Matrix Feedback

Today, I received feedback about the results matrix from a good friend and colleague, Adam Kessler.

Overall, he said the matrix looked exciting and that as an M&E person he was happy to see that we sorted the outcomes, outputs and activities appropriately. That was good news! The few pointers he did have were quite simple. Por ejemplo... You have too many objectives. Narrow it down for a more specific frame. Once I did that I was able to better sort what outputs were needed and what was just extra fluff. 

The matrix is handy for my own reference and general understanding of program direction, but it is also useful for marketing the organization's program. When it is time to get donors, parents and students interested in the program, we will be able to clearly show each program activity, it’s benefit for the student and it's output for the organization.

So it is important to get these things right. 

Thanks to Adam Kessler for keeping us on track!

Policies and Procedures... more work to be done

Update...

I've spent the last week or so working to develop the policy guidelines for the organization. It has been a difficult task, researching similar policies and knowing what to include or not for my org. So...there is more work to be done. Anyone who can offer any advice and feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Matrix Reloaded

Just completed the results matrix for the program. I wanted to revise the one completed previously to reflect program objectives as opposed to organizational objectives.

As the goal of the program is to provide increased opportunities for underrepresented youth to engage in international education through community service, the objectives are as follows:

I just really wanted to add
 some of Jada's Matrix spice. 

1. Gain International Exposure
2. Increase skills toward Global Leadership 
3. Participate in Cultural Immersion
4. Gain or Enhance a perspective of African culture and history
5. Improve Travel Readiness and Preparedness

We want the students to be able to gain international exposure and cross cultural understanding while increasing skills toward both personal and professional development. The program hopes to assists students through these objectives.

It is so exciting. 

From the objectives I am working with Ernest to enhance the list of activities that will help accomplish the objectives in a way that is both student oriented and culturally relevant to the context of Kenya. 

It is a truly fun venture. 

The new matrix also includes outcomes and outputs, all of which will be very useful in marketing to donors and parents. I can see a nice diagram that will highlight the objectives, sample the activities and other matrix components in a fun way that will ensure the vitality of the program and truly get people interested.

Its great!

Nothing can stop us now!

The Tyranny of Benga

Wonderful time hanging out and listening to some very nice Kenyan music. The concert  was dubbed,  "The Tyranny of Benga",  because the musicians, Eric Wainana, Dan Aceda and the Villagers Band played in the style of music popular in the 50's and 60's called Benga. The artists have made it classic in its own way by reviving it and giving it a fresh sound blended into today's soultry jazz sound. It was wonderful to see so many people so excited, just dancing and having fun.

The night ended on a high as I experienced my first mosh pit when Eric Wainaina jumped into the  crowd for a brief moment to crowd surf. Take a look.

More photos from Mwarv: KWELI Photos

Wangari Maathai's 73rd birtday

Today is the birthday (or more correct in this case, earthday) of Wangari Mathaai , she would have been 73. Her legacy is not only important for the nation of Kenya, but she has made a powerful stance for the continent of Africa and the women of this world. Her pioneering and motivating efforts to regreen the country and mobilise women to be empowered with in these efforts is why she was honored with a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, the first African woman to receive such honor.

Mathaai's efforts are inspiring especially considering that the path was not an easy one. But she pressed through, which encourages me to keep working towards my passion, though it may be difficult at first, it is can be done. Thanks for the inspiration and Happy Birthday Wangari!

Plant a Tree for Wangari Maathai
The Green Belt Movement

New government to introduce right side driving

Monday, April 1, 2013

New Government to introduce right side driving



The Kenyatta government will make everything all right — on the roads, that is.
A surprise leak from State House, Nairobi, reveals that one of the first acts of the new administration is likely to be to switch driving from the British left-hand side of the road to the right, as favoured by the US, Europe and the Chinese.

The change is being seen as Mr Kenyatta’s answer to the British who, it is claimed, heavily supported his Cord opponent Raila Odinga during the recent elections.It has the added advantage of pleasing Kenya’s major trade partners, the Chinese, who built most of the country’s new trunk roads and flyovers and will now be awarded lucrative contract to reverse the entire roads system.

Roundabouts will have to face the other way, slip roads will be re-routed, the highways themselves need to swop sides and all flyovers will have to be redesigned as underpasses.

In addition many new hospitals and clinics will have to be opened to cope with the expected influx of seriously injured pedestrians who, bemused by the new system, are expected to walk into the paths of oncoming vehicles. The only exemption from the new Keep Right rule will be matatus, which will be allowed, as previously, to drive on the pavements of their choice.

One major change that will hit all drivers in their pockets, however, will be to have their vehicles adapted to right hand drive. Wheelchairs and motorcycles are likely to be exempted.

Meanwhile, as the formal announcement of the decision is expected Monday, April 1, the Chinese charge d’affaires from the country’s embassy in Kenya, Mr Hi Way Run, has been seconded to State House to oversee both the change in driving habits and the massive new building programme.

It is thought that in an act of conciliation Mr Odinga might be invited to join the Kenyatta Cabinet but in his former position of Roads minister.

...

So... though it took me about a minute and a half to understand the intended purpose of this article, I definitely got it... did you?

APRIL FOOLS!!! 

This is article was found in one of the country's newspapers, The Daily Nation. Pretty  awesome. They almost got me. :)

Pasaka Njema!

Pasaka Njema! It means Happy Easter in KiSwahili!

In Kenya, Easter is celebrated with a full four day weekend from Friday through Monday. Awesome right! Many people take this opportunity to travel to their homelands outside of Nairobi, so it becomes a sort of migration for the weekend. And when Sunday comes, there is church and an Easter program by the youngins just like back home.

Old family photos from Easters long ago. Good times!!

Back home, each year, we would go to church dressed in our finest Easter day dresses and suits, say our speeches, sing, rejoice, and by afternoon arrive at the family house for the next part of the Easter tradition... "the egg hunt". Children from the neighborhood, my brother, and all of our my cousins would hunt for eggs in my aunt's backyard. It was a stupendous occasion which was preceded by a round of picture taking and followed by hefty dinner... you know, the soul food kind. We would then play more games, and delight in afternoon nap. I loved every moment of it.

Now, this is my second Easter in Kenya. A week shy of a year ago, the day after my flight landed, I traveled with my then roommate to her home town of Eldoret in Western Kenya. It was nice to see how the ideals of family and tradition played out there as well. Though there was no egg hunt, there was still church, a kid's play and hefty dinner all the same. It brought back some exciting memories... particularly the one where my brother procrastinated all spring break to learn his Easter speech, only to memorize it the night before, giving my mother great anxiety, but relief in the end.

We all know of course the true meaning of Easter it is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Christian Community. These speeches, plays, and songs speak remind of us of the magnificent necessity.  While the Easter eggs and other things are more of a secular tradition... they are fun nonetheless and a part of a holiday which I love so dearly. I think I just got a little homesick reminiscing about it all. I hope to be able to carry the traditions as I grow old!

 Check out  how I celebrated Easter this year at Parkie with their Childrens' play. Thay were so adorable. The play was wonderful, really driving home the sacrifice of the resurrection and what it means for us.