Friendships Nurtured Last a Lifetime

Leaving Kenya is a mixed blessing. What is it about this part of Africa that keeps pulling me back? The culture gap is extraordinary and at times this “mzungu” feels he does not belong. It’s time to go back home, to my family and all the things in Canada I hold dear. 

CES started with a friendship that began three decades ago. Today I have beautiful Kenyan friends that greet me with a “karibu” and “habari yako”. And Canada...awesome friends that share the vision of young people learning, growing and developing into leaders in their community. It’s family, the 300 young scholars who work so hard to rise above the poverty that surrounds them. It's all good.

Yet, this trip to Kenya has been a frustration. Imagine a nationwide teacher strike where now the government has closed all public schools. Two planned conferences were postponed. That’s Kenya - you deal with things that fail. That gave more time for in depth strategic planning. One of the great joys for me was the visit of CES Canada Director Charles Mayenga. En route from Lesotho to Barbados, he managed a brief visit to Kakamega for some important discussions. 

It was great to see the CES Alumnus take their place as young adults now discovering they can make a difference. Students visited the CES Kenya office each day just to greet me and thank CES for taking them higher and farther in life. The tough part was to talk to so many accepted at the post secondary level who were unable to attend due to lack of tuition fees. Not good enough to tell them to hang in and hope for the best, we encouraged them to work, save and look for other sources of support. It is so sad really to see them return to the poverty of village life. Beautiful minds wasted - there has to be a better way for these youth. 

The CES ICT Training program is now in place, so too the Leadership Scholarship Project. Every CES student will receive a 90 hour guided instruction on the use and application of the computer. Top scholars are part of a leadership development program in life and entrepreneurial skills. Musaga SS continues to grow with a new kitchen nearly completed. 

This last blog is where I say goodbye to dear friends. I know the good work will continue. Next month Sandy and Hannah Guthrie will be here and the excitement is already building for their visit. I leave you with a few photos, each one a story of friendship and outreach. Friendships nurtured will last a lifetime…geographic distance will not erase the memories we share. 

I read a verse this morning (Psalm 91:2) that sums it all up for me...we are all Gods children no matter where in this world we live. Trust more and worry less...sounds like a good way to live:"I will say of the Lord , He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

CES Grads Busuku Musili and Benjamin Otido

Best Friends - Ben Udoto CES Chair and Patron Malik Khaemba

Kimang'eti SS girls dancing to a song they created

"Mzungu - mzungu, how are you?"

All deserve a chance to go to school

New friends at St Peter's Mwritu, Bungoma

Bukhakunga SS Tour Guide, Prefect and CES top student 

Agnes Namanda

Students in cities due to national teacher strike

eager to learn despite lack of instruction

Mother of CES Grad Aziza Wafula (Registered Nurse) hears I am at 

Bukhakunga SS

She comes to say thanks and here meets CES Director Aziza Rajab

Milly Ominde - thank God 

Aziza Rajab (CES Director), Doris Miroya, Linda Wabwire (CES Grads)

 Sarah Nabongo (CES Kenya Executive Assistant)

Makukhuni SS CES School since 2006

Makhukuni SS - CES students share their hopes and dreams

Musaga SS chef feeds 220 students in these facilities

CES Canada (Thunder Bay) now building a new Kitchen 

CES Grad Busuku Musili at Ingotse medical clinic

CESPatron Malik Khaemba a proud "father" to 300+ students

115/80

It's not every day one hears the good news, "your blood pressure is fine - in the average range. For now no worries." 115/80 - numbers are favourable. I am relieved and overwhelmed at the same time. Imagine "daktari" being none other than Busuku Musli Wetende, former CES Grad (Makhukuni SS), and now clinical officer at Ingotse Medical Dispensary and Clinic.

Meeting Busuku at the Ingotse Dispensary

CES Canada has supported Busuku since the early days of secondary school, through to his training at Port Reitz Medical College in Mombassa. Upon graduation Busuku apprenticed at Kakamega General Hospital and most recently has been placed in charge of administration and medical procedures in the rural village of Ingotse.

