Belated Précis

It's been a while since I've been on here.  I keep telling myself I will write about this and that, but of course I never get around to it or make other excuses not to do it because I'm having trouble articulating my thoughts.

Well here I am...finally.  A quick review of what's happened since August. I went back to the USA, graduated from my Acumen Fund Global Fellows program in NYC. Traveled to Thailand, Vietnam, and a few states in the US. Moved my life back to Kenya at the beginning of the New Year, and here to stay for a while.  

I managed to land my dream job of setting up early childhood education centers in the slums.  How? Well let's rewind a bit since I've been MIA for the last few months....

Back in December 2011, I met this fantastic individual, Soiya, who happened to be an Acumen Fund East Africa Fellow.  She presented her line of work to a group of Acumen Fund Global & Regional fellows,  and it was during that presentation where I realized I was not alone in nurturing the importance of early childhood education in low income areas. I was trying to set up this system back in 2010 in Iran with my organization Globe All Peace but sadly because of the restrictions of the government there, my project and dream did not come to life (yet).

The first person I went up to was her, I excitedly explained my concept, my passion and from that point on we shared ideas and visions.  I always say "It was love at first sight". Our love for this work that is....

During my fellowship time in Kenya, despite the loneliness and being away from the comforts of home I knew I wanted to return and continue working here. I knew I wanted to work in Education.  I also knew I didn't have a thing or an idea lined up, even up until the day I left.  

On day of my graduation from Acumen Fund Global Fellow Program in NYC, Soiya happened to be in the city and attend the event.  It was there where she offered me the position to join the team and take the vision further. 

Our organization is called "We the Change" Foundation.  We have a fantastic group of women on our team who are so passionate about education and children. One of these women is our Program Director, Edra.  She is truly a pioneer and a force to be reckoned with. The passion, drive and commitment she has for this work is a source of inspiration for me daily.  She lives and works in the Mathare slums and drives the team at the center everyday.  I'm in awe of her.  Some great things will be coming from the WTC foundation team, so stay tuned.

I hope to be better at updating this blog from this point on since I have some exciting things to share.  In the meantime you can stay updated on my various projects via Facebook ("We the Change" Foundation's FB Page and ROCK's FB Page) and the web with the addresses listed above.

Asante Sana for your ongoing support and love!

Our Kids and some of our staff at our school in Mathare.  

Saving Africa?

It's been nearly 9 months since I set foot on the continent. As my time here has come to a (temporary) end, I reflect on the last year and I'm humbled and nearly brought to tears by the people and experiences I've encountered.  There are no words to express my gratitude to Acumen Fund for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime.  Sure I had struggles and hard times, like the time I lived in a place where there was power for 3-4 hours of the day and I could barely fit into my shower or my battles with corruption. Regardless, of it all, the positive impact this time has had on my life has been worth it.  Now that 9 months have passed, I think of  all the work I've experienced, encounters and incredible people I've crossed paths with and the stories I will take back home. 

Many of my friends back home think I'm here saving Africa, while I appreciate and love reading their messages, emails and Facebook comments, I want them to know, Africa doesn't need saving. Despite the corruption, the failed policies of aid, and war this continent is thriving on many different levels from various consumer industries, media, education to corruption free businesses and organizations. Sadly it’s hard to see this when all the images of Africa shown on media outlets are of suffering and war. 

Well I haven't been the best at showing it either.  As I’ve shared my stories and pictures with my friends from across the globe, I found myself embarrassed at times by the pictures I posted.  For example, back in March I posted a picture of visiting a school that I had become acquainted with in the Masai Mara.The picture below shows me handing out school supplies.  I posted this picture explaining how incredible the moment was to be working with children and education.  Within a couple of hours I got 95 likes and numerous comments commending me on "my great work".  I was mortified.  It was too late to take it down and I had no idea how to explain my intention of posting the picture. With that image I made it seem like I was here “Saving Africa”.  I failed miserably in conveying my message. I wanted to highlight the strength and committed of these children, despite having little equipment and means to attend school, they still had the dedication to come in every day. 

 Visiting the school in the Mara. I was rather embarrassed that I gave everyone the idea that I was here saving these children when my intention was something else behind posting this image.
 I would like to thank my family for bringing all the amazing school supplies all the way from the US. 

I've had an amazing opportunity to work with some extraordinary people from within the slums to people giving up everything to make a change in the government and people's rights. I feel so lucky and blessed to have experienced all this.

