Reflecting on the past eight weeks, I find it very difficult to summarize my experiences and emotions and then squeeze them into two paragraphs to be posted on the web. There is no doubt in my mind that the 2009 YESS/QHO Kenya Project has been overwhelmingly successful and in order to compartmentalize my thoughts, I’ve compiled a list of accomplishments and challenges that we’ve faced throughout our journey.
Highlights of the 2009 YESS/QHO Team
-We educated and empowered over 1200 secondary school students with knowledge on HIV/AIDS at five secondary schools in rural and urban Kenya.
-We contributed our unique abilities and cultural differences as Kenyans and Canadians respectively to the YESS/QHO project.
-We organized two simultaneous HIV testing days at Lake Solai and Seet Kobor Schools in which 233 students volunteered to be tested.
-We developed a workshop for prefects and peer-counselors on strategies to deal with abuse at Kiamunyi Secondary School
-We developed and distributed a resource manual of the YESS/QHO curriculum for students at each school we taught at.
-We coordinated a HIV testing and tree-planting outreach event at Mawe Secondary School in which around 200 students volunteered to be tested.
-We facilitated two community clean-up events with students.
-We successfully organized an inter-school football and VCT testing day in which 219 students and community members volunteered to be tested.
Lowlights of the 2009 YESS/QHO Project
-A YESS trainer named Roba never arrived for project for various reasons.
-Vanice was absent for three weeks to look after her mother in the hospital.
-We had to bribe corrupt police officers daily on route to schools.
-Two schools went on strike after teaching at them.
-Rono contracted malaria, but was back teaching the same day.
-Vanice fell sick with a case of typhoid fever but has since recovered fully.
-We experienced 6 flat tires, 1 engine breakdown, 2 wheels falling off the matatu and 1 head-on collision on route to schools.
It is because of these accomplishments and in light of the setback incurred that the 2009 YESS/QHO Kenya Project has been so successful. The goals set in previous years have been eclipsed thanks to the tremendous efforts of everyone involved with YESS and QHO at every level and I am eternally grateful for the support from the family, friends and donors who have helped make this project come into fruition.
Cheers,
Bryan
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Asanti
Today is the last day of project. I can’t believe it’s been two months since I stepped off the plane into the Nairobi night and started one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences of my life. All I can say is that I feel so lucky, and so thankful to have been able to take part in all of the amazing things we have done. I thought I would take the time in my last post to thank some of the people in my life who have made this trip what it is to me.
Mom and Dad,
Thank you for your support and encouragement while preparing for this trip and for always sending me love while in Kenya. Thank you for always believing in me, trusting me and being proud. Thanks.
Friends, Family and Donors,
You helped me make this trip a reality. Thank you so much for reaching out and supporting me in this cause. I am so lucky to have so many generous and loving friends in my life. Thanks.
The YESS Team,
I am so lucky to know and be apart of an organization that is so special, so unique in it’s own way. It’s been so amazing getting to know each and every one of you and thank you for always welcoming us, and being patient with us. You have all become such close friends of mine, and I can’t wait to see you next year. Thanks.
The QHO Team,
Thank you so much for just being amazing people! Each and everyone one of you are unique, driven and loving people. Thank you for always being there. Thank you for the hilarious antics, the long conversations and the amazing memories. I’m so lucky to have shared this experience with all of you. Thanks.
Finally, thank you to the readers who followed this blog all summer. I really enjoyed having an outlet to channel my experiences and feelings. All I can say is that this adventure, this experience has been eye-opening and something I will never forget.
I am so thankful for that.
-Courtney
Mom and Dad,
Thank you for your support and encouragement while preparing for this trip and for always sending me love while in Kenya. Thank you for always believing in me, trusting me and being proud. Thanks.
Friends, Family and Donors,
You helped me make this trip a reality. Thank you so much for reaching out and supporting me in this cause. I am so lucky to have so many generous and loving friends in my life. Thanks.
The YESS Team,
I am so lucky to know and be apart of an organization that is so special, so unique in it’s own way. It’s been so amazing getting to know each and every one of you and thank you for always welcoming us, and being patient with us. You have all become such close friends of mine, and I can’t wait to see you next year. Thanks.
The QHO Team,
Thank you so much for just being amazing people! Each and everyone one of you are unique, driven and loving people. Thank you for always being there. Thank you for the hilarious antics, the long conversations and the amazing memories. I’m so lucky to have shared this experience with all of you. Thanks.
Finally, thank you to the readers who followed this blog all summer. I really enjoyed having an outlet to channel my experiences and feelings. All I can say is that this adventure, this experience has been eye-opening and something I will never forget.
I am so thankful for that.
-Courtney
the breakdown.
1. blackboard painted at seet kobor secondary school.
3. passionate, hard working and driven project directors.
5. schools trained.
8. football teams that participated in YESS/QHO sports & testing day.
13. unique and inspiring YESS/QHO peer- educators.
still to be confirmed. students and community members tested at mawe HIV testing day.
219. students and community members tested at YESS/QHO sports & testing day.
233. students and community members tested at lake solai + seet kobor HIV testing days.
250. trees planted at lake solai secondary school.
300. trees planted at mawe secondary school.
1206. students trained.
According to the numbers, this year’s project appears to be a success. But I can assure you that the numbers do not lie. The 2009 YESS/QHO Kenya Project has surpassed previous years in terms of the numbers of schools and students trained as well as more students and community members have been tested than previous years.
It wasn’t always easy at times. There were certainly challenges along the way. But we pulled together as a team and are all stronger individuals because of the challenges faced. I can honestly say that being a member of this project is one of the accomplishments in my life that I am most proud of. I am proud to say that I am a YESS/QHO peer-educator and I am proud of our accomplishments as a team. I am grateful for this opportunity and I will not forget the lessons I have learned.
Thinking about the end of project brings tears to my eyes. I have learned more about myself as an individual, I have developed a passion for education, and I learned more about the world that we live in. What I think I will miss most is inspiring. My favourite aspect of teaching is empowering the students to make positive change in their community. If we want the number of people infected worldwide with HIV/AIDS to be reduced for future generations it has to start with us, the youth. What I can do to stop the spread of AIDS is to get tested and to share my knowledge about HIV/AIDS with others. The students we train can and are encouraged to do the same. Hopefully after we leave, when looking back at the whole week, students feel empowered to educated others in their communities and make positive change.
Thank you to family, friends and donors for your support of this project. I hope through this blog different perspectives of the struggles and success that the 2009 YESS/QHO team has experienced have been shared with all of you. None of this would be possible without your support. And for that, I say asante sana.
I would like to share one final positive anonymous comment from a form 2 students at Kiamunyi High School:
“My comment is that I really like the counseling and I know that you’ve changed lives of youth cause you’ve really changed mine…”
kwaheri.
the d.r.e
3. passionate, hard working and driven project directors.
5. schools trained.
8. football teams that participated in YESS/QHO sports & testing day.
13. unique and inspiring YESS/QHO peer- educators.
still to be confirmed. students and community members tested at mawe HIV testing day.
219. students and community members tested at YESS/QHO sports & testing day.
233. students and community members tested at lake solai + seet kobor HIV testing days.
250. trees planted at lake solai secondary school.
300. trees planted at mawe secondary school.
1206. students trained.
According to the numbers, this year’s project appears to be a success. But I can assure you that the numbers do not lie. The 2009 YESS/QHO Kenya Project has surpassed previous years in terms of the numbers of schools and students trained as well as more students and community members have been tested than previous years.
It wasn’t always easy at times. There were certainly challenges along the way. But we pulled together as a team and are all stronger individuals because of the challenges faced. I can honestly say that being a member of this project is one of the accomplishments in my life that I am most proud of. I am proud to say that I am a YESS/QHO peer-educator and I am proud of our accomplishments as a team. I am grateful for this opportunity and I will not forget the lessons I have learned.
