Stepping Aside

Omondi and James of Mumbaya Youth Group solicit the help of family in their households to prick out tree seedlings.

I have known that most of my projects, due to the brevity of my time, would not be fully implemented until after I have already left. I have strived to ensure that these projects were planned in a sustainable manner, such that when I step aside, they can proceed without any major issues.

These projects include:

Improving Healthcare Access for Communities within the Swamp

I have been working to mobilize and guide staff members at Osieko Dispensary to institute weekly mobile clinics (by boat) into marginalized communities within the Yala Swamp to improve access to healthcare. Over 4,000 people live in these communities, where a trip to the doctor means passing through the swamp by boat, then entering the often volatile waters of Lake Victoria, to arrive at Osieko Dispensary. The journey proves to be too demanding for most people, who instead simply do without healthcare.

In February, Edwin and I travelled to Osieko Dispensary to discuss the idea with staff. They raised several concerns, but acknowledging the need, were very much willing to pursue the project.

Attaining Closure

A picture with my 'wamama wa soko' in front of the new market shade constructed by the government. I love chatting with these women each evening. They have taken to calling me their son, 'mtoto wetu!' The mama directly in front of me is holding up the gift that she insisted I bring back to my mother in America, 'omena'. 'Omena' are small, sun-dried fish which the locals fry or boil to eat with ugali. We'll have to see how much stench emanates from my luggage and whether they'll allow them on the plane home.

Leaving site this time around has been much less emotional. In Mali, I went to bed one night knowing I still had 5 solid months in Makili, only to wake up the next day knowing that I'd be gone in a matter of days. Thankfully, this time around here in Kenya, I've been able to instead close out my service on my own terms.

I have known that my last day of service would be June 28th, meaning that I would have to leave site on the 26th. I have been able to not only prepare my friends and colleagues for my imminent departure, but also my own state-of-mind.

My relative lack of emotion this time around betrays the fact that I feel just as close to Budalang'i as I did to Makili. The difference simply owes itself to preparation.

Mumbaya Youth Group and my host family, that of 'mzee' John Mango, both threw me small going-away parties. More surprisingly, my host organization which I have not been working with, decided to do so as well. These gatherings meant a lot to me, showing that my work has been appreciated. But beyond these brief gatherings, I have more-so appreciated the simple opportunity to continue life as part of the 'wanyala' community right until the end, spending more time with the people that have made this experience so special.

And that is what this post is about, just a handful of the many people who have made ten months go by so quickly:

A talk to bring it all home...

Speaking with 90 young men in Form 4 at St Benedict's Budalang'i High School yesterday.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to speak with students at two nearby secondary schools. 150 young men and women within the health and young Christian clubs at Nyambare Secondary School in nearby Siaya District, and 90 young men in Form 4 at our local St. Benedict’s High School here in Budalang’i.

At each school, I was given a one-hour time slot to speak to the students, offering any advice I thought could help them. These talks, however brief, were two of the most fulfilling and enjoyable experiences I’ve had in my three years in the Peace Corps.

Not only did I have a blast, but the students also seemed to enjoy themselves, taking notes and participating when engaged. Although I wish I had time to work at more secondary schools, it is fitting that these opportunities have effectively concluded my time in the Peace Corps.

There was a time when filling such a long time slot would be a daunting task. What could I possibly talk about? But in the past three years, through the work and conversations I’ve had within my communities both in Mali and Kenya, I’ve developed an understanding of the issues of development, along with ways to frame my arguments to motivate those around me to take charge of their own lives. In many ways the speeches I gave are the culmination of my time, an appropriate summary of everything I’ve learned about development.

Teaching Taboo: Advising The Next Generation

Students at New Hope perform a range of role plays on resisting peer pressure.

I have been teaching weekly Adolescent Reproductive Health and Lifeskills classes at two local primary schools. At New Hope Primary School, I teach approximately 100 students from standards 5 through 8. At Budalang'i Primary School, I teach approximately 60 students from standard 8. This has been yet another opportunity to work in a field which I have no prior experience in. As time has gone on, I've gotten more and more comfortable with teaching and have come to rather enjoy it.

Answering questions from the students at New Hope prior to beginning a lesson on HIV/Aids.