Working with Faulu has been an enriching and life-changing experience for me. This internship has exposed me to means of opportunity creation that foster grassroots empowerment and poverty alleviation. Every day when I returned from the group meetings, I realized more and more that giving people credit without the strain of collateral is such a profound way of changing their lives for the better. Although microfinance may not be the panacea for ending poverty, it is the most effective process I have seen for lessening the devastating effects of poverty here in Kenya.
This trip has also enlightened me to the importance of grassroots empowerment. Sometimes all people need is the opportunity and the encouragement of credit, to help them build and control capital, so they may pull out of poverty. For once the poor are empowered, they are the most determined and ambitious fighters I have witnessed, as they struggle to better their lives and improve their country. As microfinance provides people with the opportunity of credit, it is an essential tool if we wish to eliminate poverty in the world. The right to credit should be a human right available to all, in order to promote development and growth throughout the world.
I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to come here and work with Faulu. The experience has really opened my eyes to new opportunities, and has helped me to recognize that international development is my true passion where I can make my biggest contribution to the world. Thank you to all who have supported me in this venture. I couldn’t have done it without you!
We depart home for the states this Saturday, and I cannot believe how fast this month has flown by. I will deeply miss Nairobi and the Kenyan culture. I will miss haggling for bargain prices in the markets, and taking tea, delicious African tea with milk and spices, multiple times a day. I will miss the mango juice freshly squeezed to order, and the challenge of climbing into a matatu (14 passenger bus) with high heels on. But mostly, I will miss all the wonderful people I have had the pleasure of working with, especially all of my new friends at Faulu. Nairobi has had a huge impact on me, and I hope to return to Nairobi in the near future.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Trip to the Museum and Snake Park
This weekend we played tourist again here in Nairobi. On Saturday, we went to the National Museum and the Snake Park. At the museum, we saw an array of exhibits beginning with a temporary art show on the theme of trees. We then proceeded to the main exhibition that includes a display of the origins and evolution of man, an exhibit displaying the wild safari animals of Kenya, a portrayal of key aspects of the prominent Kenyan tribes, and lastly, a representation of how Kenya has changed over the years. Taking pictures of many of the exhibits was a bit challenging due to lighting, but here are some pictures!
As for the Snake Park, not being the biggest fan of snakes, the snakes were not my favorite. Both Patrick and Jen held a snake – Patrick even held one around his neck! Eww! – but I decided against it. Just a touch was almost too much for me! But we also got to hold chameleons and a tortoise. Now that was fun! The park also had crocodiles and an American alligator, along with a variety of highly poisonous snakes. A little scary, but all in all, a great day!
As for the Snake Park, not being the biggest fan of snakes, the snakes were not my favorite. Both Patrick and Jen held a snake – Patrick even held one around his neck! Eww! – but I decided against it. Just a touch was almost too much for me! But we also got to hold chameleons and a tortoise. Now that was fun! The park also had crocodiles and an American alligator, along with a variety of highly poisonous snakes. A little scary, but all in all, a great day!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Feeding (and Kissing) the Giraffes!
On Saturday afternoon, after our tour of the Nairobi National Park, David took us to feed the giraffes. One of the highlights of this trip! Giraffes have the most ridiculous tongues, and are hilarious to feed. And if you hold the treat in between your lips, the giraffes will give you a 'kiss'. So of course, we all had to try it! We had the honor of 'kissing' a giraffe named Lynn who was too fun and incredibly sweet, and according to the staff, the most passionate kisser. ;) A crazy experience indeed!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Trip to Nairobi National Park!
On Saturday morning, we woke up very early to see the animals of Nairobi National Park. Our wonderful and trustworthy cab driver, John, offered to be our tour guide at a bargain price, and picked us up at 6:00am. We were all bursting with excitement, and driving through the park at 7:00am. (We were told to either go to the park early in the morning or late in the evening to see the animals.) And boy, the animals we saw! Just the view of the savannah with the city in the background was stunning. Here are some pictures of the savannah!
After driving a ways through the park, our first animal spotting was of zebras, antelope, and water buffalo (or just buffalo as they call them here). The pictures were taken early in the morning, so the animals blend well in with the landscape. But here are some pictures taken by Jen, Patrick and myself.
