When visiting the community in Kajuki, Kenya, that my charity, St Peter’s Life-Line supports, I often eat at the presbytery, whose cook – Letty – produces the most delicious Kenyan food. One of my all-time favourites are her chapattis – a perfect accompaniment to any meal, or just by themselves as a satisfying snack!
Generally, when I am in this part of Kenya – a remote, impoverished tribal area, dogged by inconsistent rains, drought and subsequent huge food insecurity – I really appreciate and enjoy the humble fare that is dished up – maize, beans, peas, lentils, some veg – but flavoured deliciously. The whole experience makes me realise – actually, in every aspect of our western lives – how very fortunate we are, and this is why I am motivated to change and transform lives with our many projects for our St Peter’s community: elderly, impoverished, disabled, vulnerable, children, families.
Serves 4
For the dough
Preparation
1. Mix everything together using a wooden spoon, then knead into a big, soft ball that is elastic but not sticky, and continue to knead for a few mins
2. Pour some oil over top of ball and rub into surface (to stop from going dry) .
Then cover for a few minutes and leave to stand.
Divide mixture into three equal portions.
3. With each third, roll out flat
4. brush with oil then slice into strips (2-3 inches wide.
5. Roll these up so they look like Chelsea buns pre-cooking.
6. Cook each side until it shows brown char spots. Wait until oil is hot before cooking.
Events try to make themselves accessible and welcoming to people with health problems and disabilities. With a bit of thought and planning, many potential difficulties can be overcome. Here are a few things to consider:
Bring with you enough of your medication to last till you get home
Check the advice on our Prescribed Medicines page
Bear in mind that festival sites can be difficult to get around at the best of times and pretty well impossible in bad weather if your mobility is poor
Many events have a Disabilities Coordinator, who will be able to advise you on any special provisions made
If you have a complicated medical history, it will be really helpful if you bring a summary with you (your doctor’s surgery may let you have a print-out)
Let us know if you have to carry out any special procedures to keep well – we may be able to provide facilities and assistance
We do not believe a festival site is a suitable place for childbirth, or indeed for very young babies
FMS does not provide midwifery services and will advise getting you to the nearest hospital if you go into labour
If you have recently undergone surgery, ask your GP or hospital for advice about any special precautions to take and whether it is a good idea to go
Bring supplies of dressings with you. We can change these for you but may not have the particular ones you need
Festival sites are not sterile! Bear this in mind if your condition makes you particularly prone to infection
FMS cannot provide special toilet or washing facilities.