Thinking about the end of project brings tears to my eyes. I have learned more about myself as an individual, I have developed a passion for education, and I learned more about the world that we live in. What I think I will miss most is inspiring. My favourite aspect of teaching is empowering the students to make positive change in their community. If we want the number of people infected worldwide with HIV/AIDS to be reduced for future generations it has to start with us, the youth. What I can do to stop the spread of AIDS is to get tested and to share my knowledge about HIV/AIDS with others. The students we train can and are encouraged to do the same. Hopefully after we leave, when looking back at the whole week, students feel empowered to educated others in their communities and make positive change.
Thank you to family, friends and donors for your support of this project. I hope through this blog different perspectives of the struggles and success that the 2009 YESS/QHO team has experienced have been shared with all of you. None of this would be possible without your support. And for that, I say asante sana.
I would like to share one final positive anonymous comment from a form 2 students at Kiamunyi High School:
“My comment is that I really like the counseling and I know that you’ve changed lives of youth cause you’ve really changed mine…”
kwaheri.
the d.r.e
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Final Thoughts
As I reflect upon all of the events of this past week one moment sticks out in my mind - a conversation with my Form 4 student from Mawe Secondary School. After our exceptionally successful VCT Testing and tree-planting day at Mawe on Tuesday, one of my Form 4 Students, Miriam, joined Ibra, Bryan, Dre, and myself for a chat before the YESS team left for the day. Miriam is one of those students who you’ll always remember as a trainer. She always sat in the front row, was the first one to volunteer for an activity and wasn’t afraid to answer any of the questions.
She began by telling us how much she had enjoyed the tree-planting activities and having the opportunity for the whole school to get tested. She then went on to say, “I am so thankful that our school was lucky enough to have the YESS team come and work with us. Your training was so useful and has really helped us a lot. The entire time you were up at the front of the class all I could think about was how much I wish I could be up there with you giving this information to my peers. I am going to follow your organization and when I get to University I am going to join YESS and become a peer educator so that I can work with you to empower others. I love your program and I wish it could be in every high school in Kenya; thank you very much for coming to our school.”
The quote above does not do justice to Miriam’s words. Her passion and the effect that it had on us was however very evident as the tears welled in our eyes when we climbed back into the matatu to go home. The moment that the four of us shared with her was priceless because it was a confirmation that all of the hard work put into this project has been well worth it. It has been an inspiration throughout the remainder of this week as well because there is nothing more rewarding than hearing from one of your students that the team has been effective and has made a difference.
The YESS/QHO team has held themselves together and worked endlessly to make this year’s project a success. It was a wonderful experience to work with such a dedicated and passionate team. I am really grateful to have had the chance to meet everyone and work towards a common goal together. The passion and enthusiasm displayed by the team during the past eight weeks will continue to be an inspiration to us all for many years to come.
Miriam said that she wishes the YESS program could be in every high school in Kenya. That wish is our dream, and after the events of the past eight weeks we are one step closer to making this dream a reality.
Nicole
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
asante sana.
a version of the final empowerment speech given at the end of our training.
Firstly, we would like to thank all of the teachers and administration for allowing us to come to your school for the past week. Without their openness and co-operation, we would not have been able to meet and interact with all of you, so can we clap for them,
karabunda (clap x 4)
karabunda (clap x 4)
senorita (clap x 10)
Secondly, I think we should thank the QHO/YESS team. Did you enjoy the team being here this week? Can we thank each person from our team? I’ll point to them and you can tell me their name and give them a big riap clap. Sindio?
...the QHO/YESS members are given celebrity status
as they are introduced by the students screaming their names...
Who are the last people that we need to thank? Do you guys know? The last people we need to thank are all of the people standing in front of us. We need to thank each and every one of you, the students. I think that I can speak on behalf of all of QHO and YESS when I say asante sana to you. You have all been amazing students and your energy both in and outside the classroom has been unreal. At the beginning of the week, when we came to this school, you were all the students. Now when we look out at you, we don’t see students, we see teachers. And as teachers, we want to encourage you to share what you have learned with your brothers and sisters, your friends and family and the surrounding community.
I have one last thank you. I want to thank you again, specifically for all of your questions this week. Each class had so, so many questions, and I want to encourage you to keep asking questions. Keep asking questions for the rest of your lives, because ‘knowledge is power’. Can you repeat after me,
knowledge is power
knowledge is power
knowledge is power.
and by asking questions, you gain knowledge. You all have the relevant knowledge and information to make informed, responsible decisions in your lives. Responsible decisions in the many different relationships in your lives. Responsible decisions related to the transmission, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Responsible decisions regarding your sexuality. With knowledge, we are capable of making informed, responsible decisions in our lives, to live in the most positive way possible.
Finally, we as a generation of youth have the power to effect change. I am going to share a favourite quote of ours,
“you must be the change you want to see in the world”.
We need to be the change we want to see in the future. We cannot wait for other people to make this change for us. When we recognize an unmet need in our community, we can’t wait for someone else to take on that responsibility. We can be, and we are the people to change the world. Along these lines, some of our classes have learned a little rap about the future, so I’m going to ask you a question,
‘Are you somewhere, in the future, do you look much better than you look right now?’
I’m somewhere, in the future,
and I look much better than I look right now.
...the energy level is contagious and
the chorus is repeated until it is echoed by the entire student body...
thank you.
lake solai. seet kobor. mawe. athinai. kiamunyi.
asante sana.
a version of the final empowerment speech given at the end of our training.
Firstly, we would like to thank all of the teachers and administration for allowing us to come to your school for the past week. Without their openness and co-operation, we would not have been able to meet and interact with all of you, so can we clap for them,
karabunda (clap x 4)
karabunda (clap x 4)
senorita (clap x 10)
Secondly, I think we should thank the QHO/YESS team. Did you enjoy the team being here this week? Can we thank each person from our team? I’ll point to them and you can tell me their name and give them a big riap clap. Sindio?
...the QHO/YESS members are given celebrity status
as they are introduced by the students screaming their names...
Who are the last people that we need to thank? Do you guys know? The last people we need to thank are all of the people standing in front of us. We need to thank each and every one of you, the students. I think that I can speak on behalf of all of QHO and YESS when I say asante sana to you. You have all been amazing students and your energy both in and outside the classroom has been unreal. At the beginning of the week, when we came to this school, you were all the students. Now when we look out at you, we don’t see students, we see teachers. And as teachers, we want to encourage you to share what you have learned with your brothers and sisters, your friends and family and the surrounding community.
I have one last thank you. I want to thank you again, specifically for all of your questions this week. Each class had so, so many questions, and I want to encourage you to keep asking questions. Keep asking questions for the rest of your lives, because ‘knowledge is power’. Can you repeat after me,
knowledge is power
knowledge is power
knowledge is power.
and by asking questions, you gain knowledge. You all have the relevant knowledge and information to make informed, responsible decisions in your lives. Responsible decisions in the many different relationships in your lives. Responsible decisions related to the transmission, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Responsible decisions regarding your sexuality. With knowledge, we are capable of making informed, responsible decisions in our lives, to live in the most positive way possible.
Finally, we as a generation of youth have the power to effect change. I am going to share a favourite quote of ours,
“you must be the change you want to see in the world”.
We need to be the change we want to see in the future. We cannot wait for other people to make this change for us. When we recognize an unmet need in our community, we can’t wait for someone else to take on that responsibility. We can be, and we are the people to change the world. Along these lines, some of our classes have learned a little rap about the future, so I’m going to ask you a question,
‘Are you somewhere, in the future, do you look much better than you look right now?’
I’m somewhere, in the future,
and I look much better than I look right now.
...the energy level is contagious and
the chorus is repeated until it is echoed by the entire student body...
thank you.
lake solai. seet kobor. mawe. athinai. kiamunyi.
asante sana.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
its week what?!
