go with the lottery idea and instead suggested simply building from plot number one. It was a great idea and I think it will be a lot easier to manage logistically too. The camp is actually divided into two areas which are called Pipeline I and Pipeline II so we will begin building in both areas at each of the plot one sites.I am continually impressed by this community. The way they communicate, make decisions, work together, and help each other. It is so inspiring…
Prior to arriving at the camp I asked Moses (Camp Secretary) if he could organize for me to stay overnight with one of the IDP families. I am eager to get to know the community and hear their stories and connect with them as much as I can while I am still in Kenya.
Moses arranged for me to stay with Nerbert Wanjoi (Camp Trustee) and his wife Mama Ngeri and their four kids. They actually have 8 children but some of them have been sponsored and are away at school. It was wonderful. Mama cooked rice and lentils for dinner and we drank lots of tea of course. Nerbert told me about his experiences during the violence. His house, business and car were all burnt and his brother and father were killed. Him and his family survived by hiding in the forest until the UN helicopters arrived.
Nerbert also gave me a new name –Wanjiko. It means Kikuyo of Kenya. So at the camp I am no longer Lauren, I am Wanjiko! I feel very honored by this affectionate gesture and I had a wonderful warm and cosy night with my IDP host family in their tent.
Monday was another special day. We launched the porridge program which is being funded for two months by the GVN Foundation. Each child (2-5yrs) from the ECD class will receive a cup of porridge when they come to school. UNICEF provided tents for the children and the classrooms are being staffed by volunteer teachers from the camp. They have no chairs or desks or school books but they are doing the best they can. The kids are so eager to learn. Last week we purchased the pots, firewood, and porridge ingredients so today it was ready to go!
It was a huge success. All the kids were so excited and Chairman said he had never seen so many kids at school. He said “The porridge is good because it gives them energy and it also gets them out of the tent which means we can check on the kids to make sure they are all ok.”Another amazing day at the Pipeline IDP Camp.
I am going to head back next Saturday to finalize building material costs and start planning the first build. Two of my beautiful groups of friends have already committed to sponsoring a family and the project has not even been launched yet! Hopefully the website will be up and running this week. So exciting!
More to come!
Hugs,
Lauren
Images: My IDP host family; Porridge Program Launch; Classroom.
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