2011 is here! A fresh start, a new beginning, and a whole lot of fun to have! To start off, we are looking at Kenya. Kenya is known internationally for its long distance runners, game reserves and …… well I guess that’s all most people know. What they don’t know is that it is named after Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. Its first president is Jomo Kenyatta and it’s national food is Kenya bread……Ok I made the last one up, but the rest is true. Like the mountain it’s named after, the country aims to be a giant of Africa, uniting people of different tribes and giving people the experience of a life time.
If you’ve come across Kenyans before you would have undoubtedly noticed their great sense of national pride, their heart warming personalities and the fact that not all of them can run. The way they speak their language – Swahili, is infectious, the way they talk so well of their country is distinguished and the way they stick together is inspiring. The country itself is beautiful with their white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, their forests, game reserves and my favourite – the lion hunting, cattle rearing, red hair dyeing, tall, slim stick carrying, jumping Maasais! It is so refreshing to find in the 21st century a community that stays true to themselves and have not compromised on their lifestyles or integrity.
If the country is so wonderful what do they need us for? The truth is along with the good, there often is a lot of bad. The aids pandemic has left a lot of children helpless and homeless. Corruption and ethnic violence has kept some in poverty and political inefficiencies have displaced a lot of people. It is our commitment that the dreams of the founding fathers be realised, and those without voices not be forgotten. When we make our trip to Kenya in April the aim wouldn’t be to check out the beaches or the Safaris, but to reach out to those who need the encouragement, who need to see the beauty and potential hidden within. We are united for change and this year we are changing dreams into realities.
Immanuel.
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