In February this year, eight volunteers met PFP staff members Kim, Kathryn, and Laura in Nairobi, Kenya. These volunteers had signed up for the Work Team 2023 trip to find out what life is truly like for women living in the rural Ukambani region of Kenya.
In Nairobi, the team visited the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The staff there are raising baby elephants who have been orphaned due to the drought and human-wildlife conflicts. The team also fed giraffes at the Giraffe Center and shopped at an open-air market for souvenirs.
Then we were off to visit the Makueni cluster, led by Regional Program Manager Sue Musyoka. Each day, the team split into small groups and headed out to build bases for rainwater catchment tanks. Volunteers worked alongside PFP women’s group members and the Kenyan fundis (foremen) to build the bases. Team members were also building relationships with the Kenyan women, learning about the challenges they face day-to-day, and sharing information about life here in the U.S.
Mary McBride, one of the Work Team volunteers, shared more details about our day-to-day: While enjoying tea with the Kenyan women, we were sharing stories, listening, learning. Our Path from Poverty Regional Program Manager served as an interpreter making sure we all understood each other. We heard stories this week that made us laugh, cry, be in awe, surprised, and dumbfounded.
After tea time, we would help with any finishing work and then a blessing of the base, a little celebratory dancing, lots of hugs, and we were off to join other team members for lunch. Lunch was always at Mary Musyoka’s, who is the chairlady of Methoi ma Aka Women’s Group. Each day, group members gathered to help prepare our lunch which always consisted of rice, roasted chicken, roasted goat stew, sweet potatoes, yams, casava root, githeri (beans and corn mixture), and mangoes and oranges fresh from the trees.
After lunch, we had community service or learning activities. One afternoon, we brought food and supplies to a school for special needs children. We also learned about the income generating activities that PFP groups do–everything from tie dye to soap making to poultry farming.
At the end of the week, water tanks were delivered to several homes. This was a highlight of the trip, and we joined the group members in joy, singing, and dancing. When the rains come, these women, their families, and neighbors will finally have access to clean, safe water.
The next day, hundreds of PFP group members traveled to Makueni to celebrate. They set up a market, and the team shopped for handicrafts such as sisal baskets and tie dyed materials. Money earned at the market can go towards group savings.
Finally, the team said farewell to all the friends they had made and traveled to Amboseli National Park for two days of safari game drives. We were able to relax and reflect on the previous week. Volunteers shared that they were humbled and inspired by the time spent in Kenya. PFP staff is grateful to have traveled with team members who were so compassionate, dedicated, and generous.
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Path From Poverty
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