I am overwhelmed that one of our own fine young men is engaged in a community health initiative near to where he grew up. I am delighted that Busuku is taking my blood pressure and that of the entire CES Kenya team. He is a product of CES, one who I am extremely proud of.

We see the hospital - 22 beds in all. There is another wing for hospice care and a third area for the delivery of newborns. Up to 50 patients each day of the week come for treatment and consultation. The clinic is open 24 hours per day to treat cases of malaria, tuberculosis, diarrhea, and Aids. The clinic has a medical research team of two nurses and a technologist to do blood work. Busuku is able to perform minor surgery, prescribe drugs and counsel people for hypertension, diabetes and other ailments.

Busuku Musli was so happy to see us and show us around the beautiful compound. He is always nearby as he has been given a home to live in right on the property. His main goal is to lead his team of health professionals and provide community health service to a large area covering 600 sq km.

CES Kenya Patron Malik Khaemba and CES Director Aziza Rajab

waiting nervously for their blood pressure numbers

CES sponsored students continue to shine. In time there will be many like Busuku who return to their community to give back and make a contribution to society. Among others, I recently saw Aziza Wafula, James Wasike and Metrine Mayende - all CES grads, now working in a local medical treatment facility. These are the results of sacrificial giving, small donations that have multiplied to something much grander.

115/80...I am content.

Asante sana.

I Choose Life!

Five months after the tragedy at Garissa , I sit here with my head down, staring at the dust. I am trying to let all this sink in. It is hard to tell the story, but I know I must. I am sharing my Garissa University massacre experience with the hope that it can help someone somewhere else to come to terms that there is always a second chance in life. 

I cannot choose to give into the temptation to null and void the butterflies that filled my stomach. What can take away the moment my heart skipped a beat, the emptiness that filled my heart and when my lungs constricted my ability to breath? I still have difficult moments to deal with.

And who do I turn to, what can I do now? I want to choose life and meaning. That is why I am living today and writing to mark the end of the “passover” at Garissa University. I say a word of thanks to all those who stood by me physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually. My life has indeed changed after the tragedy. My red roses have blossomed to let the whole world admire and smell their perfumed scent. My life has opened up in new ways I cannot explain.

Milly at Sheywe Guesthouse (09/15)

As I flashback to before joining Garissa University, I had no entry fees until church friends and relatives joined hands together through a mini Harambee. As a secondary student at Ibinzo Girls SS, I had been sponsored by CES Canada. The following year in 2013 I managed to start my my first year of university studies. I went through storms and turbulent  times but never gave up even though I was forced to defer my first semester, second year exams. I was enjoying my studies in Education, majoring in English Literature.

Life changed after I survived the April 2 attack. While the experience of grief is personal, I openly thank CES Kenya and CES Canada who courageously stepped in and shared their own experiences. That has pulled me through. Those who warmed my heart were my relatives, friends, and even total strangers that I never met. I am not sure if I will ever meet them but they have left an indelible mark in the healing of my wounds. From thousands of miles away, CES Canada felt the pain. They tracked me down in Nairobi. They had to know if my heart was still beating. 

On 11 May 2015 Rev. Nyanje Livingstone introduced me to Karen Dahl who flew to the my country all the way from Canada. She is a lovely lady who you will love to meet at any time anywhere. She wiped my tears from time to time and assured me that I will find a new normal situation but it will never be like before. Both Reverend and Karen decided to walk hand in hand with me. The burden of my school fees was reduced to zero and all my daily needs were met by both CES Kenya and CES Canada. I received counselling and now have a chance to work as teacher assistant at Kakamega Muslim SS. I am overwhelmed for I do not always know how to say thanks. For those still standing with me I express my deepest gratitude.

