Kandara Orphanage - Football Photos

After a shortage of photos in blogs for a while I thought I would redress the balance. Here is the second blog that is mainly photos to help get a feel for the orphanage where I live and the people who are my very inspiring and humbling neighbours. If i have had a bad day, the greeting thet I receive on my return just makes the troubles of the day evaporate. 

These photos were taken one evening after a discussion with my Brother whose son plays for Tattenhoe United in Milton Keynes. They have kindly offered to collect old premiership football kit etc for me to bring back from y next trip to the UK. To help with the collections he asked if I could send some photos to make the need real. 

I have the only working pump in the orphanage so one night the boys came round to ask for their ball to be pumped up and I took the opportunity to take the shots as the light was still good as evening drew in.

It is thirsty work in 25-30 degrees!!

The action hots up 

They insert cardboard to allow the ball to be pumped up enough without the bladder protruding too far!!

The boys pose for the team shot. Check out the smiles!! Who needs designer kit to have fun!!

Posing for the camera!!

Kandara Orphanage Photos

Irene the Manager of the Orphanage enjoying Chai in the sun 

The girls sifting through rice by hand taking out the bad grains a daily and time consuming task. All great characters and enjoy winding up a mzungu

One of the orphans enjoying a rare peaceful moment

I think there is something in the water round here affecting my hair -  i just can't do anything with it!!

Anne another of the staff relaxing in the shade

12-18th Feb Nakuru Workshop and Birthday in Nairobi

Monday 13^th

On the way to work this morning I passed a car crash where a cow had been hit by a car. The cow was laying down but seemed OK otherwise so I guess its legged had copped for it?? The car however was a right mess. I presume the cow went over the car. It is market day and I have experienced the animals on their was to market getting jumpy as I pass on the motorbike so I guess this one was spooked and ran out in front of the car? A crowd had formed and I think they were debating how to get it to the abattoir and not waste the meat!!

Later that morning I sneaked to the kitchen for an omelette breakfast as Jane had told me earlier she had brought in eggs.

Preparation for the Board Meeting (Tuesday) with Dorcas.

The instructors agreed to a working lunch today and we finally started the Strategic Planning process. It went reasonably well with lots of participation. Much openness and constructive comments etc. It will be a long journey but hopefully productive. Next meeting in 2 weeks time.

It was the last night for Carol (the retired nurse who was at the orphanage for a couple of weeks). She had bought some vegetables etc to make sure the orphans had a good meal the night before she left. I joined them for Chai after they had eaten and there was a bit of singing etc as the kids said their goodbyes and Carol had a tear or two. I cancelled my Kiswahili lesson as I had a lot to do that night (AKA not done my homework!!).

Tuesday 14^th

Valentines day so I was asked by each of the 8 Orphanage staff “where is my card” etc. In the post is always a good excuse…… One was giving flowers to everyone so I got one too.

First Board of Governors (BOG) meeting today and a chance to meet the rest of them and also to see how they work together. Usually through the time of a meeting, most people cannot conceal their true personalities so it was a great opportunity to get to know them better. I got a bit more background on Isaac’s departure and a far greater insight into the workings of the organisation from a BOG perspective. I need to meet each BOG member individually and see what they really think of the organisation, what they want from me etc etc.

Evening chilling out and packing for the trip to Nakuru.

Weds 15^th

Late start as I am meeting Dorcas at 10.30 to go to Nakuru. I manage to be organised and catch up on Hand washing so it will be ready for my return on Sunday. Eggs for elevenses and then off to Catch the Matatu. First we travel to Thika and then get on the Direct Matatu to Nakuru. Unfortunately they wait until they are full before setting off, we had to wait for an hour before setting off. Good for the planet but not good for Mzungu’s in a small van in the midday Sun. The advantage of the direct Matatu is we are avoiding Nairobi and also travel through a forest I have never been through. Apparently there are elephants etc. I did not see any animals but there was the occasional pile of elephant poo on the road side so they are definitely around. Some great scenery along the way. We then cross into the Rift Valley past Niavasha and to Nakuru. 

Unfortunately I miss the hotel on the way in so we have to get a Matatu back out of Nakuru to the hotel losing an hour. The hotel is the usual plush choice of a VSO conference. My room is bigger than my house, come to think of it the bathroom is nearly as big as my house!! Ice breaker exercise was a version of speed dating, we each had 2 minutes to introduce ourselves etc. then move onto the next person. A great starter and one I may pinch in the future. It left a number of conversations unfinished which meant people re-met over dinner or drinks to finish them off. Fine food and a great catch up with friends from the November intake and my first beer since new year!! Then to bed.

Thurs 16^th

Workshops all day but we started with success stories which were from 3 very inspirational people and two had at least a few tears from the audience.