Next, we saw her majesty of the kingdom, the beautiful lioness, or 'simba' as she is called in Swahili. She was absolutely stunning and we were all mesmerized. At one point she stood maybe 15-20 feet away from us. The closest we have all been to a lion in the wild. Patrick captured the best picture of her looking at us, national geographic quality! Enjoy!
Next we saw my personal favorite, giraffes! They are such magnificent creatures, and surprisingly graceful and awkward at the same time. It's hard to explain! But seeing them in their own natural, wild habitat was spectacular.
Our next spotting, in the far distance, was rhinos. We spotted two walking in sequence across the savannah, but still looking massive and dangerous.
We then fell upon a valley with an array of animals grazing in the grass including again zebras, antelope and giraffes, and introducing warthogs and ostriches. Absolutely stunning!
We then continued along the road heading to the elephant orphanage, when we turned around the corner and found ourselves smack in the middle of a baboon village. We saw huge baboons that were quite scary with their stern faces and jagged teeth, as well as little babies holding onto their mother's stomachs that were so adorable. Quite the sight!
After, we arrived at the elephant orphanage to see the 'elephant babies' as John calls them. The babies were so cute! So goofy and clumsy, climbing over each other and playing in the dirt! A wonderful ending to a fabulous tour of Nairobi National Park.
After driving a ways through the park, our first animal spotting was of zebras, antelope, and water buffalo (or just buffalo as they call them here). The pictures were taken early in the morning, so the animals blend well in with the landscape. But here are some pictures taken by Jen, Patrick and myself.
Next, we saw her majesty of the kingdom, the beautiful lioness, or 'simba' as she is called in Swahili. She was absolutely stunning and we were all mesmerized. At one point she stood maybe 15-20 feet away from us. The closest we have all been to a lion in the wild. Patrick captured the best picture of her looking at us, national geographic quality! Enjoy!
Next we saw my personal favorite, giraffes! They are such magnificent creatures, and surprisingly graceful and awkward at the same time. It's hard to explain! But seeing them in their own natural, wild habitat was spectacular.
Our next spotting, in the far distance, was rhinos. We spotted two walking in sequence across the savannah, but still looking massive and dangerous.
We then fell upon a valley with an array of animals grazing in the grass including again zebras, antelope and giraffes, and introducing warthogs and ostriches. Absolutely stunning!
We then continued along the road heading to the elephant orphanage, when we turned around the corner and found ourselves smack in the middle of a baboon village. We saw huge baboons that were quite scary with their stern faces and jagged teeth, as well as little babies holding onto their mother's stomachs that were so adorable. Quite the sight!
After, we arrived at the elephant orphanage to see the 'elephant babies' as John calls them. The babies were so cute! So goofy and clumsy, climbing over each other and playing in the dirt! A wonderful ending to a fabulous tour of Nairobi National Park.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Kibera
Just because a place is compromised doesn't mean that the people are compromised. Kibera is the largest slum in Kenya, and the poorest place in Africa. At first glance, the poverty level is stunning. Rubbish overflows the streets, and people live in metal shacks without shoes and sanitary water. The place looks completely destitute and hopeless. But I have quickly learned that the people are not hopeless. In fact, the people are hopeful and vibrant with energy as they go about their business trading and bartering with each other. They have accepted who they are and have feasible aspirations for where they want to go. Many are planning for the future, and after a hard struggle, many will reach their goals. I have found that social mobility is more accessible here in Kenya than in the states. Once people get their foot out of the slums, it is easier here for them to achieve financial stability.
As for life in the slums, beside the trash filling the streets and the stench from a lack of sewage, the slums are full of life. People not only have successful businesses here but also make efforts to create homes with decorations and music. The people overall also seem happier and more optimistic than the poor and homeless I have come across in the states. I'm not saying that these people don't struggle, because they do. Very much so! They are very poor and can hardly make ends meet. Many will die from diseases and hunger. But they are so resourceful with what they have, and have created a strong and united community. And through hard work, many will in fact leave the slums and retire well.
Here are some pictures of Kibera, where I spend most of my day working.
