Coming Back
When I first landed at Mombasa airport in October last year, it was as a GVI volunteer. Six months and one email later - “Do you want to come back to Kenya….no really” - I landed at the same airport but this time as a member of staff.
Mombasa Aiport "Kenyan Airways Welcomes You to Mombasa"
As I was getting ready to return to Mombasa, I had a number of people ask me “Why Africa? Why not help at home?” It’s a fair question, and one that I have grappled with many times, particularly in these hard economic times. How do I justify coming here when there are children in need in my own country. How does anyone justify helping one set of people over another, be it children with cancer, adults with physical disabilities, soldiers returning from war, abused animals. How does one decide who or what is more worthy than the other?
To me in its simplest form the answer is, you follow your heart. And for me my heart is here in Africa and helping those who live here.
One of the Olives teachers, Mr Geoffrey with KG2 -now KG3 - pupil Ruth
A longer answer would be that I have fallen in love with the people and the children, that I feel at home here, that there is something about Africa that keeps calling me back. Life is very different and in some ways much simpler, an almost back to basics mode, that is refreshing in its simplicity.
And then there is KG3, now Standard 1, at Olives Rehabilitation Centre. I arrived having had no teaching experience, nervous, wondering what I had got myself into. For five days a week for seven weeks, I taught KG3. During that time I got to know them well and shared many happy – and frustrating! – times with them. At the end of my stay, I had gained 15 children whose future I am invested in. To me they are "my children”.
KG3 on my first day of teaching in October last year, dancing with Mr Michael, Head Teacher at Olives Rehabilitation Centre
I have learnt that the power of education cannot be under-estimated: that it is not just about standing up in front of the class and teaching from a book. It is about giving the children the tools to a better future, showing them what they are capable of and helping them to achieve their goals.
KG3, now Standard 1, learning colours
A GVI volunteer working in the classroom with her children.
I have also learnt that one person can make a difference. And that is why I am back. I know it works and I want to continue to be a part of that.
When I arrived in Mombasa in 2009 there was one GVI house, 3 volunteers and 2 members of staff. Now there is one house, one apartment, 17 volunteers and 4 members of staff. It has literally doubled in size. I think that, in itself, is a testament to the success of this project and to how we are needed, as well as to how much people really do care and want to help others.
The hardest thing is saying goodbye to people who leave. You really do become one big family. In the last week, there have been 4 who have left: Ollie, Michelle, Stef, Ben - we miss you, see you next year .…. sawa!
GVI volunteers and staff waving goodbye to a fellow volunteer
Louise, July 2010
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