Thursday 19 September 2019
View from a Volunteer Team Leader: Kenya Project, A resounding success. Developing Wo...
View from a Volunteer Team Leader: Kenya Project, A resounding success. Developing Wo...: Yes I know I'm late with this report but life moves at an incredible pace. As soon as I arrived back in the UK life took over and unfor...
Kenya Project, A resounding success. Developing World Connections with Access Kenya
Yes I know I'm late with this report but life moves at an incredible pace. As soon as I arrived back in the UK life took over and unfortunately Kenya got left behind and the planning for Cambodia took over. But I'm here now.
The team and staff at the Lodge
The team arrived safe and sound in Nairobi and settled into the hotel for an overnight stop. The following morning we were met by John. John is the representative for Access Kenya, our in country partner on this project. We then drove to Naro Moru which was to be our base whilst we assisted local parents to renovate 3 classrooms and fix a small problem with a water retention system.
Aguthi Primary School
The school was about a 20 minute drive from our lodgings which were amazing. We had the whole guest house to ourselves and as there was nothing close by except fields and cattle and crops, we made our own fun in the evenings. The fire was lit in the lounge and as there was no WiFi we had to go old school and talk to each other, play games and generally amuse ourselves. Pass the Pigs was a firm favourite causing riots late into the evening.
Classroom at Aguthi Primary School
There is a small Bar down the road that John and I visited to stock up on beer for the team. As we walked in the conversation stopped and all eyes were on me (a stranger). But it took only seconds before I was welcomed into the fold. I thought it a little strange that everyone was drinking their beer from half pint mugs but using a straw. Big burly guys drinking beer through a straw, I said nothing. That is until after my second visit when I mentioned it to John and he explained that the glasses were not very clean so they use straws. Makes so much sense now.
Team member from Canada sign their work
A fridge was placed in dinning room as a beer store and an honesty system worked well. All our meals were prepared in house and wonderful they were too.
Play Time
But onto the project. We were working at Aguthi Primary School in Naro Moru. Previous teams had installed water retention gutters, pipes and tanks to the classrooms on this site. We were there to renovate 3 classrooms. Well it started as one and ended up as three. The team and parents worked so hard to get this completed. We also repaired a damaged section of the water system. This damage was cause by a storm.
Team members and parents plaster the walls
The task entailed digging out the floors, mixing and laying new concrete to form a flat and polished surface. Plastering the walls and constructing a wall to wall blackboard out of plaster at either end of the classroom and then paining it black.We cleaned the windows and doors, moved furniture and children so as to complete the project.
Team member cleaning the windows
During break time the children enjoyed watching us and making mischief. And the team members were having so much fun with them, it was a job to get them back to class on time.
Kids at play time
The work continued over the two week period with a break for the team to get some R&R at the weekend. They headed out on a safari and had a fabulous time according to the conversation when they returned. I had not gone with them as one team member did not wish to go on safari so I stayed behind with her so as not to leave her on her own. I took the opportunity to visit schools where work had been carried out by previous DWC teams and reported back to head office on the impact these projects had had on the school and the community.
Polishing the floor
To see the results first hand was quite amazing. We work on these projects for two weeks, but the impact that has long term is eye opening. To hear the stories of how lives have been changed because a few foreigners turned up and helped in a community, and made a difference. The fact that there are other people out there in the big wide world that care and want to help, makes such a lasting impression on the local communities.
A team member playing with the children
The pictures tell a far better story than I can tell so go take a look at the following link and be amazed. Kenya Album
I know I always say what a worthwhile project this has been, but I always mean it because Developing World Connections do such a brilliant job in working with and helping communities around the globe who need help. Not just home building but water projects, welfare projects and womens rights. So now its onto Cambodia in November. I have a great team lined up and I will hopefully get my blog completed as soon as I return.
I think they enjoyed us being there. We certainly had a fantastic time with them.
Friday 9 November 2018
View from a Volunteer Team Leader: Kenya March 2019 It's getting closer by the day
View from a Volunteer Team Leader: Kenya March 2019 It's getting closer by the day: As you know this year (2018) has not been a good year for me due to the fractured spine issue. But I'm getting over that. And now I am f...
Kenya March 2019 It's getting closer by the day
As you know this year (2018) has not been a good year for me due to the fractured spine issue. But I'm getting over that. And now I am full on organising the Kenya trip for March.
I currently have 9 team members signed up and itching to get out there and make a difference. But I could still do with a few more if you are interested.
I thought I would take this opportunity to explain a little about the area and the local inhabitants we will be working with. Kenya is a fascinating country, more diverse than many I have worked in and I am so looking forward to exploring it's culture.
