Laura writes about an emotional first day coaching in Nakuru.
It felt like a small team this morning on the coach to the school. Having waved goodbye to Gary, Tracey and David and left Nicholas, Leigh and Cameron on the first ever Tutor Ed course there were only 5 of us heading to Kenyatta Primary.
Meeting Peter Ongondo (of World Cup fame) was an amazing experience but that wasn't the only international player to grace our presence. David Asiji , from Cricket Kenya, introduced us to three of the U19 girls squad: Jane, Sameera and Emily. David made an impression on all of us in the schools. Many of the students of the three schools we visited today (Kenyatta, Barahini and Nakuru Central) live in the slum nearby and cannot afford to attend schools or even pay for their school lunches. David, along with Peter, pay for school fees and lunches for those with cricketing talent who would otherwise be unable to join in. Even Jane, one of the international players, would have been unable to attend training without David personally paying her annual school fees of 9000 shillings (around £200).
Speaking with him further I realised how much he gives to the local community; sometimes unable to pay the amount he has promised at the end of the month and relying on working in schools to pay the remaining balance. He also volunteers to help the students with their English grammar by marking weekly assignments talking about their experience with cricket. Some of the quotes he shared brought tears of sadness to the eyes, others tears of joy and hope and occasionally tears of laughter. People like David and Elizabeth from Murang'a deserve so much credit for sharing the little they have with those in need.
I have agreed to sponsor two cricketers for their school food for the next 2 years. For just £3 a week these two children will be provided a main meal and drinks throughout the day. How can so little provide so much. David has asked that we wait until Friday's tournament before we tell the two students so he can take photos and arrange for us to write to each other in English.
Dare I even begin on the conversation with Maasai warrior Daniel this evening?! A frank conversation about FGM was followed by a phone call with his mother about his sister; one of the first Maasai women to not be a victim of FGM and to also obtain a scholarship to be allowed to attend school. We then talked about a youth centre the Warriors are aiming to establish to allow training and teaching on a range of subjects including HIV/AIDS and FGM
I have laughed and cried while writing this blog. What a trip.