Stream of consciousness from a few days…
It’s 11:36pm on Friday December 4, 2009 and I can’t come close to sleeping, as tomorrow is the first ever graduation ceremony here at KGSA. There is so much excitement around the school, everyone is buzzing with anticipation for the BIG day.
Also though, it has been a pretty emotional week building up to this very moment. Every morning I walk into Kibera on my way to work, I pass the old school building where this all first started 4 years ago. 1 classroom. 11 girls. 2 volunteer teachers… and Abdul.
Kibera and its surrounding haven’t changed much. Clay and dirt hit beneath your feet as you walk atop of soles from discarded shoes, plastic bags, and other unidentifiable waste that is buried. Smells of burning trash continue to take an overwhelming presence, sewage runs into streams running into children playing in sewage... children swarm around to greet you with repetition, “How are you? How are you? How are you?” The noises are still as novel as they were when I left… loud, exciting, colorful, strangely calming… bold colors stand strong on cement walls, Kiberan’s stand tall and are proud of where they are from. Not a lot has changed.
Except for the school. The school has grown. The school has been an inspiration. The school has provided a sense of security, a community, and a home for over 120 girls, 14 volunteer teachers, and Abdul… and now me. I can’t begin to describe how I’m feeling with having the opportunity to be back here in Kibera with these incredible girls and watch them celebrate their amazing 4 year accomplishment. Tomorrow is a celebration. We will not think about the next day, or what will happen in a year from now, or five, or ten years. Tomorrow will only be a day to acknowledge the accomplishments of 19 talented, confident, and inspiring women. Everyone around the school is excited to bring in this day; you can feel everyone’s energy interacting. Abdul really did start something beautiful here.
It’s getting even later now and I’ve got to get up around 6 tomorrow so I’m heading to bed… I’ll write more tomorrow. Goodnight, lala salama…
Saturday December 5, 2009
THEY DID IT! KGSA has its first group of alumni… pretty exciting huh? It’s 5:30pm and I just got home from the celebration. I’m utterly exhausted from the day, but what an amazing day it was. The day began extremely early. Up at 6! I know, I know grandma, you do it everyday, but you know for me that’s hell’a early! Teka and I went and picked out the chickens for the ceremony, carried them back (alive) to the school and started the preparations for the food. We set up a huge tent and chairs in the courtyard, picked up the banner we had made, and helped with the last minute details. At around 11:00am, the students and their families started to roll in, we ended up having around 150 people show up… it was incredible! The Form 1 class did a few dances, the Form 2 class did a play, and the Form 3 class had some speeches and poems that they read aloud. We then had some of the Form 4 girls speak, along with Teka, Abdul and myself. All n’ all it was a beautiful day, a true celebration! Music, dancing, great food and great people; it doesn’t get any better.
December 15, 2009
With the graduation ceremony closing out the school year, you’d think that I’d have some time to relax and catch up on some books I brought… but that’s just not the case. Now that the school is closed, it means we have some time to do some “spring cleaning around the school.” I put some money toward re-cementing the floors, and re-painting the classrooms and outside of the school to give it all a new look before the New Year. Tomorrow I start painting, but I’m dragging Anni down to the school so I think we’ll just bring some good music and rock out. Also, the construction on our laboratory and the library will start tomorrow as well. The girls are extremely excited about the library as it is set to include 3 laptops and over 1,000 books. I don’t need to go into detail why a library is so important for the school, but this will really help with the journalism club allowing them to do research for the magazine, and will create a space within the school ground where the girls can just relax and unwind.
On a more personal note, Anni is back in Nairobi for the next 3 weeks, which has been great. Everything with the Island and the VCT Community Center opening went really well and it was a huge success. Yesterday I took her to see the play MOFAYA! It’s a Kenyan musical about life in the slums, and the people living there. It was amazing. Apparently they cleaned house in New York this past summer at some international festival and they are planning to be on Broadway in two years! Check it out at http://www.nymf.org/mofaya
That’s all the updates I have for now… hope all is well with you. Big shout out and congrats to Katie Czarniecki and Matt Hill with the engagement!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
"Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. It is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
Woah, woah woah! My roommates are getting ready to leave for the states? Apparently I’ve been here then for almost 2 months. It definitely does not feel like I’ve been here for that long. With that being said, I’ll need to relocate and leave the amazing pool behind as I can’t afford this place alone. Simon, a program director of MSID (the study abroad program I went through) is helping me find other housing options. Also that means that Thanksgiving is coming up and I’m a little disappointed I’ll be missing my favorite holiday. Dad’s turkey, Lori’s pies, Grandma’s cranberries, Lori’s pies… did I mention Lori’s pies?
Anyways, there are some people from Madison that I know here that are planning on making our own thanksgiving meal so we’ll see how that goes…without Lori’s pies.
