On a bright and sunny day in May I was with my family in a luxury lodge in Kruger National Park, sipping champagne on a balcony watching hippos wallowing in a picturesque river below. We had nothing more to concern ourselves with than what time we would head off on safari. A few days later I was in north western Kenya camping in school grounds where there was no power and no running water surrounded by thousands of children many of whom had not eaten that day. None of those kids had shoes but they all had smiles as we crouched on a dirt floor in a crumbling school block with Susie Edwards our newly appointed educator extraordinaire the for Kids in Kenya project discussing with teachers and kids alike the activities she planned for the kids.
WHAT I DID AND HOW I DID IT – HOW YOUR MONEY WAS SPENT
met up with Marcus “my trusty man in Nairobi” who assisted with the purchase of school equipment . We bought hundreds of text books, compass sets, world maps, soccer balls, 1500 pairs of rubber thongs (flip flops) and many other basic schools supplies as well as various teachers’ aids. Here are the sentiments of some of the teachers:
“the text books and stationaries (sic) you bought us definitely improved the academic performance of the pupils and the pupil-book ratio is now lowered …”
“we are so grateful for these materials which will promote education standards among the pupils a hundredfold …” (sic)
“viewing the conditions of the latrines, the pupils will have the opportunity to step on the latrine floors with ease and comfort using the sandles – to help them as they walk into the existing poor toilet situations (sic)
purchased bicycles for teachers (check out the great photos)
arranged from Nairobi transport, drivers and camp hands for the journey north and transported our cargo overland to the schools in a caravan consisting of two vans filled to capacity with school supplies along appalling, dusty, pot holed ‘roads’.
HOW IT WAS ON OUR ARRIVAL
thousands of teachers, pupils, parents and villagers assembled to welcome us. This in itself was overwhelming (indeed humbling). The children performed for us, singing and dancing to the beat of a drum (plastic water bottle) played by an amazingly talented little guy (check photo). The dancing was superb and the singing was brilliant.
HOW WE SPENT THE NEXT 5 DAYS
Susie, myself and Marcus, the two drivers and the cook camped in one of the school grounds chosen because it had a clean well. We were woken early each morning to our cook calling “tea is ready” and presented not only with tea but a bowl of steaming hot water for our morning ablutions.
Susie with her amazing enthusiasm and drive undertook many activities with the children, including kite making (getting them to fly was a challenge – but we did it). The children loved it when we played soccer with them – even the little chap with polio getting along the ground with a wooden stick managed to catch the ball (he was always smiling).
many of the children are extremely clever, they all speak English and Swahili and most also speak a local tribal dialect. (I only speak one language!) They are all to a number enthusiastic about their studies and very keen to be at school despite the appalling conditions.
participated in many speeches and meetings – Kenyan style - sitting under a tree with the head teachers of all ten schools discussing how best to improve the well-being and conditions of this remote village, educate these very bright kids, encourage, empower and train the villagers how to make better use of their environment and create a sustainable and ongoing project.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Volunteer Groups
it seemed to me the obvious next step after brain-storming sessions with our gang as well as teachers to plan and implement a program to take volunteer groups to the schools. W eventually came up with a blueprint for a volunteer program. We welcome anyone who has a sense of adventure who is interested in other cultures and traditions and is prepared to assist at the schools using your educational, carpentry and healthcare skills. Then we’ll take you on safari … interested? We plan on taking two volunteer groups in 2009 around June and November. Further information about this exciting new program as part of the Kids in Kenya project can be checked out on the website at Volunteer in Kenya 2009.
approach NGO’s in Kenya and schools and colleges in Australia /overseas to seek their assistance, undertake further fundraising activities, spread the word and above all else keep up the passion for the project.
RECENT STRIFE IN KENYA
In 1963 Kenya gained independence from the military might of British rule but colonisation left a scar with England’s classic “divide and rule - “Cicatrix manet” - the scar remains - today and raised its ugly head after the election results in December 2007. Yet again justice for the so called ‘idle youth’ was by-passed. Many of you read with disbelief the political upheaval and bloodshed which took place after Kenya’s post election results. Having spent time in Kenya in June this year I can only say that the reasons for that violence was the delicate ethnic balance left over from British rule. The youths in the ‘townships’ (another word for ‘slums’) finally lost it due to the unfairness of the election and violence erupted not seen in Kenya in decades - all they want is a fair go and a job.
I am thrilled to report that there was absolutely no violence in any part of Kenya where I travelled and I felt safe at all times. I certainly saw evidence of the troubles however due to Kofi Annan and the leaders of Kenya’s two major parties, there is now is a functioning government with both major parties working in unison. Everyone I spoke to in Kenya just want PEACE and a chance for a future both in education and in job opportunities.
We must fight poverty through education:
“Poverty is not natural, it is man-made and overcoming poverty is not an act of charity. It is an act of justice.”
and
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela
In spite of overwhelming odds and abject poverty Kenyans retain their resilience and cheerfulness and have a belief in a better tomorrow.
Check out the latest and greatest pictures of Paule’s 2008 expedition to the schools in Kenya - see also information about 2009 volunteer group program (plus safaris). You can of course donate over the web or send us a cheque. We need all the help we can get.
On a bright and sunny day in May I was with my family in a luxury lodge in Kruger National Park, sipping champagne on a balcony watching hippos wallowing in a picturesque river below. We had nothing more to concern ourselves with than what time we would head off on safari. A few days later I was in north western Kenya camping in school grounds where there was no power and no running water surrounded by thousands of children many of whom had not eaten that day. None of those kids had shoes but they all had smiles as we crouched on a dirt floor in a crumbling school block with Susie Edwards our newly appointed educator extraordinaire the for Kids in Kenya project discussing with teachers and kids alike the activities she planned for the kids.
“the text books and stationaries (sic) you bought us definitely improved the academic performance of the pupils and the pupil-book ratio is now lowered …”
thousands of teachers, pupils, parents and villagers assembled to welcome us. This in itself was overwhelming (indeed humbling). The children performed for us, singing and dancing to the beat of a drum (plastic water bottle) played by an amazingly talented little guy (check photo). The dancing was superb and the singing was brilliant. 
We must fight poverty through education: