Well my Utange adventure is over and I'm home with lots of memories and still high on all my experiences - it feels really surreal sitting in front of my PC again!! People have said "you'll just be back a few days and it will be like you have never been away" - I know that can happen with holidays but I really don't think it will for me in this case - the experiences I have had have changed my perspective in relation to many things and I hope that will stay with me.
The last week was so busy that I was still trying to pack at midnight Monday night!
When Jerry was over he mentioned he would like an African shirt and had the local Fundi (tailor) take his measurements with instructions that I buy material and leave it with the Fundi in plenty of time to have the shirt ready before I left - good plan except for the fact that I bought the material on Friday of last week and asked if both the shirt and another dress for me could be ready Monday! Monday was such a busy day that it was after 7pm when I got back to pick up the clothes. When I got there the little shop was practically in darkness save for a dim glow around the sewing machine - that side of the village had a power cut (nothing unusual there then!!) however the Fundi was working away at his pedal machine while his young son held a torch - now that is resourcefulness lol
Lots of positive changes at the school - in fact real 'Girl Power' now. We have a new Headmistress - Prisca, a new financial administrator - Sarah, and finally a new Chairperson of the School Committee - Rose - three strong women to take the School forward. The gender divide is very real in Kenya in respect to what constitutes 'men's' work and 'women's' work so interesting times ahead -Go Girls!! :-)
I felt really sad saying goodbye to everyone yesterday, I've made so many good friends during the 10-weeks I spent in Utange and will miss them all.
I will also miss the strong community spirit which was also extended to me during my time there. The Kenyans living in the villages around the school have a real sense of community - something I feel we have lost to a degree - and I had become very much a part of that community.
The early evening is a nice time it Kenya. The real heat of the day has gone and although darkness comes down very quickly - usually around 6.30pm - it was definitely one of my favourite times of the day.
I'll miss walking home through the village seeing all the gas lamps being switched on, the smell of wood smoke in the air as the women start to cook the evening meal , calls of "Jambo habari " (Hi, how are you)) as I walk by. Usually the children will still be out playing at that time so I would get lots of "Hi Madam Jo-An" as well.
I feel really privileged to have had the opportunity to live among these warm and lovely people who willingly invited me into their homes and into their lives.
They exist in their world against all odds - poverty, illness, lack of basic facilities such as decent medical care, transport, etc - and often their basic needs aren't even met in respect to one decent meal a day never mind three.
For many of the Jolaurabi children the food they receive at school is their main source of nourishment - early Monday morning of last week a primary school child fainted and it was discovered that he had barely eaten anything since lunch time the previous Friday when he had lunch at school . For these children the porridge and free lunch program is fundamental to their health and well being so thanks to all who have sponsored children during my time there - you really are making a difference - you have no idea how much.
In respect to health and medical treatment - I wasn't too good at the weekend and Mama Cherongo was worried it was Maleria so took me along to a local clinic to be tested. This was a simple 'prick on the finger' blood test with immediate results (no malaria - poss something I'd eaten and I was better the next day) but the point I want to make is the test cost me 90ksh which is approx 70p to us, absolutely nothing really and yet these people can't afford to bring sickly children along for the test because of the cost - so sad. Malaria is preventable with mosquito nets and easily cured if caught early and yet children still die from it with small children up to 6 years being the most vulnerable.
Thank you all for following my blog and for all your support during the 10-weeks. Prisca (the new Headmistress - formally deputy head) came to the airport with me this morning and when I was leaving she asked me to send her greetings to all my family, friends and neighbours and to thank everyone for their support - so a big thank you from Prisca also.
Into the future if anyone is planning a holiday in Kenya, in the Mombasa area, pop along to Jolaurabi - most of the hotels on the North Coast are within easy reach of the school (just ask at reception or a local taxi) and I know you will be made very welcome by the children and the teachers.
I have loads of pictures on my camera which I will transfer to the PC and from there to the blog. So if anyone is interested in having a look at pictures of some of the events I have written about over the last three months check in a few days. Well I guess that is it - for now!!
Joan xx.
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Countdown to going home :-(
Over two weeks since I last updated my blog and I am now on countdown - 10-days to go.
I can hardly believe that my 10-week adventure is almost over and what a ten weeks!!
What has been happening recently? Well the school has been buzzing with visits from sponsors and the children have been delighted with all the goodies that have been brought out. New uniforms, new shoes, pencils and more pencils, bubbles that went down a storm, jotters, free lunches all week in Kindergarten, visits to the pool in hotels, new bikes (thank you Claire and Jerry for the two that you bought - the kids are delighted and no more walking 5-miles back and forward to school each day) footballs, food parcels for families, new text books, and I could go on and on.
For me it has been great having the visitors out as I've had lots of company plus the odd gin and tonic when I gatecrash their hotels - and the odd free lunch as well.
