When the Softchoice Cares board decided to go to Maai Mahui, Kenya earlier this year I was extremely excited but at the same time I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would we actually be able to make a difference? Would the people we came to help really even want us there? Would I be able to make a real connection with someone local? Would our presence and our efforts on the ground be worth the cost of the trip? I had no idea…
Our first day in the village, it was obvious that no matter what I had prepared for it wasn’t enough. As we walked through the middle of Maai Mahui along the “HIV Highway” we saw people living in steel shipping containers and 1 room huts, children were running beside us laughing and waving as they ran through garbage barefoot that we were all trying so delicately to step over and around and I couldn’t help noticing the amount of abandoned buildings and churches that had at some point been built with the purpose of providing assistance but had long since been forgotten, it was incredibly overwhelming. How would we be able to even make a tiny impact in just two weeks let alone something that would be sustainable for years to come?
Fortunately, that afternoon we sat down with Charles and Jeremiah, the assistant director and Director at Comfort the Children who walked us through the different programs they offered and how they worked tirelessly to empower members of the community regardless of race, religion or background. They told us that the Knowledge and Resource Centre we had come to build would begin to change the community immediately, providing access to the internet and to equipment that was beyond anything in the area, including the university about 25km away. It was so encouraging to hear how much they’d already accomplished and to see how excited they were to have us here.
Almost two weeks later as we’re preparing to wrap up our trip and leave the project in the capable hands of CTC I’m confident that we’ve done a world of good here. Charles and Jeremiah at CTC are two of the most inspirational people I’ve even met, bringing energy and enthusiasm to everything they do regardless of how overwhelming the task may seem. Greeshan, the foreman of the construction crew we’ve been helping is someone I could sit and talk with for hours. Listening to him speak of the challenges he’s overcome just to become a mason making $4/day and how proud he is of the life he’s been able to provide his children moved me to tears. Hearing his excitement that his children will be able to learn some basic computer skills and have access to the internet gave me confidence that we are actually making a positive impact here.
I may never fully grasp the true impact of what we’ve accomplished here but I can only hope that we’ve made a difference in the lives of people in this community; I know they’ve certainly made an incredible difference in mine.
Dawson Smith
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
September 11: We're in it for the growth
I’ve always seen this Softchoice Corporate value as developmental, but mostly focused on a North American perception of ourselves, our careers, and how we utilize our own strengths for our own advantage.
Career success mixed with my will for personal improvements along the way = Growth.
Since being in Maai Mahiu and working with locals and the CTC community, that view on growth has evolved and a new perspective has formed on how selfish that truly is.
I can’t even begin to process everything I’ve learned and now feel following our experiences in Maai Mahiu…
What if we had everything working against us, and were asked to make the same strides to growth we would back home?
I’ve spent some time interviewing people at CTC international about what this knowledge and resource center (KRC) computer lab will bring to their community, and have began to understand how selflessly hopeful the team here is about it’s prospects.
It’s been inspiring to hear the CTC team talk with excitement about how they can now start learning programs to help give the people of Maai Mahiu a fair shot at growth, as well as offer them an outlet for self led development.
I’ve also started to understand how without their selfless work and funding like the Softchoice community has provided, it would continue generations damned into this vicious cycle of poverty.
The primary school system in Kenya is a “free system”, funded by the government, however there are associated costs that schools require parents (and in some cases, children) to be able to pay in order to attend and learn. These fee’s are as low as 300 shillings per semester (or approximately $3.50 USD). This is the primary building blocks of education, but when the decision is either food on the table for the family, or your child in school, often the basic necessity would be chosen.
$20 back home is what? A medium pizza? An album on itunes?
What $20 could do here is feed a family for weeks. It can be the essential aid needed in HIV/AIDS prevention, or could pay school fees to get a child their basic education for 1.25 years. These people view something so nonchalant to us, as an opportunity.
How can you begin to compare those scenarios, especially when you hear that some of the best paying jobs for locals are only averaging an income of $3-$4/day and rent for a family eats up most of that earnings?
The result of this is that something that has become so commoditized in our society, once again has meaning to me. Talk about a reality check, here it is.
This is growth. My mind has been blown as I start to truly begin to understand them individually, their challenges, and their socially driven limitations.
A dollar to me as middle class feels so selfish now, yet a week ago I wouldn’t blink twice at a night of bottle service with friends.
What that cost for one night out could do here would be life changing…that’s months of earnings for a family all working full time (children working full time included).
