There has been silence on this blog from anyone but the team co-ordinators … perhaps a sign of how hard we worked and played while away in Kenya 
. I had intended to post, but when there is always a crystal blue sea to swim in, and new people to chat to, it can be difficult to sit still at a computer. Back now to my red couch, grey skies and Alan (cat) thinking that he can type, and I have time to put some words down on the Camara Kenya 10 experience.
What do I miss? Top of the list is the complete randomness of Africa – the interest and excitement of not knowing what will happen next. Power cuts, dirt roads, unplanned stop offs on journeys, insane traffic, crowded matatus (buses), overfilled boats, ordered food not arriving, unordered food then arriving, coffee after lunch taking 3 hours. And whats with the overpowering use of garlic? The unexpected will always happen, and the only thing to do is laugh (a lot).
And of course, my amazing co-volunteers. You guys! The 2+ rule was never a problem, I always wanted to spend time in your company. Group dinners, dhow rides, market trips, teaching together, sing-sings, late night swimming N – all so much fun. It was incredibly interesting to meet people with such different backgrounds and personalities. Week one was a repeat of the “getting to know each other” conversation x 10, but always with such a diversity of answers. Living all together in one apartment tends to open all boundaries between people…., as does the negative effects of eating food from an African country! (And curtains for toilet doors).
I miss the friendliness, openness and the sense of humour of the Kenyan people. Every morning I was greeted with a smile, a handshake, a hello, how are you. Arms around you, like you are their favourite person. Wanting friendship, email addresses, a chat. Giving you small presents. And not just those in Camara – the shop assistant asking where you’re from, the worker cleaning the toilet admiring your necklace, the tuk tuk driver wondering do you know Robbie Keane. Security guards at the bank falling off the steps laughing when I pretend to misunderstand and make a lame joke about taking out 1 schilling at the time (1000 schilling to one euro). I can tell you that the staff in Frankfurt airport were scared by the crazy Irish lady talking at them. At least the Irish bus driver was a little more receptive.
The enthusiasm of the local Camara volunteers was overwhelming. They all thoroughly supported the Camara cause, and worked long hours to schedule the classes, to help us teaching in any way, and to prepare for a graduation party that rivalled any college graduation I’ve been too. The belief in the volunteers, and in the trainees in the importance of education was incredible. It was impossible to finish any class on time, as there were so many questions, and people wanted to practise what we had taught. If only the same enthusiasm was present in my own workplace!
So Camara Kenya 10 is over, and I have learned an incredible amount and made some lifelong friends (I think ). I hope that the computer skills that I have taught will encourage the volunteers and teachers to continue to educate and up-skill themselves, and to pass that knowledge onto others… that’s the best I can aim for in a months work.
Asante everyone,
Helena (Halanna, HB, ToTo, Dave)
PS: Oh, and I miss the sunshine. A lot.