On a much more serious note yesterday all of the teachers and sponsors were invited to Sada's house to celebrate her life and meet the family. For those of you not on Facebook Sada was a young 16-year old who sang in the Choir and has visited the UK with the Singing Children. A few months ago Sada found herself pregnant and unfortunately both baby and Sada have since died. Such a waste of a life of a sweet young girl. I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Sada but I certainly heard her sing in the Choir in Dunfermline but those who knew her said she was a beautiful unassuming girl who brought joy to all who knew her.
Death during and after childbirth is not uncommon in the villages in Kenya especially as there are many home deliveries often assisted by no more than family members - Sada's case is not unusual but very very sad.
So what is planned for the coming week? Tomorrow is yet another visit to Immigration in Mombasa - Roz Walker an MA student from Cornwall is currently in Mombasa and would like to observe some session delivery in Primary school however there is no way I am letting her in class until she has a letter of Authority from Immigration!! We made our first visit on Friday of last week and are back again tomorrow to hopefully collect the letter which will allow her to enter the classrooms - after my experience we can't be too careful lol
Tues - Fri I want to spend time in school plus do some last minute shopping. Claire - I have 20 Mosquito nets to buy this week - thank you - most are going to the small kids in KG1 to limit the risk of maleria which can be especially fatal in young children. I also want to buy a few pressies to bring home and a couple of items on special order - a Kenyan shirt being one (which still has to be made so I better get a move on)
So next update will be from Scotland plus loads of pics once I get back to my own computer. xx
I can hardly believe that my 10-week adventure is almost over and what a ten weeks!!
What has been happening recently? Well the school has been buzzing with visits from sponsors and the children have been delighted with all the goodies that have been brought out. New uniforms, new shoes, pencils and more pencils, bubbles that went down a storm, jotters, free lunches all week in Kindergarten, visits to the pool in hotels, new bikes (thank you Claire and Jerry for the two that you bought - the kids are delighted and no more walking 5-miles back and forward to school each day) footballs, food parcels for families, new text books, and I could go on and on.
For me it has been great having the visitors out as I've had lots of company plus the odd gin and tonic when I gatecrash their hotels - and the odd free lunch as well.
On a much more serious note yesterday all of the teachers and sponsors were invited to Sada's house to celebrate her life and meet the family. For those of you not on Facebook Sada was a young 16-year old who sang in the Choir and has visited the UK with the Singing Children. A few months ago Sada found herself pregnant and unfortunately both baby and Sada have since died. Such a waste of a life of a sweet young girl. I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Sada but I certainly heard her sing in the Choir in Dunfermline but those who knew her said she was a beautiful unassuming girl who brought joy to all who knew her.
Death during and after childbirth is not uncommon in the villages in Kenya especially as there are many home deliveries often assisted by no more than family members - Sada's case is not unusual but very very sad.
So what is planned for the coming week? Tomorrow is yet another visit to Immigration in Mombasa - Roz Walker an MA student from Cornwall is currently in Mombasa and would like to observe some session delivery in Primary school however there is no way I am letting her in class until she has a letter of Authority from Immigration!! We made our first visit on Friday of last week and are back again tomorrow to hopefully collect the letter which will allow her to enter the classrooms - after my experience we can't be too careful lol
Tues - Fri I want to spend time in school plus do some last minute shopping. Claire - I have 20 Mosquito nets to buy this week - thank you - most are going to the small kids in KG1 to limit the risk of maleria which can be especially fatal in young children. I also want to buy a few pressies to bring home and a couple of items on special order - a Kenyan shirt being one (which still has to be made so I better get a move on)
So next update will be from Scotland plus loads of pics once I get back to my own computer. xx
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Finally - I'ts all Good
The most important to report is the fact that I now have my passport back - we had a few hairy moments but everything worked out in the end thanks to good friends and a lot of support from people in high places.
So how has the last week been? Well Jerry arrived on Saturday 26th June. It was great to see a familiar face. He came loaded with uniforms for the children and pencils galore as well as sharpeners, erasers, notebooks, colored pencils and a variety of pens for the teachers. He also brought two footballs for the kids - one for each school - however to my knowledge they never left the Kindergarten! The kids were ecstatic and football was the name of the game for the rest of the day.
It's been nonstop ever since. That first Saturday we had a wedding to attend - my second, Jerry's first. We had a great time and Jerry had his first taste of the traditional wedding fare - Pilau.
Sunday morning was church with Matrine, one of the Kindergarten teachers. We attended the English service which starts at 8am until 11am. The world cup took over the rest of the day and we went to a local bar/restaurant and watched the game in the evening.
Monday was taken up with a visit to the school where we delivered the uniforms and the footballs, etc. Jerry visited all of the classrooms to meet the kids. The children love to receive visitors - they also love to sing and dance - and he was entertained in each classroom. We stayed to eat lunch with the teachers - beans and rice. Jerry was fascinated to watch Mama Lucy and Mama Inwange cooking the traditional Kenyan way - a wood fire with the pot sitting on three stones.
Monday night was (for me) a bit stressful as I had court at 9am the following day. However at around 8pm we had a call from Nairobi. The call was from the assistant to the Under Secretary who advised he had made contact with Emigration and hopefully this would influence the outcome of my case. We both found this very reassuring.
