Momentum is Building! So we thank you

Just a quick update to say a huge thanks to everyone who has donated so far. When you're sat back, eating your lunch at 12pm today, spare a thought for the 8,000 children being fed their daily meal, because of your ongoing support.

Also for those, who will be going hungry today, and how further support can give them the food that they so rightly deserve.

So don't forget, we are still looking for kind donations to help us on our mission to build futures through Feeding Children and Educating Lives.

http://www.justgiving.com/Gem-Vaughan-Heys
http://www.justgiving.com/blitzsupperclub
http://www.justgiving.com/thegrandatclitheroeltd

Be Grateful!

So we meet again! It's Jim here, again taking over Gem's blog to share my thoughts!

We've been back for over a week now and a couple of things have struck me that I thought that I would share with you all!

People's response to our trip has been overwhelming. So many people have commented on or liked our photos and we been astounded at the readership of the blog posts. I've had people asking all sorts of questions, 'how it was?' or 'did I enjoy it?' and 'was it life changing?' I've actually found it quite hard to put into words how the trip has been and how what I've seen has affected me.

My initial response to the life changing question was that it hasn't really. We were only there for 4 and a half days and we were so busy that I didn't really feel that what I was seeing had really sunk in, let alone affected me. But as this last week has past, it's become apparent to me that the trip has changed me and my attitudes towards different things.

I am very blessed. I have a fantastic family whom I love very much. I am supported by my wife, kids, parents, brothers and sisters in law! I have great friends, with whom I enjoy spending time and hanging out. I love my job, I love the people that I work with and I love the opportunities that my work gives me. I am very lucky. 

As a videographer and technicain I am very lucky that I work with some very high end gear that costs an awful lot of money. I work in a venue that also cost an awful lot of money with some industry leading bits of equipment that most technicians would love to have access to. 

I have a lot to be thankful for.

Firstly, let me just say, I am not 'called' to Africa! I am not one of those people who comes back from Africa and knows that they are meant to give up everything that they have and move out there. I massively respect anyone who does this, but I love my creature comforts too much!

That said... one of the things that I've heard people say once returning from a place like Eldoret is that they struggle with the return to lifestyle. That they don't know how to re-adjust to the wealth that is available to us who live in the west. This was on my mind as I returned home and to work.

But what I saw in Kenya wasn't a people who are jealous of what we have, or a people that would moan or whine about the unfair sharing of wealth across this world. What I saw was a people who were grateful for the things that they had. I met a boy who lived in an orphanage and shared a room with 5 other boys, but was excited to show me HIS blanket. He was excited to show me HIS bed. He did not care whether I had more than him, he was grateful for where he was and what he had.

I met some guys who couldn't go to school a year ago, before the Solomon Project was in their school, as they had to eat and they therefore had to find a way to get money or food for their family, no matter how much they wanted to go to school. They were happy and thankful, a year later as the food was in the school.

I am struck and humbled by how much I have in comparison to some of these guys. It has made me realise that I take an awful lot for granted. I want things because it's the latest model, or has the newest features, but I don't need it.

I do, however need some expensive equipment to do my job. Some equipment actually makes me better at my job! For example, I couldn't show you the footage that we took during our time in Kenya without my camera, which cost a fair bit of money. I think that what I'm getting at is that I shouldn't feel bad about the equipment that I own or work with. I shouldn't feel bad about the house that I live in or the car that I drive. In the same way, I shouldn't feel bad about my family or friends. But, I should be grateful for these things. I've actually come away from this trip feeling that if I'm not grateful for the things in my life then I'd be doing an injustice to all the young people that I've met.

I have nothing to moan about. My slow internet speed or over cooked steak is nothing compared to some of the situations that the young people I met in Eldoret are going through... with a smile on their faces.

