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Inspire Local Changemakers in Your Community

Feb 16th, 2012 by

Do you know an awesome Non-Profit Organization empowering women and girls? Do they have volunteer opportunities?

With Stirring the Fire’s “Inspire Changemakers” campaign we are reaching out to you, citizen journalists, to share on our blog the great ways to become a changemaker in your community.

For International Women’s Day, March 8th, we will feature 8 volunteer opportunities with organizations working to empower women and girls for 8 consecutive days from March 1st to March 8th.  Stirring the Fire will advise chosen contributors to meet the following requirements.

Requirements

You must interview the organizations about the positions available.
You must write a guest blog post that includes at least one image.
Phone interviews transcribed into the post are acceptable.  Video interviews are a bonus.
The organizations must have programming and volunteer opportunities that works directly with women and/or girls.
The volunteer opportunity can either be local or global.

Email sandy@stirringthefire.org to pitch your idea by Feb 24th.  Interview guidelines and tips will be provided.  The interview deadline is March 1st.  Only 7 contributors will be chosen and published on stirringthefire.org/blog.  Each contributor will receive a small signed print from the Stirring the Fire exhibition, by our founder, Phil Borges.

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All in a Month’s Work: Emily Lohmeyer Wraps Up her Experience at Sure 24

Feb 7th, 2012 by

Editor’s Note: This week our fellowship recipient Emily Lohmeyer checks in with us about her volunteer position with Sure 24, a children’s orphanage in Kenya, and wraps up her one month experience abroad.  Below, she talks about the changes at Sure 24 that she has been a part of, and the challenges some of the children have been able to overcome.

I’ve returned to the States and settled back in to my school and work routine. It’s a little jolting to transition between such drastically different environments. However, it’s been helpful to return to a learning and working environment that lets me reflect on my experience. It was difficult leaving the kids after I had spent every waking moment with them for a month, but I was happy to see the progress that had been made since I had first arrived.

I spent my last day in Kenya waiting with Nancy to see her surgeon.  My patience was tested as we spent hours traveling to the hospital, the rest of the day in the waiting room, and then she was never seen by the doctor. Fortunately she was able to be seen a couple of days later, and her checkup was positive. The doctor said that there was no discharge, which is a good sign that she is not in any danger. Nancy has also received invitations to a number of good secondary schools based off of her KCPE exam results. She is eager to resume her studies, which will begin later this month.

Nancy, cheerful as always, cooking ugali

It was incredible to see the progress that was made on the girls’ dormitory while I was there and I am happy to say it is now open!

Sammy and I in front of the Girl's Dorm, just finished shoveling.

When I first arrived the inside was far from finished. The girls and I would frequently walk by and check on the progress as they awaited the completion of their new home. They each knew which room they would be moving in to and their smiles easily betrayed how very excited they were. On some days we were able to help with the construction by shoveling sand and rocks from the inside, painting doors, and fitting window panes.

Nova and Nikky, a fellow volunteer, installing window panes

After the doors had been installed

Yesterday I received an email from Sammy, the director, who informed me that the girls dorm officially opened on Thursday and the girls have already spent three nights there. I wish I would have been able to see the grand opening, but witnessing the quick progress and the girls’ anticipation was a gift in itself. The nine girls who I was primarily working with make up the first of the 48 girls who will occupy the dorm. Another twelve girls will be transferred from the Jamii center. First and foremost, the new dorm means greater security for these girls. They have never been in an exclusively female institution, and the old center was still in a vulnerable part of the town. Secondly, it will give them greater access to education. They used to walk over an hour to school every day, which made it difficult for the young girls to attend classes. The school they will now be attending is only a two-minute walk from the dormitory!  These girls will transform their communities by showing what girls are capable of when they are given an opportunity to succeed. They are bright, hard-working, and have the vision to better their own lives and those around them.

The stories and kindness that the girls shared with me melted my heart and inspired me. My experience made me more appreciative of the power of international aid yet also aware of the complexities involved. In the coming weeks I will be attending lectures on this and other topics at the Institute for Peace and Justice on campus as I continue to reflect upon my experience.

