14-17 May - More Funding

First full week back, we have a good staff meeting and plan the term ahead. Tuesday w micro finance organisation Songa Mbele (way forward) I had arranged to come gave a presentation to the students to explain how microfinance work, how much cheaper this type of finance is and show them the opportunities they may have. Another advantage is that knowing how they work means the students are less likely to be taken in by scams and other more expensive finance. It was well received and the students asked for more of the same.

Another result this week is that we received confirmation that funding applied for last year for modern toilets has been approved to the value of 250k Kenyan shillings but we have to raise 84k (£600) of that as a 1/3^rd contribution to get it. We do not have the funds in the Poly bank so are frantically approaching MP’s and councillors (well it is election year J ). Hopefully all will be resolved soon and we will have a new WC block to replace the current wooden hut and pit latrine.

Late Thursday I received a call from VSO confirming the Poly had been selected to join the 2^nd year of a 2 year funding programme called SVTED (Strengthening Vocational Training for Enterprise Development) which is a Ford Foundation programme supporting Youth and particularly girls. Without being part of this programme you cannot access the funding so this is a huge boost and may solve out problem of how to get computers to start the high demand computer course by Jan 2013. Fingers crossed and I will keep you informed. The draw back was that I had to join the 2^nd day of a workshop at 12hrs notice. 30 mins into the workshop and I was listening to one group present their work from the previous afternoon when I was handed a note saying could I prepare one for Ithiru YP and go next in the presentations – winging it a little but helped by the work last term on the Strategic Plan and other business 

planning I got away with it!

All in all a good start to the Second Term…..

11-13 May - Il Ngwesi (http://ilngwesi.com/)

A VSO volunteer works with the local community around here and one of the programmes she is linked with is this luxury lodge that supports the Masai community through contributing profits and also providing training in hospitality etc. The advantage to us was we got a weekend away at a huge discount. The lodges are great and in the middle of a vast bush land. We could see for miles from the small hill that the lodges are set up on and as far as the eye could see there were no vehicles or people. True isolation. The lodges are made of timber and raised of the ground the outer wall is missing so you get the most of the view. Including the loo – a poo with a view!! The room I was in had 3 beds, 2 singles and a double. Apparently as the oldest I got the double bed. The bonus for this was you could chose to wheel it out onto the balcony and sleep under the stars. What a unique experience, elephants 100 yards away, monkeys in the trees etc and the stars and moon above you as you lay in bed.

Slumming it sleeping under the stars!! :)

Sunrise before the bush walk

Saturday morning, after coffee watching the elephants by the watering hole,  we set off on an early morning  bush walk. 2 groups of 10 with 2 armed guards and 2 Masai in each group. We walked up the dry river bed as this was the best place to see animals. After a few small things and footprints of lions, leopards and elephants, we finally spotted a herd of 18 elephants 40m away – awesome to be on foot and seeing this. I even managed a decent photo despite my trembling hands! Eventually the big boss of the herd decided it was time we moved on and who were we to argue? Giraffes, DikDiks warthogs, etc. were spotted over the next hour or so and then a late breakfast in the bush.

Catalogue shot!

The view of the watering hole at breakfast

My footprint next to an elephants - i'm not scared?

I think he wants us to go now!

Taking tea - only in a china cup of course!

The sundowner beer crowd

Getting carried away

Back at the lodge we chilled out by the pool and then went for a sunset drive and beer on a hill before returning for dinner and a Masai dancing display. Yes I did have a go but thankfully I have not seen a photo yet!!

Sunday an early bush drive and then home via Isiolo and Nanyuki.

Please look up Il ngwesi (http://ilngwesi.com/) and if you want a unique and exclusive luxury trip away in isolation this is the place. It is not cheap (can’t get you the VSO discount sorry!) but it is for a good cause. To give you an idea of the exclusivity two of the names in the guest book were someone called William Wales and a lady called Kate Middleton – apparently they are quite famous?

4-10 May - Burglary and Funding News

Finally back home in Kandara and renewing acquaintances at the orphanage and with the Kibe family etc. Good news is that term does not start again until 9 May so an extra day off in theory. Unfortunately the Polytechnic was burgled 3^rd May and being one of the few staff around I had to assist in dealing with the police, replacing the night watchman etc etc. Luckily Dorcas the manager had the foresight to put anything of value in the strong room before the hols so all that got stolen was of low value but inconvenient all the same.  Little chance of catching the robbers as there is no evidence to speak of and the watchman saw nothing of use?

