The goal of the program is to give street kids a place to clean up, stay sober, stay safe, and to educate them (Math, English, drug abuse) so that they can change their lives and pursue a higher education. The reality is that this won't happen unless the funding of the program increases. It costs about $150 a week to pay the lease, electricity, and food - but, the program has a difficult time finding the resources just to keep running.
Erik introduced himself to most of the kids, but in the end he was simply called "Mzungu" (Swahili for white). This is not surprising because most of the people in the community have never seen a "white" person before. The real excitement came when a group of boys and Erik were playing soccer. Soccer at the center consists of 2 sticks on each end (representing the goals), stones (representing out of bounds), a dirt field with many holes, and a 1/2 filled soccer ball. Nevertheless, the barefoot kids were better than the "Mzungu" with gym shoes. About an hour into the game, as he started gaining their trust, one of the boys passed him a ball above his head. Erik jumped, then landed on the side of his foot in a hole. Not even a week into the trip and Erik has a sprained ankle! At least there are a lot of doctors here at the IU House...
Thursday, August 12, 2010
tumaini children's center
Erik volunteered yesterday at Tumaini, a place for orphan children (ages 2 months to 18 years) to come and have a safe place away from the streets. It's a very sad but rewarding experience. Tumaini started in January of this year and barely has the resources to give the children porridge for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There were about 100 kids (75% boys). Their backgrounds vary but for the most part they live a life of pick-pocketing, trafficking, drug abuse, fighting, HIV, and more. Almost all the kids sniff glue because it is a numbing experience that keeps them warm at night. Just picture a little 7 year old boy with hardened glue above his upper lip. All the kids speak "swang" (Swahili slang) so it was a difficult experience picking up the words. Erik helped wash, feed, farm, and play with the kids.
The goal of the program is to give street kids a place to clean up, stay sober, stay safe, and to educate them (Math, English, drug abuse) so that they can change their lives and pursue a higher education. The reality is that this won't happen unless the funding of the program increases. It costs about $150 a week to pay the lease, electricity, and food - but, the program has a difficult time finding the resources just to keep running.
Erik introduced himself to most of the kids, but in the end he was simply called "Mzungu" (Swahili for white). This is not surprising because most of the people in the community have never seen a "white" person before. The real excitement came when a group of boys and Erik were playing soccer. Soccer at the center consists of 2 sticks on each end (representing the goals), stones (representing out of bounds), a dirt field with many holes, and a 1/2 filled soccer ball. Nevertheless, the barefoot kids were better than the "Mzungu" with gym shoes. About an hour into the game, as he started gaining their trust, one of the boys passed him a ball above his head. Erik jumped, then landed on the side of his foot in a hole. Not even a week into the trip and Erik has a sprained ankle! At least there are a lot of doctors here at the IU House...
The goal of the program is to give street kids a place to clean up, stay sober, stay safe, and to educate them (Math, English, drug abuse) so that they can change their lives and pursue a higher education. The reality is that this won't happen unless the funding of the program increases. It costs about $150 a week to pay the lease, electricity, and food - but, the program has a difficult time finding the resources just to keep running.
Erik introduced himself to most of the kids, but in the end he was simply called "Mzungu" (Swahili for white). This is not surprising because most of the people in the community have never seen a "white" person before. The real excitement came when a group of boys and Erik were playing soccer. Soccer at the center consists of 2 sticks on each end (representing the goals), stones (representing out of bounds), a dirt field with many holes, and a 1/2 filled soccer ball. Nevertheless, the barefoot kids were better than the "Mzungu" with gym shoes. About an hour into the game, as he started gaining their trust, one of the boys passed him a ball above his head. Erik jumped, then landed on the side of his foot in a hole. Not even a week into the trip and Erik has a sprained ankle! At least there are a lot of doctors here at the IU House...
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Erik what a breath of fresh air you are to those kids -- take care of that ankle! Mom B
ReplyDeleteErik,
ReplyDeleteI am sure it is an extraordinary experience to volunteer at Tumaini and work with the kids. Sorry to hear about your ankle - hopefully it won't slow you down for too long. Dad B.
Erik,
ReplyDeleteTumaini sounds like the Eldoret version of the Boys and Girls Club without funding,equipment and facilities. Hope your ankle is feeling better today.Despite the pain I'm sure it was a rewarding day for you. Love, Mom A
These kids are most fortunate to have "mzungu" with them!!! The situation sounds extremely sad, yet extremely rewarding for you and for the kids to have you in their presence. Keep up the good work and take care of that ankle. Hugs to you both from the Laesch's
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your blog...it sounds like you guys are having an awesome experience! I was especially excited to hear you got to play soccor w/ the kids...will you have the chance to go back to tumaini again?
ReplyDelete