I cant help but think where would I be if I hadn’t come.. would I be the same person claiming growth as a great sales win, a great documentary I watched on my cushy couch, or new customer relationship?
Growth is now a bigger topic. Its about development on a whole new level. Not just personal gains, but how you drive unselfish growth through such a basic action as this donation. This will be life changing not to just the CTC organization, but to every individual who walks through the door.
Ian Zagrodney
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
Career success mixed with my will for personal improvements along the way = Growth.
Since being in Maai Mahiu and working with locals and the CTC community, that view on growth has evolved and a new perspective has formed on how selfish that truly is.
I can’t even begin to process everything I’ve learned and now feel following our experiences in Maai Mahiu…
What if we had everything working against us, and were asked to make the same strides to growth we would back home?
I’ve spent some time interviewing people at CTC international about what this knowledge and resource center (KRC) computer lab will bring to their community, and have began to understand how selflessly hopeful the team here is about it’s prospects.
It’s been inspiring to hear the CTC team talk with excitement about how they can now start learning programs to help give the people of Maai Mahiu a fair shot at growth, as well as offer them an outlet for self led development.
I’ve also started to understand how without their selfless work and funding like the Softchoice community has provided, it would continue generations damned into this vicious cycle of poverty.
The primary school system in Kenya is a “free system”, funded by the government, however there are associated costs that schools require parents (and in some cases, children) to be able to pay in order to attend and learn. These fee’s are as low as 300 shillings per semester (or approximately $3.50 USD). This is the primary building blocks of education, but when the decision is either food on the table for the family, or your child in school, often the basic necessity would be chosen.
$20 back home is what? A medium pizza? An album on itunes?
What $20 could do here is feed a family for weeks. It can be the essential aid needed in HIV/AIDS prevention, or could pay school fees to get a child their basic education for 1.25 years. These people view something so nonchalant to us, as an opportunity.
How can you begin to compare those scenarios, especially when you hear that some of the best paying jobs for locals are only averaging an income of $3-$4/day and rent for a family eats up most of that earnings?
The result of this is that something that has become so commoditized in our society, once again has meaning to me. Talk about a reality check, here it is.
This is growth. My mind has been blown as I start to truly begin to understand them individually, their challenges, and their socially driven limitations.
A dollar to me as middle class feels so selfish now, yet a week ago I wouldn’t blink twice at a night of bottle service with friends.
What that cost for one night out could do here would be life changing…that’s months of earnings for a family all working full time (children working full time included).
I cant help but think where would I be if I hadn’t come.. would I be the same person claiming growth as a great sales win, a great documentary I watched on my cushy couch, or new customer relationship?
Growth is now a bigger topic. Its about development on a whole new level. Not just personal gains, but how you drive unselfish growth through such a basic action as this donation. This will be life changing not to just the CTC organization, but to every individual who walks through the door.
Ian Zagrodney
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
September 11: When pride equals education
I grew up in an affluent suburb of Chicago where I attended a public high school that ranks in top tier of schools throughout the USA. From there I attended Clemson University, where I achieved a BA in Communication Studies and minoring in Business Management. I was very blessed not only to be lucky enough to grow up in an area that provided a top-flight high school education, but to also have a family that provided tuition for my college education.
Am I proud of my academic achievements? Sure, I’ve been happily assisted in resume building. But if you asked me point blank about how I felt about school I’d say something along the line of “it sort of ‘happened’ rather than was ‘achieved’”.
Would you answer that question of pride any differently? How about your friends/colleagues/family?
While there are an elite number who have earned degree upon degree and have their careers based upon this status, I have found more often than not that education seems to be largely overlooked in my social circles, namely the processes by which we are able to be educated or at least have the capabilities to seek education.
In the last week here in Maai Mahiu I have been found this to be quite opposite, and continue to be amazed by the intense pursuit of schooling, let alone actually receiving honors and degrees. Education is everything in Kenya, and the first topic of conversation from parents talking about their kids, or peers asking us about our experiences. There are hardships that many have overcome to seek out schooling, and in situations I’ve encountered a devotion to give a child an opportunity that wasn’t available for them.
I will forgo telling the processes of school systems here in place of a few stories:
I couldn’t be more ecstatic about the opportunities that the KRC will have to offer the people of Maai Mahiu to help bridge the digital divide. To help bring access to education makes me flush with pride, and without doubt has refueled my own desire for knowledge. I can’t wait to hear what this means for all of my new friends in Maai Mahiu as well.