Now to Kenya updates – things are continually going well here on the ground with KGSA, and I recently met a few students from St. Lawrence University that are really interested in doing some fundraising for KGSA when they return to the states in December… so that is exciting! But the most exciting thing over the last couple of weeks is the amount of “hits” our website has been getting and people contacting us in regards to the school.
A few weeks ago I was contacted by a Dutch Organization stitching4life (www.stichting4life.nl). They have several projects around the world and one in Kibera. They have a group of single mothers that they train in several different types of skills – beadwork, jewelry, and bag making. It’s really beautiful stuff! Anyways, they pay for 80% of their children’s school fees and the mothers pay the remaining 20%. They’ve been interested in sponsoring a school in Kibera for some time now and came across our website. I received an email saying that they would be in Kenya for a couple days and wanted to visit the school and talk about our respective organizations. Abdul and I meet up with the two of them – John and Linda, and the meeting went really well. Abdul and I had great energy together talking about the school and our vision, and everything we said matched up very well with what they were looking for in a partnership. They have two other potential projects in Kenya that they had to visit before meeting with their board of directors and will get back to us within a month. Regardless of what happens, we are going to bring a couple of our girls to their shop as they offered to train a few of our students. So hopefully, within a couple of months our girls will be producing some of this jewelry as an income generating opportunity for themselves!
That was just one of the “hits.”
On our website under the ‘Get Involved’ page we offer volunteering opportunities at KGSA. Well, just about a month ago I received an email from a girl from San Francisco that is interested in volunteering at KGSA for a few months. She stumbled across our website and wanted to volunteer in Africa somewhere. She’ll be teaching and working with our micro finance group while she is here! Just two days ago, I received another email from two women that saw our website as well and have asked for more information regarding volunteer opportunities and the school.
The other week I received an email from a professor from the University of Denver that will be coming to Kenya with 14 graduate students. He saw our website, wants to donate to the school, get a tour of Kibera, and play some soccer with the girls!
And finally, a guy from Baltimore who used to be a soccer coach saw our website and was really moved by the project. He has 12-13 soccer balls that he doesn’t need around his house and he wants to donate them to the school.
All in all, more people are hearing about KGSA and the work that is happening here. This has been such a reassurance for both Abdul and I that things are moving in the right direction and that we will be able to provide the support for these girls that they deserve. Who knows where these connections will go, but it is really exciting nonetheless.
In other news, the magazine keeps making progress. We had a meeting last Saturday and had so many volunteers that day that we broke up into small groups and worked with each of the 6 sections of the magazine allowing for more 1-on-1 time with the journalists. We are establishing quite a base of support already before the magazine is finished. A few high schools in the states already want to help distribute the magazine for us without even having seen the content. Hence, our focus is on making an outstanding magazine.
In other exciting news, my friend Anne IS COMING TO KENYA! She’ll be here on the 19th of November and I’ve got a jam-packed week set for her. I’m looking forward to the visit obviously, because it’s Anne, but it will also be nice to stop doing work for a while and travel around a bit and get outside of Nairobi. We are planning on doing a safari in the Massai Mara, climbing Mt. Longonot along the Great Rift Valley, trekking through the Ngong Hills, hanging out at KGSA, and yes, checking out the insane night life that Nairobi does provide.
And for those of you that follow my blog to receive up-to-date info on Anni, as she has no internet, she is doing well on Mfangano. They are getting everything finalized for their big event on December 1st and she’ll be back in Nairobi mid December for a while as our friend Kelsi heads back to the states. I’m very excited to see her and spend some time together. Kenya can be quite exhausting at times and it’s nice to be with people that are experiencing similar emotions.
That’s all I got for you now, I hope this blog reaches you all well, keep me posted on what’s happening on your side of the globe. I hope you all have an amazing Thanksgiving. May you spend it with friends and family laughing and smiling.
With much love,
Ryan
Woah, woah woah! My roommates are getting ready to leave for the states? Apparently I’ve been here then for almost 2 months. It definitely does not feel like I’ve been here for that long. With that being said, I’ll need to relocate and leave the amazing pool behind as I can’t afford this place alone. Simon, a program director of MSID (the study abroad program I went through) is helping me find other housing options. Also that means that Thanksgiving is coming up and I’m a little disappointed I’ll be missing my favorite holiday. Dad’s turkey, Lori’s pies, Grandma’s cranberries, Lori’s pies… did I mention Lori’s pies?
Anyways, there are some people from Madison that I know here that are planning on making our own thanksgiving meal so we’ll see how that goes…without Lori’s pies.
Now to Kenya updates – things are continually going well here on the ground with KGSA, and I recently met a few students from St. Lawrence University that are really interested in doing some fundraising for KGSA when they return to the states in December… so that is exciting! But the most exciting thing over the last couple of weeks is the amount of “hits” our website has been getting and people contacting us in regards to the school.