.bryan.courtney.dave.deirdre.ibra.leah.mercy.mumbi.ng’ok.nicole.reuben.senait.shauna.steve.tony.vanice.
seven weeks later, i now know these sixteen people in a way that i will never know anyone else. sixteen including myself, because i've learned some things here that i really wasn't aware of before.
amidst the countless curriculum jokes, the millions of nicknames, and the blaring reggae music playing in the background of it all, this project has offered me some of the most fun and challenging experiences i've ever had to go through--ones that i'm sure i would have never faced anywhere else. but the fact that i've been able to share these past six weeks of teaching with the fifteen people that i've been lucky enough to spend them with encourage me to keep smiling and to look forward at the week we still have left together. outreach week is a time for the qho/yess team to "reach out" into the community and help in any way that we can. starting monday, we have VCT testing, tree planting, community clean-ups, painting, soccer tournaments, and many other activities planned for both our students that we've trained and any other community members willing to participate. i'm still amazed that everything has gone by as quickly as it has, but, as courtney said, its soo nice to end it all on such a high note.
love, chelel
Now and Then
I wrote this email a few days before my first week of teaching in Kenya. It was nice to look back and reflect on the past six weeks of teaching and how I feel about this whole experience...
“On Thursday I had the most amazing experience of my life to date. I went to my first school in rural Nakuru, specifically the Lake Solai Region. So we get out of the van and all eyes are on me and the students are giggling and hiding their faces and looking back and it was just so many feelings that I have never felt in my life before. I can’t sit here and describe it but being in the classroom was something else. The students were so happy, so curious so unsure so everything but so was I! The whole experience was just phenomenal and I cannot wait to start teaching on Monday! The energy that just consumed my whole body when I stepped in front of them and said my name and they giggled and smiled back at me, it was just indescribable.At one point when I was quite high on life coming back from the school it was about 5:30, just dusk and we were on the side of a cliff looking out across the Rift Valley and there was a fog that hung in the air. The smell was so fresh, because it had just rained. It smelt so thick and green, and the sky was oranges and reds and blues all at the same time. The grass was long and yellow and the acacia trees were scattered everywhere and I just looked out the side of the matatu window and wanted to scream and cry and jump around but I didn’t do anything. I just sat there and took it all in and realized how lucky I was to be there at that moment and I fell in love with Africa.”
Now, six weeks later, I drive to school along the dusty road, my t-shirt has been worn in a bit more, my hair has grown a little longer but the energy that reverberates through my body the moment I step out of that mat is still exactly the same as that first day at Lake Solai. One of the last days driving home from Kiamunyi Secondary School, I looked out the window and thought about the students giggling and smiling, touching my hands. I smelled the fresh air, looked at the green hills speckled with little white houses and huts, and realized that since the first day of teaching, the excitement that burns in my heart hasnt't faded one bit.
-Courtney
“On Thursday I had the most amazing experience of my life to date. I went to my first school in rural Nakuru, specifically the Lake Solai Region. So we get out of the van and all eyes are on me and the students are giggling and hiding their faces and looking back and it was just so many feelings that I have never felt in my life before. I can’t sit here and describe it but being in the classroom was something else. The students were so happy, so curious so unsure so everything but so was I! The whole experience was just phenomenal and I cannot wait to start teaching on Monday! The energy that just consumed my whole body when I stepped in front of them and said my name and they giggled and smiled back at me, it was just indescribable.At one point when I was quite high on life coming back from the school it was about 5:30, just dusk and we were on the side of a cliff looking out across the Rift Valley and there was a fog that hung in the air. The smell was so fresh, because it had just rained. It smelt so thick and green, and the sky was oranges and reds and blues all at the same time. The grass was long and yellow and the acacia trees were scattered everywhere and I just looked out the side of the matatu window and wanted to scream and cry and jump around but I didn’t do anything. I just sat there and took it all in and realized how lucky I was to be there at that moment and I fell in love with Africa.”
Now, six weeks later, I drive to school along the dusty road, my t-shirt has been worn in a bit more, my hair has grown a little longer but the energy that reverberates through my body the moment I step out of that mat is still exactly the same as that first day at Lake Solai. One of the last days driving home from Kiamunyi Secondary School, I looked out the window and thought about the students giggling and smiling, touching my hands. I smelled the fresh air, looked at the green hills speckled with little white houses and huts, and realized that since the first day of teaching, the excitement that burns in my heart hasnt't faded one bit.
-Courtney
Monday, June 15, 2009
"Did you enjoy the ride?"
It hasn’t even been three days since my last blog post but I had an experience yesterday morning that I would like to share with all of you.
Yesterday morning, Ibra and I were sent on a mission to scope out Kiamunyi Secondary School for additional teaching spaces. Kiamunyi is our fifth and final school (sadly). The interesting thing about Kiamunyi is that it is the closet school we have taught at (approximately 15 minutes from our house) and there are only three forms (1, 2 & 3) at this school. It is a relatively new school as it opened three years ago. As it is a new school it is relatively small with limited teaching spaces. At each school previous to Kiamunyi we have been privileged enough to have at least six teaching spaces. That way we can teach in smaller groups of students and with two or three trainers.
The most interesting aspect of our mission is how we got to Kiamunyi.
By bike…motorbike that is (we also walked quite a distance and used a public matatu…yes it was a grand adventure!).
I have only ever been on a motorbike once before and I wouldn’t even consider that a pleasant experience.
Many factors contributed to my nervousness. First of all, there was nothing to hold on to other than the handles behind my seat AND the speed bumps along the way did nothing to settle my stomach. Second of all, the bike squeezing between a matatu and oncoming traffic was terrifying. That is scary enough when sitting in a matatu…but on a bike, all I could do to comfort myself was close my eyes and hold on tighter. Thank goodness we had helmets.
I must say that by the time I hoped off the bike at the entrance to Kiamunyi Secondary School, my hands were bright red and coated in sweat from holding on so tightly.
I was much more comfortable on the ride home (which is surprising consider we were driving up dirt roads rather than driving along flat, paved roads with the occasional speed bump). I was even “adventurous” enough to loosen my grip of death and adjust my helmet.
Till next time.
Kwaheri.
d.r.e <3
Yesterday morning, Ibra and I were sent on a mission to scope out Kiamunyi Secondary School for additional teaching spaces. Kiamunyi is our fifth and final school (sadly). The interesting thing about Kiamunyi is that it is the closet school we have taught at (approximately 15 minutes from our house) and there are only three forms (1, 2 & 3) at this school. It is a relatively new school as it opened three years ago. As it is a new school it is relatively small with limited teaching spaces. At each school previous to Kiamunyi we have been privileged enough to have at least six teaching spaces. That way we can teach in smaller groups of students and with two or three trainers.
The most interesting aspect of our mission is how we got to Kiamunyi.
By bike…motorbike that is (we also walked quite a distance and used a public matatu…yes it was a grand adventure!).
I have only ever been on a motorbike once before and I wouldn’t even consider that a pleasant experience.
Many factors contributed to my nervousness. First of all, there was nothing to hold on to other than the handles behind my seat AND the speed bumps along the way did nothing to settle my stomach. Second of all, the bike squeezing between a matatu and oncoming traffic was terrifying. That is scary enough when sitting in a matatu…but on a bike, all I could do to comfort myself was close my eyes and hold on tighter. Thank goodness we had helmets.
I must say that by the time I hoped off the bike at the entrance to Kiamunyi Secondary School, my hands were bright red and coated in sweat from holding on so tightly.
I was much more comfortable on the ride home (which is surprising consider we were driving up dirt roads rather than driving along flat, paved roads with the occasional speed bump). I was even “adventurous” enough to loosen my grip of death and adjust my helmet.
Till next time.
