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Friday October 2nd was my 23rd birthday. I was endlessly fortunate to receive cards and best wishes (not to mention cake!) from so many of my loved ones. I know I’m a little old to be making a wish list, but, a humble request…
I first came to Kenya for the first time in 2007. Through the Arts Internship Office at McGill University I was incredibly lucky to be selected for a three-month placement in Elangata Wuas, Kenya with the NGO Africa SOMA. Africa SOMA (www.africasoma.org) works to increase educational opportunities for marginalised youth in Kenya. Working in six key project areas – secondary school scholarships, the community library project, the international art exchange, the volunteer teaching programme, the evaluation programme and the cross cultural exchange – Africa SOMA conducts most of its activities in conjunction with community organizations in Elangata Wuas. Affectionately EWuas, the area is 3 hours south west of Nairobi. It is remote and it is dry. Educational opportunities are few and often in conflict with semi-nomadic lifestyles.
Since the conclusion of my internship in August 2007 I’ve continued to work with Africa SOMA. In May, I was made a board member. I visited EWuas in February and September of this year. I love the place and the people (blog on my latest visit to come). Education is seen by community members as a critical ingredient to improve opportunities and adapt livelihoods to changing climates – both literally and figuratively.
The severity of drought in Kenya has hit EWuas and pastoralists hard. As cattle shrivel to death due to lack of food and lack of water the price for livestock goes down and the price of food goes up. Families shift to greener pastures, literally, although in some places they are only imagined. Lack of vegetation cuts off the survival supply chain.
An unexpected casualty of drought is education. As families move and resources are diverted to meet immediate needs, the challenge of education is magnified.
October 2009 is the first ever SOMA Month. Volunteers and friends of Africa SOMA are hosting events around the world to contribute to the final inputs necessary for the Elangata Wuas Resource Centre (EWRC). EWRC is managed by a community-based organization. It will serve as a library and a community centre with wings stocked with specific materials to meet the varied needs of primary and secondary students and the wider community.
Primary school wing of the Elangata Wuas Resource Centre
The EWRC is a great project and one that people believe in. During an interview in 2007 one EWRC committee member described it to me: “Outside, everywhere in the community the library is now very famous, the library is connecting people to education. If you talk about it, people know you [are] going there to learn. It is empowering people to education, giving them an opportunity. It is a door, opening a door…”
I am organizing events in Mombasa, including a by donation birthday pool party at my apartment, for SOMA month. For friends around the world, please check the list below for possible events to attend.
MOMBASA: October 2: Sophie’s Pool Party
MONTREAL: October 10: FunRaiser House Party chez Allison and Jennie
TORONTO: October 31: FunRaiser Halloween House Party chez Heather and Jordie
WASHINGTON DC: October 31: Loopin’ the Lincoln: A Bike-a-thon around DC’s Lincoln Memorial in Halloween Costume
And for anyone who might have taken me for a drink or a coffee for my birthday, please consider donating those few dollars to Africa SOMA. Donations can be made online, tax receipts provided. Your money will go to furniture, books, bookshelves, learning materials, a community phone, chalk boards for primary school students, study cubbies for secondary school students, corners on reproductive health, veterinary care and the environment in the community wing. It’s a wonderful project in a wonderful place and almost completed. Help the EWRC to open and serve the EWuas community!
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