A few weeks ago I was contacted by a Dutch Organization stitching4life (www.stichting4life.nl). They have several projects around the world and one in Kibera. They have a group of single mothers that they train in several different types of skills – beadwork, jewelry, and bag making. It’s really beautiful stuff! Anyways, they pay for 80% of their children’s school fees and the mothers pay the remaining 20%. They’ve been interested in sponsoring a school in Kibera for some time now and came across our website. I received an email saying that they would be in Kenya for a couple days and wanted to visit the school and talk about our respective organizations. Abdul and I meet up with the two of them – John and Linda, and the meeting went really well. Abdul and I had great energy together talking about the school and our vision, and everything we said matched up very well with what they were looking for in a partnership. They have two other potential projects in Kenya that they had to visit before meeting with their board of directors and will get back to us within a month. Regardless of what happens, we are going to bring a couple of our girls to their shop as they offered to train a few of our students. So hopefully, within a couple of months our girls will be producing some of this jewelry as an income generating opportunity for themselves!
That was just one of the “hits.”
On our website under the ‘Get Involved’ page we offer volunteering opportunities at KGSA. Well, just about a month ago I received an email from a girl from San Francisco that is interested in volunteering at KGSA for a few months. She stumbled across our website and wanted to volunteer in Africa somewhere. She’ll be teaching and working with our micro finance group while she is here! Just two days ago, I received another email from two women that saw our website as well and have asked for more information regarding volunteer opportunities and the school.
The other week I received an email from a professor from the University of Denver that will be coming to Kenya with 14 graduate students. He saw our website, wants to donate to the school, get a tour of Kibera, and play some soccer with the girls!
And finally, a guy from Baltimore who used to be a soccer coach saw our website and was really moved by the project. He has 12-13 soccer balls that he doesn’t need around his house and he wants to donate them to the school.
All in all, more people are hearing about KGSA and the work that is happening here. This has been such a reassurance for both Abdul and I that things are moving in the right direction and that we will be able to provide the support for these girls that they deserve. Who knows where these connections will go, but it is really exciting nonetheless.
In other news, the magazine keeps making progress. We had a meeting last Saturday and had so many volunteers that day that we broke up into small groups and worked with each of the 6 sections of the magazine allowing for more 1-on-1 time with the journalists. We are establishing quite a base of support already before the magazine is finished. A few high schools in the states already want to help distribute the magazine for us without even having seen the content. Hence, our focus is on making an outstanding magazine.
In other exciting news, my friend Anne IS COMING TO KENYA! She’ll be here on the 19th of November and I’ve got a jam-packed week set for her. I’m looking forward to the visit obviously, because it’s Anne, but it will also be nice to stop doing work for a while and travel around a bit and get outside of Nairobi. We are planning on doing a safari in the Massai Mara, climbing Mt. Longonot along the Great Rift Valley, trekking through the Ngong Hills, hanging out at KGSA, and yes, checking out the insane night life that Nairobi does provide.
And for those of you that follow my blog to receive up-to-date info on Anni, as she has no internet, she is doing well on Mfangano. They are getting everything finalized for their big event on December 1st and she’ll be back in Nairobi mid December for a while as our friend Kelsi heads back to the states. I’m very excited to see her and spend some time together. Kenya can be quite exhausting at times and it’s nice to be with people that are experiencing similar emotions.
That’s all I got for you now, I hope this blog reaches you all well, keep me posted on what’s happening on your side of the globe. I hope you all have an amazing Thanksgiving. May you spend it with friends and family laughing and smiling.
With much love,
Ryan
Sunday, October 18, 2009
One Month...
“Let life happen to you. Believe me: life is in the right, always.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
It’s been a month now since I’ve been in Kenya - and quite a ride so far! If I were look back three years ago upon returning from Kenya, I wouldn’t have thought I would be coming back here to work with KGSA. But, life has a funny way of unfolding in front of us. No use in trying to prevent what happens; I’ve learned that it is best to let go, breathe, smile, and find ways to be present and intentional with everything.
Deciding to come to Kenya and work full time on KGSA development has been such a great experience thus far and an incredible blessing. I’ve been able to reconnect with Abdul, a man I consider to be one of the finest men I know, a true mentor and a genuine friend. Our new thing is to go for walks for hours throughout Kibera and just talk. Our walks will be part brainstorming session as KGSA matters come up naturally, but it’s been a great time to get to know him as a human being. We’ve realized that when I was here last, we only really knew each other on a business level. We’ve started to talk about our own lives and how we grew up, who was influential in our lives, what our future could hold, his wife Zakiya, Annika, and at times, silence.
