Local news – 26.6.11 - By Mary Tioko - Missionary children commisioned

The pontifical missionary society today received missionary children in a colourful ceremony where 150 children were enrolled in a ceremony that was also the farewell ceremony for the out going Parish Administratotr Fr. Francis Teo and welcoming of the incoming parish Administrator Fr. Joseph Ekalimon who is also the Vicar general of the Diocese of Lodwar.
Earlier in his homily Fr. Teo explained the importance of the feast of the holy Eucharist for all those who receive it and those aspiring to receive. He said that christ promised to be with us till the end of times. He further said Christ also wants us to have life and have it to the full as he says that anyone who eats his body and drinks his blood has eternal life and he will raise him the last day.
Fr. Francis Teo said that Eucharist strengthens them and transforms them and the faithfuls should always prepare themselves before receiving the Holy communion. He said that people do not experiences the transformation in them when they take the Eucharist without understanding it. He urged them to truely pray and worship God in the Eucharist so as to approach the eucharist in more lively mood knowing that its the body of christ.
The vicar general informed the faithfuls to be patient on the issues of the St. Kevins secondary school as consultations are being done . He urged the christians to be patient, and advise those involved, in making wise decisions on the running of the school. He prayed for the peace of christ to be with all involved and promised to nurture faith, spread the word of God and foster oneness in the Church.

Local news – 25.06.2011 - by kodet and otaba - Education

Education is the only gift Turkana people can give to their children, says the mp.
The member of parliament for Turkana central Hon Ekwee Ethuro has today urged the Turkana people to make sure that they give education to their children since it is the only gift they can afford. He was speaking to teachers, parents, students and pupils at the Turkana resource center where they had converged to celebrate the district education day for Turkana central district.
Ethuro agreed that Turkana is the most disadvantaged region when it comes to disasters, and that what is facing education sector should be solved in order to give humble time for better performance. He noted that though the ratio of pupil to teacher will still remain wide, the government is going to employ more teachers in the next financial year which starts July this year. He warned those who are involved in corruption in the ministry of education, irrespective of the level, that they are likely to go home.
At the same time the district education officer for Turkana central Mr. Wycliffe Wamoto has challenged students, pupils and teachers of this region, saying that it is only performance that is measurable, but not potentiality. Several awards were given to best schools and students where Lodwar high scooped almost all the awards in secondary school levels.

LOCAL NEWS – 23.06.2011 - BY DANIEL EDAAN - TJRC CONDUCTS CIVIC EDUCATION

The Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission has conducted a one day civic education drive in lodwar, splash guest house in a function that attracted over 50 participants drown from various groups and institutions within Turkana central district.
The civic education was geared towards informing the public on the role of TJRC and its mandet in the whole process before the public hearing that is set for July 13th to 15th here in lodwar. Rose Mary Nchinyei, TJRC senior public communications expert, accompanied by other TJRC officials, highlighted the role and mandate of the truth justice and reconciliation commission, as to reveal gross abuse of human rights in the society, identify people to be prosecuted, investigate sexual crimes, corruption and abuse of public institutions, among many other injustices done to the public from 1963 to 2008 when the national accord was signed by the two principals, to form the coalition government.
The TJRC officer informed the community to be truthful and thorough in documentation injustices met by them during the hearing process. The commission will conduct its public civic education drive in Kakuma and lokitaung.
Two statement takers were also introduced to the community Bernard Kebo and Emmanuel Lokwamor, who are based in Turkana central.

Local news – 22.06.2011 - by kodet Philip - IRC FIELD STAFF SEMINAR

More than forty five IRC field workers was held today at Anne nanjala education center. The seminar which was organized and facilitated by IRC administrators and district health records and information officers from Turkana south, central and north districts respectfully was aimed at strategizing and and strengthening the field staffs.
The staffs highlighted most of challenges that are affecting them in the field. The common challenges affecting them include lack of reliable transportation,inadequacy of field hand-outs, difficulties in direct translation of manuals among other challenges.
Turkana central district health records and information officer encouraged the staff to use the tools that they have in the field as they work for the ones are not available. He promise to avail the materials to them as soon as he receives from the government. He also encouraged the staff to link with the health facilities on the ground as they are still waiting.
IRC field coordinator Mrs trizza mutanda reacted on the challenges and promised that her office will contain the issue.

Local news – 21th.06.2011 - by kodet Philip - YOUTH EMPOWERMENT TRAINING AT BISHOP MAHON CENTRE

Six out of the expected fifteen youths were today trained at bishop mahon educational center. A four day training which is organized by the diocese of lodwar youth empowerment program office called upon the youth from various locations in the central division is aimed at helping the youth to improve their lifestyle through self employment.
The training was facilitated by a skilled trainer Mr. David opati Okoko who also outlined the objectives of the training and also gives the mode of training as of practicals and a bit of lectures.
According to Mr. Opati, he expects the trainees to develop the knowledge and skills of making shoes and many other items that they are taught in order for them to be able to rely on themselves in terms of acquiring basic needs and to eliminate idleness.
Mr. Opati called upon the young people to join the training in the remaining days to learn more in order reduce the heavy use of hard drugs and also involving in crimes.
He continued saying that most of the youths have hidden and special talent that are supposed to be explored. The training is expected to end on Friday.

Local news – 20.6.11 - By Mary Tioko - Diocesan Secretariat urged be a blessing to the people they serve

The Diocesan staff were today urged by the vicar General Fr. Joseph Ekalimon to be blessings to the people they serve in the Diocese in their various departments. The priest said this today when celebrating staff mass at St. Thomas Chapel. Fr. Ekalimon said that one can become an asset to oneself just as Abraham did in the old testament when he was called and entrusted to be the father of the whole nation.
The calling to the various vacations begins with an initiative which God himself initiated and people respond in their various ways, the priest thus urged the staff to respond to God and listen to the choices they make and face the challenges in life. Fr. Ekalimon talked on the concept of judging others and encouraged the staff to be non- Judgemental in their actions.
It is all about life style and the message we present around us tell more about us. Fr. Ekalimon encouraged the staff to bring a difference and change to all in the community and become a blessing to all. He said that the staff can become a blessing when they do good to others. In church they work by experiencing salvation of christ. He urged all to pray for bishop's journey to Europe to become a blessing to the Diocese of lodwar.