I finally succumbed to the luxury of a kettle after using one again on my travels. It is amazing how small comforts from home can be therapeutic?

The smart new team with the Senior Chief, and Board members

The girls team - a bit shy and did not want the boys laughing so they stayed in the door way

Back at Poly on the 9^th and all had had a good break. My Kiswahilli has got worse through lack of practice and laziness on my part. The next day we had an Executive Board Meeting to discuss the implications of the break in etc. I took this as an opportunity to follow protocol and present the football strip I had been donated when in England to the Chairman then have a photo opportunity with the Senior Chief, Board and kids in the kit. Thanks to Tattenhoe FC from Milton Keynes for the strip and other items greatly received.

I had also been given funds for a printer/scanner/copier in England so no more 10 mile round trips to get copying done, etc. Again, a big thanks to the anonymous donor.

Me handing the printer/scanner/copier to Dorcas the Poly Manager & my Boss!

Other items of kids clothes and books were handed out at the orphanage – Thanks to G & K for those.

Finally I had also sourced 2 sponsors for students at the Polytechnic which will greatly assist. The main reason for drop outs is lack of funds to sustain the education. This is often such a shame as the student value the education much more than in the UK but just cannot afford it. Anyone else wanting to sponsor a student for a 1 or 2 year course for less than £100 a year please get in touch. Westfield21@hotmail.co.uk 

28 April-3 May - Crazy Town and Lake Victoria

Next day started with a 7 hour Matatu trip south to Migori (even Kenyans call this the “Crazy Town”!!!) A Canadian Girl volunteer works here and it is her 30^th birthday soon and Chin a Philippino volunteer works 30 mins away (her Birthday too this week – hence the trip). I arrived around 4 and after a couple for drinks and a bite to eat we tried out a couple of the night clubs (with some trepidation from my part given the reputation of the town). Luckily Erin’s boyfriend is a Kenyan and very well built gym regular who also knows most of the bouncers so we had our own security. One place had a mirror all along one wall and the locals spent much time dancing with their reflections rather than each other – novel?  I tried to avoid the mirrors because I did not want to see what my “Dad dancing meets a thunderbird puppet” dancing looked like for real!!

Chin Top Trumps me on accommodation as she has a shared pit latrine and rats – hard core!!

Erin and me trying the local fish head first!!

Day 2 in Migori and we tried the local fish for lunch and then after a 3.30am finish the night before had a lazy evening.

We left Migori at 8am and travelled to Bondo via Kisumu via the edge of Lake Victoria. We arrived in Bondo area around 2.30 after one of the most cramped rides ever on a very hot day. Arriving earlier than expected we dropped into a mud hut Hotel (Kenyan for café) and had chai and chapatti. Then we Catherine an American lady who works at an organisation called Rafiki (Kiswahili for Friend).

After dropping bags at her place we were introduced to wrok mates and then went to the market to get fish etc for dinner. I can’t get fish in Kandara so I was making the most of being less than a kilometre from the lake. At the market Catherine stepped in some deep mud in sandles and came out with a black smelly foot. Within seconds two willing local suitors were at her feet with a bucket of water washing her feet. Not sure Brit or American men would have been so willing??

At the Fish Market

The only mzungus at the market we created quite a stir as usual but the fish was great at dinner so worth it.

Catherine has nice house but the toilet is a pit latrine (very common outside Nairobi) and the “shower” is outside and just 4 walls of corrugated sheet with no roof and a broken concrete slab to stand on. You take a bucket and was from that under the stars. Quite cool actually but it is lucky it is a warm climate.

Day 2 in the Bondo area and we took the ferry to Mbito Island great fun, sharing the ferry with a herd of cattle and the traders. Traditional wooden fishing boats all over that need regular hand bailing to avoid sinking. After a stroll around we retreated to a small hotel by the lake to chill out etc.

Swimming lessons anyone, Me, Catherine, Deedra and (horizontally) Rachel

Typical fishing boat on Lake Victoria

The Ferry

There is always room for one more - 80kph too!!

Next day Chin and I travelled to Kisumu and explored that town before catching the night bus to Nairobi. Bizaar coincidence bot there were 4 other volunteers in the waiting room and on the same bus!! We arrived in Nairobi central bus area at 5am and had to wait there until 630 and sunrise (not good from a security perspective to be out in that area in the dark.). Then home.