Tuesday morning we arrived in court at 8.30am where we were told the Proscecutor was waiting to speak with my lawyer. We had a few hairy moments as my lawyer, true to form, arrived in court just after 9am - my case was due to commence at 9am!! I quickly updated him on the phonecall from the previous evening and he had a hasty conversation with the Prosceutor to find out Emigration's position. Anyway sufficient to say that two of the charges were dropped and I pleaded quilty to working without a permit. The lawyer spoke elequently in respect to the benefits of volunteers within Jolaurabi School and highlighted that there was a general lack of understanding around the need for a workpermit when the support provided was unpaid. He also asked for the sentence to be lenient under the circumstances.
The sentence given was a fine of 30k Kenyan Shilling or 6-months in Jail - no competation!! Jerry has been telling folk that he shouted for the jail sentence to save us some money lol however in reality he went with the lawyer and paid the fine so we could get my passport back and move on. During this time I once again waited in the cells however this time the lawyer had arranged I could wait on the stairs rather than go into the underground tunnel. It was a great feeling to finally get my passport back although it did take us a further three hours to get our hands on it!! We spent that time going back and forward between the court and emigration trying to find out where it was. Finally a call to James Knight the British Counsol helped us locate it within the court building. It was a great feeling to see that little red book.
Finally I want to say I was very lucky and fortunate in the contacts I made and the support I received from friends at home as well as in Mombasa during this quite frightening time. I received help as a result of the contacts I made through Glenn who also helped me from the first day in court and the Kenyan government were also very supportive once they knew the whole story. It was also great to see Jerry who came out early in order to support me through my third and final court appearance. Thanks everyone for your emails, texts and facebook updates. It made a real difference and helped to keep me going.
Wednesday we visited Mombasa and did the touristy thing of visiting Fort Jesus and the Old Town. We also rode a Matatu back to Shanzu on our own!! Wednesday night we had supper with Prisca (the deputy principle of the Primary School) and her husband Paul. The power went off during the evening so we sat in candlelight for a couple of hours until it came back on - could have been very romantic for us but just the normal inconvenience for the Kenyans.
So what else have we been up to? Thursday-Friday of last week we went on safari to Tsavo East National Park. We also stayed overnight at Voi Safari lodge. This was the most amazing experience where we saw animals living in their natural habitat (unlike a game reserve which is more manufactured). We saw loads of animals, for me the best experience was seeing giraffe and lions. Some I didn't recognise, of course that could not be said for Jerry Attenburgh who tried (unsuccessfully lol) to outdo the guide with his knowledge. It was fun and a great experience.
We are spending Jerry's last two days at Whitesands - the other side of Kenya. He leaves for Scotland tonight and I go back to the village for the rest of my stay - until 27th July. I'll miss the company however there are visitors arriving at the school throughout July so I won't be on my own for long.
Finally - I have an appointment with the head of emigration on Friday of this week to discuss the way forward for volunteers coming to Jolaurabi School. I'm not sure if I will achieve anything however he has offered his help and I am hopeful that we can at least identify the process we should follow to prevent what happened to me happening to anyone else in the future. Sponsors want to visit the school to meet the children they support and those that teach are also keen to provide their skills free for the time they are there - usually just a couple of weeks. It's important that the risk of falling foul of the authorities (as I did) is removed.
Some friends have said to me "once you get your passport back get out of there" - Kenya is a wonderful place and the ordinary people and kids at the school are a joy and a privilige to know and live with - leaving has never been an option to me - what happened is over and I am looking forward to my last few weeks here.
So how has the last week been? Well Jerry arrived on Saturday 26th June. It was great to see a familiar face. He came loaded with uniforms for the children and pencils galore as well as sharpeners, erasers, notebooks, colored pencils and a variety of pens for the teachers. He also brought two footballs for the kids - one for each school - however to my knowledge they never left the Kindergarten! The kids were ecstatic and football was the name of the game for the rest of the day.
It's been nonstop ever since. That first Saturday we had a wedding to attend - my second, Jerry's first. We had a great time and Jerry had his first taste of the traditional wedding fare - Pilau.
Sunday morning was church with Matrine, one of the Kindergarten teachers. We attended the English service which starts at 8am until 11am. The world cup took over the rest of the day and we went to a local bar/restaurant and watched the game in the evening.
Monday was taken up with a visit to the school where we delivered the uniforms and the footballs, etc. Jerry visited all of the classrooms to meet the kids. The children love to receive visitors - they also love to sing and dance - and he was entertained in each classroom. We stayed to eat lunch with the teachers - beans and rice. Jerry was fascinated to watch Mama Lucy and Mama Inwange cooking the traditional Kenyan way - a wood fire with the pot sitting on three stones.
Monday night was (for me) a bit stressful as I had court at 9am the following day. However at around 8pm we had a call from Nairobi. The call was from the assistant to the Under Secretary who advised he had made contact with Emigration and hopefully this would influence the outcome of my case. We both found this very reassuring.
