CharityHelp International Enters Africa
Ripples International Becomes the Third CHI Project 

November 1, 2006 – Ripples International-founded in 2001 in Meru, Kenya- serves children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS.  Low estimates place approximately 27,000 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in the Meru Central district.  Some estimates go as high as 50,000 OVC.  Ripples is currently able to serve approximately 547 OVC, 32 abandoned children under the age of 2 years, and 200 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).  This translates into a need to service ratio of almost 35 to 1.  

The Ripples International (RI) Project (www.charityhelp.org/ripples-international/ripples-home.html) will enable donors to provide support for both individual children and the operating costs of the project.   With these additional funds, Ripples can provide needed services to the children and families in Meru Central district and eventually expand into the Meru North district which has an estimated 29,000 additional OVC and no intervention or services.   

RI is strongly committed to conduct community based/initiated activities in an effort to support the welfare of families and communities at large, helping them to take responsibility for their own future. They work with the community and not for the community. The community orphanage project is executed as a joint effort of RI and individual communities.

RI encourages and promotes the community orphanage system because it promotes the stabilization of family line/tree, promotes/respects acceptable cultural values and traditions and encourages children to grow in their communities under the care of extended relatives.  

“The partnership with CharityHelp is a perfect fit for our projects.  Both organizations believe that groups of committed individuals working at the grassroots level can make big impacts,” says Chidi Ogbonna-Executive Director, Ripples International. “CHI is providing the information and communications technologies to help us connect with potential donors around the world.” Jeffrey Neu, CHI co-founder and Vice-President, agrees, “Ripples International is a small group that has the ability to change lives with a little help from us.   We are excited to work with such a dedicated group of individuals that serves such a crucial part of the world.”

For more information contact:

Chidi Ogbonna, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Ripples International Ripplesafrica @ Ripplesintl.org

Jeffrey Neu, Co-Founder & Vice-President, CharityHelp International or Stephanie K. Dalpra, Managing Director, CharityHelp International Media @ Charityhelp.org