I have just returned from Nairobi where I spent two weeks with my daughter and CoKF intern, Joscelyn, in Kibera. During that time, I had the distinct pleasure to spend time with Red Rose Classes 5 and 6 in their new school. I feel honored to have had this opportunity to do some fun activities with the students. Thank you Jeff and the middle school teachers for giving me this time.
On Monday, February 15, I met the two classes. We were all together in the main school room. I had just arrived from Washington, DC where we had been overwhelmed with three huge snow storms that left more than 30 inches of snow on the ground, and here I was sitting in a classroom in a sleeveless shirt and khakis with the temperature hovering in the mid-80s. It was a delightful adjustment for me - I was happy to leave behind the winter weather.
After telling the students about the snow in Washington, I wanted them to understand where I come from. We studied an atlas together, and they each pointed out Washington DC. I was truly amazed at how knowledgeable the students are in Geography. Then I asked them to draw a map of the US as I drew a map of Africa. The students, in groups of three, drew the United States and placed Washington, DC on their maps. Again the students surprised me with their ability to draw the continent and to place the city where it belongs. They also included the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and the countries to the South and North of the US. I then drew a map of Africa, showing Kenya and indicating where I thought Nairobi should be. The students were very polite in letting me know that I had to move the city slightly southwards and a bit to the west! It was a good beginning to my visit with the students.
Tuesday, the students and I played games outside. One of the games was called "Ghost in the Graveyard," a huge hit with the students. The game starts with everyone, but one, pretending to play dead. The object of the game is to remain dead, or totally still - not moving ANY part of the body (even blinking). The one who is not dead goes around trying to make each "dead" person move without touching them. The last person to remain "dead" is the winner. I thought I would surely win - no one could make me move, but alas, I was very wrong. I was probably the 5th person out of 22 students who "moved." It took a very, very, very long time before all the children were "out." Again I was amazed at their ability to remain so completely still (especially under some unusual circumstances)! This game was then followed by a much louder and hand-slapping "name game." Rhythm mattered in this game, and I quickly learned that my rhythm was lacking, but it only made everyone laugh!!
Following my time with Classes 5 and 6, I went with Joscelyn, Jackie and their students from the "Young Kiberans for Change Club (YK4C)", to a panel discussion on Food Security in Kenya. After observing this panel discussion, I decided that I wanted to build a garden with Classes 5 and 6 on the side of the school.
On Thursday, my next day with the students, I arrived with garden equipment for all. We cleaned the yard behind the school and we chose a place for the garden - only to move to another location on Friday. All the children loved working with the tools - some raking, some digging, others clearing all the debris from the yard. It was a great day. By the end of the day, we had not only cleaned a spot for the garden, but we had cleared the area of a lot of trash and debris. The students were rightfully proud of themselves, as I was, too.
Friday was our planting day. We were joined by a friend of Joscelyn's and Jackie's, Dennis, who brought fertilizer for the garden and who also showed the students exactly how to sew the seeds. I was thrilled to have his help, since I am not as experienced as I thought I was. The children planted kale, spinach, lettuce and flower seeds. It was perfect!
Following the gardening, we had a surprise birthday celebration for Teacher Joscelyn and myself, all organized by Jackie and the students. The children made beautiful birthday cards for both of us, and we had goodies to eat and drink. The students also sang and danced for us. It could not have been more fun for all.
After hearing about Red Rose from Joscelyn for the last six months, it was a joy to finally see the school, meet the teachers and spend time with the students. The students showed me nothing but affection and warmth. It was very sad for me to leave Kibera, but I will keep up with what is going on at Red Rose through the website. Thank you all.
With my deepest respect,
Patty Truitt
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