Abdul grew up fatherless, a common theme in Kibera. His mother died when he was a teenager, at which point it was just his grandmother and himself. In all the stories he would tell of his grandmother and mother, they sounded like such strong, independent, supportive women. His grandma died just two years ago, right before the new development of KGSA. He attributes his commitment to women’s empowerment issues to those two women. I told him about Mom, and how she was and will always be a huge inspiration in my life. His response was “I can see her now, sitting on the rafters above the school with my grandma and mother watching over us and the work we’re doing, they’re proud of us…”
I thought that was quite fitting for a response. I liked the image…
Recently I was talking with my roommates and the topic of privilege came up (don’t worry, I’m not about to go on a rant, please keep reading!!) We were talking about the ability of how we can turn the channel of the news when Darfur comes up, or flip the front page and head right to the sports section to read about the recent 4th quarter heroics of Favre and the Vikings… etc. At first, yes, we were criticizing this mentality, and ability, when suddenly it dawned on us… Isn’t that type of privilege exactly what we want for our girls? Isn’t this what we are working towards? Yes, I can be critical to a degree about the privilege we have, but ultimately, it’s not a bad thing, in fact it’s incredible to have that opportunity. I just hope to see more people in the world extended that opportunity. I want my girls to never have to think about where their next meal is coming form, where they will be sleeping, or whether or not they be able to provide for themselves after they graduate from KGSA. Instead, I want them to be able to stay up late and write poetry, I want them to sit around with their friends wasting time talking about crushes they have, I want them to sit at their dining room table and write a blog to family members about their thoughts…
Just a thought…
Want some exciting news surrounding the school?
The KGSA Journalism Club has been throwing around the idea of starting a company for some time now but didn’t know how to move forward with this idea. As life just unfolds, Enter Tim Coburn from the UK. He was paid from Kenya Airways to do some consulting for them. He was interested in volunteering at a school in Kibera, and Junior Achievements (an org. that partners people with orgs.) connected him to KGSA. He met with our Journalism Club, obviously fell in love, and has assisted them in forming a company. We have established a board of directors consisting of only students, each girl in the club has bought 2 shares each and are share holders, and we have appointed a president, head editor, journalist, photographer, accountant, and a distributor. These were the most exciting meetings I’ve ever been to in my life! Watching our girls give speeches as to why they were best for a certain position, or seeing them buy shares was pretty wild! The name of the magazine is Shedders – as they shed light upon the realities of Kibera.
I’m currently working directly with the editor on this first issue to make sure the quality of the articles is as strong as possible. The topics the magazine will cover are: Education, Health, Politics, Business, Entertainment, & Sports – all through the eyes of young females. We are working for late November to have our first issue out, so if you are interested in purchasing the magazine let me know. The breakdown of profits (decided by the board) is as follows 10% - school, 50% - printing costs/equipment, 30% - dividends, 10% - salary to employees of Shedders. Once more cameras are purchased from the equipment budget they will direct more funding to the school. Cool huh?
We recently established a Sack Garden at the school and our environmental group is maintaining that while learning about the possibilities that urban gardening provides and how to use this knowledge for income generating opportunities. I’ve put some photos on my facebook page of the garden so be sure to check that out.
Lastly, our Form 4 Class (seniors) will be taking their Kenya Certificate Secondary Examinations starting Monday and this last Saturday we had a big celebration for them and invited their family to the school for food and music. It was really amazing meeting some of their parents/guardians and one of our student’s brothers even gave a speech that brought me to tears. Doesn’t take much these days…
Anyways, the KCSE’s are the equivalent to our ACT’s or SAT’s but they go on for an ENTIRE MONTH! Ask any Kenyan about their KCSE experience and you’d think they were describing a world war they took part in!
Our girls though are confident. We all told them how proud of them we are and that no matter the outcome, we are a family here at KGSA and we stick together. We will work with them in whatever direction they decide to go in after the exams. We’ll get the results back in February and find out if any our girls qualify for University. If they receive a C+ or higher they can attend a University, B+ or higher means you are eligible for Government sponsorship. I’ll be sure to keep you posted.
In news unrelated to KGSA, Anni came back for a weekend and we went to the MTV Africa Music Awards where Wyclef Jean hosted and performed along side of Akon. Two artists that Anni and I definitely rock out to when given the chance. An awards show in Kenya… It was quite the night! We got to see performances by a lot of great African bands. Cameroon, South Africa, Nigeria and Tanzania represented … and of course Kenya had plenty of artists that performed. It was great to see Anni and split the distance up a bit. She is doing really well on Mfangano Island. The construction of the VCT Clinic is still on track for World AIDS day (Dec. 1st) and she is planning the opening day event and mobilizing the youth within the local schools.
If you’re reading this now, thanks for reading that long blog. Keep sending me updates on yourselves as I really enjoy reading about what you all are doing. By the way, Jenna – good luck on your game tonight!!! I’ll be sending you positive vibes all the way from Kenya. Love you all,
-Ryan
It’s been a month now since I’ve been in Kenya - and quite a ride so far! If I were look back three years ago upon returning from Kenya, I wouldn’t have thought I would be coming back here to work with KGSA. But, life has a funny way of unfolding in front of us. No use in trying to prevent what happens; I’ve learned that it is best to let go, breathe, smile, and find ways to be present and intentional with everything.