Tuesday morning we arrived in court at 8.30am where we were told the Proscecutor was waiting to speak with my lawyer. We had a few hairy moments as my lawyer, true to form, arrived in court just after 9am - my case was due to commence at 9am!! I quickly updated him on the phonecall from the previous evening and he had a hasty conversation with the Prosceutor to find out Emigration's position. Anyway sufficient to say that two of the charges were dropped and I pleaded quilty to working without a permit. The lawyer spoke elequently in respect to the benefits of volunteers within Jolaurabi School and highlighted that there was a general lack of understanding around the need for a workpermit when the support provided was unpaid. He also asked for the sentence to be lenient under the circumstances.
The sentence given was a fine of 30k Kenyan Shilling or 6-months in Jail - no competation!! Jerry has been telling folk that he shouted for the jail sentence to save us some money lol however in reality he went with the lawyer and paid the fine so we could get my passport back and move on. During this time I once again waited in the cells however this time the lawyer had arranged I could wait on the stairs rather than go into the underground tunnel. It was a great feeling to finally get my passport back although it did take us a further three hours to get our hands on it!! We spent that time going back and forward between the court and emigration trying to find out where it was. Finally a call to James Knight the British Counsol helped us locate it within the court building. It was a great feeling to see that little red book.
Finally I want to say I was very lucky and fortunate in the contacts I made and the support I received from friends at home as well as in Mombasa during this quite frightening time. I received help as a result of the contacts I made through Glenn who also helped me from the first day in court and the Kenyan government were also very supportive once they knew the whole story. It was also great to see Jerry who came out early in order to support me through my third and final court appearance. Thanks everyone for your emails, texts and facebook updates. It made a real difference and helped to keep me going.
Wednesday we visited Mombasa and did the touristy thing of visiting Fort Jesus and the Old Town. We also rode a Matatu back to Shanzu on our own!! Wednesday night we had supper with Prisca (the deputy principle of the Primary School) and her husband Paul. The power went off during the evening so we sat in candlelight for a couple of hours until it came back on - could have been very romantic for us but just the normal inconvenience for the Kenyans.
So what else have we been up to? Thursday-Friday of last week we went on safari to Tsavo East National Park. We also stayed overnight at Voi Safari lodge. This was the most amazing experience where we saw animals living in their natural habitat (unlike a game reserve which is more manufactured). We saw loads of animals, for me the best experience was seeing giraffe and lions. Some I didn't recognise, of course that could not be said for Jerry Attenburgh who tried (unsuccessfully lol) to outdo the guide with his knowledge. It was fun and a great experience.
We are spending Jerry's last two days at Whitesands - the other side of Kenya. He leaves for Scotland tonight and I go back to the village for the rest of my stay - until 27th July. I'll miss the company however there are visitors arriving at the school throughout July so I won't be on my own for long.
Finally - I have an appointment with the head of emigration on Friday of this week to discuss the way forward for volunteers coming to Jolaurabi School. I'm not sure if I will achieve anything however he has offered his help and I am hopeful that we can at least identify the process we should follow to prevent what happened to me happening to anyone else in the future. Sponsors want to visit the school to meet the children they support and those that teach are also keen to provide their skills free for the time they are there - usually just a couple of weeks. It's important that the risk of falling foul of the authorities (as I did) is removed.
Some friends have said to me "once you get your passport back get out of there" - Kenya is a wonderful place and the ordinary people and kids at the school are a joy and a privilige to know and live with - leaving has never been an option to me - what happened is over and I am looking forward to my last few weeks here.
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Event at the Prison
This week I've been fairly quiet. I was in court again on Tues 22nd however due to the proc lawyer being ill my case has been put back until next Tues, 29th, same place, same time. Jerry will be there by then and it will be great to have his support and, as with Glenn, he is also someone in all of this that I can totally trust.
Today was interesting. Glenn has been working on a project to build a court at the Mombasa Prison - this means that remand prisoners can appear in court on the prison compound instead of busing them into the court in the centre of Mombasa and then having to keep them in those dreaded cells until 5pm when they get bused back. So today was the grand opening. Lots of important people where there - I met the British High Commissioner from Nairobi who introduced me to the Deputy Justice Minister - the Hon Richard Onyonka. Richard listened to my story with great interest and has promised to help - so all good.
I also saw an exhibition of 'goodies' taken from Somali Pirate Ships that had been boarded by Kenyan police off the coast of Kenya. Lots of rifles, small arms, etc. Kenya is working hard with the West to fight the Somali Piracy problem - Mombasa is losing millions of Kenyan Shilling per year as a result of cruise ships being reluctant to sail through Kenyan waters to berth in Mombasa - the tourist revenue is very important to the economy so they are very keen to work with the West to resolve/reduce the threat of piracy.
