The equator

Below is an update by Aby Morley on a varied and enjoyable day that we spent in the company of Kisumu Rural CDF....

Thursday 2nd July

A surprising visit to the equator on our travels today! A novelty that we all enjoyed, taking snapshots crossing the north/south divide. The sun seemed to move quickly above our heads and the temperature seemed to rise as we stood there. Edwin then took us back to a school that we visited on Monday so that we culd meet the other classes, the younger years. They seemed apprehensive at first as we intoduced ourselves; but we donated a footbll to the school as well as Cheltenham Town pencils, which they seemed to thoroughly enjoy as they ran out of class to the field to play. They were kind enough to give us their hand-made ball, constructed out of string and plastic bags!

Our convoy then moved out to a more rural area where we visited a group of women who hand make traditional pots in which they carry on their heads carrying water. They have adapted them to include taps! They formed the group to help raise money for those in their community that need it, they have been able to provide uniforms for some students. After this Margaret took us to the rural area in which she lives, it is the home of her Father in law; but also the home of the Kosimbo project that she co-ordinates. The group was formed after Margarets husband died and she realised that more had to be done for the widows and orphans in her community. They have set up a medical centre that operates twice a week, treating 500 people, many of them children. For 20 Kenyan shillings they can access this vital treatment. They also helped to provide clean water for the community, charging 1shilling for 20 litres of water; before this the people were drinking from the local river which caused problems with cholera. The Kosimbo also help with education and providing unifroms, as well as caring for the elderly widows. Altough as they greet us they seem full of energy, everywhere we walk they join us singing and dancing, and getting us to join in of course!

Edwin, Morgan and Howard help to plant trees in the garden at the medical centre, whilst Alice and I entertain the children.

A short walk from the centre and we arive at Kirindo Primary School where we are recieved outside by the teachers and children. A group of young girls perform a traditional dance for us, telling the story of a girl growing up; it is beautiful although we do not understand the language. We all joined in at certain points which the children whought was hilarious. Poetry and drama is also performed. It is wonderful to see the work that Kosimbo do in progress as some of the children wear uniforms provided by the tailoring Morgan plays football with some of them, whilst the others are interested in touching our white skin! We have to escape the throung of pupils to head back to our seperate houses! All of us really enjoyed the day and were able to learn a lot from the way in which they have been developing their communities.