Summer in Hamisi, Kenya
A Joyful Welcome!
A team of 12 North Americans, including five young adults, traveled to Hamisi in early July. The children of CSI welcomed their visitors with a special program of traditional, sacred, and original dances, and songs in brilliant harmony. A child wrote, “My tears of joy rolled down!” She spoke for everyone!
Mutual learning and curiosity prevailed during the 11-day visit; volunteers, students, and teachers gathered to learn and talk about microscopes, the solar system, North American seasons, music, painting, writing, new games, and supporting one another.
Some student quotes:
“With the visitors we played football, asked questions, learned to pronounce words, taught them Swahili, and benefitted in how to be grateful when you have been given something. I will put these into practice--practice makes perfect.”
“I learned to use a microscope and will take care of our microscopes and teach other children to use them to see animals you cannot see with the naked eye.”
“I thanked the visitors for their time spent and their teachings and their advice. They gave me hope that one day I will care and help the orphans the way they do. Surely I learnt that good people still exist in this world.”
Teachers are the key!
The July volunteers arrived in Kenya during a public school teachers’ strike. While our CSI students thrived in their classrooms, idle children from the public schools longed to be in class, too. A good education is so important. We must keep our excellent teachers, and do our part for children who are so eager to learn.