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Transforming Steps: Stand with Survivors of Sex Trafficking, Stand Against Exploitation

Jan 30th, 2012 by

Editor’s Note: This week we would like to feature Kolkata Sanved, an NGO that is utilizing dance movement therapy as a means of rehabilitation for survivors of human trafficking. Sydney Skov shares with us her volunteering experience with the NGO and how it has inspired her.

Passions for dance and human rights brought me to volunteer in Kolkata, India with an incredible organization using dance to perpetuate social change. While volunteering, I have seen how dance can save lives.

Rehearsal

 Kolkata Sanved is an NGO utilizing dance movement therapy (DMT) as a holistic and innovative method of rehabilitation for survivors of human trafficking and violence. Sanved holds DMT classes in shelter homes, schools, red light areas, on railway platforms and in hospitals, allowing youth who have experienced trauma to heal, develop confidence and identify their potentials as human beings.

 Their work inspires me every day. I have been lucky to teach and perform with amazing women who have been through the Kolkata Sanved DMT program and who have gone on to train as dance movement therapy trainers. They now work for Sanved, earning livelihoods for their families while advocating for human rights through performance.

 Seven of these young women who are dancers, artists and anti-trafficking advocates have the opportunity to perform in London this March as part of a huge international campaign, Transforming Steps, designed to raise awareness of human trafficking before this year’s Olympic Games. This is no ordinary opportunity; the dancers have been working with the brilliant choreographer Mafalda Deville to present a piece highlighting the true stories of survivors and they will be performing the work at the world famous Sadler’s Wells Theater. It’s an amazing opportunity for the dancers as well as a groundbreaking way to raise awareness of human trafficking on a global scale through the arts.

 To make it happen, Kolkata Sanved needs your help! Funds are still needed to send three of the dancers to London. Stand with survivors and stand against sex trafficking by contributing to the campaign through indiegogo (http://www.indiegogo.com/Transforming-Steps?a=374374). Learn more about the initiative on the Transforming Steps blog (http://transformingsteps.blogspot.in/). Let’s help these dancers make history.  

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Intimate Interviews in Pabna: Portraits & Words from Two Sex Workers

Jan 23rd, 2012 by

Editor’s Note: Jeremy Fokkens is a self-taught photographer from Calgary, Canada in both mediums of film and digital photography.  Jeremy travels extensively capturing images while fulfilling his appetite for adventure, cultures, and his love for portraying people around the world.  He hopes to inspire others through his imagery and story telling from around the world.  Below he shares with us his most recent encounters in Pabna, Bangladesh.

Bornna & Lobani

On the bus to Pabna I met two fantastic Bengali’s who offered to take me around the town of Pabna by getting me access to anything I so curiously decide to photograph. In my previous blog post you had the opportunity to see inside the mental institution where Reza and Licholn were able to volunteer their time and them-selves helping me gain the access I needed. Reza and Licholn also work for a local initiative where basic health education, STD testing/treatment, condoms, and support is offered to the thousands of sex workers (8,000-10,000) that call Pabna and the surrounding area home.  Lighthouse supports woman,men, and children involved in the sex trade offering free services for sexual education, psychological support (counselors), and treatment for any basic medical attention.

This blog post is dedicated to the woman and children that are continually being exploited around the world through trafficking, prostitution, and abuse. This is a topic that has always interested me. I do not know exactly what specifically it is about this topic that interests me but I can not help but think how sex workers have no alternative choice in a life when there are no other options available.

Lincholn

One evening Reza, Licholn, and I were walking through one of the markets after dinner talking about the organization they work for. Suddenly, a woman came up to the two of them and started enthusiastically joking with them. She was short, wearing a beautiful dark maroon Sari that was covered in sequence and gem stones. Her hair was beautifully curled and her make-up done as if she was about to take part in the next up and coming Bollywood film. Suddenly Reza opens his bag and hands this woman what looked like to be about 20-30 condoms. After the three of them saw my reaction they immediately started laughing and told me that she was a very close friend, she was also a sex worker in Pabna.

This woman was smiling, laughing, and I could not help but notice how confident she carried herself through her posture, body language, and how open she was open about her sexuality in a Muslim society as she joked around with the three of us, Reza obviously doing the translating. My curiosity got the best of me and I couldn’t help but wanting to seize an opportunity asking her if she would be open to an interview, followed by having her portrait taken, and if she knew any other woman that would be open to this suggestion. Without hesitation, tilting her head to the side with a cheeky smile letting me know she would be more than happy, not before expressing how excited she was to get all dulled up for a photo-shoot and having her photograph taken. We agreed on a time, date, locations, we then said our goodbyes, and parted ways until the interviews the following day.