An interesting point was made that the root cause of Somali Piracy is political - Somalia is in a bad way politically and economically and individuals will do anything to survive. The pirates are just one part of a huge money laundering circle - I was amazed last week to see a group of Somalis on the street in Mombasa changing money - they need to get rid of this currency as soon as possible - so effectively changing dirty money into clean. Trainers - that's a wee story for your Financial Crime Session lol
What else? Grace and I bought some material in Mombasa last Saturday - the equivalent of 90p a meter - and we took it to a local fundi (tailor in this case) on Monday past. He took our measurement and we pick up the dresses today - how's that for service. He took fifteen pounds to make two dresses - Next and River Island eat your heart out!! Although I haven't tried it on yet so the proof of the pudding and all that.
I think I mentioned on FaceBook that I had a visit on Monday from the two boys Nixon and George (Lucky) that I hosted in 2007. George is called Lucky because apparently before he was born times in his family were particularly hard however improved around the time of his birth so his Grandma christened him Lucky. It was great to see them, Nixon boards and was home on half term, George goes to school locally.. George is a good footballer and plays for Shanzu, he is keen that Jerry come watch him play. I have a feeling it is going to cost us the price of new football boots but that's OK.
Nixon and I spent Tues together - we had a lovely time. We bought some things for school and he took me to meet his family. Nixon made me a lovely wooden boat out of a suger cane to take home. Nixon is an artist and very creative, he is a lovely boy who works hard at school and at looking after his mum and his two younger siblings. His father left some time ago and Nixon built his mum an adobe house - only three sides - on a small piece of land where his aunt and uncle live.
OK that's it for now. Waiting for Tuesday and wish this was finally all over.
Today was interesting. Glenn has been working on a project to build a court at the Mombasa Prison - this means that remand prisoners can appear in court on the prison compound instead of busing them into the court in the centre of Mombasa and then having to keep them in those dreaded cells until 5pm when they get bused back. So today was the grand opening. Lots of important people where there - I met the British High Commissioner from Nairobi who introduced me to the Deputy Justice Minister - the Hon Richard Onyonka. Richard listened to my story with great interest and has promised to help - so all good.
I also saw an exhibition of 'goodies' taken from Somali Pirate Ships that had been boarded by Kenyan police off the coast of Kenya. Lots of rifles, small arms, etc. Kenya is working hard with the West to fight the Somali Piracy problem - Mombasa is losing millions of Kenyan Shilling per year as a result of cruise ships being reluctant to sail through Kenyan waters to berth in Mombasa - the tourist revenue is very important to the economy so they are very keen to work with the West to resolve/reduce the threat of piracy.
An interesting point was made that the root cause of Somali Piracy is political - Somalia is in a bad way politically and economically and individuals will do anything to survive. The pirates are just one part of a huge money laundering circle - I was amazed last week to see a group of Somalis on the street in Mombasa changing money - they need to get rid of this currency as soon as possible - so effectively changing dirty money into clean. Trainers - that's a wee story for your Financial Crime Session lol
What else? Grace and I bought some material in Mombasa last Saturday - the equivalent of 90p a meter - and we took it to a local fundi (tailor in this case) on Monday past. He took our measurement and we pick up the dresses today - how's that for service. He took fifteen pounds to make two dresses - Next and River Island eat your heart out!! Although I haven't tried it on yet so the proof of the pudding and all that.
I think I mentioned on FaceBook that I had a visit on Monday from the two boys Nixon and George (Lucky) that I hosted in 2007. George is called Lucky because apparently before he was born times in his family were particularly hard however improved around the time of his birth so his Grandma christened him Lucky. It was great to see them, Nixon boards and was home on half term, George goes to school locally.. George is a good footballer and plays for Shanzu, he is keen that Jerry come watch him play. I have a feeling it is going to cost us the price of new football boots but that's OK.
Nixon and I spent Tues together - we had a lovely time. We bought some things for school and he took me to meet his family. Nixon made me a lovely wooden boat out of a suger cane to take home. Nixon is an artist and very creative, he is a lovely boy who works hard at school and at looking after his mum and his two younger siblings. His father left some time ago and Nixon built his mum an adobe house - only three sides - on a small piece of land where his aunt and uncle live.
OK that's it for now. Waiting for Tuesday and wish this was finally all over.
Monday, 21 June 2010
A very Challenging Week
For those of you on FaceBook you will know what has been happening to me over the last week. Last Tuesday 5 men from emigration came to the school and asked for me. I was sharpening pencils at the time in one of the classrooms. I met with them in Grace's office and they asked why I had come to Kenya. I explained a combined holiday with an opportunity to learn about the Charity I supported, meet the children and understand what else I could do to help out. At that point I was told it was an offence/crime to lie to emigration officials. Teaching was mentioned - to be honest it is all a bit of a blur now possibly as a result of what followed. I explained I was not a teacher and they confirmed with me that I worked in a Bank. I was asked for my passport which I didn't have with me so was escorted to my little house in their van. One of the officials came in with me whilst I got my passport. They asked me to accompany them to Mombasa however by this time the headmaster and chairman of the school had arrived and told me to wait at home whilst they went instead to try to understand what was happening.
