Kibera

How fast time goes....it has been a busy few weeks with report writing and rugby supporting (poor Wales-hopefully 2011 will be more successful!). Life here is very good. My school is fantastic, I have a gorgeous house, and have made some nice friends. Yet I've been struggling the last few weeks with how non-African it is and how I really could be living anywhere. I live in a very safe, rich, bubble having a pretty much Western lifestyle. As lovely as it is, it is not what I came to Africa for.

So, after a few soul searching tears as to what I should do, I spoke to my friend Polly about a project she set up in Kibera, the biggest sum in Nairobi. I had been in twice before, and although it is a massive eye opener, I enjoyed my two visits. It is a remarkable place, a whole community within Nairobi with churches, shops, and thousands of homes.

Kibera

So I went into the educational centre yesterday with Polly. I drove Vixy in-I have new respect for this car! It was a rainy day, so it was very muddy, with roads that sloped in all sorts of changing directions yet still complete with bumps and potholes. She did well! Reached a new top speed of 83km/h which I thought was incredible until I converted it into mph and realised I still, as my driving instructor told me, drive like an old woman! I met some of the volunteer teachers who work in the centre and found out a bit about what I could get involved in and how I could be of help. We took in some teddies (an old Poppit-brought back some fond sisterly memories!) and art supplies and the children were so pleased. Their eyes lit up when they saw the soft toys. Next week we are going in to do some Christmas activities, and then I will go in weekly/fortnightly from the new year to work with small groups. I completely fell in love with the children and was very happy when a young boy who looked a bit under the weather just wanted to sit and cuddle whilst the teaching was going on. Such a cutie!! Feel really excited about it and am so keen to start doing some worthwhile work out here. Am starting Swahili lessons in the new year too so will be a good opportunity to practise!

Check out the website for more info: http://kiberampiramtaani.org/education