As for life in the slums, beside the trash filling the streets and the stench from a lack of sewage, the slums are full of life. People not only have successful businesses here but also make efforts to create homes with decorations and music. The people overall also seem happier and more optimistic than the poor and homeless I have come across in the states. I'm not saying that these people don't struggle, because they do. Very much so! They are very poor and can hardly make ends meet. Many will die from diseases and hunger. But they are so resourceful with what they have, and have created a strong and united community. And through hard work, many will in fact leave the slums and retire well.
Here are some pictures of Kibera, where I spend most of my day working.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Working at Faulu
This trip is definitely adding perspective to my life. We, Americans, often take our educations for granted, but here, Kenyans are so eager to learn. They listen and truly make efforts to understand, so they may continue learning and bettering their lives. It's inspiring.
Much of my time with Faulu is spent attending group meetings where I ask and answer questions regarding the similarities and differences between microfinance and business in Kenya and the US. The groups ask excellent questions comparing and contrasting business operations, and we often delve into politically and economic discussions regarding the state of Kenya. They also ask me for advice for general business operations including financial management (mostly personal wealth building), understanding business cycles, and also how to maintain a profitable business here in Kenya. I try my best to answer these questions in a way that contributes to their growth and success, but often they look to me as a savior. They hope that I have the answer, but I don't. No one does. These questions and issues will not be resolved overnight.
Government corruption is a major factor in slowing down the development of Kenya's economy, as is the case with most developing nations. For example, the government still does not offer public schooling, even for primary school, even though the new constitution mandates it. I have a feeling that it will take years to fully implement the new constitution which was finalized in August of 2010.
There was an incidence that happened last Thursday that further exemplifies this point. Food prices have skyrocketed, doubling in the past month, and with banks raising interest rates, the people are getting frustrated. As a result, a group of demonstrators, mostly university students, protested the rising food prices in the city centre. The government then responded by sending the police to teargas the demonstrators and citizens nearby to disperse the crowd and stop the demonstration, even though the new constitution now allows peaceful protests. Essentially this solves nothing, while the government continues to control the Kenyan people with fear.
But Kenyans are smart, creative and remarkable mature people, as a hard life mandates. Many struggle for their educations and struggle for success. Today, a man told me his story. He was never able to go to school, even primary school, but worked in the tea fields with his parents who could never afford to send him to school. But he knew from a young age that farming was not his life; he dreamed of being a businessman. So he finally decided to move to Nairobi to start a life for himself with only 1 shilling (about a penny). But with the help of Faulu and his community, 10 years later, he is now ready to build and own his own business. I guess you could call this the Kenyan Dream.
I hear stories very similar to his every day working with Faulu. Faulu is a brilliant and successful program, and after all, Faulu does mean 'succeed' in Swahili. Faulu has been such an amazing experience for me so far, and I can't wait to share more when I return to the states.
Much of my time with Faulu is spent attending group meetings where I ask and answer questions regarding the similarities and differences between microfinance and business in Kenya and the US. The groups ask excellent questions comparing and contrasting business operations, and we often delve into politically and economic discussions regarding the state of Kenya. They also ask me for advice for general business operations including financial management (mostly personal wealth building), understanding business cycles, and also how to maintain a profitable business here in Kenya. I try my best to answer these questions in a way that contributes to their growth and success, but often they look to me as a savior. They hope that I have the answer, but I don't. No one does. These questions and issues will not be resolved overnight.
Government corruption is a major factor in slowing down the development of Kenya's economy, as is the case with most developing nations. For example, the government still does not offer public schooling, even for primary school, even though the new constitution mandates it. I have a feeling that it will take years to fully implement the new constitution which was finalized in August of 2010.
There was an incidence that happened last Thursday that further exemplifies this point. Food prices have skyrocketed, doubling in the past month, and with banks raising interest rates, the people are getting frustrated. As a result, a group of demonstrators, mostly university students, protested the rising food prices in the city centre. The government then responded by sending the police to teargas the demonstrators and citizens nearby to disperse the crowd and stop the demonstration, even though the new constitution now allows peaceful protests. Essentially this solves nothing, while the government continues to control the Kenyan people with fear.