Kwaheri.
d.r.e <3
Saturday, June 13, 2009
matatu beatz.
rather than write about all of the wonderful things I’ve been fortunate enough to take part in or even try to depict the unreal amount of energy and enthusiasm that Athanai school had this week, I wanted to paint a picture of what’s always going on in the background. specifically, as courtney described earlier as bumping beats and 90's rap remixes we all forgot existed, I’m going to focus on the music of the matatu.
so far, it has been hard to describe all of the things we’ve seen, felt and experienced, as words can hardly do any of these experiences justice, as reuben would say. music has added an immeasurable amount to each and every one of these experiences.
as project this year has reached out to more rural and remote secondary schools, we have spent many hours in the matatu driving to and from school each day. this time in the mat has allowed us to become quite familiar with the minimal CD selection, and we’ve started to compile our very own kenya project 09 playlist:
• To the Ceiling – Isaac Blackman
• Nakuamini – we're working on the artist.
• Hauna – Cleptomaniacs
• Mac Muga - Ali Kibi
• Sura Yako - Tid
• Kushoto Kulia - Cleptomaniacs
• Kidato Kimoja - Lil Ghetto
• Don’t Let Him Go – M.O.G.
• Tafadhali – Pili Pili
• Atoti – Giddy Giddy Maji Maji
• Kwani Jana Kuliendaje – Tony Won’t Tell Us Who.
• Pressure – HAFSA
• Temptation – P. Square
• Sweetlove – Wahu
• Repent – Shaggy
• Life is a Flower - Ace of Base
• and everything and anything remixed to a new and improved reggae version, including but not limited, to celine, shaggy and r. kelly.
sing-a-longs to our obvious favourites in both Swahili and English consist of everyone’s unique and somewhat made-up, mumbled version of the versus, with everyone coming together for a louder, more correct and coherent version of the chorus. countless sitting dance parties have taken place in the mat, which wouldn’t be complete without dave’s version of the running man and mumbi’s infamous ‘head shake’. a drive in the matatu also wouldn’t be complete without witnessing the unreal dance moves we’ve seen from our windows by the local professionals, and by that, I mean the children who also appreciate the music from the mat.
music is essentially always playing, especially at volumes decibels louder than anyone would think is acceptable at home. for us, music acts as a signal that it is time to go to school, as we can hear the music blaring as the mat rounds the corner to our house. throughout all the car trouble that we’ve experienced, from frequent police road checks to tires popping and falling off, the music has always managed to remain on at full volume. on the rare occasion, the music has been turned down, but not off, for a cell phone conversation. we've become so accustomed to the music, that something seems wrong if it isn’t blaring and your body isn’t slightly vibrating with the base. in a sense, it feels like we have our own personal entrance and exit music, everywhere we go.
so far, it has been hard to describe all of the things we’ve seen, felt and experienced, as words can hardly do any of these experiences justice, as reuben would say. music has added an immeasurable amount to each and every one of these experiences.
as project this year has reached out to more rural and remote secondary schools, we have spent many hours in the matatu driving to and from school each day. this time in the mat has allowed us to become quite familiar with the minimal CD selection, and we’ve started to compile our very own kenya project 09 playlist:
• To the Ceiling – Isaac Blackman
• Nakuamini – we're working on the artist.
• Hauna – Cleptomaniacs
• Mac Muga - Ali Kibi
• Sura Yako - Tid
• Kushoto Kulia - Cleptomaniacs
• Kidato Kimoja - Lil Ghetto
• Don’t Let Him Go – M.O.G.
• Tafadhali – Pili Pili
• Atoti – Giddy Giddy Maji Maji
• Kwani Jana Kuliendaje – Tony Won’t Tell Us Who.
• Pressure – HAFSA
• Temptation – P. Square
• Sweetlove – Wahu
• Repent – Shaggy
• Life is a Flower - Ace of Base
• and everything and anything remixed to a new and improved reggae version, including but not limited, to celine, shaggy and r. kelly.
sing-a-longs to our obvious favourites in both Swahili and English consist of everyone’s unique and somewhat made-up, mumbled version of the versus, with everyone coming together for a louder, more correct and coherent version of the chorus. countless sitting dance parties have taken place in the mat, which wouldn’t be complete without dave’s version of the running man and mumbi’s infamous ‘head shake’. a drive in the matatu also wouldn’t be complete without witnessing the unreal dance moves we’ve seen from our windows by the local professionals, and by that, I mean the children who also appreciate the music from the mat.
music is essentially always playing, especially at volumes decibels louder than anyone would think is acceptable at home. for us, music acts as a signal that it is time to go to school, as we can hear the music blaring as the mat rounds the corner to our house. throughout all the car trouble that we’ve experienced, from frequent police road checks to tires popping and falling off, the music has always managed to remain on at full volume. on the rare occasion, the music has been turned down, but not off, for a cell phone conversation. we've become so accustomed to the music, that something seems wrong if it isn’t blaring and your body isn’t slightly vibrating with the base. in a sense, it feels like we have our own personal entrance and exit music, everywhere we go.
Better than ever!
It is absolutely crazy to think that we are two weeks away from being done project 2009. It's a concept I don't believe I have fully wrapped my mind around yet and I'm not sure if I will until the end of project when I am forced to do so. I am not feeling sad or reminiscent about project yet (probably because I am refusing to let myself believe it will come to an end soon!), but instead I am feeling very, very content.
During our final day at Athinai, I spent the day going from classroom to classroom filming everyone teaching and what I saw was incredible. I walked into a few funny moments in some classes. The best of these included Dre explaining the various uses of corn (for animals and humans) in Canada, in response to a student's question, and Bryan explaining the differences between "Mr. and Mrs. Condom" as he has cleverly named the male and female condom for teaching purposes. Beyond these great moments I also witnessed the entire group of YESS and QHO peer educators teaching curriculum as if they had done it a million times before with more passion and energy than I have ever seen. There is no longer any nervousness or apprehension in the classroom; all that is evident in the trainer's faces now is pure confidence and a desire to empower the students in their classrooms.
The closing ceremony at Athinai was truly something that I will never forget. As I stood off to the side with the video camera I had the pleasure of seeing Courtney and Shauna (the incoming QHO directors) take the stage and give the closing speech. Amidst the cheers of all 600+ students, both girls delivered words of wisdom and empowerment that was met with much appreciation and acceptance by the entire audience. Behind them stood all of the YESS and QHO trainers together, cheering them on and smiling at the raw excitement and passion beaming from all of the students.
I think I feel so content right now because I know that each trainer has done everything in his or her power to make this project an amazing success. There has never been a time when someone has refused to go the extra mile to improve an aspect of project or help out a fellow trainer. It is indescribable to see a team working so flawlessly together and I feel so lucky to just be a part of it. These last two weeks are going to be the best yet; I just hope they go by slowly!
Nicole
During our final day at Athinai, I spent the day going from classroom to classroom filming everyone teaching and what I saw was incredible. I walked into a few funny moments in some classes. The best of these included Dre explaining the various uses of corn (for animals and humans) in Canada, in response to a student's question, and Bryan explaining the differences between "Mr. and Mrs. Condom" as he has cleverly named the male and female condom for teaching purposes. Beyond these great moments I also witnessed the entire group of YESS and QHO peer educators teaching curriculum as if they had done it a million times before with more passion and energy than I have ever seen. There is no longer any nervousness or apprehension in the classroom; all that is evident in the trainer's faces now is pure confidence and a desire to empower the students in their classrooms.
The closing ceremony at Athinai was truly something that I will never forget. As I stood off to the side with the video camera I had the pleasure of seeing Courtney and Shauna (the incoming QHO directors) take the stage and give the closing speech. Amidst the cheers of all 600+ students, both girls delivered words of wisdom and empowerment that was met with much appreciation and acceptance by the entire audience. Behind them stood all of the YESS and QHO trainers together, cheering them on and smiling at the raw excitement and passion beaming from all of the students.
I think I feel so content right now because I know that each trainer has done everything in his or her power to make this project an amazing success. There has never been a time when someone has refused to go the extra mile to improve an aspect of project or help out a fellow trainer. It is indescribable to see a team working so flawlessly together and I feel so lucky to just be a part of it. These last two weeks are going to be the best yet; I just hope they go by slowly!
