Hello KGSA family and community! I am Claire Raether, the first volunteer for Kibera Girls Soccer Acadamy. I studies Economics and African Studies in college and want to work with women in Africa. I came to KGSA to get that experience and try to understand women's issues within the context of urban poverty. I have been at KGSA for one month now, getting to know Kibera, the school and the girls. So far it has been a pretty amazing experience.
One of the project I have been focusing on is the micro-credit program for parents and relatives of the students. During my first week here, I attended the Africa-Middle East Micro-credit summit. Muhammad Yunnus, President Kibaki, and the Queen of Spain among others all spoke. It was crazy! I was fifty feet away as Kibaki stumbled over his speech, attempting to praise the work of microfinancing in Kenya! After the grandiose event focusing on rhetoric and the accomplishments of self-aggrandizing people within the field, I was actually able to see our micro-credit project work at a very grassroots level. Attending the meetings and watching people participate in their own form of poverty alleviation is really much more tangible and effective then the talking of "important" people. One of the greatest experiences has been going on home visits with Farida, the staff member in charge of the micro-credit program. Walking through the tortuous alleyways, through muddy paths, over trash, dead cats and seeing life thriving and dwindling in Kibera has been an amazing experience. To be challenged by these extreme difference between my life and the lives of others has been eye-opening and inspiring.
Another project I am lucky enough to be a part of is a poetry workshop held for twelve of the students at KGSA. We are working with Imani Woomera, a local spoken word artist, to develop not only writing and performing skills but working to develop confidence and self-awareness among the girls. It is great to watch the girls express their feelings and desires in poetic form. For me personally, it has been a great way to get to know some of the students and get their perspective on life, love and politics. One of the reasons I came to KGSA was to bond with the students and really get a greater understanding of daily life in Kibera. I can't think of a better way to bond with the girls then listening to them express themselves through rhythm and imagery!
It has been difficult adjusting to life in Nairobi, with its constant chaos, a bombardment of noise from cars and various animals, quixotic looks from people and engulfing clouds of exhaust and confusion. Yet within the new and different, I have felt so at home working with KGSA. The staff has been so welcoming and excited to work with me. I feel so lucky that I am able to be part of the KGSA family and hope to make a impact on the lives the citizens of KGSA!
