Life in Nairobi continues ...

Greetings to everyone back home and anyone else who might be reading this from anywhere that is not within the borders of British Columbia. Life has been busy as more and more projects emerge. I am writing this update from our foundation in Kibera. I was planning to head out to the farm today; however, we are waiting here for various consignment items before we can move, so looks like I will be spending the night in the ghetto. It is always interesting spending the night in Kibera. The choo (or toilet) has collapsed and a make-shift 2X4 offers a short term solution. You can hear your neighbours playing music, watching sports, fighting, cheering, and the non-stop traffic nearby. We roll mattresses out on the dirt floor, and so long as you aren't visited by one of the critters, you are offered a fairly comfortable rest.

Kibera

 Tomorrow morning we will be heading out to the farm. I will be sure to take some pictures to upload and update this blog with. Unfortunately the camera that I came with has broken, but the organization has a camera which I will be using to document the progress at the farm-site. 

Maruri - one of the volunteers

 As previously mentioned, we have now implemented a revenue tracking system. Some of the volunteers have fully embraced this new form of documentation in which they have submitted their accounting forms that I am now entering into an electronic database. Other volunteers have not been so quick to uptake this type of revenue tracking. Nonetheless, as time goes by, and I continue to nag, I think we will have a comprehensive system where almost everyone submits their costing information.

We have also been actively blogging about the agricultural site in Maragua. We receive regular updates from the volunteers there, and me and another volunteer are active in recording all the progress made. I am also training this other volunteer in editing, designing and updating their new website. I am more than ready to hand over the reins in this ever ongoing project. He is very skilled in graphic design, which is not my strength, so he will be able to help out with the look of the web.

The music program continues to grow and expand with Shiriki. They now have a recording studio for youth who wish to make a cd. They have recorded some music of their own, and are now working on distributing and marketing their product. They continue to have regular shows at Telkom; recently, they had a show where I persuaded 5 people staying at the backpackers with me to come out. Turns out, we were the only 5 people who came! However, spirits remained high as music was pumped out of the speakers. Music is such a big part of the culture here in Kenya, there are many DJs and musicians within Kibera and Nairobi hoping to break out onto the music scene. While there is much talent within Kibera, it is combined with very few resources.

I have continued to forge ahead with Soweto Academy as well. I have spent many hours with the accountant working on a summary business plan. This is no easy task as any potential donors are looking for details, details, details. This includes financial details, monitoring and evaluation plans, social impact, employee background and resumes, etc… nonetheless, we continue to put together a plan slowly by slowly.

In non-volunteer related topics, I have managed to find an affordable, safe apartment to live in while in Nairobi. It is currently unfurnished, but I have a mattress for the floor, which I used while in Kitui, and I bought some furniture made in nearby Kawangware. I bought a couch and coffee table from one of the gardeners who works at the backpackers where I used to stay. He lives with his family in the Kawangware slum, all 5 people in one little room. He is a very hard worker who continues to struggle to pay for school fees, food, rent, all living expenses. It is incredible how much money people make out here. This individual is paid well, by Kenyan standards, a total of 12,000 Ksh a month, equivalent to $120.00 a month. Rent cost 3000 shillings in Kawangware leaving $90 for food, transport, clothes, school fees, electricity and water for his family of 5. Below is a picture of him and his family in their home in Kawangware.

Victor and family

I also lucked into finding a great roommate. Her name is Mai, and she is working on her PhD at Harvard, and is only 24! She is working on her dissertation research while in Kenya. She is the perfect roommate as we are both focused on the work we are doing, both go to bed early, and both like to cook up lots of veggies. How great it is being able to cook again! And not sleeping in a tent!