Nicole
Mr. Chweya
Earlier this week, my teaching partner and good friend Mercy told me the fascinating story of how her father overcame huge financial challenges to create opportunities for his family. Mr. Chweya had a very humble upbringing in the Kisii region of rural Kenya. As a young man, his family couldn't afford his school fees and he was unable to attend primary school. Undaunted, Mr. Chweya studied by himself at home and attended only the final exams. He continued his self-home-schooling for eight years and did not simply pass; his grades were so good that he got accepted to a prestigious provincial secondary school. Unfortunately he still couldn't afford the school fees for secondary school and had no choice but to study autonomously for the next four years at sit in solely to write the end of year exams. Mr. Chweya scored so well on his exams that he was accepted to University to take a degree in education. He worked as a private teacher to pay his University tuition and finally graduated but his hardship and sacrifice did not end there. Since he was the only university-educated member of his family, the responsibility of paying the school fees of his two younger brothers and sister rested solely on his shoulders. In the end, Mr. Chweya successfully supported his three siblings through secondary school and helped his sister obtain her university degree. He is now a deputy principal at the Njoro Boys Secondary School.
Mercy told me that Mr. Chweya always says: "You are the only one who can define your destiny, and only you can make the future the way you want it to be".
Cheers, Bryan
Mercy told me that Mr. Chweya always says: "You are the only one who can define your destiny, and only you can make the future the way you want it to be".
Cheers, Bryan
"I'm Going to Kill Hunger"
So I sat down with our in house chef, Sammy, also referred to as Papa, Sam-whalie, or Shocolocobangoshea, to ask him a couple questions about himself. Sammy has been with the QHO/YESS team for the past three years now, and every night will "kill hunger" by serving us the best Kenyan cuisine I’ve ever tasted. Yes, it’s also the only Kenyan cuisine I’ve ever tasted but that’s beside the point…
Courtney: So, how old are you Sammy and how many children do you have?
Sammy: I’m 50 years now. Five children, ahhh hmmm Wilson, Joseph, I have Naomi (long pause, Sammy is thinking of the others) oh, Jenny, Phyllis.
Courtney: Where did you learn to cook?
Sammy: I went to college first. (Sammy mumbles to himself for a bit) Employed first for some five months, then I was gradually given a position as a cook and became a chef in 1997, that was the time when I was given a change to put when I learned in college and I learned kitchen technique, manors, planning menus and kitchen maintenance. I actually worked for one restaurant for a long time, a company named Sheri.
Courtney: What is your favorite thing to cook and why?
Sammy: My favorite things to cook….ah mostly I like cooking everything. The stews and fries and vegetables. Reason why is you can come across a group of people let’s say you have a group of people some are vegetarians, some aren’t so its swell to satisfy everybody. For vegetarian people it’s fine, for people that likes meat its fine.
Courtney: What challenges have you faced while cooking for the Canadians on the QHO team?
Sammy: No. I have not found. I’m always very keen when I’m cooking for Canadians or any white man or a muzungo. I’m very keen. First of all I know you cannot use too much fat for a foreigner. Mostly when you make food that has good food you have make with a lot of fat, not good for foreigners.
Courtney: What do you think of the QHO project?
I wish it well and to continue and make more projects in
Courtney: Are you going to be our chef next year?
Sammy: Yes for many years to come.
Courtney: If you could wrestle anyone of the QHO members, who would you choose to take down?
Sammy: Senait, I can put Senait down. (He laughs evilly.) Senait is here. You! (Points to Senait)
The most interesting animal? Tortoise can take an hour and a half. Baboon takes five seconds. It’s random.
So as you can see, Sammy is just awesome. The trip wouldn't be what it is without him. He's really indescribable, and if I could put him in my pocket and set him loose in Canada, he's take the country by storm... probably making Canada's national food ugali.
Sammy is such an important member of the QHO/YESS team and we are so lucky to have him with us!
-Courtney
Bye Bye Athinai
I can't believe we have been teaching for 5 weeks now! This was a historic moment for QHO and YESS as this is the first project to have taught for more than 4 weeks. This week was our second week of teaching at
Athinai was a great school to teach at, the students were all very enthusiastic and were always willing to participate. Because this was our second week in a row teaching at Athinai, I would always run into the form 4 students that I had taught last week. They all remembered my name and they always said hi whenever they saw me, it was really cool to see that they carried the same enthusiasm with them even when we weren’t teaching them.
The team is functioning very well, everyone has become really good friends and there has been no conflict, which is quite remarkable seeing as we have been living together for 6 weeks now. It is hard to imagine that in two weeks time we will be cleaning up our house and separating to go our own ways.
We have also begun planning our Outreach Week, which will be taking place in the last week of June. During this week we plan to do an activity at every school that we have taught at. It will be a great opportunity to see the students again and will provide the students with opportunities to help out around the community. Some of the activities that we are planning are a community clean-up and tree planting around the schools. We will be wrapping Outreach Week up with a big sports day, where we will also have a VCT set-up. The goal will be to get students out and get them tested. I, along with everyone else is very excited for Outreach Week and we have big hopes for our testing day.
Until next week,
David
“the vibrations in the bass are loosening the mucous in my lungs.”
- dave in our obnoxious Mandela matatu on our way to school
yesterday marked the end of our fifth week of training, meaning we have just one more school to pour our passion and energy into. its bittersweet to think that the end of project is now closer than the beginning. earlier this year, in around january or february, we (the qho team) had a meeting to discuss how we would motivate each other in the event that one or some of us became "burnt out" during project. as necessary as it was to prepare for this situation, reading comments like "i hope you return because i really learned and gained a lot from you" or "i hope you keep your spirit because it helps us as youth" make it just about impossible to be anything but eager to return to the classroom the next day.
this week, we taught the form ones and twos at athinai secondary school. i have no idea how the week flew by so fast, but teaching the form ones was such a pleasure and i'm continually learning from the students. the final assembly with the entire school presented us with one of the most lively and enthusiastic crowds we've seen yet. they were all chanting for vanice to say a speech but we were running out of time, as is the case in most situations at school.
“at the beginning of the week, WE were the teachers and YOU were the students. but today, we are ALL teachers with the power to share the knowledge we’ve gained with others in the community.” this is the message we leave with the students at the end of each week of training. its crazy to think that we’ll only be delivering this message once more. as sad as i am to realize that this is quickly coming to an end, i’m soo excited to see everyone teach at their best this final week.
thank you all so much for your love and support, and for following the blog.
love, chelel
- dave in our obnoxious Mandela matatu on our way to school
yesterday marked the end of our fifth week of training, meaning we have just one more school to pour our passion and energy into. its bittersweet to think that the end of project is now closer than the beginning. earlier this year, in around january or february, we (the qho team) had a meeting to discuss how we would motivate each other in the event that one or some of us became "burnt out" during project. as necessary as it was to prepare for this situation, reading comments like "i hope you return because i really learned and gained a lot from you" or "i hope you keep your spirit because it helps us as youth" make it just about impossible to be anything but eager to return to the classroom the next day.
this week, we taught the form ones and twos at athinai secondary school. i have no idea how the week flew by so fast, but teaching the form ones was such a pleasure and i'm continually learning from the students. the final assembly with the entire school presented us with one of the most lively and enthusiastic crowds we've seen yet. they were all chanting for vanice to say a speech but we were running out of time, as is the case in most situations at school.
“at the beginning of the week, WE were the teachers and YOU were the students. but today, we are ALL teachers with the power to share the knowledge we’ve gained with others in the community.” this is the message we leave with the students at the end of each week of training. its crazy to think that we’ll only be delivering this message once more. as sad as i am to realize that this is quickly coming to an end, i’m soo excited to see everyone teach at their best this final week.
thank you all so much for your love and support, and for following the blog.
love, chelel
“What is we having?”
