Watumishi

Watumishi is the Swahili word for "people of service". It's the name of the Marquette student organization dedicated to promoting education and advocacy about the HIV/AIDS crisis both in the Milwaukee area and Kenya.
The group is currently involved in building a Library Learning Center in Voi, Kenya. In a very short period of time, these passionate and motivated students have raised nearly all the funds needed for the basic construction, and are continuing to fund-raise for the furnishing and maintenance costs.

In January, a short article appeared in the campus News Briefs stating that anyone who wanted to do a square for an AIDS quilt should stop by the AMU. Well, you know me...the word "quilt" set my antennae twitching. I contacted the project coordinator about doing a square, and ended up meeting with her and offering to complete the quilt for them.

The quilt itself has been challenging - mystery fabrics, magic markers, acrylic "African Fabric" blankets, unknown number of squares and the need for an adaptable design... but it is the least I can do. Our students are passionate about making a difference, about being leaders for change in our world. I will never set the world on fire the way these young people may - but I can be willing hands to support their purpose.

The quilt is not part of the AIDS Memorial Quilt Project; rather, it is to be presented to the University by the Watumishi group in the hope that it will be hung somewhere, to be a reminder that our students are concerned with this crisis, and are committed to being of service in any way they can. I'm proud to be a small part of that.