Primary School Day

We visited Vuga Primary school today to interview the head teacher about community issues. He said that poverty was the main obstacle that his students face. They don't have enough money to eat well, so they come to school very hungry. This makes it very difficult for them to focus or learn. Also, the school has a shortage of desks, so the children sit three to a desk, rather than two. Collin and I were thinking that this year for the Christmas Catalog, one item could be purchasing a desk to be built by the Pamoja Vocational Center Carpentry class. This would support the Vocational Center while providing a need for the Vuga Primary school. The cost of one desk is 2500 Kenyan Shillings, or US $33.00.

 

We returned to the Pamoja Center and had lunch with the children. We had beans and rice and cooked cabbage. I was so hungry by the time it came, and I loved every bite. We ate with our hands because that is normal in the village (people jokingly call that "the Digo spoon"). In the Digo Islamic belief  system, humility is important. So, eating with your hands is a humble way to eat, and that brings you closer to God. That explanation is per Terry. 

Then we visited another primary school to conduct interviews with the head teacher  and other important figures to solicit information about the community issues that interfere with children's education. This Deputy Officer (maybe this is like a principal?) said that a big problem for them is teenage pregnancy. We met with two girls who were several months pregnant. They gave us their stories. I was moved by their honesty and willingness to share with us what had happened with to them. I honestly am still processing much of what they shared, and it seems inappropriate to share too much detail on the blog. 

We were informed that sexual abuse is not uncommon. The Kenyan government does not get involved unless the village (local elders and chief) present the issue. The village elders and the chief will not present it to the Kenyan government unless witnesses come forward. Family members and neighbors (potential witnesses who often DO have incriminating testimonies) do not want to testify due to the shame that it will cause the family of the offender. 

Terry will be admitting the infants of these two girls to Jameelah's Vineyard this fall after they are born, and the girls will be supported to finish school through the Pamoja girls' program. The facility that Terry is currently renting for Jameelah's Vineyard is approved for up to 9 infants. Currently, there are two. Of course, increasing the number of infants admitted means that more materials are needed (cribs, highchairs, and especially diapers).  Hiring more house moms will also be necessary. All this costs money. 

We are hoping over the next couple of weeks that we can have wisdom and clarity about how we can best get involved and involve others in addressing some of these issues. We are so thankful that VCF as a whole and various individuals have been supporting some of the programs here. Even though there is more need than we can fill, it is good to do what we can. That bit that we do, we want to do in the most beneficial way for the community and ideally in a way that can be sustainable.