Reza

The day of the interview, Lobani (Woman I met at the night market), Reza, Licholn, Bornna (Lobani’s friend and sex worker), and I went to a guesthouse where the owner of the guesthouse gave us a meeting room free of charge. When we entered the room there were couches and chairs surrounding one main table in the center with two windows offering ample enough light to take photographs. I briefed Reza and Licholn before the interview on what I was going to ask Bornna and Lobani and what I needed from them in regards to translating. As always they were SUPER awesome, supportive, and cooperative.

I sat Lobani and Bornna down and told them what my intentions were behind the interviews, asking them to answer the questions honestly, and to not feel obligated to answer or talk about anything they felt uncomfortable with. I wanted them to be as comfortable and open with me as much as they would allow me to.

When I first met Bornna she had a stone cold sarcastic attitude about her. She was very direct and to the point. She walked with confidence and would speak her mind without hesitation to anyone her challenged her, including men. I found loyal characteristics in her personality surviving on her “treat me as how you want to be treated” attitude or you will feel this woman’s wrath…. Literally.

Lobani

At first glance Lobani is very short in stature with curves similar to Aretha Franklin. Her eyes are bright allowing her to smile with her eyes like a shy eight year old with a subtle carefree softness to her personality. I found her a bit mysterious yet her smile and child like attitude could melt anyone’s soul with pure love.

The interviews lasted about 1.5 hours, which included a list of questions that I asked both Lobani and Bornna.

The following text will go through the interview so you have an idea of what was asked and how they responded.

LOBANI INTERVIEW:

How old are you?

L-I am 32 years old.

Are you married?

L-I was once married but my husband left me. He left me for another woman when I was 19.

Do you have any children?

L-I do not have any children.

How long have you been a sex worker?

L-Ten years.

Lobani immediately breaks down and we take ten minutes so she can regain her composure.

Where are your parents?

L-My parents have passed on.

Who are the men that come to you for sex?

L-Police, politicians, husbands, NGO executives, charity workers, and single men.

Where do you live?

L-I live alone in town and usually every two months or so I have to find a new place to live, as my landlord does not want a prostitute living in his building.

How much are you able to earn from each man that comes to you for sex?

L-I make on average about 300-500 taka per session ($3.50-$6.50) it works out to be around 10,000 Taka per-month ($125.00)

Do you see yourself getting married again?

L-No

Why not?

L-I have lost faith in ALL men, and I will never trust another men as long as I am alive.

Bornna

Bornna Interview

How old are you?

B-I am 27 years old.

Were you ever married?

B-My husband left me just like Lobani’s husband left her for another woman.

Do you have any children?

B-I do, her name is Shonile and she is nine years old.

How long have you been a sex worker?

B-Eight years.

How often do men come to you for sex?

B-It depends; some months and weeks are busier than others. It is never consistent it’s always up and down.

Where do you live?

B-I live with my mother.

Does she know you’re a sex worker?

B-NO.

What would your mother do or how would she react if she found out about your situation?

B-…(Making a choking action with her hands).

Have you re-married?

B-No and I will never get married again.

Have you ever suffered from any physical abuse from the men that come to you for sex?

B-Every week.

What exactly do these men do to you?

B-Spit on me, kick me, punch me, call me names, and rape me when I don’t want to give them sex.

How many times have Lobani and you been raped?

B-It happens about twice a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less. On some occasions groups of men will come where only one person commits to payment and the rest of them will rape me.

What do you Lobani and Bornna hope for in life?

B-We pray for when life will get better, to stop doing things we are ashamed of, to live a life with happiness.

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How Sure 24 is Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Jan 20th, 2012 by

Editor’s Note: This week our fellowship recipient Emily Lohmeyer checks in from her volunteer position with Sure 24, a children’s orphanage in Kenya.  Emily shares with us how Sure 24 started with education and is now benefiting the entire community they work in!

