Calling across continents

Aman: long report! July 10, 2007

Aman has written a great report about the whole experience, with lots of thoughts, impressions and stories – so full of fine things that we’ve given it it’s own page, here.

Imlah: Last blog July 10, 2007

Wish I could say I’m glad to be leaving but I can’t. The way that we have been received here is amazing. The people of Kitagwa are so friendly and you wouldn’t believe.

The children are so bright, and intelligent its refreshing to see that no matter how many obstacles you face you can still live life for the opportunity, and that’s the opportunities that education provides. With education you stand a chance in life’s whirlwind and subconsciously the children know this. I just want to thank Madame Naomy and family for having us and Thank You Heather for giving me this opportunity to do such a worthwhile exercise and experience the most amazing place on Planet earth: AFRICA.

Watch this space (Kitagwa – I’ll be back)

Imlah
aka DJ Lionheart

Heather: from 17th June June 28, 2007

Mark lost this blog entry, along with the next two – so here they are, a little late and out of sequence …

Today went to Hippo Point and took a boat out to see the hippos – I loved to see them, I had been really disappointed last time that I never got to see them so I was happy. We saw lots of birds too and our guide was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot.

After that we went and had a fantastic fish meal at Cyprian’s house – it was so great to meet his family and to see his home.

Today was hot and the driving was hard and I was tired by the end but it was a great day in Kenya!

We are now preparing to go to school tomorrow and getting ourselves geared up for full on activity, must get to bed early!

Aman: from 17th June June 28, 2007

Well, it’s definitely been a wicked few days! I’ve finally gotten over the I can’t believe I’m here stage, and am feeling entirely at home – it almost doesn’t feel like I left at all. My Swahili is getting refreshed (I’m picking up more by the day) and I can remember my way around almost perfectly.

It’s so good being back, it’s funny how easy it is to push to the back of your mind exactly what it is about places that make them amazing. I’ve realised that I’m guilty of that. Being thrown into Romania and then University after Kenya pushed the specific details about the trip to the back of my mind, I knew I loved it…but had almost forgotten exactly why. Being here again has given me a renewed sense of appreciation for this beautiful country and its people. The smiles of Kenyan people alone, just like the sun in this country, warm you more than you could ever imagine. It’s a feeling that no words can make you understand, you have to experience it for yourself.

After being told by Naomy and Ann just how much the school kids had been asking after me, and having Heather tell me that the headmaster was telling her just how much the kids loved me, I can’t even explain how excited I was about going back!! (There’s a lot about being here that I can’t really explain!) Later on Friday, after I’d written my blog, we visited Kitagwa. At first, the Deputy (Mark)
a) Didn’t recognise me
b) Wouldn’t believe it was me
…He said I looked darker, fatter and not like me, ha-ha! – Kenyan’s are definitely charming!

Only half of the kids were at school, but i recognised A LOT of faces! They were all too shy to say hi to me though, which was slightly disappointing (maybe they were scared of the fat, dark lady!!:P) , they would all sort of look at me out of the corner of their eye, all too cool to come over. Whenever Mark asked them who I was though, they would all answer ‘Aman’, so they all recognised me! That’s a start I guess!! Hopefully on Monday, some contact with the kids will renew old bonds!

We spent Saturday in Kisumu, buying things for the school, I was running around like a mad woman with Imlah and Rebecca struggling to keep up. I was properly on a mission (Those who know me, will know what I get like!) 😛 The highlight of my day was spending more time with Cyprian though, a friend of Heather and Mark’s. I’d met him once in Coventry, but we never really got the chance to talk properly. We naturally got on really well though and had a lot in common, I was amused at how impressed he was with the speed of my walk, and my ability to keep up the pace!

Today has been really cool, we went up to Lake Victoria, and took a boat out to see the hippos. It was something I really wanted to do the last time, but Naomy deemed it too unsafe a journey to go on. Heather insisted this time though (I wasn’t complaining!!), and as a result: we saw some hippos, had an amazing guide – who, similarly to Dori from Finding Nemo, thought he could speak ‘Hippo’. It was amusing to say the least and caught some amazing birds close-up. If any of you are ever looking for a boat ride on the lake, ask for Titus and you’re in for a good time!

After that, we went to Cyprian’s house. I love Kenya for one thing, and that is that it reminds me of India – a country I identify as my own. The hospitality and values of Kenyan people are something that I feel, which ties Kenyan people to my ancestors, so I feel quite at home here, I love it! Cyprian’s mum was absolutely lovely, and so accommodating, they’d clearly spent a lot of time and effort on the food they’d prepared. It’s funny how people put so much of themselves into preparing a lavish meal for you, and then while doing their best to take care of you while you’re at their house…they thank you for coming! It’s a funny old world!