Milridah Ominde signing official register at Kakamega Muslim SS

Milly with Deputy Principal Madame Barasa - CES Kenya's Kakamega Muslim SS

I was given the chance to relocate to Moi University in Eldoret. Life has been so smooth for me since all my heavy loads were offloaded. I no longer call myself an orphan or a poor lady. I no longer tuck myself under the blankets  shedding tears that soak my pillow as I wipe them with my bed-sheet. I have made new friends who ask me “how are you today Milly,” not just, “how are you and what was your experience at Garissa?”  I am always glad that my friends have come to learn not to ask about my past but how I am doing now.

In real life situations there are those who will take advantage of terrible situations. For example the bus conductor whom I had paid my exact bus fare to Nairobi demanded 500 Ksh more on top of what I had paid. He threatened to leave me in the thicket by the Tana River if I did not pay. But there are many more good people than bad.

No matter how difficult the situation may be I will not get stuck in the mud forever. I have learned to ask for help whenever necessary and whom to ask for . I also know that the tragedy was not my fault and that in life there is no permanent situation we cannot break out of.

Once more I want to express my sincere gratitude to CES Kenya, CES Canada friends, relatives and not forgetting strangers for being so close to me. They planned, organized and reminded me to eat and drink during my trying moments. They are still doing so much and continue to support me. My family has tripled. I love you all and thank God for you.

Milridah Ominde

September 16, 2015

Kakamega KENYA

A Driving Force for Education

The call came to me on my cell…11pm…from my good friend Florence Namulundah. She was asking whether we had safely arrived in Bungoma and if we had connected with Father Christopher. Nothing unusual, except that Florence was calling from her home in New York City and there it was 4am.  Her heart was with us in Kenya.

Father Christopher Wanyonyi is one of the key driving forces for education in the Bungoma area of western Kenya. His passion to educate children is unparalleled. Besides the work he does in his parish, he supervises 14 schools and chairs five parish school boards. We first meet him at Christ the King PS, a dynamic place of learning for 1500 students. Here there is a waitlist to get in. He explains how when he was growing up, he was the only one of a large family to attend school. He vowed he would do something about it. In 2003 he told the Bishop what he wanted to do for children, many of whom were destitute and roaming the streets.

"I found children everywhere, opening my hands and heart for them. At first there were challenges facing me. I had no funds and not being from the elite class I started in a small way. After telling the Bishop that I wanted to start a school, he warned me that I should not but I kept pushing the matter. Finally he gave in, but was told I was on my own. 

“One might think that money is the major issue for running a school, but there is an endless list of problems in educating children. They need to be nurtured and cared for." 

We greeted the Standard 8 students who had just finished mock exams and were preparing for November's KCPE exam. The lowest mark was 357. That is superb by any Kenyan standard. After speeches, smiles, and promises to succeed they ran off to class for more learning. This was Saturday - here school is a six day exercise. What was abundantly clear was the pride Father Christopher had in his school and the students who were doing so well. 

Next stop…Father Westra Primary School. The joy that radiated from Father Westra students touched us all deeply. They all wanted to pass their exams and one day travel to Canada. The school had gone through hard times, with little funding for teachers, library, textbooks and storybooks for the young ones. Head Teacher Maurice Paul Makhanu had come out of retirement, and for the past three years had built the school from 12 to 180 students. "Many times people complain that life is unfair because things do not go the way they want to. But the future belongs to those who pursue it with passion," he said. 

Close by was Mount Carmel Girls SS. Principal Sister Tessy Pius and all the Form 4 KCSE candidates greeted us. How could they not be focused in an environment where signs like Faith, Hope, Love, and Integrity surrounded them by the walkways or were suspended on trees.

Lastly we visited St Peter Mwiruti SS where Augustine Tela, former Mayor of Bungoma and now Chairman of the school board proudly showed us around. “Excellence our Pride” the motto of this school created a sense of duty to student learning. Deputy Principal Everlyne Musonga began teaching in this school and after 12 years was promoted to her present position. She indicated, “future leaders in Kenya will come from our school.” 

Within this beautiful 20 acre site was a maize and sugar cane plantation and lots of room to expand. The school dormitories for 420 girls were new and now their next project was to replace the outdoor dining hall (see below) with a better facility.

