The last few days in Nairobi found us chasing up donations for the school. Rob and I also assisted our new found friends Martin and Martin develop their Trace Mission Outreach Program, which Rob and I were a part of piloting. We filmed a interview documentary, where we talked about our experience with the program and wrote a feedback report to NVS (the international volunteer organization). Rob and I both truly believe in the importance and objectives of the Trace Missions and hope that the the program takes flight. While hanging out with locals for fair portion of time, we learnt more about Kenyans gang culture. As Ive mentioned in previous updates, there are 42 tribes in Kenya - more dominant tribes have gang affiliations, the largest four tribes being the main players. Since the Kikuyu tribe is the biggest in Kenya, their gang is the most powerful. Gangs in Kenya are full of youth and appear be one of the main players in running the country. Kenyan gangs have been linked to politics and have allegedly been held responsible for rigged elections via terrorizing civilians to vote a particular way. Interestingly, the Kikuyu gang control Nairobis matatu (taxi) services. For a matatu to run, the owners of the vehicle must pay 100ksh to the gang each day. The price is not much, but for the amount of matatus which run daily throughout Narobi, the gang would make a small fortune. We also learnt that when charity worker enter the slums to do aid work, they are required to pay the respective gang leaders for protection. This is to ensure the safety of those and the possessions of those wanting to work and assist the most vulnerable of the Kenyan population - it was explained that the member of the gangs look after their own and want outsiders to help their people. But still order must be maintained. Akin to the mafia, protection money must be paid to protect volunteers from desperate people living in the slums and the gang members themselves. After a few days in Nairobi and another stint of food poisoning, Rob and I made our way back to the little Maasai town of Bullseye with all the donations people back home helped us gather. The total amount raised for our cause was an amazing $1210.00aud! With this money, we purchased: Sporting equipment for the school - 5x skipping ropes - 2x long jump ropes - 2x hopper balls - 5x soccer balls - 5x handballs - 1 x volley ball - 2 x ball pumps Eating and Hygiene needs - 380 metal bowls - 380 metal spoons - 3x tubs to wash hands and cutlery Schooling supplies - 18x learning charts - 380x pencils - 380x pens - 380x work books 9x communal class pencil cases which included - 18x rulers - 18x sharpeners - 18x erasers When we handed out the donations I had mixed emotions. On one hand I was so happy to see the joy and appreciation in the children and teachers eyes. I was proud of what we collectively (back home, and here in Kenya) had achieved, and I was so humbled by the love and support of our friends and family back home
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 20:39:34 +0000
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