Photos: Part 1

Today, I took a professional photo with Mwarv and went through a bunch of pictures to use as filler shots for marketing the organization. That was an entirely fun experience. Look forward to seeing them all on the website and other materials soon. 

Partners!

Today, I went to a series of meetings where we have made a decision on our partners. It is quite exciting because we have been at this for months and the program's approach has probably been dealt the most blows. But I am excited that it has come to an end. The partners will be announced at a later date, but know that that is one headache out of the way. I am glad that i has all worked out. 

Education- CFK

Today, I met with Roggers of the Education Program. A very dedicated and on point guy, I must say. He took me through the Education program and its different components. CFK uses a four year model for high school students in the program.

1. Leadership Training
2. Youth Venture- 
3. Community Project
4. Mentorship

These are pretty similar to the components within the Two Hands program except not over a four year period and the terminology is also different. But anyway, it is a nice program that works with over 100 youth each year.  There is scholarship component which pays school fees for a few high school and post secondary school youth. Going back to the Leadership training I was very impressed to see the model they have used and will think about incorporating some components with Two Hands Global leadership efforts. 

Well the week with CFK has been rewarding. That is all for now. 

Taka ni Pato

Today, I visited the Tabitha clnic again before meeting with Moses of the Taka ni Pato Program. Taka ni pato refers to "trash is cash". It is an environmental program and alludes to the income generating nature of the recycling and art activities of the entrepreneurs involved in the program. The  program also deals with waste management where they train villagers in solid waste and how they can turn it into value. They sponsor clean ups in conjunction with the youth from the sports association and also provide trainings on financial literacy. Like the other programs, they really do a lot and seem to have a large impact as well.

At my visit to the clinic I sat in on a Screening for Cervical and Breast Cancer which they have begun offering to women in the community. The attending doctor worked very well with the patients some of them visiting for the first time. It was nice to sit in though, I now wonder how ethical it was... nevertheless, I really feel that I am getting a great understanding of what CFK is doing for the community in Kibera. And it is quite wonderful. Tomorrow will be my last visit for the week. We will se how it goes!  

Sports Program

Today's CFK visit allowed me to meet with Cantar of the Sports Association. A very friendly fellow, we discussed what would be useful for CFK youth in working with Two hands participants. The idea of training sessions in computer literacy, social media, and even photography caught my ear. Allowing the Two hands youth to share their basic knowledge in these area with youth who may have less access to such things would be ideal as a service opportunity. I will work a little more on this idea to flesh it out and see where we can go from here. 

Binti Pamoja

Today, for Kibera Week, I visited Binti Pamoja. Binit Pamoja means Daughters United and works with more than 1600 girls throughout Kibera empowering them through reproductive health advocacy and financial literacy. The program offers services under two categories, a Core program and one called, Safe Spaces. Both programs have essentially the same activities, which include, art, photography, drama, as well as general trainings on reproductive  and sexual health issues and aspects of financial literacy.

Safe Spaces has the added element of mentorship in which two graduates of the Core program partner to conduct activities on their own with a group of girls they recruit.  It is really quite nice as a method of impact, because it is able to reach so many girls in this way. They conduct activities with the support of Binti Pamoja.

Unfortunately, activities are mostly done on weekends because of  school of course. After learning all of this, I honestly just became frustrated once again. I feel that I have gone back to square one, which is searching for a site where my participants can volunteer for one to three weeks learning themselves but also offering something as well. With such programs, I wonder how much my kids can offer especially since the youth are only available on weekends. It made me rethink the program's approach yet again. And that is frustrating. But we will get to the bottom of this very soon. I will continue with my week in Kibera to see what else CFK has to offer. So far so good !

