Focusing on Faraja

     After 4 days on Safari I couldn't stop thinking about Faraja. Though I really haven't been able to be around the kids because of the work I do there is the continuous thought on how to allow Maura and Omari become sustainable.

The chicken coop

     Cleopus from Fadhili stopped by today to see how our placement was going. Gloria and I were more than happy to show them the orphanage, introduce them to Omari, and ask for some extra help. Claire should be joining us tomorrow but we'd like to get another male and female when the next orientation group comes on Sunday. Fadhili has been more than accommodating and we firmly believe that this can happen.
     Omari's chickens laid about 46 eggs today, nearing the magic number 60 so that they can begin selling in market. We talked about small loans from Faulu (a micro-finance institution) that might lead to larger loans. The difficult aspect is the first loan can only be 5000ksh and must be repaid in 6 weeks. We feel that Omari's eggs must be viable before taking the loan to guarantee repayment and move on to larger loans.

     Gloria's beans for lunch were a hit and my ugali was good (at least that's what I thought from the reaction of the kids. Ugali (right) is basically a maize flour based "bread". It's light but very filling. I prefer mine with chile sauce. Cooking for 30+ kids was interesting because the pots are huge. The ugali was mixed with the semblance of a canoe paddle and two hands on it at all times because it gets heavy to flip.

     There are many things to do here before we leave but I'm confident that Gloria and I can tackle any task and goal we put ahead of ourselves. When we are on "African time" it seems like we've been here forever and time is standing still (in a good way). When we find out the days date reality kicks in on how fast time is flying by.

      I've meant many kind-hearted souls, adventurous and energetic spirits, and downright great people so far in this experience and I hope it continues.


Capitalism (and incentives) might work:
$1 = 80ksh (Kenyan Shillings)

Laundry at Faraja

1. Considering incentives for day labor to build the fire pit. Eg: 100ksh for the day, 250ksh if done by 12:30, if not finished not hired back the next day. Laborers are used to being paid daily and I regularly see plenty on break when the "boss" isn't around for the day down the road. If the fire pit project gets off the ground I think it can be done in 2 days.

2. Talking with the Sudanese businessman (the "boss" I just mentioned) to get his unused mortar block or to get in on next week's shipment. 50ksh per block is the standard rate and we'd only need about 36-42. Don't plan on taking his labor, but 1 guy a day would be OK by me.

The donkey cart guys

3. Renting out a donkey cart from the water merchant who fetches water from the same pipe. He's there hauling 500L on the cart, maybe offering him 1/4 of the value of his haul to deliver it to the door. This wouldn't be done on a daily basis, but maybe on a Friday to cover the weekends. Kenyans pay a shilling a liter, and to have the tank filled in 45 minutes is a lot better than all day, and it will supplement the time needed to supervise the firepit project.

We've been fortunate to have some donated funds and hope to spend them wisely and appropriately for the duration of our time at Faraja. If you'd like to do anything to assist, just ask.

Volunteering does not equal vacation

This is obviously the first time I have volunteered abroad, possibly not the last, but I am thankful for the set up that IVHQ and Fadhili have provided us. During the week we are at our placements from about 9-4; sometimes you'll stay early and sometimes you'll stay late. But, during weekends you are provided with plenty of excursions. Fadhili has offered a 3-4 day safari, a city exploration, IDP weekend (including a visit to Hell's Gate), trips to Mombasa and other getaways. I feel it is an opportunity to unwind with friends following the work week that can also be emotionally draining. You'll be updated on these weekend excursions, as for now check out Gloria's post for what we did last weekend.

At Faraja, well there is a lot of work to be done. Six years ago the orphanage left it's location in the slums of Kibera (the largest in the world, 2nd is Soweto, South Africa). Ten months ago they've arrived at their current location. Approximately 2 months ago Fadhili Community started putting placements in Faraja. There is a lot of work to do in order to help them become sustainable. As we finished our third day Karen, Gloria, and myself have begun brainstorming ideas of how to help them become able to help themselves. I believe first on the list is creating a more cleanly environment. From building a fire pit that can divert smoke/fumes away from the children and house, to education on better hygiene, to building shelves/cubbies to keep their belongings off the floor. If they can cut down on hospital costs maybe those funds can be diverted elsewhere and improve their ability to produce and obtain income.

Water pump that delivers water
to the local farm. They provide
free water to Faraja

My daily routine is fetching about 200L of water. The boys chip in with fetching water when they get home as well. But they consume about 225L of water daily due to cooking, washing, and drinking. I just hope to offset the daily usage on my hauls. On the 1/4mi uphill route I have met "the neighbors", from a Sudanese businessman who sells houses in Kenya to Joyce, Dijomon, and Wilson who work on a nearby farm that will see its first selling season in about 2 month. All look for sustainability, not a handout. They are doing the best they can and some are doing very well.

Dominick cooking lunch

I also help cook breakfast and lunch, collect firewood and been all about town. Momma Morra's direct neighbors are actually a husband/wife doctor/nurse team. I have spoken with the wife and will hopefully get in touch with Public health to get ideas on how to help improve living conditions. They are not bad for the children's standards, but we hope to be able to improve the general health of their surrounding atmosphere.

Once we get settled on a project I will write. I may even set up a PayPal if you'd like to help over the next 4 weeks. I have also contacted Kiva and will hear back from this week with news of how to start a loan attempt. 

I will upload photos when there is time. I try not to take photos when citizens are around, it's considered rude. You must see the beauty of this land and those who I am talking about.