Friday, January 28

]Right after the mass/prayer service, which Sr Monica presided over, we went to visit the orphans. Hard to believe 2 weeks has passed. I promised to come back to visit so it was now or never. The kids greeted me and a couple even remembered my name. I brought colored markers and a blanket for the kids. We stayed only for a short time but it was a great way to start the day.

I decided to wear my African outfit, complete with headpiece and earrings. Both the Bura bus and Fr Mshilo came to pick us up. I decided to take the bus with the girls, which gave me time to talk with Steven about the technology needs and the goal setting lesson/ jigsaw technique I wanted to do. The Ngami and Mwakiwiwi students joined the bus, as did several teachers. The bus was packed and that was great fun. There was a sense of excitement for the project. When we arrived at the community center, I had the students work in their Seavuria team to determine 3 short term and 3 long-term goals. Then I mixed the teams so the kids could meet one another and cross-pollinate ideas. We shared ideas and I recorded them using the LCD projector (the principals were beginning to see the value of this tool.) The team who struggled the most was the principals. I found out later, they thought the morning was just a celebration with no lessons. I, on the other hand, thought there were some essential messages that needed to be delivered before I left. I finished by handing the teachers and students a “to do” list and checking for understanding. Unfortunately, the Kitumbi kids were not at the meeting because the principal did not have funds to transport them on the public transport the Matatu. This is something to keep in mind when we think about future funding.

Laban began the program with a lovely speech about the project with many thanks to me for my part. There were speeches from Elijah, Mwakiwiwi’s principal, from a student, Sr Monica, Fr Mshilo and Steven. The kids were exceeding patient and respectful. It was very affirming and very humbling. We went to St John’s for lunch and then back to the convent to pack and go to Mombasa. I am most grateful to Fr Mshila who drove all the way from Mombasa just to get me.

When we arrived, I went to Angela’s for dinner. Philip, her little boy was so much fun. It was a great opportunity to share my learning with her and to talk about next steps. I need to remember to get her husband some information on vocational schools and training. He is eager to begin a vocational school for the 250000 Kenyan students who do not pass their grade 8 exams and are therefore not invited to the high school. Sadly, not many options open to them.