A La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Family doing Rotary Work in Kenya
 
Students at Gilgil, Kenya
Playtime at Gilgil, Kenya
 
The Alba Family with Ivan (past president of La Mesa Sunrise), Elena, and Isabel and Lily (Rotor-kids) are currently in Gilgil, Kenya.  They started their “Rotary World Tour” on August 27th and have traveled through Europe, the Middle East, and are now in Africa.
 
The family is volunteering for two weeks with Restart Africa (www.restartafrica.org), a home that rescues, houses, feeds, and loves over 100 children from the streets of Gilgil.  This is the only organization of its kind in all of Kenya. It was founded by two Rotarians, Mary Coulson, and Peter Ndolo of the Rotary Club of Nairobi.  Restart Africa provides a safe home with counseling, tutoring, and a place to call home forever.  Children never “age out” of the system and are supported through university and vocational training until they are totally independent. 
 
Currently Ivan and Elena are working with the staff on ways to motivate children through changing mindsets.  Restart is growing rapidly and is looking for funds to add second stories to the dormitories and also to build an apartment for the grown children to live in when they return from university during holidays.   The Albas have been able to donate soccer balls and equipment, hooks for the bathrooms, a  years’ supply of sanitary napkins for the girls, tools, and art supplies thanks to the generosity of their club, friends, and family. 
 
Restart is also supported by a Fair Trade Women’s Collaborative that is looking for contracts for beadwork and jewelry.  They make beautiful women’s accessories as well as African footwear that can be shipped to other countries as contracts arise.  The Alba family is continuing their journey around the world sharing Rotary values, interacting with Rotary Clubs, and donating their time as educators of teachers in the far reaches of the planet.  Keep up with their journeys on their blog site at www.albaworldtour.wordpress.com
 
Ivan and Elena Alba
La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club