My Home I Never Knew

My home I never knew

Deep red ground and emerald green leaves, framed by the bright blue sky

The crash and the whips, smell and the haste of the river running by

Dusty dusk and the bright night stars glistening by the moon

The subtle noise of mother earth singing her evening tune

The smiles on the faces of the children as they eat

Saving them from a life of living on the streets

The scent of the land so honest and so true

This is the place, my home I never knew

Tears in their jumpers, shoes with huge holes,

Seems never to have ever dampened their souls

The love for their brothers, their life and education

Shows their compassion and how they’re blessed as a nation

There’s a gratitude for help and thanks straight out of the blue

This is the place, my home I never knew

The town is so colourful, so bustling, so loud

It’s hard to spot innocence in between the crowds

A glimpse of a child who's rummaging in the dirt

Is the moment your heartbreaks, and you really feel hurt

As a tear rolls down my senses break through

This is the place, my home I never knew

A hope for the future is what Solomon brings

So that every child can eat like they are kings

So that every mind is filled high up with information

So futures can grow and build upon their foundation

An honour to be part of, and humbling to view

This is the place, my home I never knew

So what does it mean, and where can it go

The only way is, to build it and to grow

To open up a world, a virtual window to their days

Showing how we can help in many different ways

Children filled with hope of what the future can do

This is the place, my home I never knew

Do something Incredible

"A fellow who does things that count, doesn't usually stop to count them." Albert Einstein. 

It has been just under a week since we returned from our journey to Eldoret, to see the work of The Solomon Project. 

Being thrown back in to working life at The Grand, at the deep end with a list of urgent jobs longer than my arm, has meant that it has been very difficult to process what is exactly was it that I have just experienced, and how has it changed me as a person. 

 

It's interesting to think, that over a week ago, I was about to embark on a journey that I did not know anything about, or what to expect, filled with nerves and tears at the prospect of being away from my home comforts, friends and family. 

However, something truly remarkable happened to me. I felt as though the moment my feet hit the Kenyan soil, that I was at home. Re-united with a place I had never been. 

I felt as though I had been there before, as if something had made sure that one day I would visit Kenya, and be moved by the warm welcome of it's people. Having flown in at such a difficult time, with the Siege in Nairobi and the terror inflicted on innocent people, there was no hostility just warmth, and generosity. 

It's funny, generosity can be viewed in so many ways, someone who has nothing however, offering you their food, is the truest most honest form of generosity there is. Not money, or material gifts, just the pleasure of someone's company on a really busy day. 

It is strange to think, that in just under a week I fell in love with the country, its people and its culture. That even in poverty and desperation remain positive and thankful for life. 

It takes special people to commit themselves to helping others, it also takes special people to admit that they need help. Which is what gave me such great pride, in helping them, they were helping me. 

Helping me to be a better person, to understand where I fit in the world. To have my eyes opened to the opportunities that my talents can be used for. To show me how I do the littlest things, but make the biggest difference. 

Its funny when people say that they go away to find themselves, and I've been on many a trip thinking that I was going to realise my potential in this big wide world - but this never happened, and always left me feeling a little down-hearted. 

Looking in to the eyes of the children we were feeding, although they were smiling, in some children there was so much hurt behind their eyes. So many stories that they want to tell you, but can't. So many experiences that never should have happened to an innocent child. 

Although, there was so much hope and excitement and gratitude for the help and support they were receiving from The Solomon Project. 

To every problem, there is never just one solution. There are a series of different things that need to happen to reach a resolution. In Kenya, this is apparent also. Although, simply feeding children offers so much more than just filling their tummies. It creates local economy, distribution channels and jobs. 

Which made me think, there are two types of people in this world, people who say they are going to do something and people who actually do something, and it's the do-ers that change lives. 

My life has changed for the better, the children have touched my heart so much that I can not just sit back and watch other people 'Do', and I urge others to think this way also. 

There are many ways you can get involved in The Solomon Project, not just by donating money, but through helping to create awareness and sharing the work of the project, in Kenya. 

