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Steve's First Dispatch From Kenya
March 20, 2010
The following message is an update from African Sky Kenya Co-Director, Steve Feldman. Steve recently landed in Kenya to launch an education and service project, Africa Sky's first project in East Africa! In the following update, Steve shares some of his early experiences with his host family and community.
A Message from Steve...
This is a good place, like spring break..almost. I'm eating well, lots of fresh veggies, some eggs, some fish, corn meal, corn meal, corn meal and the best part is.... I EAT WITH MY HANDS!!! See mom and dad, it was pointless teaching me those western manners.
The people here are very friendly, and my students are eager to know me as I am eager to know them.
I've gotten to play some soccer, i wear shoes but the rest are barefoot, regardless of the rocks and weeds. The school is very lacking, especially since the school system here in Kenya is deigned such that they are competing with all other students across the country, many that have the resources they need to learn (i.e. power, water, clean bathroom facilities, science lab and equipment, sports equipment. St. Peter's Kajulu Mixed Secondary has none of these (well, the water is harvested rainwater). But we do have motivated students that want to learn, and they laugh and play and are as intellectually curious. It will be a great adventure as we share our different worlds.
The house I'm living is very safe, and I love it. We have 2 cows, 2 bulls, 2 calves, 8 goats, 2 sheep, and many chickens. My host family grows crops-many veggies, maize, bananas, and tomatoes. My Kenyan family is terrific, and they are helping me learn to speak Doluo, the language of the Luo people, Obama's tribe.
My fellow teacher's have been very accepting of me as I am doing my best to lighten their heavy workload; they teach many more classes and students than teachers in the US. I'm learning a lot from my professional mentors and partners, and we've had a good time joking around as we grade exams together. The school also feeds us very well: corn meal, collard greens, even some beef, chicken and fish. The best part though is the amazing view of Lake Victoria, and a historical rock called Kit Mikayi. From the school you can see from miles around all the rocky hills and the farms. I will post pictures soon, but trust me they won't do it justice, you'll just have to make your way over and see for yourself.
-Steve
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African Sky Kenya Founders and Co-Directors
Steve Feldman and Caleb Mooty
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