Am I proud of my academic achievements? Sure, I’ve been happily assisted in resume building. But if you asked me point blank about how I felt about school I’d say something along the line of “it sort of ‘happened’ rather than was ‘achieved’”.
Would you answer that question of pride any differently? How about your friends/colleagues/family?
While there are an elite number who have earned degree upon degree and have their careers based upon this status, I have found more often than not that education seems to be largely overlooked in my social circles, namely the processes by which we are able to be educated or at least have the capabilities to seek education.
In the last week here in Maai Mahiu I have been found this to be quite opposite, and continue to be amazed by the intense pursuit of schooling, let alone actually receiving honors and degrees. Education is everything in Kenya, and the first topic of conversation from parents talking about their kids, or peers asking us about our experiences. There are hardships that many have overcome to seek out schooling, and in situations I’ve encountered a devotion to give a child an opportunity that wasn’t available for them.
I will forgo telling the processes of school systems here in place of a few stories:
- Craig highlighted the story of our driver, Paul, in an earlier blog post. Paul’s parents were peasant farmers and couldn’t send him to university because of the fees. As his own kids grow older though, Paul is determined to put them in college starting with his 16 year old son who wants to be a lawyer. Tuition is $1k a semester, and Paul is committed to be able to afford this by the time his son turns 18.
- Our other driver, Joe, is quiet and shy in comparison to Paul. When he showed up the other day with a giant grin, we knew something was going on. “Today is my daughter’s first day of University,” Joe said. ” She is the first in our family to attend university.”
- On Tuesday last week we visited members of the Maasai tribe, who are one of the last indigenous tribes of the 42 here in Kenya. We visited their school and delivered pencils and other school supplies, which I have never seen a schoolchild so happy to receive. I couldn’t help but notice a few kids off to the side of the celebration that didn’t have school uniforms, and therefore weren’t allowed to participate in the fun. Despite it being a law in Kenya to send your child to school, the parents of these kids either couldn’t afford, or refused to pay the 300 Shillings a semester (roughly $3) to send their child to school.
- Greyshawn, the foreman of the construction group we’ve been working with scored a 68 out of 72 on his entrance exam into university with hopes of being an engineer. Much like Paul, his parents couldn’t afford to send him so he’s been working construction the last 20(ish) years making close to $5 a day. Greyshawn wants to make sure he doesn’t have to put his kids in a situation he himself faced.
- Rocky is heading the agriculture project at the CTC which will supplant the KTC we are helping to build. He has no formal training in horticulture or agriculture studies and was never able to afford the university tuition. But despite his quiet demeanor, Rocky’s passion for learning is infectious, travelling to conferences across Africa to learn more about agricultural studies. Of the 600 species of trees found in Kenya, Rocky is planning on bringing between 200-300 to the new CTC site alone. There is no doubt his developed knowledge has allowed him to make connections across the country to allow this to happen.
- The current Director of the CTC here in Maai Mahiu is an incredible man named Jeremiah. He grew up locally in a poor family, remembering “I always wished I could be adopted into another family who would give me a different chance. I didn’t want to be associated with the family I had.” Ultimately Jeremiah made it all the way to Ann Arbor where he received a Masters in Counseling at the University of Michigan. Upon being faced with an opportunity to take a well-paying position in Grand Rapids, Jeremiah decided to pack up his family and come back to the place he knew could benefit most from his support and teachings, and to give the chance to bring educational opportunities that he never had: Maai Mahiu.
I couldn’t be more ecstatic about the opportunities that the KRC will have to offer the people of Maai Mahiu to help bridge the digital divide. To help bring access to education makes me flush with pride, and without doubt has refueled my own desire for knowledge. I can’t wait to hear what this means for all of my new friends in Maai Mahiu as well.
Alex Drozd
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
September 11: Blood, Sweat, and Laughter
Over the past several days I have learned more about myself, my limits and where my strengths lie, then ever before. I have learned in short order that I am NOT the most gifted craftsman, that I CANNOT swing a hammer with the best of them and that am I simply NOT the strongest person in the league. The amazing thing here is that these admitted weaknesses, simply don’t matter while here in Maai Mahui. The one thing that does matter…is community.
Over the past 10 days, I have had the absolute privilege to be introduced to some of the most unique and innovative people I have ever met in my life. I have met Jeremiah, the executive Director at CTC, who in my opinion is one of the most charismatic people I have encountered. His eyes light up when he speaks of his city, his people and his goals in shaping the community of Maai Mahui.