These children are the same as you and I, they think the same, laugh the same, love the same. They are just born in to a different circumstance, in to a different world. Why should this stop them from living a fulfilled life, full of joy and happiness. We do not chose our fete, it is chosen for us. That should not be a barrier for happiness and hope.

If you all knew me, you'd perhaps realise how much I am not the sentimental type, but the Kenyan people have done something to my soul that I never thought would be possible. Melted my heart at the same time too. I hope they can do that to you. 

www.thesolomonproject.co.uk
www.justgiving.com/Gem-Vaughan-Heys

‘ In the nets ‘ a final reflection. - Steven Lancaster

Having returned to the UK from Kenya on Saturday , I would like to add a final thought. 

It’s hard to imagine in just over a week, Gemma, myself, other colleagues and family members received two prestigious business awards at The Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.  Flew six flights in six nights, landing unwittingly at Nairobi international airport during the terrorist mall massacre. Visited six Eldoret schools, an orphanage and saw first hand the largest slum area. 

Beautiful Slum

We had the privilege of staying at the Open Arms village on the outskirts of Eldoret. A beautiful place in the hills with breathtaking views. The founders David and Rachel Gallagher are family friends. I have seen from afar how the village has evolved from vision into reality. 

Seeing it first hand is incredible and I am pleased to have finally stayed there.

As a family we sponsor a little 4 year old girl called Esther. Words cannot describe the feelings upon meeting her for the first time. She is a beautiful and extremely funny little girl. Doing so well at the village, orphaned she shares a home with 16 or more other children. Under the love and care of her kenyan house parents. 

So onto the significance of my title ‘ in the nets ‘

Well, due to a pesky flying insect that carries life threatening diseases i.e. malaria. We slept under the protection of mosquito nets. Last Thursday evening I lay under the nets and diligently checked for gaps. It is at this point the realization of my life versus those I had witnessed that day, really struck me.

I had the sanctuary of the village with security guards. Nets to protect me plus repellent and even malarone malaria tablets costing £40.

This was my main concern and at most, all I had to really worry about.

Not when or where would my next meal or scrap of food come from? Whether I would be beaten up and abused that night. Would I even wake up tomorrow morning? Which is just a glimpse of the reality and challenges that many children face each day in Eldoret.

Next came the profound. I sometimes listen to music which helps me relax and switch off before sleep. Having put my beats headphones on I scrolled through my itunes library on the iphone. Finally selecting Mumford & Sons and came the track ‘ Awake my soul ‘, this is definitely the soundtrack of my trip.

Personally Kenya did wake up my soul, in many different ways.

Earlier that evening I was invited to visit one of the homes for dinner. The Christian faith is fundamental in the everyday lives of these people. So before dinner everybody sits together for devotions. Which included singing and some prayers. There is something so powerful and moving when they began to sing together. 

I found myself almost transported to another place. Even though I couldn’t understand the words, I felt such a sense of peace and security. Despite the terror in Nairobi and other forces of evil around in the world. For this moment it honestly felt that nothing could touch, harm or steal, that which is special to these orphans... A family home.

This trip has been incredible, I feel privileged to witness the good we are achieving through the Solomon Project. Seeing thousands of desperate children receive a much needed meal. Which I feel joins up the vision, a tangible reality of ‘a virtual window into a global village. 

Technology helps us to see it, but personal encounter allows us to experience it.

Visiting the Schools, seeing the slums, the smells and sounds. Thousands of faces staring in anticipation of receiving a meal. 

Somebody once told me “that you will fall in love with the Kenyan people.” I now know what they meant. Despite all adversaries, challenges and the problems they face everyday. There is something so vibrant and inspiring about the Kenyans, their tenacity and passion for life is remarkable. They have every reason in the world to complain, resent, cry and feel sorry for themselves. Yet they choose to live life...... It is seriously humbling, giving your soul a real wake up call !

Finally I wanted to say thanks to Gemma, Jim and Chris for sharing this adventure with me. You have all been brilliant and I have enjoyed spending the time with you. 

