Nursey

...the fourth year (2006)...

... started with a little shock: Our on-site manager, Joshua, informed us that the local health inspector had paid a visit to the kindergarten, and had noted the lack of sanitary facilities. The inspector stated that either the kindergarten must build new toilets as quickly as possible - or risk being shut down! 

Of course, the kindergarten had toilets, of a sort. The New Apostolic Church, where the kindergarten was still located, allowed the children, like all church visitors, to use the only existing toilets on the property. We would describe them as "pit latrines," and they were just like most toilets in the area. However, it turned out that the septic field had become full and no longer functioned properly. The owner of the church property declined to build a new one. Indeed, this situation called for urgent action. 

So, as fast as we could, we returned to Kenya, in the hope that we could prevent the threatened closure. It was clear we would have to begin construction on the new lot immediately. We would build new, stone sanitary facilities, as well as a temporary kindergarten building for the children. 

After some difficult negotiations, we were able to hire contractors. And, before we left for home again, the new provisional kindergarten building was in place, and the new toilet house was underway. During these negotiations, we also asked for price quotes for a stone kindergarten house as a future permanent home. We specified that the new structure should provide classrooms, an office, staff rooms, storerooms and washing facilities. 

Fortunately, water is supplied by a well located on the lot. According to a new "well law," it was certified as "water of good quality." This was welcome news - but the cost of the certificate was the equivalent of 500.00 Euros. And this certificate must be renewed every year! Yes, even in Kenya, one can enjoy the familiar bureaucratic rhythms of home! 

During our next journey, in June of 2006, thanks to the generosity of many, many donors, we were able to award the contract for construction of the kindergarten building. The company we chose was experienced at kindergarten construction, and their bid came in around the middle price range.

To our European eyes, accustomed to urban construction sites full of machines, local building methods appeared a bit haphazard. As many as 45 workers bustled about the site, most barefoot and without any tools. But, by the time we left, less than three weeks later, the workers had laid the foundation for the new kindergarten.

But, alas, we suffered yet another little "toilet shock": One single toilet would no longer suffice. A new building code specified that we must provide three toilets for girls, three for boys. Rules are rules, so, for us, it was back to the drawing board, and to the negotiation table, to keep pace with progress.

In August, we made our third journey of the year. Awaiting us was a most welcome sight: Our new kindergarten building, a spotless white house with a bright blue roof!

It made our knees tremble, to realize that the children would now, indeed have a “home” where they could learn and be happy - and from which nobody could push them out. In that moment, we felt deeply, deeply thankful!!

During this stay, we received another blessing. Thanks, as ever, to our donors, we were also able to arrange for a surgical specialist to help a kindergarten child who had been badly burned The surgery gave little Rehema hope for a life freer of the pain that so much scar tissue can cause. This never could have been possible without the donations we received, because her family hadn't the means to pay for such specialized care. We are happy, here, to pass along Rehema's and her family’s deep gratitude!

The children, too, were starry-eyed with joy to see their new kindergarten! And although the building was not "officially" open, they were quick to claim it as their own. Even before the toilets had been completed, and before we had purchased chairs, tables and other equipment, the children felt comfortable.

At that point, there were 16 children in the kindergarten itself, and we were supporting 14 "alumni." Our Kenyan staff - Miriam, the teacher, Joshua, the chairman, and Edward - were doing an excellent job, becoming even more actively involved in their work with the children, a wonderful development. Their enthusiasm and professionalism were beyond our hopes!

During our stay, we also went to see the children in their own homes. We were shocked by their living conditions and circumstances. Some shared quarters with as many as eight brothers and sisters. And none of their homes had running water or electricity. Our home visits made quite plain the importance of our project, and strengthened our resolve to continue. Despite all progress we have already achieved, we have a long way to go.

As we once again left Diani, we came away feeling optimistic and full of ideas for improvements. Our excitement and resolve were exactly what we needed to address the urgent tasks that lay ahead.

KiD's motto is:
Forward EVER - Backward NEVER!

 

The security wall was a reality at last!

The provisional kindergarten house, made of wood and corrugated sheet metal 

Using only muscle power and a pointed iron rod, two workers bore a hole for the new toilets, 2m x 2m wide and 8m deep. It is difficult work: this region features a thin layer of topsoil, supported by solid coral rock.

...our construction crew relied on muscles, not machines ...

...the "footprint" of the foundation

Friendly, bright and inviting: the new KiD kindergarten

The children enjoy a game of "follow the leader" on the new plot.

 

Here are "our" 28 little Kenyans. Those in blue uniforms are "alumni," who have already moved on to elementary school (unfortunately two are missing from this photo). The 16 children in red uniforms are our current kindergarteners. To their left (squatting) is their teacher, Miriam. Standing behind her is Mariam, the cook and "good soul."  On the right stands our manager, Joshua. <high resolution picture - click here >