Kibera Week- Health

This week, I am in Kibera visiting with officers from different programs within Carolina for Kibera. I have been invited to join activities for the week to get a better sense of the organization as whole and to help shape program activities for Two Hands participants. Yesterday, I did a tour of the health facility, Tabitha clinic, which houses sexual reproductive health programming and general health services with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The clinic is huge, probably one of the best set ups I have seen in Kenya. There are spaces for lab testing, phlebotomy, X-ray, at least 8 exam rooms, a pharmacy, a nutrition ward, sexual and reproductive health room... just a lot for a clinic. Its quite impressive and  wonderful what they are dooing for the community there. Even to think of its organic beginnings with a nurse (Tabitha) starting it with just a few dollars. It's wonderful. But all of the health activities don't just happen under the umbrella of the clinic itself. Many health program activities occur in the community with breast cancer screenings, HIV educators through Community Health Workers and Young Peer Providers. They have even trained Traditional Birth Attendants to offer services throughout the community to promote safe and healthy births within the practice. It is all very good! The discussion with the Victrine and Ada was very good and they were both very helpful, giving insight to the work they do and the impact they have on Kibera. Great to see!

USIU...

Today, I went to USIU (United States International University) to visit with Roteract Kenya and their leaders. I met with Chris Ayoyi and Ruth Kabiru. We had a great discussion, or more of a courtesy call, speaking with those in charge about our plans for collaboration. I am very excited about partnership as we plan to not only work with them on our service activities, but there is the opportunity for peer mentorship and a Global Youth  Leadership Symposium which we would organize together. Roteract would serve as host and we will be able to invite selected youth from different slum areas with which we each work (including Kibera, Kariubungi, Mathare, and Maruri) to participate with our youth for the symposium. The symposium would also be open to USIU students and students from other Roteract clubs. But it will focus on leadership and seek out professionals in Kenya to also be a part. It is really quite exciting. The details are being put together on what will happen exactly happen for the partnership, and I just can't wait to see it all in action.

26!!!

Today is my birthday. You may all get excited now!!! Twenty-six is the new twenty-six. Yay!

I choose to focus this year on self refinement, looking at spiritual growth, career growth, and personal growth. Just because I am 26 doesn't mean I have to be all over the place. After a quick run and meditation, I did a little self reflection to write out my goals for the year and plans to achieve them. Very intense, but I am excited about what is to come. And I thank God for this moment and for allowing me to see another year. Cheers to me!

The Passport Party Project!!!

There are so many individuals around the country doing their good deeds to improve our community one step at a time. It is quite inspiring to see...

Sharing the Passport Party Blog here!

The Passport Party Project is a grassroots initiative providing online global awareness training and first passports to underserved American girls ages 11-15 in an effort to help create responsive and responsible global citizens. Keep up the fantastic work!

The Passport party has bee seen on National Geographic Traveler and in the San Francisco Chronicle, Phase 1 of The Passport Party Project™ was fully funded by the world's largest online travel company - Expedia® - and was able to successfully gift 100 underserved girls with their very first passports during a nationwide traveling campaign. The campaign began September 2011 and wraps up in July 2013 with a trip to Belize, Central America for six lucky girls that will get their very first passport stamps. 

The Passport Party Project are also finalists for the G Project!

Top 10 Reasons African American Students should Abroad

Top 10 Reasons for African American Students to Go Abroad

By Starlett Craig

1. Expand employment opportunities. According to the Spring 1998 edition of the Black Collegian, www.black-collegian.com, which highlights job opportunities for the class of 1998, the job outlook reflects the growing importance of internationalization. The top 10 employers are seeking graduates who can think critically and also have a global perspective
2. Increase your understanding of the world and our society. We can no longer afford to rely on CNN to tell us what we should know about the world. Changing demographics in the U.S. dictate that we must not only acquire a global competence but we must develop an understanding and an appreciation of diversity in our own country. While study abroad can be a vital link to global competence, it is also an integral part of multicultural competence. (In Understanding Diversity Channing Betes writes: “For centuries, American education, business and government have reflected the culture of the vast majority: white people of European descent. By the year 2000, however, we will see big changes: Out of every 100 children in American classrooms, 33 will be children of color.”)
3. Broaden your experience. Travel outside the U.S. is an education in itself.
4. Meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. A period of study outside the U.S. enables you to meet students not only from the host country but other nations as well. It is an opportunity to forge international friendships, understand cultural differences, and get rid of old stereotypes.
5. Increase your income potential. Study abroad on your resume definitely gives you a competitive edge. Black Enterprise recently highlighted the importance of the African American presence in the global marketplace and the numerous career and business options for African Americans who set their sights on the big emerging markets (BEMs). 
6. Explore new interests. One student went to Mexico to learn the language and have fun. In addition to a Spanish course, she enrolled in modern dance and ballet. At the end of the day, the professor suggested she remain in Mexico and join his dance troupe. After graduating, she opted to continue to see the world and signed up for Bunac’s Work in Britain program. 
7. Learn specific skills that are career related. Learn a second language or do an international internship
8. Gain new insights and outlooks while enjoying new relationships. By living in the country, you get an insider’s perspective on the social and political structure of your host country.
9. Take control of your future. While the debate still continues on the preservation of affirmative action, you will be in a position to compete and fully participate in a global, ethnically diverse workforce.
10. Find out what you want to do in life. While taking a semester off from your regular studies may seem a luxury, it is indeed a wonderful opportunity to redefine your career aspirations in the context of your new self-awareness and newly acquired skills. Many students report that study abroad can be a life-changing experience that can also open many new career choices.

