Published: Friday, 3rd July, 2009 11:24am

Condom plea in Peebles to help Kenyan community

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INTREPID charity worker Lucy Pappas hopes to help halt the African AIDS epidemic by collecting condoms.

The qualified teacher recently witnessed at first-hand the human suffering normally only seen from a comfortable distance.

While on holiday in Kenya she was shown around the Kicoshep project and saw young children being brought up by their grandparents because their natural parents had died of AIDS.

It is estimated that 75 per cent of adults in the community have the disease.

Lucy was also shown round a school which is struggling to make a difference on very little.

And she discovered a community ready to improve itself but lacking the help to make the change.

Back home in Peebles, Lucy is a lady on a mission.

She told the Peeblesshire News: 'What brought it all into sharp focus is that Comic Relief, who have been giving Kicoshep great support, will no longer be around in two years time.

'Current initiatives need to be protected now and beyond that date.

'An HIV respite and treatment centre needs to be completed, but top of the wish-list is female condoms, which will reduce the number of AIDS-related deaths and bring a greater parent-child stability to the community, with the teaching of health and hygiene a natural accompaniment to this.'

Plans for a fruit and vegetable garden that can make local people self-sufficient also needs help to make it happen at the Kenyan project.

And, alongside this, a cafe that will be income-generating - and very likely utilise crops from the garden - is also needing support.

A shipment of aid has already been dispatched - but further help is needed.

Lucy explained: 'We can give money to buy condoms, plants and seeds and donate clothing we no longer use.

'The first consignment of clothing has already been sent, received and is in use.

'We can also donate ideas, help and advice - especially if you have experience in this type of venture. All will be welcome.'

Lucy is willing to give a short, illustrated talk on Kicoshep to any interested local groups for a donation.

And she also plans for a ceilidh at Traquair Village Hall and other fundraising musical events in the area.

For further information, e-mail Lucy at lucyff@hotmail.com

Kicoshep Integrated Community Self-Help Programme was founded in a small clinic at the shanty settlement of Kibera in 1991.

The majority of patients were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS-related ailments, revealing the impact and spread of the disease within the Kibera community.

Almost 20 years on, the fight to halt the spread of HIV continues.

Traquair Village Hall Committee has very generously offered Traquair Village Hall, bar and staff for a fundraising ceilidh on Saturday, August 1 at 7.30pm with The Alan Hunter Band and special guests to be announced.

Tickets, priced at £10, including supper, are available from Gold Pot Gallery, Whinneyknowe, Glen Road, Peebles or order from Lucy at lucyff@hotmail.com.