The last couple days have been really relaxed as I gear up for the final. Yesterday some of us went to one of the local staff's (Wiper) boma for the Official Launching Day of the Amboseli Orphans Project. One of SFS's past students, Seth, is collaborating with Whiper to improve the education, health, and nutritional intake of orphans in the area. This is a local grassroot organization I can definitely see myself getting involved in! The community based organization focuses on serving and providing for Kimana's orphaned children. The day's program started with everyone greeting each other. This has happened at every event I have been to in Kenya and usually involves either shaking hands with everyone in attendance or standing in a circle and introducing ourselves. It is a really great way to immediately feel welcomed and included! Also, it is very typical for the beginning and end of events to take a long time in Western standards with many, many thanks being given. When I went to the church service a couple of weeks ago, the pastor and other people in the congregation thanked God and us for our presence for almost 30 minutes!
Anyways, the visit to Wiper's boma was probably one of my favorite events so far. About 25 children are involved in the program. Almost all of the children are siblings and everyone has a caretaker such as a grandmother, older brother, aunt, etc. Each family shared their story of how the program has helped them. One woman's husband was killed by an elephant and she could not care for her children without help. Another mother committed suicide so a family member takes care of the children. It was all very touching and real. This wasn't just a commercial with sappy music that I could flip through to find another entertaining channel. This was so real that one of the children came over and started playing with us during the speeches! I am certainly going to pray and look into pursuing this organization. I really liked how Wiper, a local Maasai, started this; it isn't a massive NGO from the States.
The link to their website is: http://www.amboseliorphans.org/
I also got to write the News from the Field article for SFS, the program I am studying abroad with. A student is chosen each term to write a little piece on how their experience has been so far. You can view it at: http://www.fieldstudies.org/blog/?p=11
Stella, I am LOVING reading your blog, seeing your wonderful photos, and learning of the fabulous experiences you are having. And don't worry, diet pepsi will still be here when you get back. In fact, cousin Amy can probably find you some in Cambridge.
ReplyDeleteLove, Tim
Stella,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your support and kind words regarding the project. Wiper and I were so happy to welcome all of you into his boma and share with you the story of our organization. Since that launching day we are continuing are work in Kimana, and now have 32 children supported by the project. We are currently developing a website, improving our donation page, and planning community based tourism trips to Wiper's boma for anyone to learn more and help support the project.
Again thank you for your frankness and honesty in relaying your emotions of that day. There are lots of ways to get involved, and I am always looking for passionate people, especially students, to help support us. Please feel free to contact me if you with to pursue this, or make a donation at https://www.wepay.com/donations/amboseliorphans
I hope everything is well with you, and your transition to life back in the United States has been smooth. I'm sure you continue to look back and cherish your memories and friends in Kenya, you truly are blessed.
Thank you again.
Seth Norell Bader
Director, Amboseli Orphans Project
Seth.Bader@amboseliorphans.org