put into everyones perspective.

For a session that was supposed to end at 12, the third facilitator was yet o make it to the venue by this time. A suggestion by the Patron that we adjourn and hold the last session at another date was met by a counter suggestion that we reach the facilitator and confirm that we should wait. Calls to him went unanswered. However, soon thereafter he called and confirmed that he was 'flying' to the venue.

An exhibition corner was setup to relive the memories of StAY Alive with different literature and various apparel from previous years on display. More snacks were shared and the members present were divided into three groups. The assignment was to deliberate on and share with all the three values of StAY Alive viz: Purpose, Growth & Unity!

After the group summaries all was set for the last presentation. Facilitated by Dickson Nyambori, the Head of Human Resources at Hotpoint Appliances where he has just joined from British American Insurance in a similar capacity. A direct and aggressive character, he tore through CV preparation and common mistakes therein, also covering the pre, during and post interview activities.

The session finally came to a close with the sharing of the Word by another StAY Alive Pevu stalwart Jacob Mulanda who covered the confidence we should have even in our youth drawing mainly from Jeremiah 1.

All said and done the day was well worth every second, closing at 6PM attendees were overheard saying that that was a day well spent. It was also generally agreed that the days expectations were met if not passed.

Summaries of the presentations will be made available to all attendees.

Nacada adopts new treatment model in war against drugs

Peer influence is important in behaviour change especially after drug abuse.

January 13, 2009: The National Agency for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse — Nacada — is set to adopt the therapeutic community (TC) model for the treatment of drug abuse and addiction cases, in the process upping its campaign against a problem that is fast assuming a crisis proportion in the country.

This, according to Nacada’s board chairman Dr Frank Njenga, is one of the government’s multifaceted responses to the increasing demand for drug dependence treatment resulting from the high prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse in the country.

“This country has reached a stage where the government must come out strongly and publicly acknowledge that drug abuse is a national disaster — a real war zone in which we need to deploy massive resources if we are to secure our collective future,” said Dr Njenga.

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