Deciding to come to Kenya and work full time on KGSA development has been such a great experience thus far and an incredible blessing. I’ve been able to reconnect with Abdul, a man I consider to be one of the finest men I know, a true mentor and a genuine friend. Our new thing is to go for walks for hours throughout Kibera and just talk. Our walks will be part brainstorming session as KGSA matters come up naturally, but it’s been a great time to get to know him as a human being. We’ve realized that when I was here last, we only really knew each other on a business level. We’ve started to talk about our own lives and how we grew up, who was influential in our lives, what our future could hold, his wife Zakiya, Annika, and at times, silence.
Abdul grew up fatherless, a common theme in Kibera. His mother died when he was a teenager, at which point it was just his grandmother and himself. In all the stories he would tell of his grandmother and mother, they sounded like such strong, independent, supportive women. His grandma died just two years ago, right before the new development of KGSA. He attributes his commitment to women’s empowerment issues to those two women. I told him about Mom, and how she was and will always be a huge inspiration in my life. His response was “I can see her now, sitting on the rafters above the school with my grandma and mother watching over us and the work we’re doing, they’re proud of us…”
I thought that was quite fitting for a response. I liked the image…
Recently I was talking with my roommates and the topic of privilege came up (don’t worry, I’m not about to go on a rant, please keep reading!!) We were talking about the ability of how we can turn the channel of the news when Darfur comes up, or flip the front page and head right to the sports section to read about the recent 4th quarter heroics of Favre and the Vikings… etc. At first, yes, we were criticizing this mentality, and ability, when suddenly it dawned on us… Isn’t that type of privilege exactly what we want for our girls? Isn’t this what we are working towards? Yes, I can be critical to a degree about the privilege we have, but ultimately, it’s not a bad thing, in fact it’s incredible to have that opportunity. I just hope to see more people in the world extended that opportunity. I want my girls to never have to think about where their next meal is coming form, where they will be sleeping, or whether or not they be able to provide for themselves after they graduate from KGSA. Instead, I want them to be able to stay up late and write poetry, I want them to sit around with their friends wasting time talking about crushes they have, I want them to sit at their dining room table and write a blog to family members about their thoughts…
Just a thought…
Want some exciting news surrounding the school?
The KGSA Journalism Club has been throwing around the idea of starting a company for some time now but didn’t know how to move forward with this idea. As life just unfolds, Enter Tim Coburn from the UK. He was paid from Kenya Airways to do some consulting for them. He was interested in volunteering at a school in Kibera, and Junior Achievements (an org. that partners people with orgs.) connected him to KGSA. He met with our Journalism Club, obviously fell in love, and has assisted them in forming a company. We have established a board of directors consisting of only students, each girl in the club has bought 2 shares each and are share holders, and we have appointed a president, head editor, journalist, photographer, accountant, and a distributor. These were the most exciting meetings I’ve ever been to in my life! Watching our girls give speeches as to why they were best for a certain position, or seeing them buy shares was pretty wild! The name of the magazine is Shedders – as they shed light upon the realities of Kibera.
I’m currently working directly with the editor on this first issue to make sure the quality of the articles is as strong as possible. The topics the magazine will cover are: Education, Health, Politics, Business, Entertainment, & Sports – all through the eyes of young females. We are working for late November to have our first issue out, so if you are interested in purchasing the magazine let me know. The breakdown of profits (decided by the board) is as follows 10% - school, 50% - printing costs/equipment, 30% - dividends, 10% - salary to employees of Shedders. Once more cameras are purchased from the equipment budget they will direct more funding to the school. Cool huh?
We recently established a Sack Garden at the school and our environmental group is maintaining that while learning about the possibilities that urban gardening provides and how to use this knowledge for income generating opportunities. I’ve put some photos on my facebook page of the garden so be sure to check that out.
Lastly, our Form 4 Class (seniors) will be taking their Kenya Certificate Secondary Examinations starting Monday and this last Saturday we had a big celebration for them and invited their family to the school for food and music. It was really amazing meeting some of their parents/guardians and one of our student’s brothers even gave a speech that brought me to tears. Doesn’t take much these days…
Anyways, the KCSE’s are the equivalent to our ACT’s or SAT’s but they go on for an ENTIRE MONTH! Ask any Kenyan about their KCSE experience and you’d think they were describing a world war they took part in!
Our girls though are confident. We all told them how proud of them we are and that no matter the outcome, we are a family here at KGSA and we stick together. We will work with them in whatever direction they decide to go in after the exams. We’ll get the results back in February and find out if any our girls qualify for University. If they receive a C+ or higher they can attend a University, B+ or higher means you are eligible for Government sponsorship. I’ll be sure to keep you posted.