An appointment was made for me at Emigration on the Wednesday morning at 8.30am.
Wednesday morning I was questioned and asked to write a statement of why/when/what I was in Kenya plus all of my activities since I had arrived. This lasted for approx 4-hours before I was asked to turn up on the Thursday at 8am.
Thursday at approx 8.30am I was taken to court and charged on three counts:
An appointment was made for me at Emigration on the Wednesday morning at 8.30am.
Wednesday morning I was questioned and asked to write a statement of why/when/what I was in Kenya plus all of my activities since I had arrived. This lasted for approx 4-hours before I was asked to turn up on the Thursday at 8am.
Thursday at approx 8.30am I was taken to court and charged on three counts:
- working without a permit
- illegal entry into Kenya
- not conforming to the terms of my permit (which I didn't have according to charge 1)
I had decided to plead guilty to working without a permit for although I am not a teacher and in fact had not delivered any teaching as such but had simply supported the teachers, sewn on some badges on school dresses, played with the kids etc I understood that if I accepted the charge I would be fined and hopefully get my passport back.
However when the evidence was read out I disagreed with one point - emigration officers came to the classroom and found me delivering a lesson - I explained this was not in fact true and that the emigration officers hadn't come to the classroom and had they done so they would have seen I was sharpening pencils.
Well it all went downhill from there!! The magistrate changed my plea from guilty to not guilty and I was placed on remand with a bail payment of one hundred thousand Kenyan shilling - approx one thousand pounds - until tomorrow at 8.30am when I will appear in court again. I was then taken to the remand cells where I would have stayed until 5pm and then moved to the main prison overnight.
This was possibly the most frightening experience of my life so far and I rate it well over and above my experiences of the early troubles in Northern Ireland in the late 60's, however you know you can always find humour in every situation. I was walking behind the court police man to a woman's cell when I heard "teacher, teacher." Three local Shanzu boys had been arrested for selling to tourists on the beach - effectively tresspassing as the Kenyans are only allowed on the Public Beach and not beaches that are attached to hotels. They recognised me from the village and as I was attached to the school I was given my title of 'teacher' lol Considering what had just happened in the court room this was not what I wanted to hear - or rather wanted anyone else to hear!! Anyway they conned me into buying them breakfast before I was placed in a cell with another six women.
Thank God for small miracles - as luck would have it an Australian professor with the UN was in my court by mistake - he thought he was going to hear a Somali pirate case and ended up with me - he is working on a project that involved prison reform in Kenya and has a lot of contacts within the main court, etc. Through the efforts of this amazing man Glenn I was removed from the cell and placed in the walk way that ran between the cells -he also provided water and a couple of prison guards he knew to look after me. Within two hours I was released - this kind man even went to the bank and raised the money needed for my bail - I was also allowed to retain my mobile phone (very unusual) which enabled me to contact Marion and arrange for money to be transferred to repay my bail. What can I say other than a big thank you to everyone who supported me through those horrific two hours. I also met a guy from Leeds who is working in Kenya as a social worker and has been on remand for two weeks - another passport issue. Unfortunately all his money is going to pay a lawyer so he wasn't as fortunate as me and is taken to prison each night and brought back to the remand cells in the morning.
Now I have a lawyer and will appear in court in the morning. Naturally I'm worried about the outcome, I will plead guilty again and this time keep my mouth shut whatever the evidence is (thank you Marion for that piece of advice - if I manage it, it will probably be the first time in my life I have managed to shut up lol ) and hopefully receive a fine and get my passport back.
So what did I do at the weekend?? I went shopping in Mombasa with the little girl I sponsor to get her some clothes including school shoes. We went to a big second hand clothes market - the clothes there are clothes donated in the West - possibly you have filled a bag left at your door and collected later - we got school shoes, a school bag, a Barbie denham jacket and a waterproof jacket for approx ten pounds. We then had chicken and chips for lunch and made out way home.
Sunday was church - the Redeemed Gospel Church - I didn't make the English service 8am -11am, but managed to get to the Swalhili service -however the pastor delivered it in English just for me - with a translator. I love this man, he is a real character, he will stop periodically and roar "somebody say Amen!" and when he is trying to make a point he will pause and say "Hullo??" and "are you getting me?" I hope I am able to listen to him next Sunday again - I also have a wedding to attend (another one!!) on Saturday so I am hoping that the verdict tomorrow allows me to go to both.
Thanks everyone for your good wishes. Hopefully I will be able to update you all soon and if not I know that Marion is my point of contact on FaceBook - I am hoping that this is a job Marion will not need.
Monday, 14 June 2010
That was a week that was!!
It's been over a week since I last posted - I did walk to the local Cyber Cafe last week but it was closed for some reason.
A lot has happened in the last eight days or so, a couple of sad stories, one with hopefully a happy ending and one with a very tragic ending. I have also had the privilege of attending a Kenyan wedding and been to church again to listen to some fantastic gospel music and some passionate preaching.
