Sometimes making a difference is a simple matter of looking around to see what could be done better. Here are a few amazing folks who, through their favorite pastime, are doing just that. Here's what they have to say - in their own words. Jessie Stone I am a doctor, a professional kayaker and split my time between Africa and New York City. After kayaking on the White Nile in Uganda and seeing Malaria's devastation first hand, I couldn't turn away from the disease's lasting effects on people and communities. I wanted to do something to improve the quality of life for Ugandans, particularly since Malaria is easily preventable.
With the help of a Ugandan based non-profit Soft Power Education, I started Soft Power Health and developed a four-part Malaria education, prevention, and treatment program in the Kyabirwa village. Soft Power Health has had a very busy fall and winter. To date, we have sold over 16,000 mosquito nets and educated nearly 50,000 Ugandans about malaria. Our net follow-ups to people's homes have shown that 80% of families are using the nets properly and having many less episodes of malaria. In our clinic, we have hired 2 new doctors to help keep up with demand and our family planning program has really grown too. We provide weekly family planning sessions for everyone in our outdoor classroom next to the clinic. Its wonderful to see our hard work pay off. In addition to all our work on land, I played in the water a good amount too! At the Nile Freestyle Festival this year, there was a great turn out of paddlers from all over the world. I took second place in the women's freestyle event and had lots of fun. We are now about to begin using a brand new type of mosquito net that has just become available in Uganda this month. We were given a small number of these nets to try in the fall and everyone who tried these nets loved them! They are from a company called netprotect and are much more durable and have longer lasting insecticide embedded in the net material. In addition, they are a nice dark color so they won't get dirty the way the white nets do! We will take delivery of our first shipment at the end of this month and I am really excited to offer these new nets to people. In addition, our inner city kid kayakers are coming to volunteer with our project in Uganda during their spring break, the first week in April. They will be assisting with our malaria education and follow up program, and we hope to get them on the Nile as well. It will be a great adventure for all of us. For more info, check out www.softpowerhealth.org. Oil & Water Tyler Bradt and Seth Warren In December 04, our lifestyles landed us on the Banks of the White Nile, Uganda dodging winter back home. Basking in the African sunshine we conceived the idea of an endless summer kayaking adventure following warm weather seasons around the world. Both of us are motivated globe trotting fanatics, and we immediately put the plan into action. We ran into a company doing a tour promoting biodiesel, and we decided to join the movement. Picture it, two fun-loving, energetic and charismatic guys traveling from river to river in a vegetable oil burning truck, living out their wildest dreams. We've found a way to make a contribution to the world and live the ultimate lifestyle. Our goal is to share the vision of renewable energy with the public and youth while creating a global network advocating for the cause. Stay tuned for updates from the road - and be sure to check out www.oilandwaterproject.org.