I have met Charles, the Assistant Director at CTC, and have been simply overwhelmed by his ability to extend his reach to the 41,000 people that reside in Maai Mahui.
I have also been blown away by the workers at the construction site. I find it inspiring the way these gentlemen carry themselves. They work incredibly hard, but understand the need to stop, reflect and LAUGH. There isn’t an hour on the site that goes by without us sharing a laugh while learning about all of the amazingly innovative and impressive ways in which they approach building a home. These men know what hard work is. They bleed, they sweat and they laugh.
The one common thing that links these efforts together is community. Everyone involved understands what they are working towards. It is not about who the smartest or strongest is on the site. It is truly about teamwork. They are a collective working towards a better tomorrow. They pick their brother and sister up when he or she falls, they are not afraid to stop what they are doing if only for a second, to teach there brother and sister something new. They listen, the act and once again, they laugh. These men and women have perspective and a genuine love for their country.
As I reflect about our mission to build a Knowledge Resource Center in Maai Mahui, I think about how proud I am to be part of this Softchoice Cares board. My 14 friends have all grown over the past week and a half. I have been witness to personal breakthroughs, new friendships being created and a true sense of collaboration within our team. This is a special group, one that I am proud to be a part of and one that my wife and daughter will be hearing about this Sunday.
Craig Bator
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
Over the past 10 days, I have had the absolute privilege to be introduced to some of the most unique and innovative people I have ever met in my life. I have met Jeremiah, the executive Director at CTC, who in my opinion is one of the most charismatic people I have encountered. His eyes light up when he speaks of his city, his people and his goals in shaping the community of Maai Mahui.
I have met Charles, the Assistant Director at CTC, and have been simply overwhelmed by his ability to extend his reach to the 41,000 people that reside in Maai Mahui.
I have also been blown away by the workers at the construction site. I find it inspiring the way these gentlemen carry themselves. They work incredibly hard, but understand the need to stop, reflect and LAUGH. There isn’t an hour on the site that goes by without us sharing a laugh while learning about all of the amazingly innovative and impressive ways in which they approach building a home. These men know what hard work is. They bleed, they sweat and they laugh.
The one common thing that links these efforts together is community. Everyone involved understands what they are working towards. It is not about who the smartest or strongest is on the site. It is truly about teamwork. They are a collective working towards a better tomorrow. They pick their brother and sister up when he or she falls, they are not afraid to stop what they are doing if only for a second, to teach there brother and sister something new. They listen, the act and once again, they laugh. These men and women have perspective and a genuine love for their country.
As I reflect about our mission to build a Knowledge Resource Center in Maai Mahui, I think about how proud I am to be part of this Softchoice Cares board. My 14 friends have all grown over the past week and a half. I have been witness to personal breakthroughs, new friendships being created and a true sense of collaboration within our team. This is a special group, one that I am proud to be a part of and one that my wife and daughter will be hearing about this Sunday.
Craig Bator
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
September 10: "I can read, I can read!"
These are the words of joy that we heard many times over as we fitted eye glasses for the young, the old and the very old in the village of Maai Mahiu, Kenya.
What an incredible day it was. The Softchoice team worked closely alongside the staff at Comfort the Children (CTC) to assess over 230 people, who came early to line up and endure the rain.
Spending time with every person gave us a closer glimpse into the way of life here and it quickly became evident that there are many, many hardships; struggles that we, at home, take for granted. But the people of Maai Mahiu have a wonderful humbleness and grace; their appreciation for our efforts to help ease some of their burden was very, very moving….and we all felt it.
Here there is a strong connection to religion. It provides hope and guidance to a challenging existence. So for them to be able to pick up the Bible and see the words clearly was a miracle; an amazing thing for us to witness. For those who struggled to see into the distance had a new view on the world around them; perhaps giving them a better sense of certainty. Their embrace was warm and their blessings numerous; we are so happy to be doing this.
Thanks to the Buckner Eye Institute for the kind donations of the eye glasses. And thanks to the people of Maai Mahiu for allowing us to help. We feel honored to be here.
Theresa Tomczyk
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
What an incredible day it was. The Softchoice team worked closely alongside the staff at Comfort the Children (CTC) to assess over 230 people, who came early to line up and endure the rain.
