Today marks 2 weeks since our arrival here in Nakuru. We are continuing to enjoy our volunteer experience at the school/orphanage. We are, however, beginning to get the feeling of being overwhelmed by the things that need to be done here to make this place a healthy environment for both learning and living. We have been told that moving the boys to their new dormitory space has alleviated much of the health complaints from the children. we gave some money to help rehabilitate the former dormitory for use by the pre-school/kindergarten classes during the day. It is better, but much still needs to be done to bring in joy and life and light.
The education system here is very different. The teachers only teach from the book so that kids can pass the national exams and score well, thus improving the status of the school. the teachers have nothing more than some beat-up text books and chalk to work with. It is a far cry from the advantages that teachersand students in the US have. At our school site, thankfully, a former volunteer installed a large section of grassy area in the play area. It is now finally useable and the kids are able to play on the grass, rather than only in the dust. It is strill very dirty, though and the classrooms are full of dirt and dust, especially in the lower grades. The school building is unfinished, however they have completed the roof since we have been here. There is also a water purification project that is nearing completion. A well was dug to a depth of 90 meters. The water here apparently has too much flouride in it, which can be toxic and they say it causes teeth to turn brown. It is common to see dark brown staining on the teeth of both young an old. The project was funded by a church group from Georgia who visited this past week. They have been supporting various projects since the program began as a lunch feeding program for orphans. They were happy to see so much progress in the past 2 years. There are so many little things that are needed, too. So many of the students run around in tattered uniforms and ill-fitting shoes. In some classes, just having a pencil for everyone is a challenge. And then, of course the pencils have to be sharpened and once one asks, the rest all clamour for theirs to be sharpened too. We are grateful to those of you who donated pencils and we are seeing that they get distributed to those in need.
Another volunteer arrived this week. She is a 21 year old college student from Canada. That brings the total of volunteers to 5, however we are losing Jan, from Australia, next week. She is also our housemate. Word has it that someone else is coming to take her place.
We are getting used to life here. We enjoy our 35 minute walk to school each morning. We are often trying to beat the rain when we make our trek home in the afternoon. Sometimes we make and sometimes we get drenched. It is nice to know, though that hot tea and cookies and a hot shower await us upon our return home. We have a wonderful cook/housekeeper named Lynette. She cooks wonderful dinners for us too and does our laundry - by hand, of course. We even have a TV which gets 5 channels!
Last weekend we took a trip up to the top of Menengai Crater (try Googling it), the mountain that serves as backdrop to Nakuru. It is an ancient volcano. The view from the top down into the crater is spectacular!
We didn't bring all the equipment to download a photo this time. You can reply directly from this blog by clicking on the small envelope below and to the right of this entry. Thanks to those who've replied. It is always good to hear from friends and family!