Camp Ohana Foundation

Soccer for Boys and Girls

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Soccer for Boys and Girls

In a country where access to clean drinking water is not guaranteed, one might wonder why soccer for kids should be a priority. In addition to providing drinking water it is important for the children to have an opportunity to play since play is an essential part of growing emotionally, physically and mentally.

A sport, such as soccer, offers kids the opportunity to learn how to be part of a team and work well with others. Cooperation is necessary on a sports team. It is not possible to win a game without teammates just as it it not possible to succeed in life without others. The skills taught by playing soccer are skills children will need throughout their lives.

Sports also teach the important lesson of perseverance. When giving up is not possible it is necessary to keep trying. Perseverance is important for all humans no matter which country they live in. Everyone encounters situations in their life in which they just have to struggle through. Sports teach us that even when things are tough and the situation doesn't look good you must still keep working. You may even wind out beating the odds and coming out the winner.

For girls soccer is especially important. Traditional gender roles are emphasized in many countries meaning girls access to sports is limited. When girls are given a chance, they prove to themselves and everyone else that they can excel at sports too. This provides the girls self-confidence. It also allows boys to view girls as strong and capable.

Life without play is extremely difficult for children. Play is the way kids learn new skills and discover talents and interests. If a soccer ball is not available children will tie a bundle of old plastic bags together with string so they can play. Does it work as well as a real soccer ball? No. If the choice is no play or play with sub-par equipment the kids will come up with a way to play. They won't be able to play as well as they would with proper equipment but they will still attempt to play.

Camp Ohana provides villages in Kenya with programs, equipment, coaches and teachers. This gives kids a chance to play with proper equipment and proper training. Consider donating so more kids can play! Contact us for additional information!

By

Amos Balongo
Chairman and CEO
Camp Ohana Foundation
October 1st 2014

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Help & Support

Camp Ohana Foundation
411 Walnut Street, Suite 7797
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Phone No : 515-864-7002
Email :  info@campohana.org

Camp Ohana Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity Nonprofit Organization. Donations and Gifts are Tax deductible

Donate to Camp Ohana

Copyright Camp Ohana 2016

Importance of Education and Books

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Importance of Education and Books

When the basic human needs are listed, education doesn't make the top of the list. However, education of the people must be a priority in order for a nation to progress so the three basic needs of water, food and shelter are no longer a challenge to achieve. For this reason many countries recognize the importance of education and provide government aided educational programs. This shows the country places a priority on educating its people. It also makes it easier for the people to access the important education they need to succeed.

What happens in countries that don't fund education for their children? In many cases the cycle of illiteracy and poverty continues generation after generation. Why is illiteracy so detrimental?

Illiteracy often results in ignorance which can be dangerous. People who aren't educated are likely to believe in superstitions that may affect their life negatively. This is especially true when it comes to healthcare. Educated people have learned proper disease prevention as well as how to take care of themselves and their family. Those without an education may not have the knowledge necessary to keep themselves and their family healthy. Without realizing it they may actually increase the risk of illness or death of their own family members. Women in a society without education are not provided the information necessary to safely give birth and care for a baby. Therefore infant mortality rate is generally higher in countries with limited education opportunities.

In addition, education allows for a greater understanding of the world we live in. Educated people are aware of right and wrong and consequences of specific actions. Countries with a high illiteracy rate also often have a high poverty rate and elevated crime rate. It is easier to understand your rights as well as the rights of other human beings when you have been taught these lessons in school.

In Kenya many children have never held a book. This is hard for many Westerners to imagine as often our homes contain multiple books and we have access to libraries filled with books. We can not remember the first time we held a book because we were so young and can envision our children not being exposed to books. For the future success of Kenya this needs to be fixed. Literacy needs to be a priority for the children of Kenya. Camp Ohana is looking to improve literacy in Kenya by building the first children's library in western Kenya. Children of all ages will learn how to read, write and spell. To learn more or donate contact us.

By

Amos Balongo
Chairman and CEO
Camp Ohana Foundation
September 28th 2014

 

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Camp Ohana Foundation
411 Walnut Street, Suite 7797
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Phone No : 515-864-7002
Email :  info@campohana.org

Camp Ohana Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity Nonprofit Organization. Donations and Gifts are Tax deductible

Donate to Camp Ohana

Copyright Camp Ohana 2016

Most Endangered Species Of Kenya

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The Most Endangered Species Of Kenya

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) keeps an updated list on the endangered species around the world. Largely due to disappearing habitats and poachers, some animals in Kenya are quickly becoming extinct. Below you’ll read about some of the most endangered species in this region.

Black Rhinoceros

These large animals can weigh up to 3000 pounds and they browse on trees and bushes. Their prominent horn can grow up to five feet in length and the major threat to the black rhino is poachers who kill them for their horn. Due to poachers, the loss of habitat and competition for food, the IUCN lists the black rhino as critically endangered.