First the stories - both concern children.
Stella, one of the KG teachers has a lovely little girl of nine months - Jemima. Stella noticed that Jemima wasn't eating well and seemed listless. After a couple of days Stella was really worried and rushed Jemima to the local government hospital. She waited there for what seemed like hours however no one was interested in having a look at her baby. Eventually in desperation Stella got the name of a private hospital and took Jemima there where the baby was put on a drip and given some injections. That was early last week, Jemima is still in hospital but gradually recovering from dehydration and a chest infection. Grace and I went to visit Stella and Jemima on Wednesday night, the baby was poorly however I'm really pleased to say that she is slowly getting better. Thank God. Can I also say that I will never criticize our national health service again - even though Jemima is in a private hospital facilities are extremely poor, however the main thing is that the staff were able to help Stella - this is going to be a real struggle for Stella to settle the bill however that is secondary to her baby's health.
The other story doesn't have a happy ending unfortunately. Grace's 4-year old nephew took ill at the beginning of last week. At first her sister thought it was just a cold however by Wednesday she became concerned. The family live in a rural area where there is no hospital and no main road. Grace's sister carried her son for several miles until she reached a main road and managed to get a lift from a lorry driver. Unfortunately be the time she reached the hospital the little mite had died in her arms from malaria. Infant death are not unusual in Kenya and so tragic. The use of a mosquito net can reduce malaria but sometimes ignorance on the part of the parents means that these nets which are given free to new mothers are not used.
Sorry everyone for such sad tales however they do underline the need for support and western aid to Kenya. We can all do our bit.
By the way - it occurred to me last week that one of the reasons African ladies have fab legs and a great bum is because they walk everywhere - so cancel the gym membership, leave the car at home and walk more - and the fifty pounds a month you save would help you sponsor a child - and you would have a lot of change lol
On Saturday I attended a Kenyan wedding - pics on Facebook. I have never experienced anything like this - 12 bridesmaids, 10 flower girls, 4 pageboys, 4 best men, 100 guests and food for everyone - pilau rice with lamb and wedding cake. We had a great day. There were many guests from Nairobi plus a visiting pastor as the bride was a Nairobi girl. I found it funny to watch the Nairobi guests eating with a spoon whilst the Mombasa guests (including myself lol) ate with our hands - I'm an expert now at turning my thumb and forefinger into a scoop lol
I also learned that in Nairobi they speak a slang version of Swahili which is not understood by the Kenyans who live on the coast - the Nairobi Pastor needed an interpreter during his part of the service which was great for me as he spoke in English which was then interpreted into pure Swahili.
So another week - week five. I can't believe the way the time is flying in and I'm starting to panic at the idea that I will soon be packing up and coming back from this amazing place.
That's about it for today, hope everyone is great at home and you are getting some sun - if not I can try to send some over! lol
Saturday, 5 June 2010
End of another week - Saturday 5th June 2010
A spelling error correction first of all. For any of you trying to use Google Earth to figure out exactly where I am I'm not helping with my constant spelling errors of the places around here. So you may remember in a previous blog I mentioned the town nearby that Grace christened Sodom and Gomorrah - OK that is Mtwapa - not sure how I spelt it previously but I know it wasn't correct lol I should also add that when I mentioned white men with beautiful Kenyan girls I should have emphasised old white men! Anyway enough of that.
Story worth mentioning - those of you on Facebook will have heard this one already however def worth a mention again.
Walking home from the Cyber cafe this week when I was stopped by a Boda Boda man (found out that is the name for the motorbike transport around here- thank you Maureen) Boda Boda man to me: "hi Madam Jo-An, would you like a ride home in my fully air-conditioned taxi" - you have to admit the guy had style - you know my lack of fondness for this mode of transport however how could I refuse that line!! And no Maureen - not just so I could hang on tight........ Well, not completely lol
George the taxi driver who took me shopping this week is now top of my Xmas card list!
George:
"Are you English Jo-An?"
Me:
"No George - well it's complicated. I live in Scotland but I was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, so that makes me an Northern Irish Woman"
George:
"Ah - Jo-an, Manchester United, George Best, do you know this man?"
Me:
"Fantastic, just about the best footballer who ever lived" (indulge me here - Belfast hasn't produced many world famous footballers - and he was gorgeous lol)
George:
"So what is he doing now?"
George and I then discussed the demon drink and how it's misuse contributed to the too early demise of Mr GB.
Good news on the Visa/Permit story. The emigration official that the school chairman has been dealing with has advised that I don't need to do anything. I'm not teaching, more interacting with the children and helping out where I can so it's all good.
This week has been fairly quiet, I have continued to support one of Obadiah's class, Betty, by listening to her reading, and again I have 'baby sat' KG1 a couple of times whilst Grace was busy on School business. I've mentioned KG1 before on my blog, I love being with them, they are so much fun, full of mischief. My biggest success so far with the wee ones has been to teach them 'ring a ring a roses' which we sing in a large circle everyone falling on top of each other at the end!
