So today we visited two schools, on The Solomon Project Feeding program. Kipkenduo and Race Course Primary school.
Each have around 1000 -1400 children in the school.
Today has been actually one of the toughest days for myself so far, and for the rest of the team too.
The first school, Kipkenduo is where an old man won the battle for the right to an eduction, and became a First Grader at the age of 84. His fight was to revolutionize the way the education system works, and make sure that everyone no matter how old or how poor they are, they deserve an education.
Sadly, 2 years later he died.
I saw babies as young as four walking in the mud with no shoes on, holes in their jumpers and rips in their skirts. Yet, they were thankful that they were in school and being fed.
One child said to me “If it wasn’t for The Solomon Project, we just would not survive”.
Look at your children, and look at their faces, hold them close and deserve their love, cherish their happiness, because knowing parents myself you would do anything for your children, and some of these kids, have no one.
Imagine how you would feel if you could not provide food for your child, warm clothes for them and a bed to sleep in, really, imagine that!
We all got involved feeding the children their daily meal of Maize and Beans, which is actually quite delicious. Although I did try it very tentatively, but the bit I did have was great!
One cup, a full bowl and hopefully a full and satisfied tummy for the night ahead.
The vice head teacher Mrs. Omguru told us all about the history of the school, and the tribal violence and the post election fights had a huge impact on the numbers of children that attended. The school became somewhat of a battle ground.
Since The Solomon Project the school’s numbers have grown 20% and children are coming off the slums mainly for food, but are also excelling in their education.
After sampling some of the teachers food, we then went back to Race Course Primary school where we organized a mini talent competition for all the children.
We walked in to a class room of 90 smiling faces, who were ready to show us their talents. We had a body popping singer, a choir of 4 year olds, a poet and some native dancing. It was incredible.
It made me sit back and think, what if these children were born in to different circumstances, different place, different situation. Would they have the opportunities they need to develop their talents. Would they be professional artists or performers perhaps?
Which then made me think, why should they not have that opportunity. Why should they not get the chance to go for their dreams. Why should they be denied the right to a life that they deserve?
To think, these children singing in front of me could have no parents, have come from the streets, and are still here. With happiness in their hearts and a huge smile on their face.
So this makes me wonder if I myself have been deserving of all the great things I have done in my life, for my family, husband, friends and colleagues. For my talents, and my education. Have I deserved my chances, and my breaks?
Have I done enough to make me any different from the children I saw today. Well the answer quite simply is, no! I am no different, I am not special. I deserve exactly what they deserve.
I think how grateful I will be for all these things that I have for the rest of my life, and make it my life’s work to ensure these children have a quality of life that they deserve.
To know how many children would have died without the support of The Solomon Project is incredible. So from the bottom of my heart, for everyone who is supporting us, sharing, liking and donating whilst we are on this trip, I thank you.
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