The Pokot people have their own language, although some of the words used are similar to Swahili. The basics are as follows, with apologies for the spellings:
poghsio (pronounced poy-shhuh) - hello
poghsio nyoman (pronounced poy-shhuh nya-man) - hello (in response to a greeting)
karam nyoman - hello (friendly, in response to a greeting)
lenteneana - how are you?
karibu - welcome
karibu kau (pronounced kari-boo cow) - welcome to my home
mzuri - good
karam - very good
wena - a call to get someone's attention, to a man
weno - a call to get someone's attention, to a woman
kariama (pronounced karry-arma) - goodbye
kariama sieth (pronounced karry-arma see-eth) - see you tomorrow
Thursday, February 15, 2007
February Trip Overview
The Yellowmen have just returned from the latest visit to the West Pokot district of Kenya, to view progress on the medical centre and do some more work. 
Since the last visit there have been heavy rains, which have disrupted work on the site. The rains have also had an impact on the access to the site, as a laager (dry river bed) about 4km from the site is now full of water.
The Yellowmen were very disappointed on the first day to discover that the road was impassable. With water up to thigh-level, vehicular access was impossible. However, a tractor was hired for the second day to deliver roof trusses, steelwork, corrugated iron roofing and other materials to the site. After some effort and an interesting half hour when the tractor's trailer got stuck in the river, the materials were finally delivered to the site.
The rest of the week's work carried on, but access to the site at Tikeet was strictly by foot only. The toilet blocks were dug out, with concrete footings and block work going in. Although not a glamourous job, the toilets are essential to the hygenic running of the centre when it opens!
Local people are continuing work on the toilet block and on the roofs for the buildings this month, following the return of the Yellowmen to the UK.
Pictures show Yellowman Martin Mears crossing the laager and work being carried out on the toilet blocks.
Since the last visit there have been heavy rains, which have disrupted work on the site. The rains have also had an impact on the access to the site, as a laager (dry river bed) about 4km from the site is now full of water.
The Yellowmen were very disappointed on the first day to discover that the road was impassable. With water up to thigh-level, vehicular access was impossible. However, a tractor was hired for the second day to deliver roof trusses, steelwork, corrugated iron roofing and other materials to the site. After some effort and an interesting half hour when the tractor's trailer got stuck in the river, the materials were finally delivered to the site.
The rest of the week's work carried on, but access to the site at Tikeet was strictly by foot only. The toilet blocks were dug out, with concrete footings and block work going in. Although not a glamourous job, the toilets are essential to the hygenic running of the centre when it opens!
Local people are continuing work on the toilet block and on the roofs for the buildings this month, following the return of the Yellowmen to the UK.
Pictures show Yellowman Martin Mears crossing the laager and work being carried out on the toilet blocks.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Clinic Update
A visit to the clinic site was achieved in October, despite some much needed rain, which made the journey through the bush rather interesting!
A warm welcome greeted the small group of Yellowmen at the site, with traditional Pokot dancing and singing and plenty of smiles.
The site has been cleared significantly since February and the progress on the building work is remarkable.
In February, the foundations for the materity unit and outpatients building were dug out and the first level of blocks put in. The tribes people have continued the work, and both these buildings are now up to roof height, with plastered walls.
In addition, the villagers have started work on the administration and staff block, now up to window height, and dug out the foundations for the waiting room.
While there is still much to be done, the work to date is excellent, and we are now planning for a solar powered well and staff for the clinic.
The clinic could be ready as early as February 2007, and we are keen to make sure it is fitted out to start helping the local people who have done so much to help themselves.
Pictures show Chief Samuel with some of the tribespeople at the clinic site.
A warm welcome greeted the small group of Yellowmen at the site, with traditional Pokot dancing and singing and plenty of smiles.
The site has been cleared significantly since February and the progress on the building work is remarkable.
In February, the foundations for the materity unit and outpatients building were dug out and the first level of blocks put in. The tribes people have continued the work, and both these buildings are now up to roof height, with plastered walls.
In addition, the villagers have started work on the administration and staff block, now up to window height, and dug out the foundations for the waiting room.
While there is still much to be done, the work to date is excellent, and we are now planning for a solar powered well and staff for the clinic.
The clinic could be ready as early as February 2007, and we are keen to make sure it is fitted out to start helping the local people who have done so much to help themselves.
Pictures show Chief Samuel with some of the tribespeople at the clinic site.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Corporate donations to the clinic
Chris Potter, one of the Yellowmen, recently held a free seminar with his company, Select Appointments, and asked clients for a donation to the Buy A Brick campaign.
Select Appointments held the seminar at the Brighton Racecourse on the morning of Thursday 21st September. The successful seminar was designed for clients to bring to light any concerns that they had about the legislation in general, or their business in particular.
This seminar was a complimentary service to Select Appointments clients, and all clients were asked to donate to Select's chosen charitable project, the Buy a Brick campaign in Kenya. The Buy a Brick campaign is raising funds to build a clinic in Kenya, giving practical support to local tribespeople. From this seminar over £250 was raised, a relatively small amount in the UK that will go a long way over there.
Picture shows one of the donors, American Life, handing over a cheque to Chris.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
October Visit
Following our visit in February 2006, the Medical Centre has come on apace. The walls are now all completed and the roof nearly ready. The work has been carried out by the villagers with continued donations from Rotary Club of Senlac.
A small group of Yellowmen are visiting the project in October to review the project and find out what is needed next. Money raised from the Battle Classic Car Show, a Golf Day and various other activities will be taken to fund the next stages.
Check back for updates on the project when the Yellowmen return.
A small group of Yellowmen are visiting the project in October to review the project and find out what is needed next. Money raised from the Battle Classic Car Show, a Golf Day and various other activities will be taken to fund the next stages.
Check back for updates on the project when the Yellowmen return.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Friday, March 03, 2006
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Sunday, February 26, 2006
More Pictures
Here's a small selection of Photos from the Yellowmen's recent Kenya trip. Foundations of the Medical Centre are now in place following their 1 week tour.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Welcome
Welcome to The Yellowmen Of Kadongdong.
This is this site for all details of the work of the Yellowmen, a dedicated group of Rotarians from Sussex, trying to make a difference in Kenya.
We hope you will enjoy what you see and spread the word, and maybe even help us.
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