Some of you back home may be wondering “what is we having?” here in Kenya. Well, I will give you an idea of the food we are eating here. But first I must introduce you to Sammy, who is responsible for cooking all our meals. Sammy enjoys sneaking up behind Canadians and Kenyans alike and banging pots to inform us that dinner or lunch is served. On Sunday we created a slip and slide in the backyard. Bryan, Ibra and Rono tackled Sammy down the slip and slide. It was honestly one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Refer to Courtney’s post if you want to know more about this intriguing man.
I will give you an idea of a typical day of Kenyan food:
In the morning we wake up to mandazi (donuts), bread (with your choice of red plum jam & peanut butter), hard boiled eggs, sausage, fruit (usually pineapple and banana) and of course CHAI (tea), my personal favourite. I must say (among other reasons) CHAI (tea) is why I am eager to hop out of bed most mornings. However, CHAI (tea) is not as popular with all QHO/YESS members (it pains Miss Shwatson).
Moving on the lunch and/or dinner:
Kenyans often eat a warm meal at lunch. Foods that we eat for lunch are often served for dinner as well. Each and every meal, without fail, is served with fruit (watermelon, pineapple, banana, passion fruit, pear, papaya, and mango). I have to say the eating pineapple or banana back in Canada won’t be the same as in Kenya. Everything here is so fresh and the flavors are so strong. The best I could compare it to is eating fresh fruit in Kenya is like eating a peach in season and eating fresh fruit in Canada is like eating a peach in the middle of winter. Hopefully that comparison is more clear than confusing.
1) Meats/protein: beef stew, chicken ( often fried with rosemary), goat stew, meat sauce, fish ( head, tail..), beans
2) Vegetables: sukumawiki ( literally means “push through the week”, green vegetable, resembles spinach), cabbage, mashed potatoes, mashed banana, banana stew, lentils
3) Carbohydrates: pasta, potatoes (chips or baked), ugali (cornmeal), chapatti
My personal Kenyan favourite is chapatti (think of deep fried pita bread) with lentils or beans. YUM!!
There you have it…Kenyan food!
Till next week.
Deirdre <3
I will give you an idea of a typical day of Kenyan food:
In the morning we wake up to mandazi (donuts), bread (with your choice of red plum jam & peanut butter), hard boiled eggs, sausage, fruit (usually pineapple and banana) and of course CHAI (tea), my personal favourite. I must say (among other reasons) CHAI (tea) is why I am eager to hop out of bed most mornings. However, CHAI (tea) is not as popular with all QHO/YESS members (it pains Miss Shwatson).
Moving on the lunch and/or dinner:
Kenyans often eat a warm meal at lunch. Foods that we eat for lunch are often served for dinner as well. Each and every meal, without fail, is served with fruit (watermelon, pineapple, banana, passion fruit, pear, papaya, and mango). I have to say the eating pineapple or banana back in Canada won’t be the same as in Kenya. Everything here is so fresh and the flavors are so strong. The best I could compare it to is eating fresh fruit in Kenya is like eating a peach in season and eating fresh fruit in Canada is like eating a peach in the middle of winter. Hopefully that comparison is more clear than confusing.
1) Meats/protein: beef stew, chicken ( often fried with rosemary), goat stew, meat sauce, fish ( head, tail..), beans
2) Vegetables: sukumawiki ( literally means “push through the week”, green vegetable, resembles spinach), cabbage, mashed potatoes, mashed banana, banana stew, lentils
3) Carbohydrates: pasta, potatoes (chips or baked), ugali (cornmeal), chapatti
My personal Kenyan favourite is chapatti (think of deep fried pita bread) with lentils or beans. YUM!!
There you have it…Kenyan food!
Till next week.
Deirdre <3
Saturday, June 6, 2009
"And the world will smile with You"
Hello Everyone.
Well Kenya has been the bomb-dizzle. That's right I said it. I don't have much to say but it's been about a month since my arrival and I have learned some pretty amazing things. One being:
Live in the moment. Life is now and we should take in every little bit of it. Appreciate the little things, sounds, sights and smells because that's what makes it all worth it in the end.
I'm still in love with Kenya.
-Courtney
Well Kenya has been the bomb-dizzle. That's right I said it. I don't have much to say but it's been about a month since my arrival and I have learned some pretty amazing things. One being:
Live in the moment. Life is now and we should take in every little bit of it. Appreciate the little things, sounds, sights and smells because that's what makes it all worth it in the end.
I'm still in love with Kenya.
-Courtney
Week 6 and Going Strong
Hello to Everyone on behalf of everyone,
I believe that I am the only one to write an update this week, so I will write a summary of the week. We are teaching at a school called Athinai (named after Athens, Greece). Athinai is a school of over 600 students so we will be teaching the entire school over the span of two weeks. This past week we taught form 3's and form 4's. Next week we will be teaching forms 1 and 2. Again the students were amazing in the classroom, they were all engaged in the lesson everyday and were willing to participate.
Monday was a holiday in Kenya, to celebrate when Jomo Kenyatta became the first President of the Republic of Kenya. So we were unable to teach at Athinai on Monday. Instead we will be going to do our last lesson with the students this afternoon. I'm really looking forward to this because we will have a little bit more time than we usually have so it will give us a good chance to interact with the students and allow us to teach some topics that may otherwise have been left out.
Athinai is only about a 45 minute drive from our house, which has provided all of us with some extra free time, as all the previous schools have taken at least an hour to get to and previous blog posts will attest to. Also Vanice was able to rejoin the team this week as she had been at home with her mother for 20 days. It was great to have her positive energy around the house and she joined up with Ng'ok and I to form a teaching team. Deirdre (Dre) joined Reuben and Shauna to form another dynamite trio.
The return of Vanice also marked our BNI/GNI (Boys night in/girls night in). This was where we separated into boys and girls to do gender related activities. The boys played cards, while the girls plotted to prank the boys. Of course the boys were aware of this plot, but out of courtesy allowed the girls to continue. The girls told us that they had prepared a song for us and that we would need to come outside to listen to them sing. We were very skeptical and as they sang the boys were all watching their backs. Not surprisingly the girls had buckets of water prepared to pour on us. As soon as they tried to get us, the boys all ran. This sparked an hour long water fight between the boys and the girls. All in all it was quite a fun evening.
So it is with great excitement that we prepare for our last day with the form 3's and 4's and we anticipate another wonderful week with the form 1's and 2's. Athinai has been a very welcoming school and has truly been a pleasure to work with. Everyone here in Nakuru says hi and you can look forward to more updates next weekend.
David
I believe that I am the only one to write an update this week, so I will write a summary of the week. We are teaching at a school called Athinai (named after Athens, Greece). Athinai is a school of over 600 students so we will be teaching the entire school over the span of two weeks. This past week we taught form 3's and form 4's. Next week we will be teaching forms 1 and 2. Again the students were amazing in the classroom, they were all engaged in the lesson everyday and were willing to participate.
Monday was a holiday in Kenya, to celebrate when Jomo Kenyatta became the first President of the Republic of Kenya. So we were unable to teach at Athinai on Monday. Instead we will be going to do our last lesson with the students this afternoon. I'm really looking forward to this because we will have a little bit more time than we usually have so it will give us a good chance to interact with the students and allow us to teach some topics that may otherwise have been left out.
Athinai is only about a 45 minute drive from our house, which has provided all of us with some extra free time, as all the previous schools have taken at least an hour to get to and previous blog posts will attest to. Also Vanice was able to rejoin the team this week as she had been at home with her mother for 20 days. It was great to have her positive energy around the house and she joined up with Ng'ok and I to form a teaching team. Deirdre (Dre) joined Reuben and Shauna to form another dynamite trio.
The return of Vanice also marked our BNI/GNI (Boys night in/girls night in). This was where we separated into boys and girls to do gender related activities. The boys played cards, while the girls plotted to prank the boys. Of course the boys were aware of this plot, but out of courtesy allowed the girls to continue. The girls told us that they had prepared a song for us and that we would need to come outside to listen to them sing. We were very skeptical and as they sang the boys were all watching their backs. Not surprisingly the girls had buckets of water prepared to pour on us. As soon as they tried to get us, the boys all ran. This sparked an hour long water fight between the boys and the girls. All in all it was quite a fun evening.