Thank you to the work of Open Arms and for providing such great hospitality. Also to Mary’s Meals and our guide / driver Abel who took us safely ( if not super fast and scary), around the various schools to see the feeding projects. 

These partners together with kind donations from people of the Ribble Valley and beyond. They have helped us to provide meals to over 8,000 children in schools across Eldoret, Kenya. The strategy is so simply effective, feeding children at school.

In reality however the impact as I witnessed is massive and there is so much appreciation.  Both from the children and the teachers. Even local volunteers come and help prepare the food.

In essence for just 6p a day, a child can gain a substantial meal. Which enables them to attend school and focus. Education provides aspiration and hope for a future life.

Furthermore the project is helping break down barriers locally of tribal tension. Which fundamentally is seeing transformation of local communities. 

To finish I thank you for taking the time to read this blog and for sharing our amazing journey. If you would like to help then please visit www.thesolomonproject.co.uk.

‘ Little things can make a big difference.’

Back to 'Normal', whatever that is.

As the morning alarm went off this morning, I felt like I was in a daze. Dreaming that I was home and just about to get up, and get ready for a full day at work.

That moment when you realise the alarm isn't part of your imagination, but actually a genuine sound that is trying to wake you from a deep sleep.

As I drove to work, and saw all the children walking to school, in their clean uniforms, and their nice new shoes, I couldn't help but feel that the children I have left behind in Kenya, are doing exactly the same, but with a few subtle differences.

It's funny to think that I was only there for one week, and feel like I have left a part of me behind in a new place that felt like home.

I genuinely believe that everyone should have the opportunity to go and see Africa, to experience what I did and impact the lives of children, just by being there.

It's a strange feeling to fall in love with something, and the people so quickly, and then leave them behind, some in desperate situations that you naturally want to save them from.

I thought I would be happy to come home, back to normality, and in some instances I am, to see my Husband, my puppy and my family and friends, but whilst I was out in Kenya, that felt completely normal to me, and I am sad to leave it behind.

I hope that through the footage that we produce from the trip, that we can give you a true picture of our experience, and inspire more and more people to take action against child poverty, in any country.

Please don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook too.

Gem x

My Final Thoughts - Jim

Hi All.
I have once again taken over Gem's blog to put virtual pen to paper and record my thoughts via the media of blogging!

As I type, I am back home with my family having just enjoyed a lovely roast dinner and looking forward to an afternoon of snuggles and games, a far cry from the week that has just past.

Let me just finish off the experience of the week. On Friday morning we headed out to the other side of Eldoret to visit the last school that the Solomon Project feeds, Atnas Kandie. Whilst we were over that side of town Able, our driver/interpreter/tour guide from Mary's Meals, had arranged a visit to an orphanage close to the school called Huruma Children's Home.

This orphanage had been set up to take in children who were living on the streets. It only takes children passed on to them by the local authority and they house about 80 young people ageing from 3-25. Their goal is to get the children off any drugs or glue that they may be on and into school. The home then hopefully become's a safe environment where they are encouraged as they grow up. The home was pretty much empty when we arrived, as most of the children were in the local school. But there were about 4-5 kids playing out in the yard.

We were shown around by the manager of the house, Livingstone, and were told about the state of the children when they take them in. He introduced us to the children who were around, Jospeh...

Isaac...

and Joy.

There was one more lad, but he moved too fast for me to get a photo. His name was Rooney Eric. We laughed and joked at first as I am a Man Utd fan and it had become a common way of engaging with the kids in the school as many of them are football fans! Some even commented that I looked like Van-Percie, something that I embraced! We enquired as to if Rooney had been named after the United player and the answer completely floored me. Livingstone told us that a number of the children who are found on the streets are orphaned or abandoned at a very young age, some therefore turn up without a name. The local authority workers then give the child a name and in Rooney's case they were a United fan. This broke my heart.