One was from Zach Nyange Muasya who became blind as a young boy after a stroke. He went to sleep one day and woke up blind!! (just imagine that!!). But he has surpassed many obstacles and is now the first blind student at Nairobi University. Again there is a lack of understanding there and he is helping the University overcome challenges and prejudice. He says he is making it easier for the next person so they can concentrate on their studies. He is very lucky to have a supportive principle. He was the Youth Ability Award Winner, National Ability Awards, a national award for his achievements and courage which gives you just an inclin of his story.

Second was about a Masai lady who VSO helped (along with a group of ladies) a business co-operative. This very much against the male dominated culture etc. In the end the men finally recognised the value of what is being done (especially the money the ladies are bringing in. This does not do justice to the ups and downs of the very moving story and courage and determination of the ladies concerned to change many hundreds of years of culture and tradition.

Third was a lady whose husband had died and in her tribe the tradition is one of wife inheritance (the widow is inherited by another family member as his own) this resulted in her being abused, assaulted, called a “dog” and treated the same. She stayed for her kids but in the end the assaults got so bad she had to leave. Eventually she discovered a charity VSO are supporting who helped her and then assisted the advocacy/mediation with the family and she now has her own house in the family compound and is allowed to live on her own rather than as inherited. There were few dry eyes in the house after that one as she wept explaining the torment of doing what was right for the children whilst personally suffering hugely. If only this note could do it justice.

Other workshops followed then we had a pre dinner speaker who was Henry Wanyoike (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Wanyoike)  Another man who as a promising athlete became blind and felt he was trapped. Then he went to Machakos School for the blind and was inspired by the teaching there rthat showed him what was possible. He rediscovered athletics and won 2 gold medals and broke 2 world records at the Sydney Olympics, later he tried marathons and did 2 hours 58 in his first one and that was with a guide that could not keep up and not knowing about the water posts!! Another highlight was running the London Marathon, breaking the world record and then a week later running the Hamburg Marathon and breaking his own week old record. Again his story is too long for here but there is much on the internet. Just when we feel life is a challenge and we are struggling one only has to look to these stories and be inspired to push on and not give up.

Dinner included a cake for Andrea’s birthday and the traditional Happy Birthday to embarrass her!! Then to the bar for a beer or two!!

Friday 17^th February

Half day workshop which ended with a Kamba Tribe song and dance with all participating. In the afternoon a few of us nipped into Nakuru for an explore. Torrential rain hit whilst we were there so we “had” to nip into a nearby bar. Eventually it stopped and we returned to the hotel in time for tea and cakes. Then to the Lakeside for the sunset. Whilst we were stood at the fence waiting for the sun to set, 3 small boys came over and chatted to us in perfect English. They then asked if they could sing to us. We watched the sun set over the lake with the 3 singing songs one of them had made up. Perfect! Then back for dinner and the bar…… Bit of the theme!! Well I have not drink since new year!

Saturday 18^th February

After breakfast and farewells we set off to Nairobi which was a surprisingly clear run. I was staying at a volunteer house in Mountain View new Westlands. In the afternoon we dropped into Kengemi market (near Kengemi slum (now apparently more appropriately called “unplanned development”) I love these places the people are so welcoming. I also had my haircut there but was persuaded against having a wet shave!!

The evening started at 6.30pm with cocktails and a meal that the Havana bar Westlands and then next door to wow the locals with my Dad dancing!!

Catherine, Nicole and Chin - All volunteers from my November intake

Harvey a volunteer with 2 MTV boys who are working with Andrea at the moment

Catherine and Nicole

Andrea the Birthday Girl had a cake made by her friend Laura and kindly let me share the candle blowing for a joint birthday.

Chin is only 4ft 10 so dancing with her I have to kneel down (and I am still taller ) which always amuses people!!

2.30 am still going!! And amazingly still standing!!

No Electricity for a week!!

Anne 101 and more energy than most 60 year olds!

6 Feb Mon - Normal day. Mainly trying to work out how we run the poly for 9 months with twice the number of students and 25% of the cash until September when the Ministry contribution (75% of our income) for this year is expected to come in. Trying to find that magic fix it button on my spreadsheet!!. In the evening had my weekly visit to my Kenyan family to give Alex his computer lesson. One or two of the family wanted a photo of them sat on the motorbike. The granny (101 years old) was nearby so I suggested she sit on. 3 of the chaps lifted her on to lots of hilarity. Then I started the engine before she could complain and did a little circuit of the farmyard. Very slowly and carefully. She loved it and was grinning from ear to ear. – Her first time on a motorbike at 101 years old!!   Sadly the memory card in the camera had become dislodged so there are no photos. Not sure will persuade her to get on it again!!

