"Planting Seeds of Hope" in Rural Kenya

"The children are like me:  Kenyan, young, and have this whole world at their disposal. However unlike me, they seem not to be aware of the last characteristic. That’s where I feel we (Kenyan Youth) come in. Working with Jahazzi (a group of students from nearby Daystar University) has been a wonderful experience. More so because of the surprises that my community project – ‘planting a seed’ – has come with as we run the project.  

I was to meet my friend in the city. As usual, 2 pm became 3 pm (African time!). Its funny how we still get upset yet we know it is going to happen; I guess we could conclude and say Kenyans are a hopeful lot. I found a bench to sit on as I waited for my friend. Next to me was a lady my age that looked familiar. After a few minutes of conversation, I found out we were from the same university and she introduced me to her friend. We chatted for a while and as I had to leave, we exchanged contacts.

The following weekend was our first bonding session at Seet Kobor primary school. On my way to Nakuru I decided to check up on my new friend who at the time, happened to be going through a rough patch. I shared with her about the Project and invited her to join in case she wanted to get out of the city and clear her mind. Three hours later, she was in Nakuru and I went to pick her up. We spent the whole day making encouraging posters for the student’s classrooms that we would use for the mentor programme. 

The next day was our mentor session with the 8th grade students and she participated in giving a couple of encouraging words to the children. As the weekend came to an end, she shared with me that she has never felt so giving and the feeling was great. Being around the children and seeing how they were so eager to hear what we had for them was such an experience. She thanked me for inviting her and encouraging her not to let her ‘rough patches’ pull her down.

Realizing the Dream has done to me what she felt I did for her. It has taught me that the time to make the difference I want to see is today and not tomorrow. It has given me the push I needed to become a better me. Not only is ‘planting a seed’ for the 8th grade grandaunts but also an avenue for any youth who wants to give back and does not know how. Through the experience with my new friend, I now speak of my project when I get the chance. I just might be giving someone a chance to have that great feeling."

-Claire Sokoto

Nairobi, Kenya

International Youth Corps (IYC) member