In news unrelated to KGSA, Anni came back for a weekend and we went to the MTV Africa Music Awards where Wyclef Jean hosted and performed along side of Akon. Two artists that Anni and I definitely rock out to when given the chance. An awards show in Kenya… It was quite the night! We got to see performances by a lot of great African bands. Cameroon, South Africa, Nigeria and Tanzania represented … and of course Kenya had plenty of artists that performed. It was great to see Anni and split the distance up a bit. She is doing really well on Mfangano Island. The construction of the VCT Clinic is still on track for World AIDS day (Dec. 1st) and she is planning the opening day event and mobilizing the youth within the local schools.
If you’re reading this now, thanks for reading that long blog. Keep sending me updates on yourselves as I really enjoy reading about what you all are doing. By the way, Jenna – good luck on your game tonight!!! I’ll be sending you positive vibes all the way from Kenya. Love you all,
-Ryan
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
KGSA Street Team
"There are no ordinary moments in life..."
Last night I feel asleep listening to a book on tape - The Way of the Peaceful Warrior, written by Dan Millman, and the above quote was what I woke up to. Thank you to all for the wishes for better health, it has become a reality. Feeling much better, thank you all!
As I have been stuck inside for the last week and a half, I've been able to really come up with some ideas on how to expand KGSA and the support network that we work through. Here is the idea I've come up - if you are interested, please email me at rmsarafolean@gmail.com and I'll send you more information.
The Formation of a KGSA Street Team
This is how the KGSA Street Team will work...
The democratically elected KGSA council (made up of 9 students, 4 teachers, and the head master) host a meeting regarding a potential project that they are looking to find funding for from outside sources. All ideas are generated from KGSA participants - we are functioning as a avenue of support and solely that. The direction for development must come from them.
Once they reach a conclusion, the 9 girls work together on learning how to write a proposal (giving them experience in grant writing) and put together a project proposal to send to a KGSA Street team chapter in the US. Right now we are establishing at least one to two in Minnesota, and one in Massachusetts. The proposal will include an itemized budget, information on why the project is crucial to KGSA, and other pertinent information regarding the project and contact info.
From there, the Street Team takes ownership of the project and comes together as a student group / adult group / organizers in general and find a way to fund the project. There is excitement with some of the CDH students to start something of this nature but I would like to work with adults as well on such a group - especially when I return.
The KGSA Street Team should run with it, make it their own initiative, take advantage of the opportunity to be involved in such an experience, and get creative with how to raise the money. Create positions such as chair, vice chair, secretary etc.
I have applications and written descriptions of what this entails. If anyone is interested in starting a chapter, or knows individuals that might be interested in getting involved, please have them email me at rmsarafolean@gmail.com
Thanks!
I'll be working with the council tomorrow at the school with the first project. They are looking to find funding for a science lab by January. Currently, every time there is standardized high school testing, they have to go to a lab and rent the space out as they do not have the tools themselves. $7,000 shillings a student. This way, if we were able to get a science lab, we would not only save money in the long run, but could charge groups entrance fees for our space and use the profit to support other KGSA costs.
Take care, much love
-Ryan
Last night I feel asleep listening to a book on tape - The Way of the Peaceful Warrior, written by Dan Millman, and the above quote was what I woke up to. Thank you to all for the wishes for better health, it has become a reality. Feeling much better, thank you all!
As I have been stuck inside for the last week and a half, I've been able to really come up with some ideas on how to expand KGSA and the support network that we work through. Here is the idea I've come up - if you are interested, please email me at rmsarafolean@gmail.com and I'll send you more information.
The Formation of a KGSA Street Team
This is how the KGSA Street Team will work...
The democratically elected KGSA council (made up of 9 students, 4 teachers, and the head master) host a meeting regarding a potential project that they are looking to find funding for from outside sources. All ideas are generated from KGSA participants - we are functioning as a avenue of support and solely that. The direction for development must come from them.
Once they reach a conclusion, the 9 girls work together on learning how to write a proposal (giving them experience in grant writing) and put together a project proposal to send to a KGSA Street team chapter in the US. Right now we are establishing at least one to two in Minnesota, and one in Massachusetts. The proposal will include an itemized budget, information on why the project is crucial to KGSA, and other pertinent information regarding the project and contact info.
From there, the Street Team takes ownership of the project and comes together as a student group / adult group / organizers in general and find a way to fund the project. There is excitement with some of the CDH students to start something of this nature but I would like to work with adults as well on such a group - especially when I return.
The KGSA Street Team should run with it, make it their own initiative, take advantage of the opportunity to be involved in such an experience, and get creative with how to raise the money. Create positions such as chair, vice chair, secretary etc.
I have applications and written descriptions of what this entails. If anyone is interested in starting a chapter, or knows individuals that might be interested in getting involved, please have them email me at rmsarafolean@gmail.com
Thanks!
I'll be working with the council tomorrow at the school with the first project. They are looking to find funding for a science lab by January. Currently, every time there is standardized high school testing, they have to go to a lab and rent the space out as they do not have the tools themselves. $7,000 shillings a student. This way, if we were able to get a science lab, we would not only save money in the long run, but could charge groups entrance fees for our space and use the profit to support other KGSA costs.