Naro Moru is located on the western side of the country at the base of Mt Kenya, 170 km north of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
Naro Moru is a community of various ethnic groups and religions who have lived harmoniously together for many years. The Kikuyu ethnic group is the predominant tribe in this area. Although every ethnic group has its own dialect, Kiswahili and/or English are widely spoken by all.
The local people in this small and rural town are enthusiastic, very friendly and enjoy meeting other people from all different walks of life.
Naro Moru village is a small town that consists of small shops, houses, basic restaurants, bars, basic lodgings, a post office, a gas station, and a small bank.
An internet cafe can be found in Nanyuki which is a typical small country town 30 km from Naro Moru village. There is regular public transport between Naro Moru village and Nanyuki town. Both of these towns are perfect places for cultural activities and serves as bases for hiking and exploring places like Mt.Kenya National Park , Samburu Game Reserve, Sweet Water Private Game Park and Laikipia Plateau which represents one of Kenya’s most important wildlife areas.
This region in Kenya has the most animal diversity and the highest number of endangered mammals such as the Rothschild giraffe, Jackson’s hartebeest and African wild dog. And is home to over half of Kenya’s Critically Endangered black rhino.
So I guess there will be plenty to keep us busy both on and off the project. Stay tuned for further updates. And dont forget if you want to get involved with this project, just drop me a line at rayfowell@gmail.com
I currently have 9 team members signed up and itching to get out there and make a difference. But I could still do with a few more if you are interested.
I thought I would take this opportunity to explain a little about the area and the local inhabitants we will be working with. Kenya is a fascinating country, more diverse than many I have worked in and I am so looking forward to exploring it's culture.
Naro Moru is located on the western side of the country at the base of Mt Kenya, 170 km north of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
Naro Moru is a community of various ethnic groups and religions who have lived harmoniously together for many years. The Kikuyu ethnic group is the predominant tribe in this area. Although every ethnic group has its own dialect, Kiswahili and/or English are widely spoken by all.
The local people in this small and rural town are enthusiastic, very friendly and enjoy meeting other people from all different walks of life.
Naro Moru village is a small town that consists of small shops, houses, basic restaurants, bars, basic lodgings, a post office, a gas station, and a small bank.
An internet cafe can be found in Nanyuki which is a typical small country town 30 km from Naro Moru village. There is regular public transport between Naro Moru village and Nanyuki town. Both of these towns are perfect places for cultural activities and serves as bases for hiking and exploring places like Mt.Kenya National Park , Samburu Game Reserve, Sweet Water Private Game Park and Laikipia Plateau which represents one of Kenya’s most important wildlife areas.
This region in Kenya has the most animal diversity and the highest number of endangered mammals such as the Rothschild giraffe, Jackson’s hartebeest and African wild dog. And is home to over half of Kenya’s Critically Endangered black rhino.
So I guess there will be plenty to keep us busy both on and off the project. Stay tuned for further updates. And dont forget if you want to get involved with this project, just drop me a line at rayfowell@gmail.com
Tuesday 29 May 2018
Kenya and Cambodia are now on the books for 2019
So as you requested, they are now a reality. Kenya for March and Cambodia for November and December. I am so excited to be leading these two trips on behalf of Developing World Connections.
And even better is the fact that some of my regular team members are signing up to join me on both projects. What more could I want (other than more of you to join us of course).
These are going to be great trips with some amazing R&R involved, I will do my best to secure us adventures and safaris for our time away from the project, but you can of course create your own adventure tagged onto either the beginning or end of our trip.
I will provide you with information as we progress but for now, here is the link to the projects so that you can get signed up and not miss out by leaving it too late.
Don't forget the cost is advertised in Canadian $ so US & UK or any citizen from another country will need to convert to get the fee in their own currency. And don't forget if you are a US or Canadian citizen you are entitled to 100% tax relief, you lucky people.
And even better is the fact that some of my regular team members are signing up to join me on both projects. What more could I want (other than more of you to join us of course).
These are going to be great trips with some amazing R&R involved, I will do my best to secure us adventures and safaris for our time away from the project, but you can of course create your own adventure tagged onto either the beginning or end of our trip.
I will provide you with information as we progress but for now, here is the link to the projects so that you can get signed up and not miss out by leaving it too late.
Don't forget the cost is advertised in Canadian $ so US & UK or any citizen from another country will need to convert to get the fee in their own currency. And don't forget if you are a US or Canadian citizen you are entitled to 100% tax relief, you lucky people.