Spending time with every person gave us a closer glimpse into the way of life here and it quickly became evident that there are many, many hardships; struggles that we, at home, take for granted. But the people of Maai Mahiu have a wonderful humbleness and grace; their appreciation for our efforts to help ease some of their burden was very, very moving….and we all felt it.
Here there is a strong connection to religion. It provides hope and guidance to a challenging existence. So for them to be able to pick up the Bible and see the words clearly was a miracle; an amazing thing for us to witness. For those who struggled to see into the distance had a new view on the world around them; perhaps giving them a better sense of certainty. Their embrace was warm and their blessings numerous; we are so happy to be doing this.
Thanks to the Buckner Eye Institute for the kind donations of the eye glasses. And thanks to the people of Maai Mahiu for allowing us to help. We feel honored to be here.
Theresa Tomczyk
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
September 10: We are all the same
Fundamentally we are all the same. Though our appearances are different, on the inside we all have a heart to love, a brain to think and eyes to see the world. We all have desires, needs, hopes and dreams. The want to do our best and succeed whether it’s personally or professionally. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we are all the same at the core. This is something I’ve always known.
When we first arrived in Maai Mahiu we took a walk through the city. It was something I had tried to prepare for but seeing it in person still shocked me. The homes look like slums, there was garbage everywhere from glass to plastic bags and even barbwire. There were children walking through the streets alone and dirty. It nearly broke my heart when I saw the most beautiful little girl with no shoes walking through what we, in shoes, were trying to avoid. It almost seems like everyone is just hanging around with no work. Everything and everyone seemed to be on top of one another like chaos. It was overwhelming and left me trying to catch my breath. I wondered how are we so different than the people here?
It’s been a week now and the perspective has changed. When you look harder and peel back the layers you begin to see just how similar it is to your own home. The slums no longer look like slums. The homes closer together and on top of each other are just like our town homes and small apartments. The shopkeepers are sitting outside their shops talking to their neighbours waiting for patrons. The children walking alone through the streets are nothing but smiles, happy with what they have and seem to have the community keeping an eye on them. Yes, there is still garbage all over the streets but the dirt itself, well, think back to a time when you had a summer with no rain. How dry everything was. How dusty and dirty everything felt and looked. With little rain to wash it all away you can begin to see where the feeling comes from.
Roads, shops, homes, families and community. Heart, brain and eyes. When you look at us all and peel back the surface we are all the same. For me this trip has made me see that more than ever before.
Tara Bradbury
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
When we first arrived in Maai Mahiu we took a walk through the city. It was something I had tried to prepare for but seeing it in person still shocked me. The homes look like slums, there was garbage everywhere from glass to plastic bags and even barbwire. There were children walking through the streets alone and dirty. It nearly broke my heart when I saw the most beautiful little girl with no shoes walking through what we, in shoes, were trying to avoid. It almost seems like everyone is just hanging around with no work. Everything and everyone seemed to be on top of one another like chaos. It was overwhelming and left me trying to catch my breath. I wondered how are we so different than the people here?
It’s been a week now and the perspective has changed. When you look harder and peel back the layers you begin to see just how similar it is to your own home. The slums no longer look like slums. The homes closer together and on top of each other are just like our town homes and small apartments. The shopkeepers are sitting outside their shops talking to their neighbours waiting for patrons. The children walking alone through the streets are nothing but smiles, happy with what they have and seem to have the community keeping an eye on them. Yes, there is still garbage all over the streets but the dirt itself, well, think back to a time when you had a summer with no rain. How dry everything was. How dusty and dirty everything felt and looked. With little rain to wash it all away you can begin to see where the feeling comes from.
Roads, shops, homes, families and community. Heart, brain and eyes. When you look at us all and peel back the surface we are all the same. For me this trip has made me see that more than ever before.
Tara Bradbury
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
September 9: A life without giving is a life without happiness
When the Softchoice cares trip to Kenya was first announced it would have been natural for someone to ask why Kenya and why not somewhere local? My answer to that question is our social responsibility should not have boarders. Just like our own children are not any more important than anyone else’s, not to mention the Kenyan children. This maybe a bit far fetched for some of us as we always revolve around OUR families, OUR communities and OUR country most of the time. After arriving here in Kenya I can reaffirm the decision that was made by the Softchoice cares board to come to Kenya. The need is much greater and the opportunity is tremendous to give back here in Kenya, specifically in the village of Maai Mahui. I’m grateful that Softchoice has given me the the opportunity to serve here in Kenya and thankful for the rest of the Softchoice family for getting behind the cause in helping with fundraising with donations, monetarily and otherwise.