Full Article Here

This article was originally printed in the July/August issue of Transitions Abroad magazine.)

STARLETT R. CRAIG is the Director of Pre-College Enrichment Programs at Clemson Univ. and serves as the national chair of Black and Multicultural Professionals in International Education.

Egypt : The Next President

I try not to be political by any means... because I just don't like politics whatsoever. But I had to share this amazing video a friend posted on facebook. Regarding the "Crisis in Egypt", this young kid at the age of 12 articulates the the movement behind the aggression to unseat Morsy (Egypt's then current president- this video is from October 2012). He explains the reason he and protestors like him (or much older) do not support the Islamist regime... and he does it better than any news anchor I have seen. I actually understand the movement from listening to him. It is really amazing to see. About women's rights, separation of religion and state, and the constituion... this guy is not only well informed, but passionate about his beliefs... Wow!

See the Article here from Washington Post.

Numbers...

Working on a fundraising strategy... just thinking about-  thinking about numbers makes me... ugh.

Electrique Djs - Brikicho (Hide N Seek) ft. Fena & Jaaz (Official Video)

Went to the Launch Party of Fena Gitu's new video "Hide and Seek" at Treehouse last night. It was pretty nice. I love her songs "Fenamenal Woman" and "Africa Massive" so I decided to go out and support. The video, as seen above, is very well done and I just love the song because it allows me to get some more understanding of Kenyan Culture. This song brings out a childhood game... Hide and Seek, but in Kenya it is called "Brikicho". And the response as a heard in the song is "Banture". It is a bit different how we grew up playing hide and seek with a response and all, nevertheless I always enjoy learning new things in Kenyan culture. I love the song!

More Kibera...

As my site visits continue, today I went to Kibera to visit Carolina for Kibera and Kibera Hamlets. These two organizations are working to improve the community in ares like health, education, environment, and youth development. Each have programs in youth empowerment using soccer, girls education, and income generating activities to further develop the community. It is very nice to see. While our details have not been sorted out, I will continue to work with the organizations to see what it is we can work with them to do.

On a small tour with Kibera Hamlets, I visited their new school and the murals painted with Artist Joel Bergner as a part of the "Kibera Walls for Peace". They are amazing, take a look:

Asana!

Check out this Task Management Application called Asana. It's kinda of a life saver!!! It allows you to schedule what tasks need to be completed and when. I like it because it can sync to your computer or phone calendar and email or notify you when things are upcoming, due, or past due. It can help keep you on track. I spent an hour just loading my work plan into the app to help me get better organized. And Two Hands is better for it! Check it out!

Lepta na Mwelu

Yesterday, I met with John Ngare  of Lepta, a youth organization in Mathare slums. They assist youth  aged 18-25 with training in performing arts. On my visit, I met with kids concentrating intently on guitar and keyboard. They meet regularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We decided that TWO Hands could come and work with the youth of Lepta with their service project for a local school, Kiboro Primary. Together the youth could engage in program planning for an arts and crafts fun day at the school. We will engage more in creating a full week of activities for both groups. It sounds fun, so far!