In the evening on Sunday I had noticed the electricity was off which happens about every couple of weeks for a few hours so I thought nothing of it. Back home tonight it was still off. On checking it is because the Orphanage has not and cannot pay its bill so we have been cut off. Speaking to Carla a paediatric nurse who is here for 2 weeks and volunteered here for 6 months last year it was off for 3 months then!! So no running water and now no electricity – Well I did want the real Kenyan experience!! Main problem is laptop charging and trying to read by kerosene lamp. But hey Flexibility and Adaptability as VSO keep telling us!! It is quite fun at the moment really ansd a bit novel. Not sure I will be quite so pragmatic in 3 months.

7 Feb Tues – “Laid” the bike down today (gently – a bit careless on loose sand/gravel). The bike struggles to start now for some reason and there seems to be an electrical fault. Could be fun sorting that out. In the meantime my right leg will get plenty of exercise with the kickstart. It always gets there in the end but it does take some time. Any ideas out there??

8 Feb Weds – Met a nice chap,  Ivan, at a phone credit store and realised he knows the chap (Sam) who runs the internet café today, a good chat and he was even impressed with my Kiswahili (or was he just being polite?).

10 Feb Friday – Still trying to sort the electric fault which is causing the starting problems on the bike but my right leg is getting stronger by the day. Need to try sitting backwards on the bike to start it to balance out the strength in the left leg J

Waited for a plumber due at 4pm to fix my shower and WC. The shower has never worked but when cleaning the other day I turned the knob and water started flowing but would not turn off until the 4000 litre tank emptied (one way to get the shower/WC clean!!). At 530pm I decided he was not coming. (later found out he forgot and rearranged for 10 am Saturday). Went shopping for stuff for the weekend and met Ivan and Sam outside a café so dropped in there for an hour of chatting etc which was a great end to the week.

On the way up there one of the ladies on a market stall was struggling with the tarpaulin on her stall me being tall could deal with it easily. She was facing away from me as I flicked the canopy over and when she turned she screamed and ran off much to the hilarity of her friends on other stalls. The shock of a white man caught her out apparently. She recovered and we had a laugh about it later. 

11 Feb Saturday – Lazy day. Temperature around 35 degrees and the main part of the day it was oppressive so chilled out reading etc. Still no electricity and my laptop phone and ipod have all died. I brave the heat to walk to a friend’s house who has electricity but after 2km in the sun I found out he was not in. 2km back and after drinking a pint of water flaked out asleep. I am all for the European siesta culture, very civilised! Later for entertainment I made chapattis (my best yet) even the kids came back for more this time. That is always a good test of my cooking. They are very honest with their feedback usually.  Later dropped in on Carla and Carol (the Vision Africa former volunteers who are here for 2 weeks) they were having a lesson in Kikuyu dancing from the boys so I joined in and tried to move on from my Dad dancing meets thunderbird puppet impression. Failed miserably but amused everyone else!!

Blog to 5th Feb - Human climbing frames and suspended trainees

Monday 30 Jan – Normal day. Stopped off at Jane’s again to meet her daughter and friend who arrived late Sunday. Also to give Alex his weekly computer lesson.

Tuesday 31 Jan – Normal Day

Weds 1st Feb – Normal day but Trainee suspended late in the day for “persistent insubordination and disobedience” Instructor’s strategy was to set an early example and come down hard to ensure others learn the lesson. We will see it if works. Back at the Orphanage I was greeted by cries of “SIMOOOOON” from the kids at the baby unit so stopped of there for half an hour of throwing them around to a chorus of infectious giggles and being a human climbing frame. Then just to tire myself out fully I did my hand washing.

Thursday 2nd Feb – Following the suspension the staff wanted to run through the rules and check any clarifications. We also deleted that one about if you get pregnant you re expelled. We now leave it to the manager’s discretion on a case by case basis. If a girl got pregnant with 4 months to go of a 2 year course surely she should finish so she is in a better position to raise the kid later? It was a heated debate though!! Later James and I visited an nearby polytechnic called Kiranga. They have a greenhouse and large grounds that they cultivate. They also have an agribusiness course. The Ministry have promised us one too so we went on a fact finding mission. Theirs is 13.5m x 8 m and of the polythene type, we believe we will be getting a similar one. They had a hundred students last year and also take boarders. We had 27 last year. This year we have 60 and they have around 80 so we were quite pleased with the start to our year. We were given a bag full of freshly picked avocados to take away.

Later that evening I met Joyce and Nancy for the second of my weekly Kiswahili lessons. We are supposed to start at 5 but they arrived at 5.45 last week this week it was 10 past 6. Africa time! I am slowly getting used to it. Trouble is after 6 my brain switches off so it was a difficult session and my head hurt.

Friday 3rd – All morning induction but with primary focus ensuring they all know the rules and fully understand the reasons and interpretations etc. Fresh arrow root donated by one of the students added to lunch which was a treat.

Sat 4th – Into Thika for shopping etc. Met one of the staff from Kiranga so went for a drink and a chinwag which was nice. Lazy day around Kandara.  

Sun 5th – Chilled out around the town and did domestics. Economy drive too after the excesses of Xmas and New Year.