Take care, much love
-Ryan
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Apartment hunting and Hospital visits…
Well the good news is that I finally found an apartment! After a week of hostels and running around looking for places, we found a two-bedroom apartment that’s about a 10 minute walk away from KGSA. Fully furnished and has a pool! That’s right, a pool. I’ll try and send some more photos of the place but it takes quite a while to load to the computer.
For those that don’t know, I am living with two girls (Susie and Jamie) from my MSID program 3 years ago that are doing similar work but with a primary school in the Kangemi slums. The school is called Hamomi - www.hamomi.org
Definitely check the website out, they’re doing good work. I’m learning a lot from them already as they have been around about a year and a half longer than KGSA in the states. Quite an ideal living situation if I do say so myself…
It’s by far the most productive house I’ve ever lived in – sorry Danny. We wake up and immediately make some coffee, obviously, and get on our computers and start working. We pretty much work straight through the afternoon and night taking turns with the inter-net and then around 8:00pm we’ll break out a book or an intense game of Kenyan Poker!
As to the hospital visit – yes, I unfortunately had to go to Nairobi Hospital - which was quite the experience. Last Thursday I woke up at around 3:30am with severe chest pains and had difficulty breathing. Anni and I went in around 9:00am and the testing began. From 9:00am – 5:30pm I had blood work done, EKG’s, Ultra Sounds, and a lot of waiting around. Finally, they diagnosed me with having Acute Pericarditis. Basically, the protective wall around my heart was inflamed, hence the chest pain. Movement irritates it, so I basically just sit around and read and work on the computer. Apparently cold symptoms, which I had for the first couple of days here, can turn into this if not treated right away.
So now I’m on some anti-inflammatory medication and pain pills and just trying to rest and recover. Reading a lot… The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is what I’m working on now. I’m doing a lot better though, but I really just can’t walk around a lot. Luckily, I have inter-net and can work here at the house, but it’s quite miserable not being able to go to the school and get started there.
Last but not least, Anni left for Mfangano Island last night and has arrived safely. It was great spending the week here with her and I’m very excited about the work she’ll be doing on the island with Organic Health Response. Their website should be up soon, I don’t think it’s ready yet but the address is www.OrganicHealthResponse.org
Well, that’s it for now. I hope you are all doing well. In case anyone would like to write to me, you can send mail to:
Ryan Sarafolean
c/o MSID Kenya
P.O. Box 66731
00800 Westlands
Nairobi, Kenya
It’s my study abroad’s P.O. Box and it’s way easier this way. Talk soon, love you all.
-Ryan
Well the good news is that I finally found an apartment! After a week of hostels and running around looking for places, we found a two-bedroom apartment that’s about a 10 minute walk away from KGSA. Fully furnished and has a pool! That’s right, a pool. I’ll try and send some more photos of the place but it takes quite a while to load to the computer.
For those that don’t know, I am living with two girls (Susie and Jamie) from my MSID program 3 years ago that are doing similar work but with a primary school in the Kangemi slums. The school is called Hamomi - www.hamomi.org
Definitely check the website out, they’re doing good work. I’m learning a lot from them already as they have been around about a year and a half longer than KGSA in the states. Quite an ideal living situation if I do say so myself…
It’s by far the most productive house I’ve ever lived in – sorry Danny. We wake up and immediately make some coffee, obviously, and get on our computers and start working. We pretty much work straight through the afternoon and night taking turns with the inter-net and then around 8:00pm we’ll break out a book or an intense game of Kenyan Poker!
As to the hospital visit – yes, I unfortunately had to go to Nairobi Hospital - which was quite the experience. Last Thursday I woke up at around 3:30am with severe chest pains and had difficulty breathing. Anni and I went in around 9:00am and the testing began. From 9:00am – 5:30pm I had blood work done, EKG’s, Ultra Sounds, and a lot of waiting around. Finally, they diagnosed me with having Acute Pericarditis. Basically, the protective wall around my heart was inflamed, hence the chest pain. Movement irritates it, so I basically just sit around and read and work on the computer. Apparently cold symptoms, which I had for the first couple of days here, can turn into this if not treated right away.
So now I’m on some anti-inflammatory medication and pain pills and just trying to rest and recover. Reading a lot… The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is what I’m working on now. I’m doing a lot better though, but I really just can’t walk around a lot. Luckily, I have inter-net and can work here at the house, but it’s quite miserable not being able to go to the school and get started there.
Last but not least, Anni left for Mfangano Island last night and has arrived safely. It was great spending the week here with her and I’m very excited about the work she’ll be doing on the island with Organic Health Response. Their website should be up soon, I don’t think it’s ready yet but the address is www.OrganicHealthResponse.org
Well, that’s it for now. I hope you are all doing well. In case anyone would like to write to me, you can send mail to:
Ryan Sarafolean
c/o MSID Kenya
P.O. Box 66731
00800 Westlands
Nairobi, Kenya
It’s my study abroad’s P.O. Box and it’s way easier this way. Talk soon, love you all.
