Disheartened -I am not sure which can first the helped poverty or the poverty mentality. The IDP camp is full of stories dealing with bickering and factions. Divided into groups called 107 and 51. Supposedly, the 51's did not pay for theland they are on, but in reality the 107 did not either. However they created problems and separation from the 51, along with charging them for the borehole water that belongs to the entire camp. They all were resettled by the government away from the Maasai Mara area after the elections, as this was the area of more violence. The Maasai felt the election was rigged and for all practical observation, they have a strong point. However, violence was supported by the politicians and added to the tribalism within Kenya. Violence is never the answer and PLEASE do not see the whole of the Maasai as violent, no one is innocent here. Anyway, the Kikuyu received land, tents cash and food assistance every month -which continues today. Many used the cash to build better facilities, some started cottage businesses and others have moved to permenant structures.
But others seems to see mzungus as banks, yes it happens on occasion many places, but this is an extreme. They sit in their tents most of the day. They send their children to the Vumilia School. It is sad to see and can be a challenge. There are volunteers to work with the students and I am here to work with the teachers on lesson prep, classroom management, break out sessions, resumes, and the (toughest) positive reinforcement. I have written recommendations for two to hopefully attend teachers college ( sort of like parapro, since it is not a University program). The government recently made free education through primary, but they forgot to fund the program. So, the teachers are more often than not unqualified and have 60+ students in a room. Whew!! Therefore, as with Tanzania, the teaching feild is low paying and not many people aspire to be a teacher. Imagine that! I see things that must be changed in mindset -from government policy to individuals. For me the circle continues to comeback to how to make education for all a priority via strong policy. Anyway today was challenging day-tomorrow is on the horizon.
-Badaye