The Students of Kenya

As my time in Kenya has come and gone, I am left feeling a great sense of gratitude to Farmers Helping Farmers and UPEI. Throughout the internship, I felt supported by the teams in both Prince Edward Island and Kenya. I was given many learning opportunities and wonderful experiences, and made many (many!) friends along the way.

While I learned so much about nutrition, agriculture, food safety, and some odd cow facts, it is the students I met in Kenya that I will remember the most (though some of the cow stuff was pretty interesting, thanks, Marika and Molly).

At the schools myself, Bridget, and Miriam visited; the student populations ranged from 100 to 400. These students welcomed us with smiles, waves, lots of laughter, and endless curiosity. As we greeted the head teacher, students often watched from their classrooms to see what we were doing. They quickly recognised the Farmers Helping Farmers vehicle, nicknamed "the Beast" by staff, and knew visitors had arrived.

Shortly after we arrived at the schools, uji was served. Students would line up, usually carrying cups from their desks, and patiently wait for their uji. Their orderliness was impressive. I remember having a conversation with Colleen about how respectful and mannerly the students were. Even the pre-primary students carefully followed directions.

Students with their uji in the stainless-steel cups from FHF.

While waiting in line, many students would introduce themselves to us. I would ask what grade they were in, what they were learning about, what their favourite subject was, and how exams were going. In return, they were just as curious about us, Canada, and Farmers Helping Farmers. It was impossible to know what they would ask; each question and conversation was unique. I recall one Grade 9 student asking me about githeri in Canada; I couldn’t help but smile.

Mwenda, a FHF horticulture staff member in line with the students for a cup of uji.

Their curiosity continued through our assessment. While measuring the portion sizes, students were in awe of the digital scale. Many wanted to know what the scale was used for and how it worked. Although we only needed five portion sizes from each age group, students would often independently place their cups and bowls on the scale, to contribute to the work!

After eating, students were responsible for washing their dishes. In most schools, students would independently rinse and wash their cups and bowls before returning to class. At one school, the Grade 8 class washed the pre- primary students' cups. They took this responsibility very seriously and also did an incredible job caring for these younger students.

An example of a successful four-step dishwashing procedure.

After the uji break, students returned to their classrooms and later came back for lunch, githeri. Once again, students lined up and greeted us before being served. At two schools, students remembered our names from the morning and returned to lunch with letters and lots of drawings! This moment was special for me, as my first introduction to Kenya was through the partner school letters I received at Elm Street Elementary School in Summerside many years ago.

 A collection of letters from the students (Abigael, I too hope to come again).

One school visit was especially memorable. While students waited for their uji, we joined them in the school compound. In a circle with around 80 students, we sang songs, danced, and played find-a-lost-letter. Similar to the Canadian game of duck-duck-goose. Their joy was contagious.

Not pictured, a student winning duck-duck-goose (find-a-lost-letter)!

As I watched the school routines, I was reminded that beyond the nutrition provided by a meal, there are many other important parts: education, celebration, tradition, joy, culture, and, importantly, community. The community of parents, school cooks, gardeners, teachers, students from all grades, and Farmers Helping Farmers all have important roles in providing students with their meals. These meals are so important to provide students with the energy and strength needed for learning, growth, and, of course, play.

Group photo from our Canada Day celebration with FHF staff and their families

To my friends in Kenya, thank you for a wonderful two months. I hope to see you all again!

Asante Sana,

Enya Burnett

A Letter to Kenya

by Molly Park

It’s hard to believe that our time in Kenya is coming to an end. It feels like just yesterday that I was frantically packing my suitcase for the two months I’d be living here and hoping my luggage wouldn’t be overweight (spoiler… it was). Now it’s with a lighter bag and a heavy heart that I’m closing this chapter of my life. I spent a long time debating what to write for my final blog post. I knew I wanted to write about something meaningful. So it only felt right to dedicate it to the wonderful people who made my time memorable and to the beautiful country they kindly shared with me.

Starting close to home, literally, are the individuals that I see every day. On the night we arrived at the house in early May, the first person to have a conversation with me was Job, the chef, over a warm mug of Kenyan tea (the first of many).

The day that Job came on the farms with us! Here he was helping me take the right measurements for the stalls to increase cow comfort

I truly can’t imagine having the same experience without him. Not just for his amazing meals, but also the many stories he’s told, the laughs we’ve shared, the hiking adventures (including a 31km round trip to Meru town!), and when he introduced us to his hometown in Ngare Ndare. I’ll miss his kind nature and steady presence at the house. Much like Dickson and Nicholas (fellow workers at the house), who may be quiet, but they always greet us with a warm smile, which brightens my day.

Job and Dickson sharing the weight of a jug containing water from the Ngare Ndare falls

Once Dr. Vanleeuwen, who drove us around in the infamous Gypsy, left, I was unsure how we were going to get around to the farms, which is where Kenyatta came in. I remember after my first drive with Kenyatta, I unknowingly left my favourite flannel in his vehicle and was worried I’d lost it. Little did I know Kenyatta had washed and dried it, and had it ready to return to me before I even asked.

Kenyatta and his heifer we de-horned

That small act of kindness showed me his true character, which has continued throughout the month we’ve been travelling with him. He’s become an essential part of our team, from helping Serem with translating to the local language to lending a hand before we think to ask, and even bringing a collection of plastic bottles so we stopped struggling to find ones on farms when we wanted to leave de-wormer.

Our last full day on the farms. Pictured are Serem, Kenyatta, Molly, and Marika (the ultimate dream team)

If there’s anyone I have to thank the most, it’s Serem. A huge part of the reason I’m here is to help him with his research. Not only has it been a joy and pleasure to learn from him, but there are also countless memories outside of the farms I cherish. Such as his willingness to join any adventure we suggest, to battling it out for the “good seat” at the dining room table (closest to the food), and the impromptu 10 pm cat neuter he guided me through.

Serem with one of the kittens we vaccinated for rabies

I’ll also miss the quiet moments, like the evening walks (before dark, of course, for safety reasons), the late-night chats over work, and knowing he’s constantly looking out for our well-being. Serem has become not only a confidant and mentor but also a friend. It’s been a privilege to help him with his research, and I wish him continued success in his career.

Serem and I preparing Nicholas’s cat for the neuter. Nicholas was very happy, as evident by his beaming smile

I feel so fortunate that there are countless other individuals whom I could thank and mention, such as the entire staff at the Farmers Helping Farmers Kenyan team and everyone else whom I’ve met in relation to my internship here in Kenya. They welcomed us with open arms and have embraced us as their own. My time in Kenya has taught me how to be more confident and courageous. It’s pushed me to be a smarter, kinder, more empathetic, open-minded and humble version of myself. It’s truly been an unforgettable experience for which I thank the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Program, Farmers Helping Farmers and UPEI.

Many people have said, “Come again.” And my greatest hope is that one day it will be true. From the bottom of my heart, “Assante sana” (thank you very much in Swahili)

Until we meet again,

Molly

#QES