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.
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