Last summer, I went on an adventure unsure of what to expect. I had been to Kenya a handful of times, but always with my family or with a group. Even though I was meeting up with a group of volunteers this was a big trip. I've travelled alone many times, but this felt different, maybe it was the length of time I'd be gone or the uncertainty of the experience. I didn't know what my homestay would be like. I didn't even know where I would be placed.
I decided long ago that I wanted to work in Kenya, like have a job in Kenya. So I decided to test the situation with a longish short stay. The best way I could find to do this, was through volunteering. I already had some knowledge of Kenya, but wanted to enrich my understanding. I figured if I immersed myself in the culture and learned as much as I could, I'd be a better person and a stronger candidate for a job when that time rolls around. I'd have a better understanding of the people with whom I'd be working.
I had mixed feelings about the volunteering I was signed up for. And, after six weeks, I still did. International volunteerism is complicated. It sets up complex and often frustrating relationships. It's hard to balance the expectations of the volunteers and the expectations of the community. That being said, I believe international volunteerism can be successful and mutually beneficial. I wouldn't be going back if I didn't!
I met Amanda and Michelle in our homestay last year. Amanda and I spent nearly every day together and became good friends. Our skills and interests complimented each other and we realized our collective strength could do big things. Our original volunteer placement was challenging on many levels but together we made it fabulous experience! As we talked with the volunteer coordinator and the school, principal, Camp Marafiki Pamoja was born.
About six months ago was when the real planning began. We wrote a proposal and started raising money. Raising money is hard! Thank you to all who contributed with items and money. We really couldn't have done it without you! Amanda is an absolute rock star, by the way. This whole thing would never have gotten off the ground with out her determination and the support of her networks in Canada!
We are hoping to give our campers an authentic day camp experience complete with arts and crafts, games, science experiments, music, and movement. We are hoping to keep hem safe during their school holiday and make sure that they get at least one good meal a day. People often ask why not do these things at home where there are also kids who spend their school holidays idle and don't get nutritious food? There is need everywhere.
I'm so excited this has all come together. I'm nervous it won't go well. I'm hopeful the kids and the community will benefit - even half has much as I have through this whole process! I look forward to blogging this experience and sharing it with you.
I decided long ago that I wanted to work in Kenya, like have a job in Kenya. So I decided to test the situation with a longish short stay. The best way I could find to do this, was through volunteering. I already had some knowledge of Kenya, but wanted to enrich my understanding. I figured if I immersed myself in the culture and learned as much as I could, I'd be a better person and a stronger candidate for a job when that time rolls around. I'd have a better understanding of the people with whom I'd be working.
I had mixed feelings about the volunteering I was signed up for. And, after six weeks, I still did. International volunteerism is complicated. It sets up complex and often frustrating relationships. It's hard to balance the expectations of the volunteers and the expectations of the community. That being said, I believe international volunteerism can be successful and mutually beneficial. I wouldn't be going back if I didn't!
I met Amanda and Michelle in our homestay last year. Amanda and I spent nearly every day together and became good friends. Our skills and interests complimented each other and we realized our collective strength could do big things. Our original volunteer placement was challenging on many levels but together we made it fabulous experience! As we talked with the volunteer coordinator and the school, principal, Camp Marafiki Pamoja was born.
About six months ago was when the real planning began. We wrote a proposal and started raising money. Raising money is hard! Thank you to all who contributed with items and money. We really couldn't have done it without you! Amanda is an absolute rock star, by the way. This whole thing would never have gotten off the ground with out her determination and the support of her networks in Canada!
We are hoping to give our campers an authentic day camp experience complete with arts and crafts, games, science experiments, music, and movement. We are hoping to keep hem safe during their school holiday and make sure that they get at least one good meal a day. People often ask why not do these things at home where there are also kids who spend their school holidays idle and don't get nutritious food? There is need everywhere.
I'm so excited this has all come together. I'm nervous it won't go well. I'm hopeful the kids and the community will benefit - even half has much as I have through this whole process! I look forward to blogging this experience and sharing it with you.
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