But Kenyans are smart, creative and remarkable mature people, as a hard life mandates. Many struggle for their educations and struggle for success. Today, a man told me his story. He was never able to go to school, even primary school, but worked in the tea fields with his parents who could never afford to send him to school. But he knew from a young age that farming was not his life; he dreamed of being a businessman. So he finally decided to move to Nairobi to start a life for himself with only 1 shilling (about a penny). But with the help of Faulu and his community, 10 years later, he is now ready to build and own his own business. I guess you could call this the Kenyan Dream.
I hear stories very similar to his every day working with Faulu. Faulu is a brilliant and successful program, and after all, Faulu does mean 'succeed' in Swahili. Faulu has been such an amazing experience for me so far, and I can't wait to share more when I return to the states.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Trip to Sogoo
On Saturday David took us to his home village, Sogoo, which is about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Nairobi. Before we set out, we bought sugar and rice as gifts to bring to the village. We drove through the city centre where David pointed out various famous and important buildings, and then we were on the highway leaving Nairobi. We were chattering away, cruising down the highway, when David turned down the road and revealed the Great Rift Valley 2000 ft below us. We were completely overwhelmed by the view and asked David to pull over to take pictures.
We then continued driving to Sogoo, stopped to have tea in Narok, and then finally arrived after a 25 kilometer ride on a dirt road. We drove straight to the primary school where everyone gave us a warm welcome. We sat down for refreshments and introductions and they told us about the history of the primary school, where David was once a student. We continued the day with a tour of the school and facilities, and then sat in the field to speak with the 7th and 8th graders about America, and to also encourage them to study hard and apply for university. There was a little bit of a struggle with the language barrier and our American accents, but when we played with the girls after they were warm and welcoming. They were amazed at my skin color and even asked if I had blood! They also loved playing with my hair! (The girls keep their hair cut short for hygienic purpose.)
After, we walked down the hillside to the house David grew up in to have lunch. Words can't even describe how beautiful the land was. The pictures don't do it justice. It was slightly misty out which gave the land a mystic and fantastical feel while we were there, but didn’t turn out so well in the pictures. But we were stunned at the views, and it felt so good to be out in the country after living in Nairobi for the past week. To make the day even better, David's mom prepared us a delicious meal of meat, rice and potatoes. After finishing off with a cup of African tea, we were all stuffed to the brim and ready to explore more.
After lunch, David's brother walked us down the river. We stopped many times to take pictures and admire the views while passing by cows, donkeys, and fields of maize. The river itself is very low due to drought, but is still a main water source for many of the village residents. Everyone we passed by were amazed to see white people in the village but were still most welcoming. Some of the children even asked if we were angels, as we were the first white people they have ever seen. Truly an amazing day, and I was very grateful to David for taking us here.
We then continued driving to Sogoo, stopped to have tea in Narok, and then finally arrived after a 25 kilometer ride on a dirt road. We drove straight to the primary school where everyone gave us a warm welcome. We sat down for refreshments and introductions and they told us about the history of the primary school, where David was once a student. We continued the day with a tour of the school and facilities, and then sat in the field to speak with the 7th and 8th graders about America, and to also encourage them to study hard and apply for university. There was a little bit of a struggle with the language barrier and our American accents, but when we played with the girls after they were warm and welcoming. They were amazed at my skin color and even asked if I had blood! They also loved playing with my hair! (The girls keep their hair cut short for hygienic purpose.)
After, we walked down the hillside to the house David grew up in to have lunch. Words can't even describe how beautiful the land was. The pictures don't do it justice. It was slightly misty out which gave the land a mystic and fantastical feel while we were there, but didn’t turn out so well in the pictures. But we were stunned at the views, and it felt so good to be out in the country after living in Nairobi for the past week. To make the day even better, David's mom prepared us a delicious meal of meat, rice and potatoes. After finishing off with a cup of African tea, we were all stuffed to the brim and ready to explore more.
After lunch, David's brother walked us down the river. We stopped many times to take pictures and admire the views while passing by cows, donkeys, and fields of maize. The river itself is very low due to drought, but is still a main water source for many of the village residents. Everyone we passed by were amazed to see white people in the village but were still most welcoming. Some of the children even asked if we were angels, as we were the first white people they have ever seen. Truly an amazing day, and I was very grateful to David for taking us here.
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