Livingstone then told us the background to a number of their cases and how the children end up living on the streets and some of these reasons were due to family break down, the families being too big to sustain or parents/guardians dying. The striking thing here was that for some of these children their parents are still alive and living close by, but the children living on the streets can sometimes have a better chance of survival working as a group than if they stayed at home. They look to make money by selling plastic bottles and bags for recycling. They find food by approaching local hotels and restaurants  for left overs, or looking through rubbish. They also beg on the streets in the town centre. When they don't have enough they would look to drugs or glue to suppress their hunger.

The orphanage were doing a great job at looking after these boys and girls and getting them back on their feet and in to school. Just before we left something very unexpected happen, Livingstone started thanking us for all the work that the Solomon Project does. At first we didn't understand. The Solomon Project doesn't fund the orphanage or fund their food. He then went on to tell us that because the Solomon Project has put food in the local school 70 of his 80 kids are fed at lunchtime. This is food that he would normally have to buy as they would return for lunch. His food bills have halved and indirectly this is because of the Solomon Project.

We then went to visit the school.

This is the second of the schools taken on last September, so the feeding program has only been working here for the last year. The deputy head met us and showed us round the school, which has just over 2000 pupils. We were introduced to a number of classrooms and even a couple of classes that had hard of hearing pupils.

We then meet the kitchen team,

And then watch as they fed 2000 pupils in under 10 mins! It was crazy. They were lovely kids as well, I went around with my camera to film some of the feeding in progress and every single one of them wanted to be on film or have their picture taken. They all asked me "How are you?" and waited for my reply.

The joy in this school was tangible and they were clearly very grateful for the food that was provided, all the way from the senior leadership right down to the youngest child.

They were also little superstars when it came to video footage, only too willing to sing all together when I pointed the camera at them or to show me their dances moves!

From there we waved our goodbyes and shouted "Tuanami" (goodbye/see you later in Swahili) and headed back to get our bags packed in time for flying home!

So my final thoughts... Oh what to say...! How do I put across to you everything that I've seen, heard and experience in the last week in a couple of sentences? Where's Gem when you need her? She'd know what to say!

I think for me, the thing that really hit home is just what a difference the Solomon Project is making to the lives of not just the children it feeds, but the community in which they live. We heard stories of numbers increasing in the schools, in one case from 1300 to over 1800 within just one month of the feeding program starting up. We saw exam results that rose drastically in the year that the food was introduced in to the school. But not just that, we saw how the Solomon Project's presence reduced a children's home's food bill. We saw how the feeding program being in the school made it more appealing to funders for new buildings, classrooms & toilets. And we definitely saw how these beautiful children had boundless energy, enthusiasm and character.

One of the comments that we had made to us before we left was "how can my giving £17 really make a difference" and the answers we clearly all around us during our visit. By supporting this amazing project you are changing these young people's lives. They do not need to go begging on the streets to find food, they do not need to be addicted to glue to suppress their hungry, they do not need to be fainting in school because of their hunger, their families do not need to find that extra bit of money to be able to send their children to school with some sort of meal. They can get their education, they can concentrate during school time, they can have energy to play sports and they can respect themselves and have the chance to better themselves. You can make a difference.

What I am not saying is that this project will sort all of the problems in Kenya, but it's a start!

I'd like to thank the people that made this trip possible and I hope that we do you proud with the footage that we've gathered. I'd also like to thank all of my work colleagues for their support whilst we've been away. And I'd like to thank you for reading this and the past entries too and I would encourage you to get involved in the Solomon Project. That doesn't just mean giving money, there's loads of ways to get involved, even just sending someone the link to this page is helping spread the word, or looking out for innovative fundraising events like the supper club that my friends Al and Rachel (Who visited the Solomon Project a couple of years ago) have set up - the link is below. But in any case get involved!

Anyway I've got to go... Tonnes of video footage to start editing!

Jim

Solomonsupperclub
www.justgiving.com/Gem-Vaughan-Heys