I often wondered what giving back meant in a greater context other than just social responsibility or philanthropy that the corporate culture presently seems to be embracing. Why do we give back? Is it to check off the box or to do some good because it is the responsible thing to do? Are we giving out of abundance or giving back to fulfill a need? Or is it to share some simple life pleasures with someone otherwise would not have the opportunity to enjoy.
Giving starts with simply reaching out and it can be a simple “hello” to brighten someone’s day or by just meeting a need. Giving back without expecting anything in return has the greatest fulfillment. A life without giving is a life without happiness regardless of our material possessions.
When we first arrived Nick Foster stated that “we are not here to expect anything back but to serve this community the best we can as we have planned”. It made sense at the beginning but as the days went along it appeared I was benefiting as much as I was giving back. My heart is full and has a greater sense of accomplishment just being here. Is it because the giver has more power than the receiver or it is a feel good story I still do not know but what I know is I do not want this feeling to go away.
I often wondered what giving back meant in a greater context other than just social responsibility or philanthropy that the corporate culture presently seems to be embracing. Why do we give back? Is it to check off the box or to do some good because it is the responsible thing to do? Are we giving out of abundance or giving back to fulfill a need? Or is it to share some simple life pleasures with someone otherwise would not have the opportunity to enjoy.
Giving starts with simply reaching out and it can be a simple “hello” to brighten someone’s day or by just meeting a need. Giving back without expecting anything in return has the greatest fulfillment. A life without giving is a life without happiness regardless of our material possessions.
When we first arrived Nick Foster stated that “we are not here to expect anything back but to serve this community the best we can as we have planned”. It made sense at the beginning but as the days went along it appeared I was benefiting as much as I was giving back. My heart is full and has a greater sense of accomplishment just being here. Is it because the giver has more power than the receiver or it is a feel good story I still do not know but what I know is I do not want this feeling to go away.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
September 5: Hello, my name is Paul...
I consider myself to be a family man. I am a proud son, brother, husband and new father. Every Sunday I head to my parent’s house in Streetsville to sit around our family table, my childhood table, and share in the weeks adventures. I am really looking forward to my next Sunday at home because I have a lot of beautiful stories to share with my family. The first thing I will tell them is that I missed them and love them. I will then walk them through a day in which I witnessed love in a form which to this moment makes me smile. I will tell them about my new friend Paul.
Throughout our trip I have had the absolute privilege to have daily interactions with Paul. Paul is a proud Kenyan, father, husband and the best guide I have ever met. He has escorted and guided our team for the past three days and at any pause in the program, has taken his personal time to teach us about Kenya, its unbelievable people and why he calls this home.
Today Paul, who volunteered his time and scheduled break to help us shovel stones, discussed family with me. Paul is a husband and father of two. When the subject of family arose, Paul’s wonderfully expressive face lit up. As I shared stories and background info about my beautiful wife and daughter, Paul told me about his family. He was glowing when he discussed his son’s ambitions and daughters caring manner. He was quick to honor how hard his wife worked and when prompted for a picture of his kids, I had them in my hand before I could ask for the honor of seeing their faces.
Paul’s differentiator is not that he is the best driver I have met (which he is), the best tour guide I have ever met (which he is) or on of the most genuine person I have met (which he is). Paul’s differentiator is that he is proud. He is proud of his work. He is proud of his 16 year old son and his desire to root for Manchester United and pursue a law career. He is proud of his 13 year old daughter and her wild ambitions. He is proud of his wife, because…she is his life. When I asked Paul today, how do you manage to do such a great with your work and still provide and be there as a father, he smiled at me at put his hand on my shoulder. He then turned to me and said “I love people. I love the people that I drive, I love the people that meet, and of all, I love the people that are my family.”
I am 10,000 miles from home and now know that love…is love. I often find myself scrutinizing conversations or topics that just don’t matter. I waste time worrying about something menial, something that in the grand scheme of things means nothing. Paul works in an environment which he loves. He does not seem to consume himself with materialistic goals, or gossip or ANYTHING that falls outside of providing an amazing atmosphere and happy discussion, to talking about his wife, son and daughter. Paul gets it. He gets life.
When I go home I am going to kiss my wife and daughter, phone my family, and let them know that I love them. With all of the unnecessary stresses in life, I now have clarity. I now have focus. I have this because I got to fly with 14 of my friends to Kenya and on day one meet an amazing man offered me his hand and said “Hello sir, my name is Paul.”