It was great to be back at the orphanage and not having to think about the next transport etc. After 29 changes of location in 35 days I was ready for a break from travelling, but what a great period and I could not have fitted more in to my break.

25-27 - Back in Kenya - Heading West and Molo Hospital

It is the rainy season in Kenya so the half hour drive from the airport took 2 hr due to floods and jams even though it was after 11pm!!. So far there are over 40,000 displaced people and over 40 dead due to the floods. Where I live we are at the top of the valleys so apart from the odd landslide and cut electricity line due to falling trees we have been relatively unscathed.

I was back home in Kandara for 2 nights to unpack, do my hand washing and then pack again before travelling out to west Kenya to visit 4 volunteers and see more of this beautiful country. First was a trip to Molo an hour or so west of Nakuru to see Dr Bob an excellent Paediatrician who is helping at Molo District Hospital. Bob was on his last week before leaving Kenya so I just caught him. At 4.30 after arrival chai and cake I was privileged to accompany Bob on his rounds. The maternity ward was first. This comprised a single room with about 12 beds mostly full, people only stay in a couple of days as they have to pay per day. There were 3 ladies going through the last throws of contractions, one lady in delivery and one very small new born (arrived at 2pm) in the one and only incubator. He had “some black gunk” still in his kidneys that normally exits at birth but was partially remaining this was causing some concern and was the main reason for Bob’s return. I watched Bob smoothly carry out his checks but the worried look on his face told me all was not well. An hour later the decision was made to transfer him to Nakuru District Hosptial where they have better facilities to deal with where this tiny chaps condition as going. There then followed a further hour and a half delay whilst the parents rustled up the £20 for the transfer etc. I offered to pay but Bob said had many times been told not to as it distorts things and you cannot do it for all. This was torture as we could see the readings on the machine deteriorating as the delay progressed. Eventually all was resolved and later feedback said all was well a few days later. By this point the first lady in delivery was finished but the 3 that had been in contractions were all delivering at the same time. Only one nurse and an auxiliary on duty over night!! Luckily I did not get roped in as I would have probably fainted anyway J

The children’s ward was very full sometimes with two patients per bed but the staff again worked miracles with extremely limited resources. Bob treated one boy with excess fluid in his head that was putting pressure on his brain. The first two drug options were not available luckily the 4^th option was. (two days later the report again was that all is well). It was striking however that whenever Bob opened a cupboard for drugs and other equipment how limited the stocks were and how quickly essential items might run out. We might complain about the NHS but you only have to experience this and you will appreciate what the UK has a lot more. Apologies to Dr Bob and any medically minded people for my descriptions and possible inaccuracies in the terminology but I have tried my best to get it right J.

3-24 April - Back in the UK

3 weeks in the UK was a bit of a whirlwind changing town every day or two. Great to catch up with family and friends and I even caught up with an old good friend I had lost touch with which was great. Walking in the snow above Malham was a bit chilly for someone who was days before in 30 degrees heat in Nairobi. I managed to get to the coast at Witby and had fish n chips, the Lakes, The Dales, North Yorks Moors etc. Special thanks to the SOG’s for the Christmas Dinner on 12^th April!! Marty and Di especially - you are stars.

By contrast - On the flight back it was a clear sky and the Sahara Desert was amazing, such unspoilt wilderness was beautiful but you could also tell it would be a very harsh and deadly environment.

March 26-April 2 - Fashion Shoot, Prayers and Back in the UK

A Typical "Shopping Centre" in Kenya

Monday 26^th/Tues 27^th Normal days at the Poly etc. Monday night I received a text from Dorcas the Manager advising that the Ministry had revised the end of term date (previously the end of this week) to the 14^th April. This extends the term by 2 weeks. We have budgeted our limited funds exactly and therefore have no funds to provide lunch for the additional weeks. Luckily we have a parents meeting planned for Thursday this week so hopefully something can be sorted out there. We have a number of options but need the parents buy-in.

Another slight challenge is that in January I booked a flight home to the UK for the end of term holiday. Now the term has extended I will miss term time, but what can I do?

Wednesday 28/Thursday 29 – To Kitui – VSO invited me to join the Kitui County Youth Polytechnic Workshop. The first of it’s kind focusing solely on YP’s in a specific County. I leave Ithiru YP at lunch time and take the Matatu to Thika then cross Thika to gate the direct Matatu to Kitui a trip that should take about 2 hours. The sun is as ever relentless so I am hoping for a painless journey.