So it is with great excitement that we prepare for our last day with the form 3's and 4's and we anticipate another wonderful week with the form 1's and 2's. Athinai has been a very welcoming school and has truly been a pleasure to work with. Everyone here in Nakuru says hi and you can look forward to more updates next weekend.
David
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Mawe or the Highway
It's late Friday afternoon and the Nelson Mandela Matatu is pulling out of the school yard. The energy amongst the peer educators is incredible. We are clapping, singing and shouting. The mat has to stop because the students have formed a human wall preventing us from leaving!
This was our last day at Mawe Secondary school, located outside of Rongai town. The school holds about 200 of the most enthusiastic and energetic kids we have ever seen. Teaching at Mawe this week has been an indescribable experience. Everyday when we pulled into the school, the students would start buzzing with excitement for the days lesson.
Their interest in the lessons and desire for knowledge was clearly evident in the amount of questions asked everyday in class and after school in the anonymous question box. The form threes that Bryan Mercy and I taught were so comfortable with us in the classroom. Sometimes we would just burst out laughing together in the middle of class.
Along with a thirst for knowledge, the students at Mawe also loved the daily psych games we played with them. Near the end of every lesson, each classroom would erupt in screaming, shouting, cheering and clapping. At one point the form twos in Dre, Ng'ok and Dave's class were "winding their toys" on top of their desks!
Teaching at Mawe Secondary School this week was something I will never forget. Seeing the students enthusiasm and energy is what keeps me excited and in love with teaching at these schools every week. I can't wait to see what next week's school has in store.
-Courtney (also referred to by Mawe students as Courty)
This was our last day at Mawe Secondary school, located outside of Rongai town. The school holds about 200 of the most enthusiastic and energetic kids we have ever seen. Teaching at Mawe this week has been an indescribable experience. Everyday when we pulled into the school, the students would start buzzing with excitement for the days lesson.
Their interest in the lessons and desire for knowledge was clearly evident in the amount of questions asked everyday in class and after school in the anonymous question box. The form threes that Bryan Mercy and I taught were so comfortable with us in the classroom. Sometimes we would just burst out laughing together in the middle of class.
Along with a thirst for knowledge, the students at Mawe also loved the daily psych games we played with them. Near the end of every lesson, each classroom would erupt in screaming, shouting, cheering and clapping. At one point the form twos in Dre, Ng'ok and Dave's class were "winding their toys" on top of their desks!
Teaching at Mawe Secondary School this week was something I will never forget. Seeing the students enthusiasm and energy is what keeps me excited and in love with teaching at these schools every week. I can't wait to see what next week's school has in store.
-Courtney (also referred to by Mawe students as Courty)
one hundred and twenty plus one hundred and thirteen equals two hundred and twenty three.
VCT testing day at Seet Kobor with the students and surrounding community.
I apologize in advance for the length of this post.
As promised to our students, we held two free HIV/AIDS testing days yesterday, for the students and surrounding community of Lake Solai and Seet Kobor Secondary School. Our expectations were far exceeded at both locations, although I can only write about my experience at Seet Kobor, as the QHO/YESS team split up to help out and work at both locations.
When we pulled up to Seet Kobor in our matatu, we were greeted with a warm welcome from more students than we expected to see so early in the morning. We were grateful and appreciative that the students, even on a Saturday, were willing to come to school to get tested. Getting tested translates into one knowing their status, which is something we, in our curriculum each and every day, stress as something that has the ability to empower students,
“Getting tested empowers us by giving us knowledge about what’s going on within our own bodies. Getting tested regularly enables us to catch the virus promptly and begin immediate treatment, increasing both the length and quality of our lives. Knowing our status empowers us with knowledge that allows us to make informed decisions regarding our sexual well-being and the well-being of those around us. Even if we test negative there are still benefits, as counselors can provide information and resources that will help us stay healthy and safe in the future. And, if we test positive, we can take control of the virus, rather than letting the virus take control of our lives, by seeking out medical treatment and implementing positive behavioral changes in our lives. Ultimately, only by knowing our status will we be able to stop the spread of HIV, and achieve an HIV/AIDs free youth generation in the future.”
For those who are unfamiliar with the HIV testing format, it is routinely divided into three parts: pre-test counseling, the actual HIV test, followed by post-test counseling. The entire process is confidential, in that, you are given a number in replacement of your name, and the results are discussed privately between you and the counselor. At Seet Kobor, in an attempt to save time and allow more people to be tested, pre-test counseling occurred in groups and three people were tested at a time by each of the three counselors. It was humbling when we sat in on the pre-test counseling, whereby the counselors discussed information about the HIV infection and AIDS, and all of the details discussed were part of our curriculum. For this reason, our students, although nervous at first, were able to answer all of the questions related to the transmission, prevention and treatment of the virus.
After group counseling, the voluntary testing began. Some students were eager to line up and get tested, while others needed some time to prepare and make their decision to be tested. One of our students was extremely nervous to get tested, and preferred we get tested with her, so I did. Essentially, after being given an explanation of the test and the possible test results, one line representing HIV negative and two lines signifying an HIV positive result, your finger is pricked and a small sample of your blood is blotted onto the test strip corresponding to your number. Chemicals and other buffer materials are added to the strip to test for the presence of antibodies that may have developed as part of your immune response to the virus, and you are asked to wait for approximately ten minutes. The student I tested with was exceptionally tense and anxious, with both her hands and lips shaking. She could hardly stop looking nervously at the test once her blood was blotted. After each of our tests had been administered, the second person tested and I left the room, so we could have individual post test counseling based on our results. Regardless of one’s status, the counselors discussed ways to be healthy and how to continue living positively.
Now that I have been tested, I feel more comfortable talking about the importance of getting tested and encouraging my students to get tested. In the classroom, I will be able to touch on my personal experience, and offer advice with a better understanding of the process.
Finally, although students began testing right when they got there, most stayed the entire time we were there, even when they had their results and knew their status. A variety of games were played, including versions of volley ball and soccer, one million photos were taken, dance lessons were given to the Canadians and some students even showcased their hidden rapping abilities. The testing day also wasn’t limited to students, as we had a large variety of people come to get tested, ranging from siblings and friends of students, boyfriends and girlfriends who came together, and some of the elders of the community.
Overall, our testing day finished when we ran out of kits in the afternoon, testing over two hundred students and community members between our two locations. The sheer number tested in one day far exceeded our expectations and the totals from last year, and I am incredibly excited to see what we can do during out outreach week at the end of project.
kwaheri.
I apologize in advance for the length of this post.
As promised to our students, we held two free HIV/AIDS testing days yesterday, for the students and surrounding community of Lake Solai and Seet Kobor Secondary School. Our expectations were far exceeded at both locations, although I can only write about my experience at Seet Kobor, as the QHO/YESS team split up to help out and work at both locations.
When we pulled up to Seet Kobor in our matatu, we were greeted with a warm welcome from more students than we expected to see so early in the morning. We were grateful and appreciative that the students, even on a Saturday, were willing to come to school to get tested. Getting tested translates into one knowing their status, which is something we, in our curriculum each and every day, stress as something that has the ability to empower students,
“Getting tested empowers us by giving us knowledge about what’s going on within our own bodies. Getting tested regularly enables us to catch the virus promptly and begin immediate treatment, increasing both the length and quality of our lives. Knowing our status empowers us with knowledge that allows us to make informed decisions regarding our sexual well-being and the well-being of those around us. Even if we test negative there are still benefits, as counselors can provide information and resources that will help us stay healthy and safe in the future. And, if we test positive, we can take control of the virus, rather than letting the virus take control of our lives, by seeking out medical treatment and implementing positive behavioral changes in our lives. Ultimately, only by knowing our status will we be able to stop the spread of HIV, and achieve an HIV/AIDs free youth generation in the future.”
