That this journey is filled with ups and downs, as hilly as this beautiful landscape, is a given fact. After all the positive momentum created with the new GBVA, everything suddenly started to get very slow again. Obstacles appeared left and right, which, I’m not gonna lie, demotivated a bit. However, like climbing a mountain, the way up might be challenging, but the views are always worth it! (Unless you find yourself on top of Mt. Longonot surrounded by clouds the whole loop, then it’s definitely the dopamine, serotonin and good company that makes it worth it…).
All metaphors and proverbs aside, what I am trying to say is that giving up is never an option. Especially when you live in a community where there is so much to win, so much to achieve, and so much to be inspired by. A token came along my way (oke, one more for those who’ve read The Alchemist), and I decided to follow it. Not too long ago Patrick, in charge of the Young Mothers Support Groups, showed up, excited to meet the “new” gender volunteer and to see how we can continue (or actually set up) the groups. Needless to say, we got working! We presented ourselves at 7 different schools and are now busy meeting all the young mothers to explore options of setting up support groups and meeting all student counsellors to enhance their capacities. Meeting these bright young minds was the fresh energy that I needed! Suddenly, leaving in September almost feels like too short time again hahah. Nevertheless, this time, an extension is not an option.
Lucky for me, I heard from a little bird that WEFOCO will receive a few new volunteers soon, right before I leave. Coming from an organisation different from MONDO, we are stressing the importance of creating good hand-over materials for this new energy coming into town. With the help of Valery, our communications volunteer, we are establishing a better system to manage all documents related to the work of volunteers by WEFOCO themselves. This entails ensuring all documents by and for volunteers are straightforward, easy to find, read, and adopt. Also, I am finally meeting some more stakeholders in the area, with whom good collaboration can seriously increase the efforts of all our work. A list of contacts, functions, and organisations in all areas is in development, so you, as a newbie, will know who you should meet in your first month to pick it up right from where we left it! No more groping in the dark (yes, okay, one more).
We’ve been spending a significant amount of time within Shianda without any good new travels... Although we visited the cinema in Kisumu twice (Inside Out 2 is a full-on recommendation, but don’t waste your time in A Quiet Place: Day One), We did have the WHOLE cinema to ourselves one time, which was kinda cool. Anyway, since I can’t sit still for too long, I’m looking forward to a weekend away, in addition to preparing a travel itinerary for my family, who will be travelling to Kenya soon.
Oh yes, almost forgot to add, I have to acknowledge how I admire the Gen Z of this country. They have already managed to dissolve their cabinet and forced governors to resign. They will continue until President Ruto steps down. Experiencing this momentum from the position where we are is incredible. Shianda is safe, and even when stuck in Kakamega during one of the protests, the atmosphere felt safe. Security assured, it has been an incredible inspiration to see people stand up against corruption, speak up about justice, and fight for a better future they so much need.
