Life Changing Experience
Report from Sharyn Poole and Sheila Smith – 01/12/11
Parry Sound/Muskoka Chapter of CES Canada
As we prepared for our trip to Kenya in November 2011, so many people impressed upon us what a ‘life-changing’ experience we would have. And life-changing it was; but, in so much more personal a way than possible to describe in mere words.
We had been working with CES for over two years and had gained so much knowledge about our schools in Western Province. It was definitely time to go and see this work first-hand.
We were met in Nairobi by Livingstone Nyanje, Anglican priest and CES Kenya Board member. During the 10 hour drive to Kakamega we had a wonderful opportunity to get to know Livingstone and to hear of his work and his dreams. His family home is at Eshitari where one of our CES schools is located. It was a joy later to visit this school and to see so much of it through his eyes. He attended Eshitari Secondary School in the early 80’s and has a very personal attachment to it.
Rev. Captain Livingstone Nyanje with Eshitari friends
The CES Kenya board welcomed us like family. We visited seven schools, meeting with school administrators, teachers and school board members. At each school we signed the guest registry and got to know each other over tea warm soda and biscuits. Our new friends helped us to understand some of the challenges of education in rural Kenya. We were thrilled to see first hand the projects that are being funded by caring Canadians.
Board members also made sure that we saw the area in and around Kakamega; the busy markets, the university and the area where the July 1st Canada Day Run organized by the Thunder Bay Chapter took place. They also made sure that we had opportunity to rest and enjoy our surroundings at Sheywe Guest House in Kakamega.
Sheywe Guesthouse and Conference Centre – CES Kenya Headquarters
During our stay in Kakamega, we had the rare and wonderful opportunity to attend a Service of Ordination at Christ Pro-Cathedral. The church was packed. There were tents outside filled with people, choirs providing music during every part of the service, twelve ordinands including their families and four Bishops who officiated at various parts of the service. Although the majority of the service was in Swahili, the atmosphere and sense of joy was universal. It was a privilege to attend this service and to feel so welcomed by everyone we met. The sense of inclusion we felt at every moment of our time in Kakamega and our visits to the CES schools was certainly continued as we enjoyed this day with the Kenyan Anglican Church community.
Visiting CES schools was certainly the highlight of our visit. We saw the Eshitari SS well project, our initial involvement with CES. We also met with the Principals, administrative staff and project managers for ongoing projects – these all because of groups, individuals and churches in Canada who believe in the work of CES Canada in Kenya.
Sharyn (left) and Sheila (right) at Eshitari Well site
Musaga SS is an incredibly exciting school. It is undergoing a transformation. Besides a new source of clean water, the Thunder Bay chapter of CES Canada is funding classrooms. Previously students studied under the shade of a tree. There are dormitories and a farm project being built at Shikoti Girls SS and a fully equipped and operational science lab at Ibinzo SS for Girls. A new kitchen/cookhouse at Eshitari SS will also have a dining hall/multi purpose room attached. Students can gather and have educational and social workshops as well as a place to enjoy the daily lunch provided.
Beginning Stages of a New Dormitory at St Mary Goretti Girls SS at Shikoti
On behalf of CES Canada we had the opportunity to dedicate new wells at Musaga SS and Khachonge PS. It was so gratifying to see that each of these wells has enough water to not only provide for the school needs, but also for the surrounding community.
Well at Khachonge PS – Sheila on right
CES Canada/TDSB/Scarborough Rotary Club Partnership
Form III and IV students were writing exams when we were there. However we did have the opportunity to meet with many of our sponsored students and hear their dreams for the future. They are so grateful for their sponsors and they are aware that the opportunity for a scholarship depends on their commitment to their studies. The dream and determination they have to further their education is remarkable. They treasure the chance through education to strengthen their family and community and they are motivated to help build their nation.
It is impossible to describe all that we felt when observing these new projects. We realized the impact of caring, loving people who understand the necessity of needy and vulnerable children to attend, excel and finish secondary school. But even more than that, the feeling of being with our students, watching them work together, assist each other, and greeting us in such a self-confident manner is extraordinary. They need to be heard; each one has a story and all are receptive to a listening ear.
CES sponsored students at Eshitari SS
Indeed, our trip to Kenya was life-changing – in ways that will remain in our hearts. We wonder how the projects are going and how the students are doing. Each day we see their faces and hear their shy, confident voices. This amazing experience is made real as we support and encourage our schools in their monumental task. It also comes full circle as we tell their stories and share the magic and joy that sponsoring a student brings to our lives.
Sharyn and Sheila with Shikoti Girls SS Principal Everlyne Shinali (far right)
Thank you to CES Kenya, to Patron Malik Khaemba, Chairman Ben Udoto, Treasurer Crispus Khamala, to Livingstone Nyanje and to all those school staff who made us so welcome and included us so completely in their world. Thank you especially to the CES students who greeted and accepted us and who communicated their love without reserve and with such confidence.
Sheila Smith
Sharyn Poole
Parry Sound/Muskoka Chapter, CES Canada