For those who are unfamiliar with the HIV testing format, it is routinely divided into three parts: pre-test counseling, the actual HIV test, followed by post-test counseling. The entire process is confidential, in that, you are given a number in replacement of your name, and the results are discussed privately between you and the counselor. At Seet Kobor, in an attempt to save time and allow more people to be tested, pre-test counseling occurred in groups and three people were tested at a time by each of the three counselors. It was humbling when we sat in on the pre-test counseling, whereby the counselors discussed information about the HIV infection and AIDS, and all of the details discussed were part of our curriculum. For this reason, our students, although nervous at first, were able to answer all of the questions related to the transmission, prevention and treatment of the virus.
After group counseling, the voluntary testing began. Some students were eager to line up and get tested, while others needed some time to prepare and make their decision to be tested. One of our students was extremely nervous to get tested, and preferred we get tested with her, so I did. Essentially, after being given an explanation of the test and the possible test results, one line representing HIV negative and two lines signifying an HIV positive result, your finger is pricked and a small sample of your blood is blotted onto the test strip corresponding to your number. Chemicals and other buffer materials are added to the strip to test for the presence of antibodies that may have developed as part of your immune response to the virus, and you are asked to wait for approximately ten minutes. The student I tested with was exceptionally tense and anxious, with both her hands and lips shaking. She could hardly stop looking nervously at the test once her blood was blotted. After each of our tests had been administered, the second person tested and I left the room, so we could have individual post test counseling based on our results. Regardless of one’s status, the counselors discussed ways to be healthy and how to continue living positively.
Now that I have been tested, I feel more comfortable talking about the importance of getting tested and encouraging my students to get tested. In the classroom, I will be able to touch on my personal experience, and offer advice with a better understanding of the process.
Finally, although students began testing right when they got there, most stayed the entire time we were there, even when they had their results and knew their status. A variety of games were played, including versions of volley ball and soccer, one million photos were taken, dance lessons were given to the Canadians and some students even showcased their hidden rapping abilities. The testing day also wasn’t limited to students, as we had a large variety of people come to get tested, ranging from siblings and friends of students, boyfriends and girlfriends who came together, and some of the elders of the community.
Overall, our testing day finished when we ran out of kits in the afternoon, testing over two hundred students and community members between our two locations. The sheer number tested in one day far exceeded our expectations and the totals from last year, and I am incredibly excited to see what we can do during out outreach week at the end of project.
kwaheri.
Bryan's Long-Awaited List of Subtle Cultural Similarities Between Kenyans and Canadians
Niaje wasee followers of the YESS/QHO never-ending blog! Since I've already mentioned some of the subtle cultural differences between Kenyans and Canadians, I thought it would be only be fitting to talk about the quirky similarities between our two cultures. After a great deal of thought, here are the top five:
1.We both sing along loudly to Celine Dion. It was so aweful I was debating jumping out the window of the moving matatu...
2.There are more Toyotas on the road than any other type of vehicle. I did see a Ford tractor once but that's about it for North American vehicles.
3.We both giggle at the male and female anatomy. Hahaha she said penis!
4.Kenyan like aren't immune to misuing like, the word "Like"
5.Both YESS and QHO believe that educating and empowering young people is the key to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS
Cheers,
Bryan
1.We both sing along loudly to Celine Dion. It was so aweful I was debating jumping out the window of the moving matatu...
2.There are more Toyotas on the road than any other type of vehicle. I did see a Ford tractor once but that's about it for North American vehicles.
3.We both giggle at the male and female anatomy. Hahaha she said penis!
4.Kenyan like aren't immune to misuing like, the word "Like"
5.Both YESS and QHO believe that educating and empowering young people is the key to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS
Cheers,
Bryan
half-way point already!
It’s so hard to believe that we are half-way through project already! I can still remember the first days of project when we were finalizing the schools we were to train and making the final edits to our curriculum. Now, after completing our training at three schools, we have put all notions of nervousness behind us and are eagerly awaiting the first day of teaching at our forth school while at the same time wishing time would stand still so that project would never have to come to an end.
This past week was full of great experiences. The school we were at, Mawe Secondary School, was full of exceptionally enthusiastic and energetic students. At our closing ceremony they literally would not let us leave! After Ng’ok and I gave the closing speeches the students started chanting for Ibra to come and say something. After Ibra gave a small speech and fired the students up with his psyc game, Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriap!, the students started chanting for Bryan to come and say something to them. This pattern would have no doubt continued until every single trainer gave a speech if it wasn’t for Ng’ok needing to wrap up because it was getting late. We ended the ceremony with the students promising that they would continue passing on the knowledge that they had gained from our training to their friends from other schools and to members of their communities. I cannot describe in words how amazing it was to feel the students’ energy and passion for the YESS program. It makes all of the hard work YESS and QHO have put into this project well worth it and tells us how effective the training is at empowering students to become peer educators in their own communities.
Yesterday marked the pinnacle of this year’s project. We organized a HIV testing day for students from our first two schools, Lake Solai and Seet Kobor. These schools are located very far away from VCT centers (Voluntary Counseling and Testing centers) where one would go if he or she wanted to get tested and counseled for HIV. We operated our own VCT’s out of a health center in the Lake Solai community and out of Seet Kobor high school with three VCT counselors at each location. When we arrived in the morning to set up we were amazed to see that many of our students were already there waiting to get tested! As the day progressed, it was even more amazing to see many members of the surrounding communities come to get tested after only hearing about the testing day via word-of-mouth.
We ended up testing approximately 233 students and community members yesterday. To put this in perspective, last year at our final HIV testing day encompassing four secondary schools and community members, we tested a total of 168 people (which was a significant increase from the previous year’s testing day in 2007).
With half the target test group, half the resources and less than half the counselors, significantly more people were able to learn their HIV status and use this information to positively and productively continue to plan their lives. This shows how much YESS continues to grow as an organization in Kenya each year as a result of the hard work and dedication of every member of the YESS and QHO team, past and present. I cannot wait to see how our next testing day will turn out!
Nicole
This past week was full of great experiences. The school we were at, Mawe Secondary School, was full of exceptionally enthusiastic and energetic students. At our closing ceremony they literally would not let us leave! After Ng’ok and I gave the closing speeches the students started chanting for Ibra to come and say something. After Ibra gave a small speech and fired the students up with his psyc game, Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriap!, the students started chanting for Bryan to come and say something to them. This pattern would have no doubt continued until every single trainer gave a speech if it wasn’t for Ng’ok needing to wrap up because it was getting late. We ended the ceremony with the students promising that they would continue passing on the knowledge that they had gained from our training to their friends from other schools and to members of their communities. I cannot describe in words how amazing it was to feel the students’ energy and passion for the YESS program. It makes all of the hard work YESS and QHO have put into this project well worth it and tells us how effective the training is at empowering students to become peer educators in their own communities.
Yesterday marked the pinnacle of this year’s project. We organized a HIV testing day for students from our first two schools, Lake Solai and Seet Kobor. These schools are located very far away from VCT centers (Voluntary Counseling and Testing centers) where one would go if he or she wanted to get tested and counseled for HIV. We operated our own VCT’s out of a health center in the Lake Solai community and out of Seet Kobor high school with three VCT counselors at each location. When we arrived in the morning to set up we were amazed to see that many of our students were already there waiting to get tested! As the day progressed, it was even more amazing to see many members of the surrounding communities come to get tested after only hearing about the testing day via word-of-mouth.
We ended up testing approximately 233 students and community members yesterday. To put this in perspective, last year at our final HIV testing day encompassing four secondary schools and community members, we tested a total of 168 people (which was a significant increase from the previous year’s testing day in 2007).
With half the target test group, half the resources and less than half the counselors, significantly more people were able to learn their HIV status and use this information to positively and productively continue to plan their lives. This shows how much YESS continues to grow as an organization in Kenya each year as a result of the hard work and dedication of every member of the YESS and QHO team, past and present. I cannot wait to see how our next testing day will turn out!
Nicole
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