One problem with Matatus is that if you get to a stop and no many people are going on further you are taken off and put on another that is. The trip to Kitui involved 5 changes and each time waiting for the new Mat to be filled. The final leg was on a bus which then proceeded to breakdown 2km from the final destination. The 2 hour journey ending up taking 5. I met some great people on the way and that made it more palatable. The final chap I was talking to escorted me all the way to the hotel ensuring I did not get lost as it was dark by the time I finally arrived. The kindness and generosity in Kenya is amazing and it will be interesting to compare with the UK next month!

The workshop included MP’s, Councillors, YP Managers and Board of Governors etc. 60 people in total. The topics were Enrolment, Trainee Retention, etc. All topics that are very relevant to Ithiru YP and every Poly in Kenya. It was great to share experiences and also see that some of the frustrations I had experienced were just the same elsewhere so not to take them too much to heart.  Some great ideas and motivation were taken away ready for the new term in May. Luckily the journey home was very quick with no changes of Matatu.

Whilst I was at Kitui there had been the parents meeting at Ithiru. The parents were very complementary of the changes in the Poly so far and supportive of Dorcas the new Manager. They did ask where the Mzungu was and it was a shame I could not have been there. Luckily they all understood the position regarding the change of term dates and offered to provide what was necessary to ensure the lunch programme continued.

Friday 30 – Up early as I had to get to the Kibe Shamba as they had arranged a breakfast farewell for me including the Pastor being present to say prayers for my safe Journey to the UK. I was very touched by this as it was a great honour and very moving. The whole family were there and the kids even delayed going to school, having to dash off immediately it finished so as not to be late.

At the Polytechnic I caught up on the events at the parents meeting and at Lunchtime the Chairman turned up and again we had prayers for my trip, speeches and presentation of a gift of appreciation of my contribution to date. Again very moving – where is the Kleenex when you need it!!

I leave at lunchtime to drop in at Kandara and pick up my bag etc. Then to Nairobi to stay with friends overnight.  

Saturday 31 – Fashion Shoot – My flight was not until 23.40 so I had filled the day up. In the afternoon I visited the “Kumi Kommunity” centre where http://www.vision-africa.org/ (the organisation that used to run the Kandara Orphanage and still run the baby unit) were having a function for their Seed of Hope programme http://vision-africa.org/10years/kumi-kommunity-and-kushuka/. I had spoken to Kirstie earlier in the week and offered my photo services (need the practice for my photography course!!). She was very grateful and asked me to take shots of the fashion show and other parts of the event.

This was great fun and the kids were amazing. Sheila Dhariwal. http://www.vision-africa.org/news/2012/launching-kushuka/ A designer from the UK had been visiting for the previous 2 weeks and helping them design and make their own jewellery and clothing.

Peperuka are a clothing company who produce t-shirts and a proportion of the profits go to vision-africa.

The above are a selection of the photos taken, not too bad for a first attempt?

Thanks to all at Seed of Hope for their patience, looking after me and making me so welcome.

Luckily for me Deborah the Director of VA was meeting her parents from the airport that evening so kindly gave me a lift.

Sunday 1^st April – UK – After a painless overnight flight and a surprisingly good sleep I landed in the at London Heathrow. I was just making my way through the crowd of waiting relatives on my way to the train to London when an old boy stepped into my way puzzled I then noticed it was my Dad!! Mum and Dad (both over 70!) had got up at 4am to make it to the airport to meet me – Bless!! Very pleased to see them and after big hugs, they then gave me a lift into London to my Sister’s (Ruth) pub (The One Tun, Goodge St – best pub in London – pay her a visit if you are in town).

It did not feel as strange as I thought to be back.

Ruth’s  husband was going to a Motocross event so Ruth and I tagged along (having had a good sleep on the plane I was feeling OK.

More camera fun and a bit of sun burn (England in April why would I need suntan cream – ooops!).

Monday 2^nd – Bit of shopping then back to the One Tun to meet Nicole (volunteer from Nairobi) who was back to visit boyfriend Nick (who had been in Kenya for Xmas and New Year). Lunch and a good English pie and pint J

Me with Nick and Nicole outside the One Tun

Me, Ruth and John inside the One Tun

Later my Brother dropped by for a catch up and the 3 Dixon’s caught up on a rare occasion when all 3 of us are together.

A big curry in the evening then meeting Stuart Witheridge and old work mate and good friend and my rehabilitation in the UK was complete!