Passing on Skills

When Bud was previously in Kenya, he worked as a fundraiser for Bishop Mugambi, Bishop of Meru. Upon his return this year, he is working at the Children's Village with Fr. Riwa, but his reputation as a fundraiser and a grant writer was remembered. 

Fr. Riwa and Fr. Bernard Njeru (from the neighboring parish of St. Massimo) asked Bud to teach some of their people how to write grants for parish projects. Classes have started. They meet once a week at St. Massimo and Bud leads them through the tedious process of searching for foundations and developing strong grant applications.  

Heartfelt Reunion

Pauline, a second year student at Chuka University, made the three-hour matatu trip to come to visit Madam Sue when she heard Sue was back in Kenya. Pauline was one of the first children rescued by Fr. Riwa and Sue was her 7th grade teacher at St. Clare. 

Pauline has come a long way.  She is obtaining good grades at Chuka University and majoring in business and mathematics. It was a heartfelt reunion as they traded information on girls who were at St. Clare when Pauline was a student here. She has a bright future ahead of her. It is a real joy to see how these young women have matured into responsible leaders in their community.   

Full Circle

One of the lovely experiences of returning to St Clare in Nchiru Kenya,is seeing familiar faces.

When Bud and I arrived one week ago after a very tiring travel day, we were greeted with the good news the girls wanted to welcome us with a few songs. Of course, this is a very Kenyan thing to do!! They sang a few songs for us,some we remember;others were new but all were very warm and friendly.

As we stood there,one young lady enthusiastically ran up to me offering a huge embrace; it was Lydia one of my class 7 English students  from 9 years ago It was wonderful  seeing Lydia and receiving such a strong welcome.

Today, however was the real treat. We visited Lydia's "BABY CLASS ' classroom where Lydia introduced us to her class of young girls who were just beginning to attend school and learn  to speak English. She shared what it is she is doing with these young learners. Lydia is a pro. She has been studying early  childhood education and is only one term away from certification.  Already she is a marvelous, attentive, talented  teacher. 

The icing on the cake, though, is Lydia's "BABY CLASS" is the exact same classroom where I taught Lydia 9 years ago.

-Sue