Back to Father Christopher…he always praised and encouraged the students. Like a proud father, he stepped back and let the school officials take front stage. But all knew who was in charge. There was no doubt that his influence had raised the standard of education in Bungoma. A humble leader and a servant, his commitment is extraordinary. 

The CES Kenya team left Bungoma with the feeling that our friendship with Father Christopher was just beginning.

Beyond Kimang'eti Gate

Schools in Kenya have one thing in common, and that is a gate. Here visitors must state their business and officially sign in. The gate is important for in an instant one knows the name and what the school stands for. Among our 22 CES schools is Kimang’eti Girls SS. Established in 2012, it lies some 22 km north-east of Kakamega. Beautifully situated in a lush valley at the edge of Kakamega Forest, it is surrounded by the Nandi escarpment and in the distance one can see Mt Elgon. 

Today our team of six head towards Malava county. On arrival at Kimang’eti Secondary School, we are met by Principal Mable Litu. But first the gate - different from most school entrances. Simple in design, it was more like entering through a farm gate. Later it becomes clear to us that education and meeting student’s needs are higher priorities than outward appearances. CES students were there to greet us and help President Michael in a tree planting ceremony. There were smiles everywhere as we moved on to Principal Litu’s office for tea and the Kenyan tradition of boiled egg, ground nuts and queen cakes.

First impressions were of a welcoming and well run school. The CES team had a lovely chat with the girls and it was clear these girls meant business. After tea break, the girls assembled under a tree beside a sugar cane plantation. CES Associates Sarah Nabongo and Milly Ochoki combined skills in a motivational talk where the students could freely interact. Our girls were guided through the session, sharing future plans. This to me was truly inspiring. There were future doctors, bankers, engineers, musicians, lecturers and even geologists among these bright students. Other topics covered included relationships, time management, study skills, examination techniques and self esteem.

These remarkable girls shared with us their desire for the nation to live in peace and harmony. Thinking of their teachers they requested a working space for them. They wanted their own borehole and a place where they could wash their hands with soap. Lastly, several asked for a decent pair of shoes. 

Each wrote a letter of thanks to their sponsor in Canada and then they spontaneously began to sing a song of praise to God for how far they had come in life. The melody spread across the small campus and it seemed like even the dairy cows grazing nearby were listening.

None of us wanted to leave; however with the threat of rain we felt now was the time. Principal Litu and Head Girl CES student Jessica Kitiavi made some final words, “I would like to thank the Almighty God for you. You have sacrificed for us and enabled us to stay in school. Without the CES family we likely would be roaming the streets. You will be proud of us all and we will achieve our goals,” said Jessica.

We passed through the Kimang’eti gate knowing we had to return and help this newly formed school. One day when many other things are in place and the CES girls have their shoes, then maybe a school gate will be possible. The story of Kimang’eti is not yet finished. 

Patricia Nyanchama Makori

CES Associate

Kisii, Kenya

Miracle on Ogado Street

There are few people I have met that while in their presence I feel truly humbled. She practises medicine in a tiny clinic on Ogado Street, Kisumu. I am familiar with her outreach and advocacy over the past two decades for those with HIV/AIDS. But what I am about to hear from this "servant of the people" will explain the title of this blog.

Dr Sokwala takes little credit for her extraordinary work. She talks about the disenfranchised, the sick and those who have been abused by society and then discarded as worthless. Whether they are as young as a day old and left on the street to die; or they are street kids in their teens hooked on crime and drugs; or they are in the prime of life and dying of Aids; or perhaps an elderly Kenyan dying of cancer - she cares for each one as if they were her own. Actually, to her they are.