I also went by Mwelu for a visit. Since the two organizations are around the corner from each other. Though we decided our youth may not be able to work with them because of the time frame, it still may be possible to collaborate in some way. As I waited for the meeting, I sat with Racheal to  watch a few of the movies filmed by the kids in the organization. I must say, these kids are pretty good!

Check... Check

Logo- Ready
MOUs- Done
Site Visits- Scheduled
Brand Identity- Finito...

Things are really moving.  

Whoohooo!

Photographer...

Check!!!

Just got a photographer to take the branding shots for TWO Hands. This is quite exciting.

Click Pictureworks with Mwarv!

The passion behind Mwarv's work,

"Africa is a very blessed continent. However, many Africans don’t see it that way. We have believed in the skewed negative stories about Africa to the point of pitying ourselves and seeking the riches of the lands from where these storytellers come. With every click I take, I will show you what a blessed place we live in. I will rebrand Africa, one click at a time."
- Mwangi Kirubi (Mwarv)

This will be a fruitful partnership. I am very excited!!!

Check out his blog!

Photos will be featured on the TWO Hands website and all other branding materials!

So cute!

Okay...

I stole this picture from The Nest Home, a children's home in Lumuru Kenya, which cares for children whose mothers have been incarcerated for petty crimes. The picture was just too adorable not to share... three little girls who have wrapped stuffed animals on their back the way African Mamas do.

I thought it was so cute!

Mama Ndogo.

Brooklyn school girls get American Girl store thrill

I found this article published on NBC News yesterday. It is so wonderful in so many ways. 

Check it out below!
Brooklyn school girls get American Girl store thrill
Meghan Holohan

June 20, 2013 at 8:06 AM ET

A group of girls were chatting in Rob Robinson’s fifth grade classroom in PS 28 in Brooklyn when the special ed teacher overheard them talking about American Girl dolls. One of the girls mentioned a place girls can visit on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan to purchase these dolls. At the store, a girl can also buy matching clothes for her and the doll and visit the salon where both can get their ears pierced and hair styled.

“I know about this place. Only white girls can go there,” one of the girls explained.

Robinson, who admits he didn’t know what an American Girl Doll was, believed that this girl was mistaken. Surely, the store is for people of all races.

“I just heard what you said—I think everybody goes there, not one specific group,” he said. And to prove his point he added: “We’re going.”

The girls stared at Robinson as if he were crazy.

He didn’t realize that American Girl Dolls—a doll matched to a historical era like Colonial America or the Depression—cost more than $100 and that a day at the store would be a significant investment—one he and his students couldn’t afford. About 80 percent of the students at PS 28 qualify for the federal free lunch program.

After recovering from sticker shock, he remained determined to show his students that they can go where they want and achieve their dreams. Robinson believes that his participation in similar programs as a child helped him become determined and success.

“Here [was] an opportunity to turn around the thinking of little girls when they are thinking of image,” he says.

To fund the trip, Robinson built a website, 21 Girls of Color to American Girl NYC, and approached his network for donations. He worried that people might not give. Meanwhile, the list of students kept growing. He started with seven girls, but ended with 27. He had to limit it so they could dine in the private area, which accommodates 40 (this included an entourage of Robinson, chaperones, a photographer, and security).

Despite his worries, the donations rolled in—in five weeks Robinson raised $14,000. He provided stylists to fix the girls hair and nails, a limo ride to and from the store, and a photo shoot for them. Each girl received a doll, an American Girl t-shirt, a bag, her picture on the American girl magazine, breakfast, and private dining at the café at the store.

“When they walked into the American girl place, they lost their minds,” says Robinson. “They walked differently, their shoulders were squared, and it was amazing to see that. And they believed they belonged there or anywhere else.”

View the full article here

It is so encouraging to know that there are good-hearted people out there who believe that children should be exposed to certain things no matter their economic situation. And that is essentially what we seek with TWO Hands. I remember the Addie doll and also how I couldn't have one as a child though some friends of mine had them. If I had the opportunity these girls received I probably would have been just as excited. The article is so wonderful. I love it!!!

