Online from Africa

Andrew Betts, the Director of Olney Charity, Advantage Africa was able to keep people 'back home' updated on the charity's work during a trip to visit projects. Here are some excerpts from his postings on Facebook from East Africa, where the charity helps people challenged by poverty, disability and HIV/AIDS.

"We're in Obambo Kenya. It's so inspiring to see what our partners are doing to help people affected by HIV and AIDS in their community. Today we have been planning for the expansion of the orphan feeding programme to more than 100 children." February 10

"Widowed, HIV positive and poor, Patricia (name changed) shows us how to 'live positively': With hope in her heart, friends from our partner group to support her in so many ways, including access to antiretroviral drugs, Patricia (name changed) shows us what it means to 'live positively'. She cycles ten miles to Lake ...Victoria to buy fish and sell it on, earning vital income to provide for her children." February 11

"We've just left Obambo in western Kenya. The most striking image in our minds is that of some 80 orphaned children receiving a nutritious meal each day - for many, the only food they will eat in 24 hours. And of young Tony, who after losing both parents to AIDS, has found acceptance, health and happiness in his new home." February 13

"We're in Masese, Uganda where we are supporting 10 households headed by children. A 420 character post can't begin to describe what they face but think no parents, no sanitation, poor housing, no reliable food and faces showing the grief of their carers' death last week. School is the stability these children have in t...heir lives and we're working to build on that foundation." February 16

"We've seen and heard it all today. Hunger, conflict, poor housing, even child labour; As night fell, we went to the Lake Victoria shore where we found three of our children piling firewood. For their combined work during the previous two hours they received 1,000 Shillings (about 30p). Thanks to one of our supporters who gave us a cheque before we left the UK, we were able to leave them with some food for a meal tonight. We are working towards long term change, but the immediate is also important." February 17

"Our visit to Kenya and Uganda nearly over. We've seen the extremes of humanity: The young girl who looks twice her age because of HIV and slum life; her sick baby, never tested; the teenage boy sleeping rough who killed his own brother; the disabled girl recovering from rape. And then those who support all these people... - with an encouraging word, food, prayer, school, love, a home, belonging - and always with hope." February 21

Advantage Africa on Facebook is here. You will find photos of the trip there.