Craig Bator
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
Throughout our trip I have had the absolute privilege to have daily interactions with Paul. Paul is a proud Kenyan, father, husband and the best guide I have ever met. He has escorted and guided our team for the past three days and at any pause in the program, has taken his personal time to teach us about Kenya, its unbelievable people and why he calls this home.
Today Paul, who volunteered his time and scheduled break to help us shovel stones, discussed family with me. Paul is a husband and father of two. When the subject of family arose, Paul’s wonderfully expressive face lit up. As I shared stories and background info about my beautiful wife and daughter, Paul told me about his family. He was glowing when he discussed his son’s ambitions and daughters caring manner. He was quick to honor how hard his wife worked and when prompted for a picture of his kids, I had them in my hand before I could ask for the honor of seeing their faces.
Paul’s differentiator is not that he is the best driver I have met (which he is), the best tour guide I have ever met (which he is) or on of the most genuine person I have met (which he is). Paul’s differentiator is that he is proud. He is proud of his work. He is proud of his 16 year old son and his desire to root for Manchester United and pursue a law career. He is proud of his 13 year old daughter and her wild ambitions. He is proud of his wife, because…she is his life. When I asked Paul today, how do you manage to do such a great with your work and still provide and be there as a father, he smiled at me at put his hand on my shoulder. He then turned to me and said “I love people. I love the people that I drive, I love the people that meet, and of all, I love the people that are my family.”
I am 10,000 miles from home and now know that love…is love. I often find myself scrutinizing conversations or topics that just don’t matter. I waste time worrying about something menial, something that in the grand scheme of things means nothing. Paul works in an environment which he loves. He does not seem to consume himself with materialistic goals, or gossip or ANYTHING that falls outside of providing an amazing atmosphere and happy discussion, to talking about his wife, son and daughter. Paul gets it. He gets life.
When I go home I am going to kiss my wife and daughter, phone my family, and let them know that I love them. With all of the unnecessary stresses in life, I now have clarity. I now have focus. I have this because I got to fly with 14 of my friends to Kenya and on day one meet an amazing man offered me his hand and said “Hello sir, my name is Paul.”
Craig Bator
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
September 3: Softchoice Cares Meets Maai Mahui and the KRC
Today we finally had the opportunity to hit the ground running. This was the moment that we have all been anticipating and preparing for the past five months. We began the construction of the Knowledge and Resource Center (KRC) that has the potential to change Maai Mahui and the people of the community forever.
Yesterday as we were guided through the village of Maai Mahui, we all saw first-hand something that many of us are unable to articulate and an experience I am still trying to comprehend. A town of 41,000 people. A community that struggles with many problems, from the basics of running water, to the extremes of the highest AIDS population in Eastern Africa. Barefoot children aimlessly running the dirt streets that are littered with trash. It was the foundation that we all needed to truly appreciate how all the blood, sweat and tears we are and will be providing can offer hope and potential for a population that deserves more.
As we arrived at the site of the KRC this morning, we were quickly greeted by the construction workers and we immediately got to work. None of us knew what to expect or had a general plan of attack. We were to follow the direction of Gershawn, the project manager, and work with his team of eight men who are contracted by CTC for the next three months. There was a pile of over 900+ 50 pound bricks that needed to be moved from the ground to the foundation, and neatly stacked in preparation for the building of the walls. Knowing that we have a mix of physical capabilities within our group, an assembly line quickly formed. This was no easy task, but the complaints from our group were minimal and the team work and dedication we all conveyed impressed everyone on site. Rearranging piles of rocks, sifting through sand, stirring concrete, moving more bricks, throwing stones into a truck, leveling concrete, pushing wheel barrows of dirt, moving the bricks again, were all just some of the ways we tirelessly spent our many hours on site today.
At any one point of the day, if you were to stop and look around, you would find each of us paired up with a worker or a group of them. They worked side by side with us as we learned about their lives and as we informed them of ours. Their curiosity about our lives was equally countered by our curiosity about theirs. Most of the morning, I spent my time with David; a 30 year old man who has a wife, a child, and is person that I greatly respect.