I'm Just Saying Though...Congrats Mrs. Sheila Hogan

Special shout out to my second mom, Mrs. Sheila Hogan, who was awarded as an  'I'm Just Saying Though' 2013 "Golf For A Cause" Recipient last weekend. I have known Mrs. Hogan since I was three when she somewhat adopted me from my preschool. I was best friends with her daughter, Lauren, though she treated me as her own from then on. Even through my own mother's battle with cancer she has been very supportive, loving, kind, and just an amazing woman.  It is such wonderful news to hear that she is receiving this award... so thanks to IJST for recognizing her in this way. Mrs. Hogan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, is a community leader and honorary TWO Hands Board member. She currently works at my old high school.



Check out the video and be sure to take a look at the IJST blog! 

I found this picture...

of the Ladies Choir at Parkie as we prepared to sing for Mother's Day!

Don't we look Smart! Can you find me?

Quote of the day...

In my daily research, I came across an interesting quote that I decided to share with you:

Leadership is not about taking control, but about making someone believe in something you are passionate about. 

-Anonymous

I have paraphrased a bit, but you get the gist. I find that many people try very hard to be leaders... attempting to control a situation or group of people. Even I have made that mistake a few times. But it is not power that makes some one a leader, it is the influence the person has.

I know a lot of great and inspiring leaders. I shy not to put myself in that list. I can only strive to be a better leader.... a great one by continuing to follow my passion and working to effectively communicate it to others.

Are you a leader?

Tarrus Riley... Tick Tock we waiting!

So over the weekend I went to the Tarrus Riley and Alpha Blondy reggae concert at KICC in downtown Nairobi. If you didn't hear the news, the performers were a no show and a full on riot was launched. Here's the scoop. 

The concert was said to last from 6pm to 6 am… But by 3 am, neither Riley nor Blondy  had come out on stage. The crowd was tired of waiting. Once the MC made the announcement that the performances would begin at the top of the hour… concertgoers became enraged... myself included. They began throwing beers cans at the stage even hitting the dj and onstage security... myself not included. Two concertgoers then took to the stage attempting to steal the mic to announce, rather inaudibly, “They are not coming”, “There will be no show”.

All of a sudden the cans turned into glass bottles being hurled at the stage.  Patrons attacked the dj tent and began looting the food and beverage tents. General admission ticket holders broke down the gate separating them from VIP… with the help of security I’m told, continued  the madness. As the MC and DJ disappeared from the stage, the music was suddenly cut and stage lights turned off. You could see the crew backstage packing up their items and escaping through a secret exit.

As a confused witness to all of the madness, I slowly backed away from the stage, angry, but simply unsure of a lot of things… So, my boo Tarrus Riley... he really ain’t coming? How long have the promoters known about this? Will I get my money back? Will I get hit with a bottle? Will I ever get to see Tarrus Riley? Will I get home safely? What is that naked man doing? A lot of questions swirled in my head ... as this was a highly anticipated engagement for me almost a year in the making (since I missed him in Kenya last August).

And though it was quite a dangerous encounter, I managed to make it home unharmed, though terrified and noticeably upset.

Concert goers were unsure who to blame. The promoters made a public apology offering little explanation and compensation for the incident.  

In fact, their statement quite suggested that it was the fault of the concertgoers who refused to be patient enough to enjoy the forthcoming show. But truth be told... there was no forthcoming show. If it hadn't started by 3 am (especially after the promotion team's claim of paying 40,000 Euro for the artists to perform) it wasn't going to happen. And an announcement then would have been courteous instead of a poorly written excuse after the fact. 

Meanwhile, a video of Riley from Berlin surfaced to shed some light on the incident.

 

He says, he didn’t see the promoters until after the show. What’s up with that?

Whatever it is… the promotion team has offered a free show with Alpha Blondy… but to be honest, I don’t know AB and I cam to see Riley. And I don’t plan to put myself in that position again… therefore…they should really find a way to get us our money back.

Otherwise, I am pretty sure their career as promoters is more than finished.

What a bust. 

Tarrus.. Tick tock, I'm waiting... raindrops no fallin'....why don't you come ova (to the stage at KICC Kenya)! Those were my sentiments. 

I still love you tho!!