May 5-6
Our team of 7, led by Ed Jacques and Patrick Toner, arrived late Monday, May 5th in Nairobi.
Tuesday was spent resting up and preparing for our seven distributions. We met key members of the Rotary Club of Nairobi, and our very experienced driver, Charles.
May 7
We travelled into the second largest low income area in Nairobi called Mathare Valley, where approximately 500,000 people live. Our distribution site was at Destiny Junior Education Centre where we delivered 1,340 bedkits to smiling and excited students.
We were welcomed by the school's head, Judith Acheing, and a Kenyan government official. In their opening remarks both commented on the importance of a good night's sleep for children to learn effectively. They thanked the Rotary Club of Nairobi and Sleeping Children Around the World for their efforts to provide sleeping kits for the children of the Mathare Valley.
Despite a cramped space the distribution went well. Rotarian Atia coordinated a well-planned distribution where the 1,340 bed kits were well organized in various locked classrooms.
It was such a treat to watch the young students receive their enormous bedkits, and they proudly balanced the bedkits on their heads as they left .
Team Kenya, 2025
Rotary Club of Nairobi 🇰🇪 + SCAW 🇨🇦
May 8
Today began at 5:30 a.m. with the sound of children having swimming lessons in the hotel pool, and the shockingly loud squawk of the Hadada Ibis. The Ibis is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is named for its loud three to four note calls uttered in flight. Encountering an ibis is believed to signal a harmonious relationship with one's surroundings, reflecting a sense of balance and alignment. Little did we know that the morning sounds of children laughing and the Ibis would entirely represent the remainder of our second day of distribution.
Today was organized by Rotarian Mumbua at Myanyani HGM Comprehensive school in the village of Kabaa. As we drove into the distribution area, we immediately felt the excitement of the 1000 children, their parents and teachers. It is truly an awe-inspiring sight to see 1000 children sitting patiently in their new colorful outfits. As the day started, the theme of meaningful sounds continued late in the morning as the children performed songs and dances for their visitors. The President of the student body spoke eloquently as she gave thanks to the donors in Canada, the Rotarians, the loving parents and teachers.
The warmth of the Kenyan people was striking to us today. I think we each have said that we have never felt so welcomed on any distribution. We were literally welcomed (and enveloped!) with open arms. Everywhere we went, gratitude and love was expressed.
In closing, upon looking at the photos from the day, the eyes of the children stand out for me. Their eyes sum up the day - from start to finish.
They reflect hope - not only for a good night's sleep tonight, but hope for the future. It is incredible to know that the gift of a mattress can open a new world of possibilities for these children.
Team Kenya, 2025
Rotary Club of Nairobi 🇰🇪 + SCAW 🇨🇦
May 9
What a sensational day! We headed out with our wonderful driver Charles, who was taking us to the Wildlife and Education Centre in Kitengela. We were informed that it was an hour’s drive. What we didn’t know, is that we’d have to navigate our way through rocky terrain with zebras gracefully blocking our path. As we continued, we saw herds of gazelles and wildebeests, along with ostriches and rhinos in the distance.
The Wildlife and Education Centre was owned by the University of Colorado but had been abandoned when the Nairobi bombings took place in 1998. In time, the local tribes purchased the property and have rebuilt the centre that now attracts groups from several countries.
We arrived at the site and were warmly welcomed with the Maasai tribe dressed in beautiful clothing and beads, doing a traditional dance. This tribe is one of 42 tribes in Kenya. They are known for unique culture, vibrant traditions, and strong warrior society. They have a deep connection to the surrounding land and wildlife that was evident to us today.
The children were excited and ready in their new clothes. They were gathered from four different schools and had travelled long distances on foot or by motorcycle to get there. The distribution was a great success with hundreds of smiling children and parents. We were informed that these people had never received gifts from anyone outside of the community. It was a privilege to participate in such a special day.
Team Kenya, 2025
Rotary Club of Nairobi 🇰🇪 + SCAW 🇨🇦