Board members Susanne Riz and Manuela Pastore traveled to Kenya again at the end of October 2023 to visit our projects.
The journey began on October 20, 2023, with a flight from Zurich to Frankfurt, followed by the long-haul flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival in Kenya, we discovered that there had been a mix-up with our luggage, which required us to return to the airport terminal after we had already checked in at the hotel.
After a relaxing drink in the hotel bar, we finally had the chance to rest. The next morning, our local team picked us up at the hotel, and we were delighted to see Agnes, her daughter Keren, our new FGM ambassador Sara, and the driver James once again.
Due to complications with the old dust road to Iloshon, which had been closed by the landowner due to a neighbor dispute, we decided to rent an off-road car this time. Our first stop was Kitengela Mall, where we bought fruit and cookies for our visits to the Iloshon school and the Nasaru learning center for Maasai girls.
Although the road conditions were challenging, we eventually made it to Iloshon. The warm welcome from the children and teachers made us forget the difficulties of the journey. During an inspection, however, we found that the hygiene conditions in the toilets were still an issue despite our previous repairs. Next, we met with the new head teacher James, and distributed relief supplies to the girls at the Nasaru Learning Center.
The following day, we met with local craftsmen to discuss repairs to the pit latrines and the installation of a gutter to collect rainwater. The day was rounded off with a colorful performance by the girls.
An official meeting with the parents in Iloshon revealed the financial strain caused by the ongoing drought. We emphasized the importance of investing in education, particularly for girls who are at risk of FGM and teenage pregnancies.
The next day, we met with the teachers and distributed gifts to the children. In summary, while the challenges remain, the introduction of a new curriculum by the Kenyan government has increased demand for resources without addressing the fundamental problems.
A visit to the Kings & Queens of Rehoboth School was a heartening highlight. The graduation ceremony demonstrated the positive progress made with our support.
The following day, we traveled to Mperrishi Primary School, where we once again bought fruit and cookies for the children. The head teacher, Mr. Reuben, impressed us with his dedication. We discussed the water issue and encouraged him to consult experts when planning the project.
After visiting the secondary school students, we made our way back to Kitengela, tired but content. Agnes’ dream project, the Gihon Empowerment Center, had been closed due to a lack of donations during the COVID-19 period. We encouraged Agnes and Keren to create a budget for the center, including plans for revenue generation through educational programs.
A visit to the Maasai market in Nairobi sparked ideas for potential products. This form of self-help aligns with the WeCare-Association’s vision.
After a week filled with experiences and encounters, it was time to say goodbye. We’ll stay in touch and look forward to seeing everyone again next year. The dates have already been set: October 18-25, 2024. Asante sana and tuonane tena to our Kenyan friends.
