This is a Kenyan saying that was used recently in an editorial to describe the fighting going on between rich politicians and the effect it has an on the average, poor Kenyan citizen.
It's been a while since I have been able to write. The first news (besides that I am safe and happy) is that I will be staying in Ongata Rongai a little longer than I originally intended. I originally planned to head to the other site, Ugunja Community Resource Center, tomorrow or the next day. However, even though that specific area is safe, my current host family is concerned about upcoming demonstrations (planned demonstrations have been continuously canceled and rescheduled but you never know- they could actually take place this Wed. and Thurs.) and particularly the travel itself. So it looks like I'm here for another few days and we'll relook the situation. Not that I'm complaining- the family is wonderful and I'm learning so much at the clinic. Last Thursday I went to Gataka, a slightly more rural town - 45minutes walk from the area I'm staying. The Ongata Rongai Christian Women's Group that runs the school, feeding center and medical check-ups here in Ongata Rongai also had a preschool and feeding center in Gataka. There is very little employment in Gataka (even less it seems than here) and many people make a sort of moonshine and as a result it seems that there are a lot of problems with alcoholism. The center in Gataka employs (and I use this term loosely because they cannot afford to pay them) a social worker and a teacher. The SW visits homes of the children about once a month unless there is a problem (child is absent or having behavioral problems) and the teacher (and asst.- for 57 3-6 year olds) teaches a little math, English, Swahili and they play some music and dancing games. I can't even start to explain how cute the kids are. The kids (as in Ongata Rongai) are also fed a lunch meal (most of them would probably note get lunch at home). Once the teacher, Nancy, found out I was a nurse she had me look at a couple of kids. Luckily, I had been at the clinic long enough to recognize things I wouldn't have known before but I took pictures with my digital camera and confirmed with the medical officer at the clinic the next day before purchasing medication for them (mostly deworming medication). Today one of the students and I will go with the teacher and SW to get bicycles for them (and the center) so that they won't have a 1 1/2 walk every day (w/out payment). To be fair, I should mention that the center paid for the SW's schooling and pays for food or other necessities that the workers need.
Before I go on I'd like to take the time to mention that anyone who wants to donate money is MOST welcome to do so. The Wagner students were required to raise at least $200 each and then one of their projects has been to figure out things/people/projects they would like the center to spend the money on. Some examples: 1. paying for 3 months rent of a shop/home for a family that just lost their father and only breadwinner to AIDS. The managers of the ctr advised that this was a good way to spend money b/c the family will be able to get back on its feet, pay for the kids (2) schooling and run a profitable business- self-sufficient in a matter of months. 2. Paying for boarding school (about $350/yr) for an 8-yr old probably being exploited by men that come into her home to buy alcohol and sexually abuse her when her mother, a prositute, is not home. I apologize for being so graphic but it was a very disturbing visit to find an 8 yr old home alone with 2 strange, drunk men and my host really suspects that that is what is occurring. 3. Buying chickens for a family to raise and make money off eggs/chickens 4. Just buying food for families that are hungry- this of course is not sustainable but really needed sometimes. If anyone would like to donate you can mail a check to my home address 1020 Grand Concourse 22P Bronx, NY 10451, let me know how much you sent and I will have my roommate deposite it and ALL of the money will go to projects here (or you can specify which kind of project you're interested in giving to and I will make sure that happens). I also recommend giving to the red cross right now for all the Kenyans displaced by the violence, unable to work on their farms.
Obviously, I know there are many good causes out there and I am not writing this blog for donations- just wanted to give people the option of giving directly. There also might be a place to donate online if you search the Ongata Rongai Christian Women's Charity... P.S. this is not an evangelical charity at all- most people are Christian here but the work is not intended to change people's religion.
Back to what's been going on... on Sat. I played soccer for about 2 hours with a bunch of Kenyans and 2 of the students. At first we were just trying to keep the ball away from the other team (no goals). I never realized that scoring goals actually gives the players a bit of respite. 20 minutes after playing non-stop I thought my lungs were going to burst through my chest. We played 2 games after that and my team won both. It being my team and my team winning had nothing to do with me... it had to do with the fact that 2 AMAZING soccer players that hang around the house- were on my team- Tabitha and Rael. Rael is getting to go to secondary school this year because a Wagner student payed for her uniform and school supplies. This girl can run forever and fast!
I'd love to write more- I have so much to tell but I should also do some work too! I'll have to write about the adorable baby elephants at the elephant orphanage later. :)
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