Anyways, I think that’s enough from me for now!!
See you all on the flipside!
Xxx

Imlah: from 17th June June 28, 2007

A Sunday like no other, Sundays are normally dry and mundane but today was different as usual i was up at the crack of dawn, I’m in Africa so i am not on the Sunday lie-in tip like most 24 year olds on a Sunday, like I said I’m in Africa the motherland so I got to be up with the birds, animals and the locals. The plan for the day was to enjoy the lake then have Lunch with our Kenyan companion Cyprian (Kenya’s next international Track and Field star) at his mother’s house.

We went up 2 the lake to a place called Hippo point, No need to explain now is there? Well for those lacking in the common sense department……………Its the spot where your guaranteed to see the HIPPO’s duhhh’, lol! I have never been to a place like this before. OH MY GOSH. We got to the lake and passed the Impala sanctuary on the way, I even saw an Ostrich for the 1st time in Africa, it was huge, wouldn’t want to get chased down by that thing, looked like he’d put Linford Christie in his heyday to shame if he challenged it.

Luckily we were with Naomi who speaks the local dialect managed to get us the Kenyan price for the lake excursion. She didn’t want to accompany us as she doesn’t trust the lake. But we braved it and it was magnificent. 1st our guide showed us the birds that were present and we all managed to get some lovely shoots. We saw Kingfishers, Hammerheads, Pickneys and some small multi coloured bird (can’t remember the name of ’em) but after about 15 – 20 minutes of basking in the sun and enjoying the light breeze on the lake we got closer to what we came for – the Hippos.

The 1st sighting was one about 30 metres away and our guides paddled closer n closer till we were about 20-15 metres away and then we got it the money shot – The yawning hippo! Quality!

We stayed there for about 15 minutes. First there was 1 then 2 then 3. What a sight. I even managed to get some soundless film recordings of them in there natural habitat………….Now that’s priceless, some professional camera men have to search and wait months to get the mini clips i did. I’m honored! After a while on the lake we went back to the banks and there was a herd of Cows waiting for us, haha…….. I love the way how the people and the animals try to live as one, I mean like your always seeing Goats on the roadside and cows n u see kids jus there playing with em or looking after them.

We then went into Kisumu to meet up with Cyprian, on arrival we had some refreshments and relaxed, had a gander round the shops, couldn’t wait to see the athlete again. I new linking up with him in Africa would open my eyes up to so much, on the way to his home we encountered some of the roughest terrain but luckily we were in a 4×4 so it weren’t a problem, we tackled it. We went to his for lunch and was greeted in true Kenyan fashion, first we met his Grandmother and then he introduced us to his mother and sisters. And as he promised me in England, fish and rice was on the menu. And he didn’t let me down, wait till u see the picture of the plate of Tilapia Fish. It was magnificent my favourite dish in the world, food and hospitality the perfect combo. Africa is home now. I swear I am coming back to make this continent my home, the poverty levels are high but its all changing slowly but surely, and I really know I can come here and make a difference.

After a big lunch and a discussion we hit the road and negotiated the rugged terrain again and made our way back to Naomy’s on the way there was so many kids showing us so much love, 3 year olds and upwards. Its overwhelming kids saying “How are you”, “Hi”. I love it.

After a rest and a bite 2 eat here I am blogging like a mad man. Getting ready for tomorrow, Kitagwa here we come. Its going to be interesting.

I’m so looking forward to the Kisumu museum trip any random day now, i want to see the Crocs and snakes. I love wildlife like cooking. And am not missing a thing about the UK apart from my female fans, :). But its all gravy: the next Jams going to be @ the end of July so Coventry get ready.

Heather: a wonderful day June 23, 2007

Yesterday was just such a wonderful day – I can’t describe it well enough – the three of us visitors were high as kites by the end of the day.

First we went to see the Emuhaya Group of Disabled people. The changes that they have made since I was there last are amazing. They are knitting jumpers and making things to sell – that was kick started by the money that Lani won for them two years ago – and then they have a shamba (farm) where they are growing crops to sell and also using innovative farming methods to share with the local community.

We met Obed Anguche, a really lovely agriculturalist, who is working with the group at the moment to develop this side of the group and to encourage local people to grow and eat some different varieties that are more sustainable and/or nutritious.

We planted some seeds and some trees and then I got a ride on the back of Obed’s motorcycle via a youth project, which was a tree nursery nearby.

Then it was back to the office for some formalities before we were welcomed in true Kenyan style with singing and dancing, garlands and speeches. I was really happy to be there and to see everyone again. One man had prepared a poem:

Sadly as we had an appointment at the school for our goodbyes, we had to leave well before we would have liked to but I hope I will go back there soon.

Next we rushed off to Kitagwa Primary School, as we were very late for our send off (although I’m reliably informed that it is impossible to be late in Africa! – still I hold on to my English obsession with punctuality and I was a little stressed to be so late).

There we were welcomed into the Church where we had a couple of hours of singing, dancing, speeches and gifts. Imlah nearly passed out as we had gone from early breakfast – tea and peanuts until 5.30 with not so much as a cup of tea passing our lips! We had had to leave Emuhaya before refreshments were handed out.