Sure it takes a lot to be here and give up a financially secure job, the comforts of home and family but the rewards are far greater than a fancy car or luxurious dwellings. Call me selfish, but this is what makes me happy.  Some people meditate; go to a place of worship, fast and the like to find peace.  Working with people that show me strength, courage and integrity during times of tribulation is what helps me find peace in my life.  I could very well be doing the same thing back home, which I hope to do some day but right now my heart belongs in Africa, specifically Kenya. 

I didn't come here to save Africa, but Africa did save me.  

  

Corruption Eruption...The Saga Continues

I know I wouldn't be corruption incident free during my time here but lately I seem to be experiencing it a lot.  It was about 2 weeks ago that a friend and I were driving in the evening to meet up some friends for dinner.  On our way there we were beckoned by the foot traffic police to pull over despite not speeding, etc.

My friend kindly pulled over, whereas people typically speed away since the police are on foot and are not prepared to chase the cars down.  They took a look at his license and registration, all were in tact. Then they flashed their light on the left hand side of the windshield where the insurance stickers are displayed. Shoot! He had been out of the country for a while and forgot to put his renewal sticker on.  Together we started searching the the car for the sticker "I swear I put it in the car, its got to be here somewhere" said my friend as we hastily search around.  At this time the police knew they had their bait.  They peered  through the passenger side, where I was sitting, and started lecturing us on how we are breaking the law.  Then they asked my friend to step out of the car to talk to them. My friend glared back with his kind face and said "Absolutely not, we can talk right here" and stayed put in his seat knowing if he stepped outside they were going to ask for a bribe. I nervously tried to read the two police officers that were in our faces while holding on to their AK-47s tightly,  and thought about what we can do to convince them to let us go without paying them a bribe. At this point, we had no luck in finding the sticker after searching everywhere in the car.

They went on and on about how we are committing an illegal act and kept telling us "We are just doing our job".  My friend was trying to explain to them that he has the sticker, the insurance is paid for but he simply does not have it with him. He asked the officers to give him a ticket, and he will pay his fine.  The officers refused, they said we have to go to the police station or they can tow our car right there or "We will arrest you".  I started to quietly panic, as I knew if we went to the station it would be a long night and perhaps a series of excuses to get a bribe, and arresting my friend...crap! They asked my friend to step out of the car again, and he stood firm. He got on the phone with some of his local friends meanwhile I was trying to think of things to say to the officers. Then out of nowhere I blurted out  "I'm sick and I need medication now, I cannot wait in the station, you must give us a ticket now and let us go home otherwise we go to the station and you will have to call an ambulance for me, do you want to call an ambulance and see me sick?" The officers looked confused. I couldn't think of what I could be ill of, already I felt guilty of lying and fabricating a story but just glazing into the eyes of these officers they reeked of corruption but does it make it ok to lie?

They took a long look at me. At this point I started to shake a bit because of my guilt of lying and just the whole incident. I put out my hand and said, "See I'm shaking, I'm not well".  Then started shaking my hand even more in front of them, thinking I can convince them.  "Do you want to call an ambulance?" I fired back again. "No, ambulance not good" replied one of the officers in a more quiet tone this time.

After a few minutes,  the officer came back with my friend's license. They gave it back to us and told us to get the sticker on immediately.  No ticket, no going to the station and certainly no bribes.  We were shocked!

Today I went to the immigration office.  This place is notorious for bribery.  I've always heard that you walk in clean and leave there reeking of corruption. I spent about an hour there trying to renew my visa and get some paperwork done. Luckily I was with the lawyer that is representing me so the process was moving much smoother than someone doing it on their own.  Despite having a "connection" I could see the same glare in some of the officials in the office as I did that night with the police.  There is something about the people who do not do their job the legal and moral way.  It's as if you can see right through them. I won't go in details about what happened until a later time....

I'm glad to know of all the bribery incidents I've encountered not once have I gave in nor have the people around me. We must continue to stand against this and show these culprits that the old way will no longer be the way.

By the way, as we drove off that night completely floored that they let us go, not knowing what the actual reason was we found the sticker. It happened to be on my side of the door.  I didn't properly search that area.  At least I like to assume that my hand shaking play let us off the hook!
 ::forehead slap::

Corrupt cops are everywhere! Here is one in Tehran, Iran. He wanted a bribe after pulling my Uncle over. My Uncle refused to pay him a bribe and asked for the ticket.  Even though the ticket can cost more than the bribe he believes it's the right thing to do.  The officer was so angry that he didn't get a bribe that he tried to write my Uncle the equivalent of a $24 ticket, pretty hefty for the offence,  instead he mistakenly wrote $4.00 since he was so consumed by his anger! ha! 

