CoKF takes on new Hoya intern

Hello, my name is Brendan Thompson- CoKF's newest intern. I've recently completed my second year at Georgetown University, where I am studying culture and politics with a focus on African development. This past summer, while on a Georgetown program in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, I met Ken. Inspired by his story and curious to learn more about the slums of Nairobi, I took him up on his offer to intern with Children of Kibera for the next four months.

My first two weeks with CoKF have been exciting. After being introduced to the various projects and becoming familiar with the area surrounding Red Rose Academy, I got to sit back and witness history as Kenyan's came out to (peacefully) pass a new constitution. With the promise of basic human rights, education and health care included, 95% of the people of Kibera voted positively and rejoiced as the final numbers were announced August 7, 2010.

Even though the students are on break from school, they are no where near a break from learning. Most of the students, both primary and secondary levels, come in to receive help on topics they had difficulty with last term. The determination these students have to learn will never cease to amaze me.

In the mornings I have been working with a few of the high school scholars with English- going over their latest term papers and trying to focus on how to better prepare for the next series. I've enjoyed refreshing my memory on the many and quite often idiotic grammar rules of my native language.

In the afternoons, once the grade fives and grade sixes have completed their studying sessions, we go into one of the empty rooms for a dance class. Dance, which is less of a talent and more of a passion of mine, has been a great way for all of us to shake off the classroom blues. We spent the week learning "Hoe Down, Throw Down", a Miley Cyrus mixture of country and hip-hop. The dance was a hit, and throughout the day you can hear someone humming the catchy tune.

In between tasks, I've enjoyed planning my first project- a week long workshop with the high school scholars on the topic of applying to university- both locally and abroad. During the week we'll go over the highly confusing college application process, focusing especially on essay writing and interview skills. The workshop will take place August 23-26. Reflections to come.

In other news- we have officially moved classroom materials to their new homes, opening up space for the to-be library and the new intern/volunteer office. Enjoy the pictures!