The last week has been filled with washing clothes, feeding chickens, shoveling rocks, and a million other little tasks. But in between these little jobs are the moments that make these kind of journies so powerful. Its not so much the negligable labor I’m able to contribute to the construction of the new girls dormitory that makes an imprint on my soul. Driving out to the town dumpsite and meeting the girls whose lives have been forever changed by this institution is the kind of thing that will stay with me for a lifetime I’m sure.

Three Sisters

Yesterday we sat in the home of three sisters, 15 to 19 years old, who live in a small house made of sticks, rocks, and mud with their 82-year old grandma. Sammy, the founder of the Sure 24 home, befriended the eldest and has helped her to finish a bridging course and will continue to support her as she begins university this fall. I watched in amazement as the younger girls dug through their school work to find their secondary school report cards and proudly showed them to Sammy. One had achieved position 3 out of 84 students! Sammy has been helping with their school fees and it is clear how hard they are willing to work when given the opportunity. The dumpsite itself was a devastating sight. There were piles upon piles of burning trash, enormous ghastly birds, and people walking through in raggedy clothes searching for food or any useful materials. The girls I had just met had grown up in this environment. I can’t begin to imagine the struggles they have faced. The new dorm will be filled with girls from the dumpsite who are hungry for a greater opportunity.

Dumpsite

The thing about this whole organization is that it goes so much farther than ‘random acts of kindness.’ The people who run it have given their whole life over to helping these kids. And it even extends beyond the children to the entire community. There is constant growth as it increases to serve more and more people. It started with a safe home for children, extended to a school so that they could be educated, and now has all types of projects like a small farm, selling water, a tailor shop, a salon, a mechanics garage, and a microfinance project to increase employment opportunities within the community and sustain the charitable work of reaching out to even more desperate children. They have created a thriving church community to provide for the spiritual needs as well. They are attacking the cycle of poverty from every angle and it is so effective. There is no comfortable point that they can reach and then sit back and say that their work is finished when there are so many who need assistance. And I believe the same should be true for any of our lives. There is no room for complacency when there is so much good to be done in this world, and it can certainly take place in any community, anywhere in the world.

Wanjiru, another girl staying at Sure 24 Home was eager to share her story as well, so here it is:

Wanjiru, 15

My parents died when I was young. My mom died while giving birth to a son. He also died. My father was a drunkard and couldn’t care for us. Then my grandma took in all four of us. We all lived together in Nakuru with my grandma, grandpa, his second wife, and her family. It was very hard and my grandpa told my grandma to sell us to a white man so that she wouldn’t be so stressed anymore, but she refused. Instead she sent us to live with one of her friends. While I was living there a good samaritan came along and paid our primary school fees. I was in class one when Marianne came to our school and offered help to the needy children. Now its been eight years that she has cared for me. She has taken me far, I respect her so much.

When I grow up I want to be either a surgeon or a lawyer. I want to be a surgeon so I can treat people and help them be well, I can’t let them die. I want to be a lawyer so I can protect the rights of people. In Kenya, many of the people in powerful positions don’t have the heart to help, so many children are suffering. I want to have a big family, atleast five kids, and a good husband.

To other girls I would say don’t lose hope, God won’t leave you alone. Carry on with your life even when it is hard. Work hard in school and put God first in everything you do. God will shine upon your life.

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Emily Lohmeyer Shares a few New Perspectives from Sure 24 in Kenya

Jan 8th, 2012 by

Editor’s Note: This week our fellowship recipient Emily Lohmeyer checks in from her volunteer position with Sure 24, a children’s orphanage in Kenya, and has a few new insights to share with us.  Below are the stories of both Nova and Wangare, two young girls who live at the Sure 24 orphanage.

New Perspectives

I’ve really been enjoying my time here, and I’ve been learning a great deal of patience in the last few days. We haven’t been able to take Nancy to the hospital yet because her doctor who knows her case will not return until mid January. The pace of life is so much slower here that it can be frustrating at times. But things are starting to swing into motion as the roof of the school is almost finished and most children have completed their placement exams for this year of school. The kids still amaze me on a daily basis with new stories and games. Its such a blessing to see the different ways that people live. I’m cherishing the simple moments of being taught to cook by a loving grandmother who I can’t even communicate with or staring up at different constellations. Here’s a couple more stories from the girls:

Nova – 14

I have four sisters and five brothers. My mother is a widow and couldn’t find work so she struggled to feed us. It was a difficult life but we survived. During the violence in 2007 my mom departed. I didn’t follow her because I didn’t want to give her more problems. My mom knew Marianne and asked her if I could stay at Jamii (Sure 24 Children’s center) and she said yes. Then my mother left and went to her village and I haven’t seen her since.

