It was another happy and exhausting time at Compass School today, but first - yesterday.
We travelled to the Kibera SHOFCO site to see how this massive charitable organization founded in 2007 by Kennedy Odede and his American wife, Jessica Posner, had progressed. Their accomplishments on behalf of Kenyans are truly an example for all who are working to assist impoverished people either at home or abroad. Two of us had visited the Kibera project in the past while two others had been to SHOFCO in Mathare. Their wholistic approach to healthcare (free screening for prostate, ovarian and cervical cancer, nutrition counselling, social supports) and commitment to preventative medicine; their social support programs both for victims of violence and their perpetrators; and their own patented water treatment program, make them a true shining light.
After Diana gave us a tour of the social supports office, several sewing operations, and the on-site water treatment plant, we spent a few minutes (and more than a few shillings) purchasing items created in their sewing rooms. Next, Faraj drove us to the SHOFCO Makina Health Clinic where Jane gave us a highly informative tour and where we left a number of donated items (a back brace, otc meds, etc.).
Then it was off to the Carrefour to purchase even more school supplies, including soccer balls and treats for our Celebration Day on Wednesday.
The day was topped off with dinner at our friend Flora’s (Compass Social Worker) place. We enjoyed Kentucky Fried Chicken (who’d a thunk it?), Kenyan tea, and good company, including the trusty Faraj and Flora’s sweet six-year-old, Baraka.
On Tuesday, we returned to Compass for work and fun. While Mich and Faraj surveyed again for additional supply and operational needs, Gabi and Linda spent the day instructing Flora and our parent seamstress in the construction of Superior Shields. Sheree created alphabet and number lines as well as multiplication tables for taping to student desks and we all enjoyed watching the kids take part in the play day organized by their teachers. It was so fun to see the kids dancing, playing games (including good old-fashioned telephone) and following the instructions of DJ teacher Peter! He was right into it and the kids loved it. The littles played lots of singing games, including a Kenyan version of “I wrote a letter to my love.”
The school fun day ended with a fashion show presented by the senior classes who showed off their favourite Sunday dresses and street clothes (uniforms are the usual dress). The male and female models really strutted their stuff - they are runway ready!
After a quick trip back to Kijiji House, we headed to Carrefour for even more supplies then experienced the “rains down in Africa”. The deluge was astonishing. When Linda didn’t return to the car right away, Lois donned a shopping bag and ran for the mall entrance only to be stopped by security and made to go back and walk through the detectors in a lightning-filled downpour. Can’t be too careful with a white-haired lady who resembles a drowned rat.
Faraj managed to ferry us through the storm to Mary Warindi’s home where we enjoyed a delicious traditional Kikuyan meal with her and her daughter, Mercy. Daisy is away at school , and her son, Elvis, joined us later and patiently listened to the encouragement and admonishments of a roomful of grandmothers, plus Faraj.
Some readers will remember Mary’s beautiful beadwork sold by Tumaini Afrika. She still beads many items but is also a baker. She has quite the entrepreneurial spirit and is a genuine, sincere, and thoughtful person. She spoke fondly about our late group co-founder, Diane Hilderley, who became like a mother to her and of Diane’s husband, Sid, who she calls the dad who was given to me.
After farewells and thanks and hugs (Kenyans give the best hugs!), we headed home to rest up for Celebration Day.
And suddenly we have only one week left.
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