-Ryan
Sunday, September 20, 2009
“Things are not all so comprehensible and expressible as one would mostly have us believe; most events are inexpressible, taking place in a realm which no word has ever entered…” - Rainer Maria Rilke
It was Saturday afternoon, my third day back, and I had a few hours to spare before meeting with members of the KGSA team (Abdul, Carol Ann, and Jaime) for a vision meeting. With a cup of black coffee in hand, I began reading Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke. The quote above rested within the lines of the first paragraph.
Beautiful.
As Rilke references, there are experiences that live within a realm that have no diction to describe their entirety. That idea holds true for my first week here. This past week I’ve spent the majority of my time around the girls of the Kibera Girls Soccer Academy (KGSA) - getting to know new faces, talking with familiar ones, and ultimately having to remove myself a bit and just laugh as this is all so surreal.
Thinking back to the beginning of KGSA three years ago – a single school room, 12 girls, and 2 teachers, to now 4 classrooms, an office, a computer room, a salon, ~120 girls and 10 teachers (not to mention the addition of the clubs) is all unbelievable to say the least.
This is my first time coming back to a place I’ve visited overseas. Being able to navigate and already have a sense of the culture has been comforting. This is also though, a place that has provided some of the most difficult life lessons. Being in Kibera already has presented its challenges and I will need to find a way to work with it without being distracted. Poverty here takes on a whole new meaning.
With that being said - the sun is in fact just behind the clouds. There is hope here, there is community here, there are dreamers here, and the school is here... and thriving!
This past Friday there was a drama competition amongst the secondary schools within Kibera. The girls choreographed a dance sequence for the competition and ended up taking first place! They were awarded a trophy and 12,000 shillings for school supplies.
Incredible.
Saturday afternoon they went on to win their football match 3-0.
Exciting.
Saturday evening Abdul, Carol Ann, Jaime, and I sat down to discuss this upcoming year and how we will move forth (Jake, Danielle, Shaun… you were missed).
Inspiring.
Things are already moving for me here and I have been able to jump right back into this all. Once I get settled in my role here I will send a better description as to what I am actually doing here. Many of you have asked, “What is it exactly that you intend to do during this trip?” Logical question. For this month – relearning the way KGSA is functioning on a day-to-day basis, the ins & outs basically. I’m also working on creating a budget for the school and a KGSA profile portfolio. I have other assignments but I’m going to focus on getting settled and comfortable here until I move forth.
Thank you all for the support you have shown me thus far. Know that I love you all.
-Ryan
It was Saturday afternoon, my third day back, and I had a few hours to spare before meeting with members of the KGSA team (Abdul, Carol Ann, and Jaime) for a vision meeting. With a cup of black coffee in hand, I began reading Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke. The quote above rested within the lines of the first paragraph.
Beautiful.
As Rilke references, there are experiences that live within a realm that have no diction to describe their entirety. That idea holds true for my first week here. This past week I’ve spent the majority of my time around the girls of the Kibera Girls Soccer Academy (KGSA) - getting to know new faces, talking with familiar ones, and ultimately having to remove myself a bit and just laugh as this is all so surreal.
Thinking back to the beginning of KGSA three years ago – a single school room, 12 girls, and 2 teachers, to now 4 classrooms, an office, a computer room, a salon, ~120 girls and 10 teachers (not to mention the addition of the clubs) is all unbelievable to say the least.
This is my first time coming back to a place I’ve visited overseas. Being able to navigate and already have a sense of the culture has been comforting. This is also though, a place that has provided some of the most difficult life lessons. Being in Kibera already has presented its challenges and I will need to find a way to work with it without being distracted. Poverty here takes on a whole new meaning.
With that being said - the sun is in fact just behind the clouds. There is hope here, there is community here, there are dreamers here, and the school is here... and thriving!
This past Friday there was a drama competition amongst the secondary schools within Kibera. The girls choreographed a dance sequence for the competition and ended up taking first place! They were awarded a trophy and 12,000 shillings for school supplies.
Incredible.
Saturday afternoon they went on to win their football match 3-0.
Exciting.
Saturday evening Abdul, Carol Ann, Jaime, and I sat down to discuss this upcoming year and how we will move forth (Jake, Danielle, Shaun… you were missed).
Inspiring.
Things are already moving for me here and I have been able to jump right back into this all. Once I get settled in my role here I will send a better description as to what I am actually doing here. Many of you have asked, “What is it exactly that you intend to do during this trip?” Logical question. For this month – relearning the way KGSA is functioning on a day-to-day basis, the ins & outs basically. I’m also working on creating a budget for the school and a KGSA profile portfolio. I have other assignments but I’m going to focus on getting settled and comfortable here until I move forth.
Thank you all for the support you have shown me thus far. Know that I love you all.
-Ryan
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