Nova

This year I finished class 8 and I’ll be starting secondary school soon. My mom will be very happy and surprised when I finish secondary school because she was never even able to afford the fees for primary school. Right now I’m very, very happy because I’m healthy and because I know God loves me. When I grow up I want to be a lawyer. Many of the lawyers in Kenya are corrupt, so I want to do better. I want to protect the rights of Kenyans because many people are physically abused and they don’t have anyone to defend them. I think the biggest challenge will be to pay the fees for university. I’d also like to travel the whole world so I can defend people just like the UN.

If I could give advice to other girls I would tell them to take very good care of their lives. Even if you are in a difficult situation don’t think that you have been left alone and don’t think about prostitution. Even if life is very hard, education is the key to making it better – you can’t make it anywhere without being able to read. Life is a journey, so don’t give up. Whether you’re rich, and have lots of cars and houses and things, or if you’re poor, we are all humans and created by the same God, so don’t feel neglected.

Wangare –11

My dad used to beat my mom everyday, so my mom ran away, then my father left us too. My two brother and two sisters and I didn’t have anywhere to go so we were on the streets in 2010. A woman found me and took me in to her home for one month. After that she took me to Jamii center. I am happy to have a home now but I don’t know where my brothers and sisters are.

Wangare

English and math are my favorite subjects. I like living with the older girls because they teach me so I can understand many things. When I’m older I want to have a big family and help lots of children just like I’m getting help.

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7 Responses to “Emily Lohmeyer Shares a few New Perspectives from Sure 24 in Kenya”

  1. Marybeth Paul says:
    January 9, 2012 at 8:57 pm

    These stories give me so much hope for the future! That you are there (literally half way around the globe) at Sure 24, and that so many others are doing work around the world in ways similar to this is beautiful. Education is key, love is paramount! I’m grateful for this blog, for your telling the stories through the girls and including us in this journey. Many people are asking what kind of support can we provide?

    Reply
  2. Emily Lohmeyer says:
    January 14, 2012 at 6:03 am

    Thanks for the encouragement! I will be answering your question in the next post, coming in the next couple days. Stay tuned, and thanks for showing solidarity for this cause!

    Reply
  3. Linda Pierce says:
    January 14, 2012 at 5:19 pm

    What a wonderful opportunity for these young ladies to learn from each other. Emily is building a bond that will last a lifetime. Thank you for the glimpse into such a different way of life. Although the hope for a brighter future is universal, for these young ladies who have overcome so much in their young lives, it us much more significant. Keep on the good work!

    Reply
  4. Nory Fussell says:
    January 14, 2012 at 5:45 pm

    The world is thirsty for this kind of compassion. Its difficult to know that for every girl’s story I read here there are hundreds of others going untold, unseen, unaided. This work is filled with beginnings for which we can all be grateful. Each story is a call for our participation in any way possible.

    Reply
  5. Lee May says:
    January 14, 2012 at 9:48 pm

    Emily-I applaud the work that you and the Sure 24 crew are doing to improve the lives of those young women over there. That you chose to take this assignment tells me a great deal about your resolve and strength of character. Hopefully, I’ll be able to hear your stories when you get back stateside. Stay safe and continue the good work…..Lee

    Reply
  6. Wendy Riley says:
    January 16, 2012 at 9:04 pm

    Em,
    Katie just informed me about this blog of yours and the amazing stories she’s been reading. Wow Emily, this is inspiring beyond words that you would be there in Kenya lending your helping hand to those in such need. I want to throw my arms around each one of them and spare them of their struggles. YOU are doing that!! Their lives will be forever changed because of you and your group’s efforts and I applaud you from the bottom of my heart. It must be a profound experience for you and one that I look so forward to you sharing with us when you return. If you can think of anything we could do to lend our hands, please ask. We miss you and appreciate you. Our love, Wendy and Corbett