Grevy’s Zebra 

These beautiful animals are listed on the most endangered species list due to poaching, predation and overgrazing. Poachers hunt the zebras for their black and white striped hide, and predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas are a threat. The competition from livestock for food and water also adds to their extinction.

Hirola or Hunter’s Antelope 

These antelope live along Kenya’s border and it’s estimated that there are only around 600 left. These antelope are light brown with a white line running from one eye to the other and they appear to be wearing eyeglasses. These antelope are on the critically endangered list due to food and water competition with livestock, predators, poachers, and loss of habitat.

Tana River Mangabey

This medium-sized primate lives in the forest along the lower area of the Tana River in Kenya. Deforestation, the burning of grasslands, and overgrazing by livestock have placed the Tana River mangabey on the most endangered species list.

Camp Ohana Foundation is a non-profit organization that has developed numerous educational programs for the underprivileged children of Kenya. One of these programs, called Wildlife Defenders, educates the children, and teaches them how they can help to protect the animals of Kenya.

Visit www. campohana.org/protect to help with this worthwhile cause. To learn more about the various programs of Camp Ohana Foundation, contact us through our website.

By

Amos Balongo
Chairman and CEO
Camp Ohana Foundation
September 25th 2014

 

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Camp Ohana Foundation
411 Walnut Street, Suite 7797
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Phone No : 515-864-7002
Email :  info@campohana.org

Camp Ohana Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity Nonprofit Organization. Donations and Gifts are Tax deductible

Donate to Camp Ohana

Copyright Camp Ohana 2016

Girls Mentoring

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The Camp Ohana Girls Mentoring Program

Even for what we call the "free world," we are living in a time of some very bleak statistics regarding our female citizens. While awareness of injustice against girls and women should be increasing by the rate of its accumulation, the sad fact remains that in the United States we are still looking at terrible numbers regarding employment, pay rates, and frightfully, violence. It seems that though many advocacy groups and individuals are stepping up on small and large scales to counteract an ongoing cultural issue, accountability for injustice is not keeping up with the facts, and the result is a place that is not nearly as safe or fair as we would like it to be.

Sound discouraging? Now imagine these threats and injustices working against you tenfold. Unfortunately, most girls in Kenya are brought up to believe that decisions regarding career are not theirs to make. There is also a shocking amount of domestic violence being taken for granted by too many. Teaching girls that they can change their destinies by reaching for an education and looking out for one another can make a huge difference in their perspectives. By learning about life from women who have become leaders in various fields, these girls can start to picture for themselves a limitless future to reach for, and start to shape a path towards goals they might otherwise have never considered at all.

Over time, we believe programs such as this can actually change the way the world views women in society. In other words, we are working to change the world for all women, one little girl at a time.

Playing a role in girls mentoring in Kenya is one very rewarding way to speak up on behalf of girls everywhere. Contact us for more information about this, and other opportunities to get involved.

By

Amos Balongo
Chairman and CEO
Camp Ohana Foundation
September 21st 2014

 

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Camp Ohana Foundation
411 Walnut Street, Suite 7797
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Phone No : 515-864-7002
Email :  info@campohana.org

Camp Ohana Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity Nonprofit Organization. Donations and Gifts are Tax deductible

Donate to Camp Ohana

Copyright Camp Ohana 2016

Dental Health Month

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Dental health Month helps kids learn the importance of good oral hygiene

Dental Health 1

All across the world, there are children who are suffering from improper oral hygiene. Some children have never had their own toothbrush and don't understand the importance of good oral hygiene. Thanks to dental health month, children can learn about the proper way to care for their teeth.

One of the most important ways for children to keep their teeth healthy is to brush and floss at least twice a day. Brushing and flossing properly will remove the food and bacteria that can build up between their teeth and under the gum line. Unfortunately, not all children have access to the dental care that they so desperately need. That's where the health and wellness program comes in.

Through the health and wellness program, children learn how to care for their teeth. They are also given the tools that they'll need in order to properly brush their teeth each day. This program also teaches children how to keep themselves healthy by washing their hands.

Dental health month helps educate children and show them effective ways to help keep their teeth healthy and strong. Each child who participates in dental health month receives their very own toothbrush, toothpaste and hand soap. Please contact us for additional information on how you can help teach children the importance of good oral hygiene.

No child should have to do without basic hygiene items. Through the efforts of dental health month, children can receive the items they need and can learn how to care for their teeth.

By
Amos Balongo
Chairman and CEO
Camp Ohana Foundation
September 18th 2014

 

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Camp Ohana Foundation
411 Walnut Street, Suite 7797
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Phone No : 515-864-7002
Email :  info@campohana.org

Camp Ohana Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity Nonprofit Organization. Donations and Gifts are Tax deductible

Donate to Camp Ohana

Copyright Camp Ohana 2016

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