Meetings with Leaders

Yesterday our group went to Cura for the first time, by way of the Dan Eldon Place of Tomorrow for a brief tour and introduction to Mike Tambo. Mike works with his DEPOT colleagues on leadership workshops with Kenyan young people and organizations, including with the teachers and leaders in Cura Village. He agreed to join us in Cura later in the day, but sent us on ahead...



On the way, we saw Scola, the computer lab instructor, walking toward Cura--so she and I had a joyful roadside reunion before she hopped in our car for the final stretch of road!



Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by Moses and the full Cura Home Board. We were seated and offered tea and sandwiches before the Chairman (George, who is also the pastor of the Anglican church) convened our meeting to discuss the progress of the Home since we last visited together. We were updated on the progress of some of the projects designed to foster Cura's economic sustainability (weaving, bee-keeping, banana-growing, chickens and the latest idea: rabbits!), the plans for a secondary school and the repercussions that school will have on the policies of the Home, as well as on the welfare of and existing needs for the children who are happy and healthy there. Mostly, we were reminded of the profound committment these individuals have toward nurturing the community's strength and independence. We hope to continue to partner with them in creative and successful ways!



One of the things we asked the wise people of the Board was about the qualities of successful volunteers; we hoped to get some guidance for our own behavior, as well as a sense of how long-term volunteers could increase their potential for success. I was particularly struck by the Chairman's immediate answer: that the most effective volunteers "matched words with actions." The Board added that effective volunteers are also respectful of the community's practices and wisdom, open to new experiences, committed to complete the projects they begin, and mindful that they stand as role models to the children who observe their actions.



After our meeting with the Board, Mike Tambo rejoined us and escorted us to Cura Primary School for a meeting with head teacher Mr Njenga and his staff of teachers. We reconnected on the issues we discussed last year, and discussed our plans for interacting with the school children for the remainder of the week. Some of the teachers shared their observations about existing needs for their classrooms and curricula, which gave us excellent ideas about how we might prepare materials and activities for our next visit!



I'll write more with details about these conversations as they develop, but for now rest assured that we're all busy and very, very happy to be here! Tami and Tesha were all smiles after their tour of the classrooms and interaction with the children; Linette was so moved that even now she tears up when she talks about yesterday; and Evan is giddy about her plans to visit the class 8 pupils who are closest to her own age. Matt, of course, is busy planning his move from his Nairobi bed and breakfast to his Cura digs...

More to come,
H