    Reply
  7. Ana Hall says:
    January 19, 2012 at 10:40 am

    Emily,
    How wonderful that you can be half way around the world doing the things you are doing and experiening a life filled with learning, adventure and compassion. I’ve enjoyed your blog, so grateful to Judy for sending me the link! Both girl’s stories are filled with a sadness that no child should have to face.
    I will definitely check back.
    Ana Hall

    Reply

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Emily Lohmeyer Shares another Story from a Sure 24 Resident in Kenya

Jan 5th, 2012 by

Editor’s Note: Our Fellowship Recipient Emily Lohmeyer has another installment to this weeks update from SURE 24, a children’s orphanage in Kenya.  Emily has been been at Sure 24 since late December, and has been talking to the women and girls of Sure 24 who are interested in sharing their stories, below is Mama Shiro’s story.

Mama Shiro

I am thirty-six years old, the first born of three children. I come from a very mixed background. My father is a Muslim and my mother is a Christian.  We had a very free family. If you wanted to go to church you could go to church, if you wanted to go to Mosque, you could go to Mosque. I chose to follow the Christian faith. I am a mother of three, my children are 17, 10, and 6 years old. I was able to complete secondary school and I’m still hoping to go to university. As an educated mother, my aspiration is to have my children go farther than me – I’ll do anything possible to help them achieve their goals.

What I want most is happiness for disabled people. I would like them
to get equal treatment. People tend to look down on them but if we can give
them an equal platform we will be able to give them happiness. I see this as
a way of magnifying the love of God. It is very important that they are not
abandoned. If we empower them through education, they will be able to do
some things for themselves. I believe education if key, especially for
girls. If you educate girls, you will educate the whole world.

Mama Shiro

I visited a home for disabled children in Uganda and what I saw
changed my life. Some of the children had mental disabilities and others had
physical disabilities. Seeing their love for one another and how they helped
each other made me appreciate life more. It made me think, if every organ in
my body is working, why can’t I help them?
It made me grateful for what I have and seeing their love brought me closer
to my Maker.

My dream is to create a safe place for disabled children to live
with a person they can rely on for motherly love. Often their parents are
ashamed because of how society looks at them. It will be a place where they
can do whatever they are capable of – if they can wash themselves let them
wash themselves, if they can read let them read. This will even benefit
their parents and siblings because often the mother must stay and care for
one child and then struggles to feed the others. If I can create a place for
them to be cared for, the whole family will be better off because the mother
will be able to seek work.

My biggest obstacle is funds and having all the skills. I have the
heart for this work but I am not yet trained. I have already identified four
children who are interested in this opportunity, so I’m eager to get it
started. I’m planning to go to university in April to study education so
that I will be able to teach the children at their own pace. This will help
me to pursue my passion for reaching out to others in my own community.

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One Response to “Emily Lohmeyer Shares another Story from a Sure 24 Resident in Kenya”

  1. Brandon Maas says:
    January 19, 2012 at 1:20 am

    Thank you so much for sharing with us. I wish I could hug you right now and tell you how awesome you are; I am moved. You inspire and teach us with your work and travels. Good job friend. Much love Brandon.

    Reply

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Emily Lohmeyer checks in from Sure 24 in Nakuru, Kenya

Jan 3rd, 2012 by

Editor’s Note: Our fellowship recipient Emily Lohmeyer has been living and volunteering at Sure 24 since Dec. 29th.  Sure 24 is a local orphanage in Nakuru, Kenya taking in children and giving them a safe place to stay, receive education, clothing, food, and the chance for a future.  Read more about Emily’s experiences and the children she’s helping below with this week’s update.

Nakuru, Kenya

I’ve been trying to soak it all in. The smells, tastes, sights, and most of
all the stories.  We’ve been enjoying the last few days before school starts
for many of the children. We’ve been playing soccer, working on computer
skills, reading books, building desks, and eating lots and lots of good
food. I feel like I’m learning more and more by the second. Here’s another
story from one of the girls that I’m staying with:

Nancy – 14
When I was young, my parents divorced. My mom left but my dad stayed.
After a while, my dad decided to go too and he left us behind. My brothers
and sisters and I stayed all alone. One day, we decided to go to a new place
where we would be able to pay rent. I was carrying my little brother on my
back and I had to jump over some water. It must have hurt him because he bit
my back and then when I turned him around he bit my breast. That’s when I
started to be sick. I didn’t tell anyone though, I kept quiet.
My brother started working so I stayed home to care for my little brother. I
wasn’t able to go to school and study.

