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Today I wanted to do something a little different in my teaching session.  I learnt that the ladies had previously taken a 3 week computer class.  It got me thinking about the changes that Kenya has been through in recent years, technology and globalisation hit the country and has been embraced.  In some specific areas of technology, like mobile money, Kenya is ahead of many western countries.    Mpesa is a mobile phone app which can be used to pay for goods and services, i.e. shops or transferred to individuals, taxi drivers for example.   I have seen Masai herders checking there mobiles as they walk along with thier cattle and goats, at the coast if you want to go fishing, and you have their number the boat owner could pick you up from the reef outside your lodgings.

Most of the ladies here have either come from small villages or have had humble upbringings.  They may not appreciate all that technology can be used for.

I introduced the session by watching Black Panther.  Staff translated the points I wanted to be highlighted for the discussion we had after.  It was clear from our discussion these ladies appreciate the power of technology and the impact it will have on their own and their children’s lives.  I will attempt to find a way to assist the lady who may have dyslexia.  A text to speech plug in for Swahili is what I am after…                I recall the impact text to speech had on one of my learners whilst working at the Harington Scheme, it changed her life, almost overnight once she downloaded a programme onto her mobile phone 😊.

The ladies are at different stages of their time and development here.  The time they stay varies FROM 6 -12 months, each lady has a development plan written to identify needs, strengths and ambitions (sounds like an Education Health Care Plan 😊).  The shelter also networks with outside organisations to provide opportunities and support to individuals once they graduate.

My IT skills have been useful (as usual) I have developed guidance notes and manuals on sharing using Office 365, lighting the charcoal oven, and of the recipes we have cooked all with images and screen dumps so they are accessible.  My two ongoing manuals are house keeping and maintaining and caring for the rabbit house which is going to be written with the help of the lady who may be dyslexic.  Experience tells me that her confidence could do with a boost, and to feel she has been directly involved with the creation of something important should do the trick 😊.

From my perspective I believe the most important job the ladies have is to be a good mother to their child, hence the piece of work above inspired by Dorothy Law Nolte.

I have also been able to support staff by providing 1:1 training on using email, editting documents, punctation and blogging (I’m by no means an expert on blogging but I feel I know enough to pass on something of value).

I’m learning too, about how difficult life can be in Kenya, education must be paid for after primary school and if your parents (if you have any, there are alot of orphans out here) can’t afford to pay for your education, school stops.  Obviously there are also alot of adults for whom school stopped too early and although there is a National Youth Service much of the money has been wasted through either mis-management or embezlement if the national newspaper reports are correct.

Eunice and mum are doing well 😊.  I wonder how these young women find the strength, caring for babies which they did not ask for or necessarily want.  The shelter is the best place for them helping them get on an even keal before graduating, returning to school or securing employment.  I watched staff as she demonstrated how to bathe, clean the umbilical cord and dress the baby.  The love and care is so evident ❤.

There was a bit of excitment this afternoon, the adult calf escaped from is quarter’s and was galloping around the compound.  The older cow was also trying to escape but the ladies managed to contain her.   Being chased by two of the ladies the adult calf spooked the baby calf who was grazing on the lawn tied to a stake.  He broke free and joined in the stampede too.  Although it was short lived the adult calf helped herself to some spinach and trampled on a few of the carrots.  Must be such a tempation for them seeing all the lovely vegtables growing over their fence and being fed maize bi product (the stalks, leaves and empty cobs) and oats.

The ladies finished their baby bib’s today and we’re rightly proud of their efforts.  I only have 2 more craft sessions before I join Jay.  I intend to use the sessions to develop the ladies artistic imagination by mixing in a little meditation 😊.

Dawn has bought us news that we have a new baby at the shelter.  Born yesterday evening Eunice is now the youngest amoungst us and I must add that from the images Ive been sent she is absolutely beautiful.  I will update you once I have met her 😊.

The pregnant lady has been accompanied to hospital by staff this morning.  I think I might be incharge as was left with the keys!

I wonder what changes the baby might see in its lifetime?  Kenya has its problems as do all other countries but it is going through many positive changes.  The current government’s manifesto sighting; raised standards and improve education, water and power for all, harnessing technology and lessening corruption. I would like to be involved in these changes somehow, especially where education and special educational needs are concerned.

Jay has successfully lead a group of Kenyan workers through their managing safety qualification and I’m extremely proud of his conviction and giving up his own time to improve their chances of securing future jobs and protecting the lives of Kenyan workers ensuring they go home to their family after each working day.

My fellow volunteer has returned to the shelter so ‘we’ are now in charge, the remaining ladies have been great today apart from holding the keys I’ve not had to remind them of anything, the animals were seen to, the cow was milked, eggs collected  nothing.  There is no news on mum to be or the new arrival.  We will have to wait for news.