I'm at Whitesands again today - thought it may be quiet as this is 'low' season in Kenya however I do believe all of Atlanta Georgia has just pulled up in several buses so that's the end of my quiet day. Lots of mint julups being ordered at the poolside bar then!
Nothing much else to report at the moment - oh one thing. I found a shop that sells Nutella chocolate spread - heaven!! I've been eating it out of the jar with a spoon - so what's different I hear some of you say lol
Still no water back in my little place so I am going to enjoy today and make the most of all that Whitesands has to offer - including dinner.
I'm approaching my forth week (officially starts on Tuesday 9th) I can hardly believe it, where has the time gone.
Grace and I are planning a trip to Mombasa, hopefully next Saturday so I am looking forward to that. Claire - I have the lonely planet guide to Kenya with me this weekend and am planning our day. There is so much to see in Mombasa that one day may not do it but it will be a start.
By the way this is a very interesting time politically to be in Kenya. A new constitution has been drawn up by the Government and a referendum is being held soon (August I think) to allow the people to vote on whether to accept it. Obadiah brought a copy of the document to school this week and we had a read. As with any proposed political change anywhere in the world, there is a 'yes' camp and a 'no' camp and lots of good hearted debate going on around whether to accept or not.
OK - that's it for now. Thanks everyone for your good wishes and for the continued offer of help to the kids out here. You have no idea the difference a few pounds makes to the lives of these children. Anyone wanting to help in anyway please contact Maureen or Yvonne, once again you will get their contact numbers on the website, www.educatethekids.com.
Thanks Tammie and Jerry for sponsoring two of the children - I know Yvonne has been in touch with the details. Fantastic.
love to all, x
Story worth mentioning - those of you on Facebook will have heard this one already however def worth a mention again.
Walking home from the Cyber cafe this week when I was stopped by a Boda Boda man (found out that is the name for the motorbike transport around here- thank you Maureen) Boda Boda man to me: "hi Madam Jo-An, would you like a ride home in my fully air-conditioned taxi" - you have to admit the guy had style - you know my lack of fondness for this mode of transport however how could I refuse that line!! And no Maureen - not just so I could hang on tight........ Well, not completely lol
George the taxi driver who took me shopping this week is now top of my Xmas card list!
George:
"Are you English Jo-An?"
Me:
"No George - well it's complicated. I live in Scotland but I was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, so that makes me an Northern Irish Woman"
George:
"Ah - Jo-an, Manchester United, George Best, do you know this man?"
Me:
"Fantastic, just about the best footballer who ever lived" (indulge me here - Belfast hasn't produced many world famous footballers - and he was gorgeous lol)
George:
"So what is he doing now?"
George and I then discussed the demon drink and how it's misuse contributed to the too early demise of Mr GB.
Good news on the Visa/Permit story. The emigration official that the school chairman has been dealing with has advised that I don't need to do anything. I'm not teaching, more interacting with the children and helping out where I can so it's all good.
This week has been fairly quiet, I have continued to support one of Obadiah's class, Betty, by listening to her reading, and again I have 'baby sat' KG1 a couple of times whilst Grace was busy on School business. I've mentioned KG1 before on my blog, I love being with them, they are so much fun, full of mischief. My biggest success so far with the wee ones has been to teach them 'ring a ring a roses' which we sing in a large circle everyone falling on top of each other at the end!
I'm at Whitesands again today - thought it may be quiet as this is 'low' season in Kenya however I do believe all of Atlanta Georgia has just pulled up in several buses so that's the end of my quiet day. Lots of mint julups being ordered at the poolside bar then!
Nothing much else to report at the moment - oh one thing. I found a shop that sells Nutella chocolate spread - heaven!! I've been eating it out of the jar with a spoon - so what's different I hear some of you say lol
Still no water back in my little place so I am going to enjoy today and make the most of all that Whitesands has to offer - including dinner.
I'm approaching my forth week (officially starts on Tuesday 9th) I can hardly believe it, where has the time gone.
Grace and I are planning a trip to Mombasa, hopefully next Saturday so I am looking forward to that. Claire - I have the lonely planet guide to Kenya with me this weekend and am planning our day. There is so much to see in Mombasa that one day may not do it but it will be a start.
By the way this is a very interesting time politically to be in Kenya. A new constitution has been drawn up by the Government and a referendum is being held soon (August I think) to allow the people to vote on whether to accept it. Obadiah brought a copy of the document to school this week and we had a read. As with any proposed political change anywhere in the world, there is a 'yes' camp and a 'no' camp and lots of good hearted debate going on around whether to accept or not.
OK - that's it for now. Thanks everyone for your good wishes and for the continued offer of help to the kids out here. You have no idea the difference a few pounds makes to the lives of these children. Anyone wanting to help in anyway please contact Maureen or Yvonne, once again you will get their contact numbers on the website, www.educatethekids.com.
Thanks Tammie and Jerry for sponsoring two of the children - I know Yvonne has been in touch with the details. Fantastic.
love to all, x
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