A victory...and now we wait
On Tuesday I received word that the FSD Competition Grant Proposal I wrote was accepted and the Youth Centre the House of Corage Initiative operates will be getting funds for a new power connection. We'll be able to have lights for the Centre to stay open later, fans for some air circulation and be able to show video programming on health and social issues affecting Kenyan youth. In the long term we can set up the computers we have in storage, contact an NGO partner for internet connection and begin a cyber cafe as an income generating activity for the House of Courage Initiative. We'll be providing affordable education, business and communication opportunities to an area of Mombasa where the nearest cyber cafe is nearly 6 km away and for the average Kenyan costs nearly half a day's pay for ten minutes of time.
But as with all things in Kenya, the work is pole pole (SLOW). We have to wait for the power company to come out and give us an assesment and then go through paper work and the actual hook up. This could take the next week or so to go through. In the mean time work is slow because of many meetings my supervisor and co-worker have been called away on at the very last minute. Today we had a full schedule ready to go but some of the funding NGOs called people away at the last moment to discuss some issues about assessing success of the magnet theatre program the organization has. These last minute notices of meetings take away from the groups time to develop their own initiatives and tasks as well as throw off everyone's schedule.
This weekend should be good for completing some profiles we are working on since the entire group will be working an outreach on Saturday. Weekends are actually ideal for work since we know where people will be to get information: at home. At a moments notice you have to be ready to go and move on to the next piece of the project you can complete...in the mean time you wait.
Comments
Hongera, Ben!
Congratulations on the acceptance of your grant!
It sounds as if things are falling into place and efforts are slowly but surely progressing. The immediate connection to power seems to pave a way for your long term plan of a facility which can provide some much needed technological tools.
Even though progress appears to be sluggish, it is evident.
Perhaps sharing this quote from a well-known American will help define progress.
“I walk slowly but never walk backwards.� - Abraham Lincoln
Saburi ni njema. (Patience is good.)
Be safe.
Love,
Dad
Posted by: Bob Marcy | July 6, 2007 1:26 PM
I read through all of your posting. What an experience you seem to be having. Hope this gets to you as I have never visited a "blog". I do hope this gets to you.
Posted by: George Haven | July 7, 2007 2:01 AM
What fantastic work you are getting done this summer, Ben! I am very proud of all you are accomplishing. I would say that I spend no less than an hour each week talking to friends and coworkers about your work, commitment, and the value you are bringing to the world.
Be safe and keep up the good work. We do miss you very much.
Ray
Posted by: Ray | July 7, 2007 5:31 PM
Great job, Ben! It must be very satisfying work, yet frustrating too, when things go slowly.
Think of you every day! Wishing you well! Will be good to see you when you get back!
Love,
Aunt Dawn and
Uncle Tom
Posted by: Aunt Dawn and Uncle Tom | July 7, 2007 10:15 PM
GREAT BEN!!! keep up the good work and hold on to your patience. You will feel that there is much more to do when your time is over, but what contributions you have made will be the building blocks for future progress .
Posted by: Grandpa & Grandma | July 7, 2007 10:15 PM
Ben,
So very cool that you are helping to change the world!!!
Posted by: Ken Abbott | July 8, 2007 2:21 AM
Ben, love you man. You've always been special and we're so proud of what you're doing. Keep this kind, driven, caring spirit and you'll continue to make a difference throughout your lifetime.
Posted by: George & Anna Palmer | July 10, 2007 2:37 AM
it was so nice to talk to you today. i miss you so much and am so excited about the work you are experiencing. Keep running benjamin, keep running, keep running your almost at the finish line...
Posted by: erin | July 18, 2007 4:25 AM
Hope all is well with you! Thinking good thoughts for you and sending them your way!
luv to you,
Aunt Dawn
Uncle Tom
Posted by: Aunt Dawn and Uncle Tom | July 20, 2007 1:17 AM
Dear Benja-
Miss hearing from you. Hope all is well.
Tom Jr. is home from New York. His computer hard drive has bonked out with no back up since April. See you in Chicago on the 8th. Hang in there.
Lots of love
Grandma & Grandpa
Posted by: Grandpa & Grandma | July 22, 2007 3:38 PM