Homeward and Onward

February 3-5

Our last day in Nairobi was a very busy one.  David, the chairman and Kenneth, the treasurer of the Compass Foundation met with us briefly at Kijiji House to say goodbye after thanking us for the work that Tumaini Afrika has done and continues to do to support Compass school.  

Flora met with us immediately afterwards to review how things went during our visits at Compass school and to finish setting up delivery of back ordered books and furniture purchased by Tumaini Afrika. We look forward to seeing pictures of the students and staff using their new books and sitting at new tables on new chairs.

Flora also told us about the last of the distribution of the sanitary napkin kits, the pillow case dresses, underwear, socks, clothing, shoes, etc. She was very excited to tell us that EVERY student received something. Great news indeed! 

After saying our goodbyes to Flora, it was time to finish packing and get ready for the long journey home. We got some last minute shopping done on our way to the airport and sadly had to say our goodbyes to Faraj.

Although we left happy about the work that was accomplished during our stay in Kenya and anxious to get home to our families and loved ones, a part of us was hoping we could stay a little longer. One more day to work with the students and staff at Compass… one more day to spend with Mary Warindi, with Flora, one more day with Faraj… one more…

Travel home went off without a hitch! We were even the recipients of a random act of kindness at the hotel in Toronto. The waitress who served us breakfast listened to our story and offered Tumaini Afrika a donation in a card that read :

“Thank you for opening your hearts and sharing your stories. Hope for more people like you!”

It was truly heartwarming. It washed away the fatigue of the last 3 weeks and the weariness of travel. It was a reminder that our work remains important to those people we help in Kenya and that we are supported by so many who share the same vision as us. It was uplifting!

The final boost of the day came when we were greeted by our families upon our arrival at the airport. What a homecoming! It’s good to be home!

A few days after arriving, we met with Holly to debrief her on the trip. We look forward to sharing our experience with our followers and supporters as well, once we have caught our breath and have had time to absorb and process all that was accomplished during our visit to Kenya. 

We can say with certainty that there is still much work to be done and so we will move onward together.

Thank you for checking in on us throughout our trip! Keep an eye out for our next activity or fundraiser. See you soon! 

Kieiya Primary School in Kangeta

After a wonderful celebration of Judith’s birthday the previous evening (shared with our dear friend Mary Warindi, it was early-to-bed. (The cake is one of Mary’s creations.) Departure time Thursday morning will be 0500 for the long journey before us. 

We made our way to Kieiya Primary School in Kangeta, a fairly isolated village, accompanied by Mary Thamari and her friend Candy, who works for Plan International. Because the school is government funded, they are paid two to three times what the teachers at Compass School are paid.

Our arrival at the school reminded me of the images of the Beatles landing in New York for the first time. The six hundred children gave new meaning to the word “welcome.”

Our visit had two purposes. The first was to distribute 90 goats. A word of explanation may be helpful. Tumaini’s friends have been generously contributing funds for the purpose of purchasing goats and distributing them to girls in areas where girls and young women are most vulnerable. The goats are intended to be breeding stock so that in years to come, when the girls are ready to continue their education, they have some resources which can defray their expenses.

The distribution of the goats brings to mind words like joyful, chaotic, emotional, and certainly memorable. The smiles on the girls’ faces, and those of their parents or guardians will remain with us. An added blessing was the opportunity to speak with the girl’s parents. 

The Feminine Hygiene Kits also received a very warm welcome. Mariella, Linda and Judith focussed their teaching with a small group composed of three teachers and six students. These teachers and students will go forward as ”mwinda”, instructing other teachers and students on our behalf. The girls handled the various items in the kits and easily put everything together. The teachers gratefully accepted the kits for their own use. The teachers told us what a difference this will make for the girls. No longer will they miss school days each month. 150 kits were left at the school; the lives of 150 girls and women will change with this practical gift.