Nancy poses with a friend at Sure 24

In 2007 there were clashes and the tribes started fighting. One tribe said
that boys under 18 had to go fight or they would be killed, so my older
brothers left. I stayed at home with my little brother while my sister went
out to look for food. Then our house was burned down in the violence, and we
became hopeless. I found Marianne when I was looking for a new place to
stay. She asked me why I was carrying such a big baby, took me to a home,
and gave us food. I left to find my brothers and sister and when we came
back we told Marianne everything and she let us stay. That’s when I finally
told my brother about my illness. My brother went and found my mom and told
her, she came and visited me but she didn’t have money to take me to a
hospital. I still stayed at Jamii with Marianne because she was able to care
for us.

Four months later I started going to a clinic. After they saw me, they sent
me to an expensive hospital but I was not able to go so I just went home.
Outsiders came and said they would help me when they came back but they
never did. I lost hope in telling anyone about my problem, I would just tell
everyone I was fine but inside there was a lot of pain. Then my last born
brother got sick too. Marianne took him to the hospital but it didn’t work,
he passed away. We mourned and buried him.

Even after that I couldn’t go to school because I couldn’t walk far.
In 2009, a woman from the US came and she opened a free clinic at Jamii. At
first I refused to go. I didn’t trust them, I was telling myself, if my
brother died I must wait too. The doctor encouraged me though and eventually
I went. She saw that I was very sick and the next day she took me to
Kenyatta hospital in Nairobi. I finally got an operation and they removed
the lump. When I went back to Jamii many children had left so the woman from
the US stopped sending money for my treatment as well because she didn’t
know if I was even there anymore. So until now, I haven’t been able to
finish treatment.

Nancy

In the future, I want to be a journalist or a surgeon. I want to be
a journalist so that I can travel and find out how my country is doing and
compare it to other ways that people live. I want to be a surgeon so I can
help many people who are sick and dying. I want to treat the sick with a
kind heart and encourage them. I will have to study very hard, but I am very
determined to achieve my goals. I would also like to have a family, the
biggest family I’ve ever seen. I’d like to go live in Canada or some place
where my children will be able to go to school everyday and achieve their
dreams. I don’t want my children to live like me now.  To other girls, I
would say that whenever you have problems you should tell your parents
quickly so they can help you.
Everything is possible with God.

Tomorrow I’ll be traveling with Nancy to Kenyatta hospital in Nairobi for a
consultation to see what further treatment she needs. I’m not sure what to
expect but I’m so excited that she will be able to atleast find out whats
going on, and hopefully we can find a way to finish her treatment! This was a
long one, thanks for sticking with me as I learn on this journey.

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One Response to “Emily Lohmeyer checks in from Sure 24 in Nakuru, Kenya”

  1. Susan Moran says:
    January 12, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    Let us knoow how we can help.

    Reply

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STF Fellowship Recipient Emily Lohmeyer Reports from Kenya

Dec 30th, 2011 by

Nyumbani – Home

December 29, 2011

I’ve finally arrived at my long awaited destination: Nakuru, Kenya. I left Sure 24 Children’s home two and a half years ago. With the support of a grant from Stirring the Fire, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to return for the newest addition to Sure 24, a brand new girls dormitory! For the semester leading up to this I’ve been volunteering in an afterschool program for high school refugee girls in San Diego with the International Rescue Committee. It was a rewarding experience and the girls were a highlight of my week every single time.

Students at Sure 24

Sure 24 is a home for children from many different backgrounds. Many of them have been subjected to the harsh life on the streets of Kenya. Others lost their parents or homes in the 2007 clashes. After a disputed election, violence erupted between tribes in Kenya which caused many deaths and the displacement of approximately 250,000 people. Sammy, the founder of the home, lived on the streets as a child until a kind stranger lifted him out of that life and invested in his education. He is the pastor of the local church and one of the most generous and kind-hearted people I have ever met.