Love and Generosity

As some of you know I've been convinced Love is an "illusion". With my past sobering situations I've been jaded, pessimistic, numb to the core and completely dismissive of the idea of LOVE.  Yet, lately I've found myself surrounded by so much love and generosity.  From meeting the Iranian family on my second day here who immediately took me into their hearts and home to the incredible people I see sacrificing so much of themselves to help make this world a better place to the wonderful friends I have and made who do everything and anything to put a smile on my face to my beloved family who let their one and only go on the other side of the globe to embark on her dreams...and so much more of the beautiful sights I see everyday of my journey.  I'm continuously humbled.

In this last year I've learned a whole different meaning of love and generosity which has begun a journey of renewing my faith and belief in the religion. With this "rebirth", if you will, I'm taking each day in, pushing myself as hard as I can and doing what I need to do to show the world I LOVE!  It's difficult for me in some aspects but I'm trying.  As we begin this new year and with the glorified Valentine's Day around the corner, take this time to think about what love means to you?  And how you can be more generous with your Love?

With that I will leave you with a video by The Jubilee Project about "What is Love?" and see what Sasha Ditcher's Generosity Experiment is all about from Acumen Fund:. 

The Red T-Shirt

Today was just one of those days where I found myself with racing thoughts, mixed emotions and lack of relishing my current situation.   Luckily, I came across an article written by a friend,  Jonathan Kalan,  about "endless possibilities and opportunities" that occur in our lives. He lined out his life story in a nutshell and brought it together by stating that it's the people and connections he has made that brought him to this present state.  "Revolution is whatever you want it to be, and it's wherever you want it to go. It's there, waiting for you, And the people you meet, from the mundane to the most inspiring, are the ones who will unlock it, break it open, or help you find it".  We all know this, but sometimes we need a reminder.  His article was able to spark this reminder but again I slowly sunk back into the sliding feelings.

As I sat around pondering my sense of being at our family friend's home, my eyes suddenly caught the T-shirt of their house help. This young girl with a strong face flashed her delicate smile at me as I asked her "Judy, where did you get that shirt from?", proudly she spoke, " I got it at the Kwangari market, for 100 shillings, Mama".  The Kwangari market is near the Kwangari slums where she lives.  My jaw was on the ground.

The red t-shirt that she got for a little over $1.00 was the very same one that I had when I was a student at the University of Illinois at Chicago. My alma matar logo and team name written right across it.  Here I was at some random home in Kenya meeting a random person with the very same T-shirt that I had once wore.  This brought back memories of Jacqueline Novogratz memoir "The Blue Sweater". I was having my very own "Blue Sweater" moment.  Granted I didn't write my name on the tag like Jacqueline, so I couldn't verify  if it was MY red T-shirt, regardless there it was worn out with the nostalgia that the logo gives me.  Some can argue that such a thing is common, but what are the chances that I would come across this very T-shirt I once wore as a student, on this very day? I was awestruck!

The words of Jacqueline spun in my head:

 " The story of the blue sweater has always reminded me of how we are all connected. Our actions -- and inaction -- touch people every day across the globe, people we may never know and never meet. The story of the blue sweater is also my personal story: Seeing my sweater on that child renewed my sense of purpose in Africa."

I suddenly had my sense of purpose renewed. These reminders are necessary, that we are all connected in a world that appears so emotionally disconnected.  Empathy, love, and emotional connection are vital for our ever changing world.  I took Jacqueline and Jonathan's words in, and let myself absorb that moment as I talked to her about the red T-shirt. I reflected on all the things that happened to me in the last few years to get me to where I am today. Some very hard to still grasp and some I'm very grateful for, regardless they all had an impact. The Red T-shirt reminded me of impact and connection.  Despite never liking my University colors or logo, I was pouring with excitement at the mere sight of it. Today I had my own mini revolution, now on to make a bigger one.....

The Red T-shirt and lovely Judy! 

Tell us a Story......

As a child I had few toys and games to entertain myself with, I kept myself busy by listening to stories of my mother or other elders around.

I would immerse myself in these stories and at times they were so good that I would try to reenact them.  The most famous of all is the story of my mother and I coming to America. This story highlights my mother's plight, struggles and strengths.  

I find myself telling this story a lot lately. Especially since I've begun this fellowship. Before I wouldn't share this story widely, to the point of avoiding questions or sometimes even pity.  I wasn't ashamed of my history, I just didn't fully understand the impact I could have when telling a story.  I used to think things like this are solely for the purpose of entertainment and once it's over it leaves the listeners mind. I didn't know how to convey myself to make the listener realize what my stories mean.  In short, I was a bad storyteller.  

