Life After Safari... :-)

After resting up a bit after our safari adventure, we went right back to work again sorting out all of the final and logistical details to make next year’s virtual exchange a success. We worked hard to get wireless internet installed in the school. We were originally planning to simply use a plug-in device for the single laptop computer. However, since we are trusting that this is just the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership with Kilimani, we decided to invest in WiFi for the school. This way, the system is now in place to support the technology that the future may bring!

We also hired an IT specialist that will support the Kilimani Primary School throughout the next 12 months with the implementation of the VIP exchanges, including updates and maintenance of the computer and digital devices. Already, he has been so incredibly helpful setting everything into place, offering advice and counsel, and putting us in contact with the “right” people and materials.

We have learned so much about Kenyan culture through this process. For instance, there are some important first steps that must be attended to before business is conducted. It is vitally important to introduce oneself by name and shake hands, have a seat, make some small talk maybe about the weather or traffic and then possibly take some tea or coffee before you state your intent in meeting. Secondly, when it comes to money, there is no such thing as a set price – it is always a negotiation and that negotiation could take up to a half an hour or more. It is not confrontational in any way, in fact it is more-so filled with wrinkled brows, figures scratched on papers and then crossed out, long looks, deep sighs, “hmm’s” and a click or two of the tongue. Then a price is thrown out and discussed and the other person takes a turn to ponder. And the exchange continues! A few hours and two or three cups of tea later, all parties leave with smiling faces, adding a few new numbers into mobile phones and with a feeling of success!

Kilimani had their last day of school today for summer break. The students were so excited to see their marks and get their final exam results. We gave our Kilimani VIP partners Henderson Inclusion School hats and sweatshirts. Although we will continue to see them, meet and plan over the next week, it was bittersweet to know this was our last day seeing the campus alive with students. We put together another slide show of students learning during a typical day at Kilimani. You may view it at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ9iRtYI3vc

We’ve had some other promising partners here express interest in the project. We have a couple of meetings scheduled for next week and will keep you updated of what materializes.

Danielle was sad to bid Terri farewell, as she went to attend to family in London. We included a photo of a quick nostalgic trip to our first “wildlife encounter” that we took on our way to the airport. It was a tearful goodbye as Terri relished her last few moments on Kenyan soil. Terri came to Kenya having no idea what to expect and truly fell in love with everything Kenyan!

Photo 1: Danielle and IT specialist, Patrick

Photo 2: Patrick hard at work

Photo 3: Mr. Charles, Deputy Headmaster (sporting a Henderson hat)

Photo 4: Teacher Nancy in her fancy Henderson sweatshirt

Photo 5: Terri and Danielle re-living our first elephant sighting