You can meet
our Kenyan host partner organization, ACCESS (Action Crew on
Community Environment for Sustainable Services) Kenya. We’re
working with them to build a system to support a school garden that
will provide food for children who often only get one meal a day.
Those children often have difficulty focusing on their studies
because of hunger. so click here to find out more about them.
You can also meet
our Cambodian host partner organization, Equitable Cambodia. DWC volunteers have helped build more than 25 homes and assisted with
various water projects, including building latrines, dams and water
gates, digging wells and installing irrigation pipes. No special
skills are required and you could add your name to the list of volunteers who have made a difference in the lives of the local people being helped by EC. Click here to read about our partner in Cambodia.
If you have any questions, you know you can always message me by email, phone, WhatsApp or Messenger or via my team leader profile.
Monday 16 April 2018
I gave you a choice and you have spoken,
Many thanks for the response. I offered Kenya or Cambodia for 2019. You responded and it looks like I will be running both trips as you couldn't decide between them.
The details of both projects are still on the previous blog if you want to re-visit them. After checking with our in country partners regarding weather conditions at various times of the year, so as to avoid monsoons, raging sun and humidity etc. they have proposed the following dates.
Now as far as weather is concerned at these times of the year, the following may help you understand why they chose these particular dates.
Kenya is very hot in April but coming off the February lows early March can be very pleasant. And temperatures in Cambodia are dropping off by late November December so again making it more pleasant to work in.
Kenya
Cambodia
The climate of Cambodia is characterized by the presence of two very influential monsoons which alternately mark the seasons. From May until October, the monsoon from the southwest becomes dominant.
The effects of the monsoon are felt by the presence of heavy rains and strong winds. The humidity is very active during this period. In contrast, there is the northeast monsoon blowing from November to March and brings very little rainfall.
Taking into account the weather, the months of December and January are the best times to travel to Cambodia because during this period, rains are rare and humidity is somewhat cumbersome. Starting from February, the heat and humidity become unbearable.
So Late November early December seems like a good time to visit.
Obviously included in the calculation is the availability of the in-country partner to run a project. Whilst the dates have been set, the cost hasn't but as previously explained it will be in the region of $2,300 CDN $1,800 USD £1,300 UKP for each of the projects.
Shortly, Developing World Connections will have the trips posted on their website so that you can can sign up and secure your place on the team. I will let you know when they go live. You can also set up up your fund raising page if you intent to raise your fee by sponsorship. You gave a large response to these trips so I guess it will be first come first served.
If you require any further information about the trips then please drop me an email to rayfowell@gmail.com
The details of both projects are still on the previous blog if you want to re-visit them. After checking with our in country partners regarding weather conditions at various times of the year, so as to avoid monsoons, raging sun and humidity etc. they have proposed the following dates.
March 2nd to 16th,
2019 for Kenya, and Nov 23rd - Dec 7th, 2019, for Cambodia.
Now as far as weather is concerned at these times of the year, the following may help you understand why they chose these particular dates.
Kenya is very hot in April but coming off the February lows early March can be very pleasant. And temperatures in Cambodia are dropping off by late November December so again making it more pleasant to work in.
Kenya
Cambodia
The climate of Cambodia is characterized by the presence of two very influential monsoons which alternately mark the seasons. From May until October, the monsoon from the southwest becomes dominant.
The effects of the monsoon are felt by the presence of heavy rains and strong winds. The humidity is very active during this period. In contrast, there is the northeast monsoon blowing from November to March and brings very little rainfall.
Taking into account the weather, the months of December and January are the best times to travel to Cambodia because during this period, rains are rare and humidity is somewhat cumbersome. Starting from February, the heat and humidity become unbearable.
So Late November early December seems like a good time to visit.
Obviously included in the calculation is the availability of the in-country partner to run a project. Whilst the dates have been set, the cost hasn't but as previously explained it will be in the region of $2,300 CDN $1,800 USD £1,300 UKP for each of the projects.
Shortly, Developing World Connections will have the trips posted on their website so that you can can sign up and secure your place on the team. I will let you know when they go live. You can also set up up your fund raising page if you intent to raise your fee by sponsorship. You gave a large response to these trips so I guess it will be first come first served.
If you require any further information about the trips then please drop me an email to rayfowell@gmail.com
Friday 23 March 2018
View from a Volunteer Team Leader: Project for 2019 - Where to go and when. The choic...
View from a Volunteer Team Leader: Project for 2019 - Where to go and when. The choic...: As you know, 2018 has been written off due to my spinal surgery. It's a drag, but it wont stop me from preparing for 2019 . But this ...
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