Today was my second day at Carolina for Kibera. Words are not enough to express the experience. But I will do my best… First, it is a very large amount of space with endless numbers of people. Walking is usually on a dirt mound, a railroad track or along the sewage lines. Everything is very much contained, with few seeming to leave which has led to a very strong sense of community. I’m working on a project called Jamii ya Kibera, which means Community of Kibera. After the 2007 elections, there were fierce riots, and neighbors were attacking and killing each other simply because they had differing political beliefs. Many were forced to leave their homes and fires and looting destroyed many houses and businesses. The project I’m working on focuses on maintaining peace in the community through positive activities, mediation, and continued positive integration within the communities. During the riots, the Caroline for Kibera offices weren’t touched, as the community has come to look to them as a source of support and guidance. I have made friends with a girl who is one of the peer leaders of the community. She took me to her house, where her and 6 other members of her family live in a room, separated by a curtain.The routes here are based on whatever space is available to walk on. One major route is along the train tracks. While walking on the tracks today, I asked one of the girls if people ever get run over or hit. She told me it used to be a common thing but now that people are fined if they get hit (go figure) there have been less incidence. As we were ending the conversation, someone yelled, and sure enough, the quietest train ever invented comes flying up. One of the girls heard someone yell and grabbed me off the track. That was my special adventure for the day… I will send pictures as soon as I can. Pictures are a sensitive subject here, as residents are worried you are exploiting them for money.
On a lighter note, there are goats and chicken and dogs and cats all over the streets, which makes me very happy. The children all run up and say "how are you?" and once one of them starts, they all chime in. It's very funny to watch and they seem a little thrown off when you actually respond. Some will run up just to hold your hand or touch the Mazungu (foreigner/white person). And this morning I was proposed to by my Matatu (small bus) conductor. I decided it may not be such a good idea but I thanked him anyway. :)
Write more soon...