Over the years, I worked on this skill. I always had it in me but I just did not know how to do it. Finally I had a chance to truly put myself out there and test my story telling skills. This was for our annual Investor Gathering at Acumen Fund. I had one minute and 30 seconds to tell a story about myself and why I'm in this fellowship.  My fellow fellows all had extraordinary, inspiring and funny stories to share in that minute and half. 

 I felt like my story, though good, was conveyed very dull-like by me. Even the weeks of listening to various stories from the founder of Akilah Institute for Women and her students to the homeless in the Bronx to Jacqueline Novogratz herself, I still felt like I couldn't merely inspire my listeners the way they did.  

I worked hard and when that faithful day came on November 10, 2011 I went on stage and told my story. A minute and a half was certainly not enough time to tell my life story but I was finally able to convey myself and why I'm here.  With gaining the strength and courage to get up and say it I have since begun the art of mastering my storytelling skills.  

In the Masai Village the Masai children gather around, John our trusty and excellent guide, to hear  a story. 

I find myself in Nairobi cafes and couches talking about why I am here today. I talk about Acumen Fund and the model, the stories of Sproxil and how they are changing lives and of course my own stories.  I find my listeners drawn, engaged and sometimes emotional about them.  

Similar to my childhood days, I like to find myself on the other side, the listener.  There are so many stories to be heard. From the Nairobi taxi drivers complaining about traffic, bad roads and corruption to the expats telling me about their mission, goals, dreams and favorite local joints to the single mothers sitting on the side of the streets waiting for a cleaning job at someone's home or office.  I know my life will be touched and hopefully I can touch lives by the stories I have yet to be told and spoken.  

Everyone has a story...What's yours going to be today?

The video from the Acumen Fund's Investor Gathering! (Tamsin I know you love that I posted this!) 

P.S. My fellow fellows have some fond "stories" from the title of this post!  ;-) 

A Community...A Family

As the truck in front of us hooted its way through traffic, a huge cloud of smoke came towards our car. Quickly the taxi driver and I rolled up our windows to avoid the toxic cloud in our car.  Ahh.. Nairobi traffic, How I missed thee? Yes even the pollution that has made me sick a few times already...ok well maybe not that much.  It had been nearly 5 days since I stepped out of my apartment so there was something so exhilarating about merely sitting in the dreaded evening rush hour traffic.  I was on my way to the Acumen Fund Global Fellows candidate dinner. Global interviews have begun for the new class of fellows and this time I'm on the other side. As I sat through the jam watching the people outside scramble to get into the local buses or matatus I started reflecting on where I was a year ago.

I had just returned from India mid January 2011 and made my way back to Iran.  I was excited to see my family but even more excited at the idea of getting ready for my Acumen Fund interview set in mid-February in NYC. I was so nervous because I wanted this fellowship so bad. I remember always repeating to myself, "be yourself and give it your all". I figured that as long as I show how deep my passion runs for this line of work I can at least walk away knowing I was true to myself and the interviewers.  Well it worked! 

I arrived at my destination and was greeted with some familiar faces. I was suddenly overwhelmed by excitement and joy as it had been a while since I merely communicated with anyone outside of work. Hugs were exchanged, and the immediate "where have you been?" were fired.  As we waited for the candidates to arrive I found myself content, a difference of where I've been emotionally in the last week. As the evening went on, I tried to get familiar with some of the candidates. As usual they were pretty extraordinary individuals. 

We started off dinner by sharing our infamous Acumen Ah-Ha moments. I was overwhelmed with a sense of community and family, as each member of the Acumen Family stood up and shared their Ah-Ha's. It was so refreshing to hear that I am not alone, even in my thoughts on this sector and in my emotions in this current stage in life.  

Being at home, alone, consecutively makes you lose sight of what you have right around the corner and what your original goals are. Cabin fever has heavily kicked in along with self-doubt and reverse confidence in work and myself. Just the emotional roller coaster of being in a new country brings on the self doubt and out with the ambition and drive. 

Remembering that we are here to not only help others but help develop and grow ourselves is an important thought I have to keep in the forefront of my mind and emotions. Positive results will come as long as I keep my moral imagination and confidence in myself. Spending the evening with my Nairobi family and community helped restart this. Now I must do a better job at  keeping in better contact with my community here.  

A village on the far Southern coast of Kenya working together as a community to grind maize to  provide food for their families. They grind anywhere from 40kgs to 60kgs per day! That device was very difficult and cumbersome to work with but as a community they took turns, helped each other and achieved their daily goals.

*The title of this post is an excerpt from a children's song typically sang before meals in Montessori classrooms: "Look around and you will see community, a family, we are brothers sisters all...."