Nairobi Safari Walk

 Remembering that most Kenyan children had never experienced the African wildlife seen in brochures, we arranged a day at Nairobi Safari Walk, a showcase of Kenya’s representative animals and plants in wetland savannah and dry forest ecosystems. We took two busses of students(42),and 4 teachers for a day that far exceeded our expectations.They had so much fun. For the first time they could see lions, a leopard, ostriches, giraffes, crocodiles and all sorts of deer-like creatures. It was such a gift for us to see them so excited. 

Lunch followed; individually wrapped plates of French fries, sausage, samosa, donuts, bananas, cold juice and water...a feast. Many children had not eaten since leaving school the previous day and several had small plastic containers to bring 1/2 their meal home to family. It was humbling to observe.

 

Back to Compass School

January 25

It was the day many of us were all waiting for… the day we met the students from Compass school.  Their smiling faces said it all.  After sharing warm embraces and loving hugs, they sang for us outside in front of the school. We too, performed a few numbers.  

Then we moved inside a classroom for a more formal welcoming with introductions,  scripture readings and words of welcome.  No time to waste, the team got to work unpacking the boxes filled with hundreds of  textbooks from PP1 to class 6 and organized and labelled them with the assistance of the Compass staff.  This to ensure that no book is lost. 

After a quick but delicious lunch of cabbage and rice prepared by the Compass cooks, we were off to visit David Wakogi’s Wetland project where we were taught about the different species of plant life in the Nairobi area.  We then treaded carefully on a bog which felt like walking on a waterbed….such a cool experience.

 

  January 26

On the second visit to the Compass school, the Tumaini team was hard at work teaching Geography (Bruce), Religion and Art (Jeannine) and Visual Art (Judi, Linda and Mariella).  

While we were busy at work, Micheline and Faraj travelled back to Shofco to make a donation on behalf of TA and to explain and demonstrate a Days For Girls kit.  It looks like Shofco may take on the sewing of the kits with the guidance of our very own Gabi Doleske!

Micheline even got to meet Kennedy Odede, the author of Find Me Unafraid and founder of Shofco!

Back at Compass, once we finished our lessons, we climbed back into the van and travelled to meet with Joyce, the president of the Nairobi North Rotary Club in the hopes of forming a partnership with Rotary Sault Ste. Marie in support our TA projects. Joyce founded the Rotary Club in Kikuyu 8 years ago and is very familiar with the surroundings including Thogoto, where Compass school is located.

The meeting was both positive and promising and we left with an added sense of purpose and hope.  

January 27

On Friday, we arrived at Compass to a full house!  The school was filled with excited students and parents awaiting our arrival.  Kamal, Margaret and their son were there too as was Julia Clark, her husband Ken and their 2-year old, Imara.  

We introduced ourselves and shared how we share a common goal, that of helping their child reach their full potential.  Brian, the head teacher, added that our support has included the purchase of books, tables, chairs and distribution of underwear, socks, soccer uniforms and other school materials. 

We then all proceeded to walk to the new Compass site.  The procession of students, staff, parents and TA travellers was filled with singing, laughing and hand holding. At the site, the parents and students were allowed to tour the partially-done school and dream of the future completion of the school.  

The Tumaini Afrika team gave out snacks and we all enjoyed each other’s company.  David Gutundu, the Chairman of the Compass Board said a few words of welcome.  A parent and student made their speeches then Bruce closed the celebration with a short prayer.  We could feel the buzz in the air as students, staff and parents began their walk back to Compass.  There was a renewed sense of hope, pride and excitement for this new school!!  After a quick lunch of ugali and cabbage, prepared by the Compass cooks, our team gave TA tee shirts to the staff …they are now officially part of the TA team!  We then handed out the gifts of soccer uniforms, Days For Girls kits, socks, underwear, hats, etc… to many excited students.  Each Compass student then received a bag filled with treats, a Canadian and Ontario pin as well as a toothbrush.   We tearfully said our goodbyes to the younger students and made our way back to Kijiji for a few hours of rest and a hot shower.

  In the evening, we were welcomed for dinner by Mary Warindi, our good friend and bead-expert.  She served a scrumptious meal and we were able to catch up after three long years.  TA presented her with gifts for her and her children.

It was a great day!