Half Way
I've just returned from the FSD retreat in which I and the other interns had an opportunity to rest and reflect on the first month of our work in Mombasa.
My assessment of the situation is very positive. I'm working in different capacities within the range of experience with youth theatre groups. With the House of Courage Initiative, I have a group of older experienced artists who are sound on their theatre work. They are professionals in the areas of performance and public relations. The challenge remains preparing them for becoming a more well rounded organization and getting them on track for reaching their goal of becoming an NGO. This is the expectation the reality of being a Non Governmental Organization is something that takes a different form of discipline that members of the group have yet to develop. My role with the organization is to create an environment that will not just help them learn this discipline but force them to. With the recent completion of the FSD Competition Grant, it is my hope the group will soon get funds for installation of a new power connection and be able to open the youth centre they own and operate to its fullest capacity. In the long term, we hope to finalize a sustainable business plan for an internet cafe, that can help generate income for the members of HOCI and the organization as a whole as well as give members of the community of Kisauni, who have no immediate public access to the internet for 4 miles, new opportunities for business, education, and communication throught the world wide web.
The other group I work with in my free time is called Dream Achiever which is a relatively new youth group in my village. They started up just over a year ago and are learning the pieces of how to be an effective low range group. This includes dealing with the basics group politics among the executive board, realizing how to do effective outreaches, and understanding the basics of stage performance. In a sense I'm acting as a medium between this group and HOCI, which does more monitoring of younger youth groups to make sure they are doing their work effectively.
This work keeps me busy for almost 8-9hrs a day and is quite a shift going between the two. Still it is what has kept me focussed and not doubtful like some of my other colleagues. I am very fortunate.
Comments
Sorry to read of your skinned up body, the other day! I winced just hearing of it.
Keep the faith, my dear nephew! We enjoy learning of your journey with every blog you write! Peace be with you!
love to you,
Aunt Dawn
Uncle Tom
Posted by: Aunt Dawn | July 1, 2007 07:27 PM
Benja,
The word “sustainable”, truly, has come to be a descriptor in placing value on your purpose... not only in economic terms but in organizational skills and dynamics as well.
It’s good to hear you’re not losing ground with doubts. With a positive attitude comes strength, energy and initiative.
Be safe,
Love,
Dad
Posted by: Bob Marcy | July 1, 2007 08:05 PM
Dear Benja-
Your efforts to be involved and connected in a culture so different is amazing. It shows that with education, support and initiative any thing is possible. It also demonstrates that people are basicly the same in all God's world and they respond to good intentions, effort and concern.
I am printing your blog and sharing it with Eloise each time.
Be safe
Love
Grandma & Grandpa
Posted by: Grandpa & Grandma | July 2, 2007 01:23 AM
Ben,
It is so wonderful to read your blog. As others have said your writing brings to live your experiences. Thank you for letting others experience your work and a glimpse into a Kenya.
Posted by: Rhonda Eastlund | July 2, 2007 05:13 AM
Good to hear of your great work in Kenya. I am a local resident in the country and you can update in the events happening in the country by visiting my blog here: http://www.africapoint.net
regards
Gerald
Posted by: Africa Travel Point | July 10, 2007 10:44 AM
Nice and neat blog.I think i will enjoy reading it.
I've come to notice that students in the developed world are so into
volunteer work. Is it because it is part of your educational
requirements before you can graduate?
I don't remember any of the students i was with in college ever doing
volunteer work unless it was on their parents farms or something like that.
Posted by: Africa Safari | July 11, 2007 10:00 AM
Ben - We do not know each other, but I am distantly related to Eloise Williams. She is up in Michigan visiting with my Grandmother Arlene Kocur. She asked me to write you to let you know how proud she is of the work you are doing. She will be visiting us until July 24th. She passes along her love and best wishes....
Posted by: Mark Kushion | July 14, 2007 06:56 PM