Day 3 - our first day of work. It is rainy season here, so there is a lot of mud. We got off to a bit of a late start, our principle got very ‘stuck in the mud’
We visited St Theresa’s High School first. The children just finished their national exams on Friday. The children performed so traditional dances and domgs for us. There were some speeches and lots of gratitude to LCAS and all of those in Canada that help support the school. Lunch with fruit (a real treat) was provided and food hampers were sent home with all of the students.
Next we went for a quick visit to Nadep elementary. Again school was out, but they were gracious and showed Richard around the grounds and some of the classrooms. Nadep is in the Kawangware slums. It is a small school that is extremely overcrowded. There are 420 students in a very small area. But they make it work the best they can. Many of the parents cannot afford school fees, but Nadep accepts them and feeds them a small breakfast and lunch. This is the only food of the day for many of the children. We brought a couple boxes of school supplies.
Next we went to Mary Faith’s home for sexually assulted girls. We brought 4 very large bags of rice and beans to donate.
I visited the home in February, when I was here last . It was an experience that troubled me for a long time. It is very disturbing to see and hear the girl’s stories. I was afraid (I am embarrassed to admit) to return. There are many very young girls here. The youngest girl ever rescued/admitted for sexual abuse, was 1 year old.
Richard wanted to visit the home and meet Mary. One of the dorms had burnt down since my last visit.
This home provides many girls with an opportunity to escape their aggressors and the chance to complete high school (and elementary school is some cases). It provides a chance for a better future, as well as present.
The home has been around for over 20 years and so many girls (and their babies) have grown up here.
It is Christmas break and so all of the girls were home from school. They were busy making baskets to sell for extra money.
All of the girls are sent to board schools, as the families of their attackers are still in the area. It is too dangerous for the girls to walk around here.
We will have a lot to think about/unpack tonight.
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