I’m not one to hold back any of the rapid questions that are running through my head and fortunately neither was he. Although I am aware of the financial disparity between our country and theirs, I have never fully grasped what we consider basic rights/needs, and how they view those items as a privilege or something they could never afford. David couldn’t believe that when it snows, our houses were not cold inside. He asked if we had a “machine to keep the house warm.” Hot water was not something that he regularly encounters, nor was a shower. He and his family live in a two bedroom house where they bathe by heating water that comes from the one faucet in the house. He explained to live in a house with a shower, you would have to be able to afford the 10,000 Shilling monthly rent that came along with it. To put it in perspective, 10,000 Shillings is roughly $100. To anyone in North America, this does not seem like much, but when you are making $5 (at best) a day the financial avenues to get to $100 are not available. Think to yourself what you have spent $100 on within the past week or month. Was it a necessity or an item of luxury? David and his crew worked 26 hours straight to lay the foundation of the KRC and did not receive a dime more than their 6,000 Shilling per month wage.
By the generous donations of the Softchoice community and the hard work of the Softchoice Cares board, we will be bringing the first library and computer lab to Maai Mahui. Bridging the digital divide in Maai Mahui will not only bring opportunity to people like David, but also to those working for CTC that are relentlessly trying to better the village they are ever so proud of. I am confident that the technology project and construction of the KRC will forever change the community. Day 1 proved to be the experience we were all anticipating and we are certain that what is ahead of us will only help to improve the lives of so many.
Matthew Zito
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
Yesterday as we were guided through the village of Maai Mahui, we all saw first-hand something that many of us are unable to articulate and an experience I am still trying to comprehend. A town of 41,000 people. A community that struggles with many problems, from the basics of running water, to the extremes of the highest AIDS population in Eastern Africa. Barefoot children aimlessly running the dirt streets that are littered with trash. It was the foundation that we all needed to truly appreciate how all the blood, sweat and tears we are and will be providing can offer hope and potential for a population that deserves more.
As we arrived at the site of the KRC this morning, we were quickly greeted by the construction workers and we immediately got to work. None of us knew what to expect or had a general plan of attack. We were to follow the direction of Gershawn, the project manager, and work with his team of eight men who are contracted by CTC for the next three months. There was a pile of over 900+ 50 pound bricks that needed to be moved from the ground to the foundation, and neatly stacked in preparation for the building of the walls. Knowing that we have a mix of physical capabilities within our group, an assembly line quickly formed. This was no easy task, but the complaints from our group were minimal and the team work and dedication we all conveyed impressed everyone on site. Rearranging piles of rocks, sifting through sand, stirring concrete, moving more bricks, throwing stones into a truck, leveling concrete, pushing wheel barrows of dirt, moving the bricks again, were all just some of the ways we tirelessly spent our many hours on site today.
At any one point of the day, if you were to stop and look around, you would find each of us paired up with a worker or a group of them. They worked side by side with us as we learned about their lives and as we informed them of ours. Their curiosity about our lives was equally countered by our curiosity about theirs. Most of the morning, I spent my time with David; a 30 year old man who has a wife, a child, and is person that I greatly respect.
I’m not one to hold back any of the rapid questions that are running through my head and fortunately neither was he. Although I am aware of the financial disparity between our country and theirs, I have never fully grasped what we consider basic rights/needs, and how they view those items as a privilege or something they could never afford. David couldn’t believe that when it snows, our houses were not cold inside. He asked if we had a “machine to keep the house warm.” Hot water was not something that he regularly encounters, nor was a shower. He and his family live in a two bedroom house where they bathe by heating water that comes from the one faucet in the house. He explained to live in a house with a shower, you would have to be able to afford the 10,000 Shilling monthly rent that came along with it. To put it in perspective, 10,000 Shillings is roughly $100. To anyone in North America, this does not seem like much, but when you are making $5 (at best) a day the financial avenues to get to $100 are not available. Think to yourself what you have spent $100 on within the past week or month. Was it a necessity or an item of luxury? David and his crew worked 26 hours straight to lay the foundation of the KRC and did not receive a dime more than their 6,000 Shilling per month wage.
By the generous donations of the Softchoice community and the hard work of the Softchoice Cares board, we will be bringing the first library and computer lab to Maai Mahui. Bridging the digital divide in Maai Mahui will not only bring opportunity to people like David, but also to those working for CTC that are relentlessly trying to better the village they are ever so proud of. I am confident that the technology project and construction of the KRC will forever change the community. Day 1 proved to be the experience we were all anticipating and we are certain that what is ahead of us will only help to improve the lives of so many.
Matthew Zito
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
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