She speaks lovingly of Green Life Ministries that supports widows and orphans. Building homes for the homeless is part of what they do to provide critical social and health services in Kisumu's Obunga slum. She goes on to describe New Life Homes, a compassionate response to the plight of vulnerable children and abandoned and orphaned babies. To Kenya With Love exists to provide education for needy children so that they can break out of the cycle of poverty and dependence. Dr Sokwala tends to the needs of many elderly persons who wish to die in dignity and without pain. She supports the Kisumu Hospice, built and staffed with beds for 20 people. I begin to learn that over and above the demands of a busy practice, Dr Sokwala is actively engaged in each of these charities.

Agape Ministries is what she talks about the most. Young women who struggle with addictions, street kids in their teens without skills or education, those kids both male and female who sell their bodies for a few shillings, these are the ones that have deeply touched her. Dr Sokwala somehow finds them, invites them to her clinic, and often refers them to a specialist for a complete medical checkup. Then she finds a place for them to stay and offers some basic education and job training. Many are saved through her work in Kisumu.

Dr Sokwala asks about CES Kenya and we give her an update and thank her for the medical care she has given for some of our students.

The world has heard of Mother Theresa, and rightly so. But the name Dr Sokwala is under the world's radar. In my view I see no difference between these two beautiful people; the only difference for me is that today I met with "Dr Ruby" and my heart was strangely moved.

A miracle and no less...countless numbers around Kisumu and beyond can testify to that. As we leave Dr Sokwala's clinic I know I have been in the presence of greatness.

Staggering Needs in Critical Times

Today I had the extraordinary experience of crossing the Mediterranean Sea on a flight south from Amsterdam to Nairobi. It is precisely here among these beautiful Greek islands that the world's attention is now focussed. Those forced to flee their homeland seek passage in vessels unfit for the passage. There is no guarantee they will make it anywhere, let alone a place free of tyranny and oppression. Their very existence on planet earth hangs in the balance. Most make it while tragically growing numbers become statistics, washed ashore. I feel deeply about this human tragedy. We are seeing a migration of people by the tens of thousands, refugees leaning on the mercy of those who are unprepared yet willing to take them in. The cries of displaced peoples have touched our hearts. Wounded and broken, they deserve better.

We cross into Africa. The stunning view of Egypt's aquamarine shoreline to the west seems endless. From this altitude I can see a hundred miles or more. Then like an African nightfall, the vastness of the desert floor suddenly appears beneath. As we head towards the source of the Nile River, the topography undulates like the waves of the sea. The wind has carved out its own version of valleys and peaks. Rive beds that once had a daring and fleeting life of their own grace the parched landscape. A sand storm as thick as a Canadian winter whiteout is making its way north. Such power, with dimensions some 500 meters high and a kilometre thick, it marches like an army platoon bent on destroying the enemy.

With no vegetation in sight, a thousand shades of light brown, orange and creamy yellows are alive to the light of day. It must be 50 degrees Celsius on that carpet of sand. It is hard to imagine that for centuries caravans of travellers have passed through this area and made it to the other side. The vastness of the Sahara is staggering. In a place close to where human habitation began, there is nothing on the horizon that would suggest any form of life other than reptiles and scorpions. What secrets can be found in its history? What resources lie under its surface?

Listening to the jazz sounds of South Africa's Abdullah Ibrahim playing African Marketplace, I see a straight line fully built highway passing through oil fields on either side. There is life after all, just a different kind. Perfect timing and as if by brilliant design, the KLM stewardess offers some tasty vanilla ice cream and a cup of cool water. If only the rest of Africa could experience the same.

I pray that frightened, desperate Syrian refugees will find the shelter they deserve. In their time of crisis, whispers of hope will hopefully be heard through a welcome cup of tea or some cool water. As Mother Theresa said it, "Let's do what we can, when we can and as often as we can, for as many as we can."

Kenya now appears on the southern horizon. The magnificent Rift Valley is beginning to reveal its glory next to a brilliant setting sun. I pray that the work of CES Canada continues to bring hope for Kenyan scholars who seek to survive, adapt, and grow no matter what. They are not powerless; they don't need pity. They just need a chance to contribute positively and become professionals in all fields of work.

Humanity groans for freedom and a new way of living. Surely we are part of that in ways we cannot comprehend.