In addition to the children’s home, he has established a mechanic shop, tailor shop, and salon to create employment opportunities. He has also created a school and church for the local community. Originally, I was placed at Sure 24 through International Volunteer Headquarters, a volunteer coordination organization. I fell in love with the children during my first visit in 2009 and dreamed of returning ever since.

New Classroom Being Constructed at the School in the Background

I barely recognized the place when I drove up. It wasn’t because of the years that passed;  I have such rich memories of this place I feel like I was here yesterday. There have been enormous changes. Just to name a few, electricity has been installed, there is running water from their very own well, a thriving garden has been cultivated, and there is a new coop full of chickens. The only thing that has stayed the same is the shining faces that were here to greet me. There were new faces as well. Nine lovely girls have moved in to a temporary room while they wait for the new dorm to be finished. In my first few days here they have been so welcoming and have told me some incredible tales. So instead of continuing my own, I thought I’d give them a chance to share their stories.

 Cherop – 17

In the 2007 clashes, my house was burned down and my father was killed. I was separated from my family and sent to a different IDP (internally displaced person) camp than the rest of them. While I was in the camp, Marianne (Sure 24 staff member) came and was preaching and handing out food. When I met her I told her my story and she told me to come with her. The camp was very dangerous, it was still being attacked, so I went with her right then. I have lived at Jamii (Sure 24 center) since then. Now I am entering my fourth year of secondary school and I will be the first girl in my family to complete secondary. In the future, I want to be a doctor or a singer. I want to be a doctor because I would like to treat people and learn about diseases. I want to be a singer because I have the voice and the talent. I love music and whenever I’m doing something and I hear music I get distracted and can only listen to the music.

Girls Carrying Timber For a New Classroom at the School

The biggest obstacle to becoming a doctor is to pass the KCSE (Secondary exam). I’ll have to read a lot. The biggest challenge to becoming a singer will be to write my own songs, I’m not sure how to do that but I love singing. I would also like to travel – to see people from different races, to meet and encourage people about life, because life is what you make of it. When I grow up, I would like to help me family. I want the community to see how much a girl can do and I want to help others. Now, I’m still young, so I can’t help until I have my first job. Even now, I’m depending on others so its difficult. My advice to other girls is that you should never let anyone discourage you. God has great plans for each person. Life is a drum – you must play your part. When you are in the classroom, be a good student. When you are with your parents, be a good daughter. As for your goals and dreams – use these ten words: if it is to be, it is up to me. You must strive for the things that you want to achieve.

 

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One Response to “STF Fellowship Recipient Emily Lohmeyer Reports from Kenya”

  1. Susan Moran says:
    January 1, 2012 at 4:55 pm

    Em,
    Great to read your first Kenyan Blog. As usual, I can see, hear and smell through your blog. Look forward to the next one. s

    Reply

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Far from the Heart : Online Interactive Film Media

Dec 23rd, 2011 by

Far from the Heart began as an educational campaign performed through theatre, as a way of reaching adolescent teens about the issues surrounding dating violence and violence against women.  This important project began with the writer/producer Joan Chandler in 2006 as a live theatre presentation and forum that was developed by Sheatre in collaboration with a group of teens.

The goal of this project is to engage and educate youth audiences about dating violence, sexual assault, rape and other forms of violence against women that occur in unhealthy relationships.  In 2008 this project became a live touring production in Ontario, and has since grown and been featured in Austria, public venues, along with rural and urban schools.  The production has toured through urban and aboriginal communities across Southern and Central Saskatchewan, including Regina, Lumsden, Piapot, Fort Qu’Appelle, Estevan, Swift Current, North Battleford, and Humboldt.

“As Far From The Heart grew, and wide spread requests came in, Joan saw an opportunity to take the project into new media. Joan wanted to maintain the gutsiness of the live production and emulate the collective audience experience of Forum Theatre.”  In 2011 the project stepped into the world of digital media and became an interactive online film based on the play.  This innovative online project gives teens a safe way to virtually live out and work through issues such as dating violence, alcohol abuse, and self-image.  The online version of the play allows teens the opportunity to make choices throughout the film as it plays out, with each choice the characters in the film take on a new direction depending on how the teen chooses.

If you would like to get in touch with Far from the Heart:

Contact Info

If you would like to learn more about this project visit their website at Far from the Heart, or take a look at their blog.

You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

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