However the wait was worth it as we were again treated to a feast. All of the whole school of children were outside singing, dancing, playing drums and waiting for us to go before they would – I have never felt so well loved and I was very sad to leave.

Aman and I were shown how to dance a traditional dance. The music that I have sent is a celebration song and was sung both at Emuhaya and at Kitagwa that day.

Everyone was asking us not to go and to come back soon and my hair was a great source of interest once one child plucked up the courage to touch it, then they all wanted to! They also told me that my skin was softer than theirs but I told them that was due to age not colour – they disagreed.

To cap it all off, we finally walked home at 7pm in amongst most of the children singing and dancing and some of the parents too, and Naomy invited them into the garden to say goodbye.

What a day! I’ll remember it forever.

Podcast: Jambo sana! June 22, 2007

John Gulson children started the phonecalls by singing a Kenyan song together – here’s how that sounded over four mobile phones in Kitagwa (click the play button):

And here’s how Kitagwa pupils sang the same song:

Imlah: what a week! June 22, 2007

Thursday was a mad day, just like the day before and the day before that …

…Jus kiddin’ – it was great, very good. The kids at Kitagwa Primary school are a right bunch of bright lights. With English being their second, third and in some cases their fourth language it was sometimes hard to hear or understand some of their queries and questions through the broken accents. But they managed more or less fine.

The kids at John Gulson were all well rehearsed and greeted the Kitagwa children with the “Jambo” song which the Kenyan kids loved, and as many of them have never spoken to anybody on the phone before it was that little bit extra special for them.

Throughout the session there was a mixture of shy and outgoing children in all of the groups and, yes, there was a few language barriers but the children were still interested and asking lots of questions like: How old are you? and How many brothers and sisters do you have? etc.

Both the John Gulson group and Kitagwa kids seemed pleased with the responses given and questions like do you have animals? and if so what animals? where extremely popular, especially as the Kitagwa kids mostly all own goats, chickens, cows, some donkeys even, but the John Gulson kids mostly had none, which the Kitagwa kids found weird.

We spent the rest of the day playing with the kids and taking a couple of short lessons in Maths, etc., as they are heavily understaffed so often 2 or 3 classes are left unattended at times throughout the day.

They loved quizzing us about England and what we do and what its like there. I enjoyed it too.

Then all hell broke loose when one of the girls spotted my gold tooth. They have poor dental care and practices so none of them have ever seen a gold tooth before. They all wanted to see and touch – obviously I only granted them one of the above privileges, 🙂

But it was nice to be able to talk to them about something that comes from Africa and is so expensive in the western world, hopefully that alone planted a seed in their heads about how rich and natural Africa really is and how much we crave African things.

All week has been magical.

Heather: last day in Kitagwa School June 22, 2007

Last day in school – except for the send off tomorrow. We had a great time. The kids are great, the teachers are lovely and we have had fun, I’m really sad to be here for such a short time as I feel we are just getting into our stride.

We are learning how to talk to the children to get them to respond – different than in a class at home – and they are getting used to us and relaxing and starting to understand our English better. The classes that we aren’t going into are begging us to go in.

We have all given some impromptu lessons – 3 minutes of soil erosion here, 10 minutes of maths there, football, drama, creative arts and singing and its been great fun.

Hanging out in the staff room and chatting with the fabulous teachers, getting fed lots of lovely food – these are highlights.

Long may our friendship continue and I really, really hope that we can do some teacher exchanges – I would be so happy to welcome some of them to Coventry and try to reciprocate the hospitality that we have been shown.

Cyprian: Sweet memories June 20, 2007

Cyprian Onderi, whose recent visit to the UK was saved from disaster by the generosity and good wishes of many of you, is back home in Kisumu. Today he volunteered with Heather, Imlah, Aman and Ann at Kitagwa school – he had this to say about it:

My visit to Kitagwa today brought back the sweet memories of being back at home. Of course many years ago I was a pupil in the same standard I was in today. This only was the way of life then, going to school and coming back home.

Today, the 20th June 2007, having been invited by the project leader Heather Parker to the primary school for phoning session, did not only bring me into two familiar worlds that I have been before but a state of both joy and confusion.

As I had to translate from time to time from Swahili to English back and forth, I was reminded how two different worlds so distant apart can be diminished into just an arms length away. Having stayed in England and Coventry did have a very helpful experience of the translation as the dialect also took its toll. I was reminded that my Swahili must not only be upgraded but also mantained!

I realised that for the short time I have been away so much has changed, though my class control still has its own touch that I have always had. The sense of community sharing was also witnessed as we had lunch together with our hands washed in an African manner.

Actually I could not avoid throwing a glance to Imlah and Aman to see whether they were coping with the African tradition. This reminded me of the first time I had to use a fork and a knife in South Africa. I felt like the whole world was watching me. But you know what, Aman did fairly well. Imlah was happy to have the spoon save the day. 🙂