EMMA WILLARD SCHOOL CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE

The Care Centre children and staff with Emma Willard girls and their chaperones

Hauling water for laundry

When Ida visited the U.S. a year ago, he visited the Emma Willard School, a boarding school for girls in Troy, New York. He taught the girls about Kenyan history and the Care Centre’s work. Sukie told Ida that he was planting seeds during his visit, and we’d have to wait and see when, where, and how big they would grow. Ida recently recalled that because seeds he planted at Emma Willard have blossomed and continue to grow, much to the delight of all involved. In March, a group of Emma Willard students visited the project in Kakamega on a cultural exchange trip, which was a great success.

Led by FoK board member, Leah Bennett, 11 girls and 2 chaperones traveled to Kakamega and stayed at the Care Centre for two weeks.The group included girls from China, Korea, Mexico, Bahrain, and Japan, as well as the U.S. The girls learned about life in Kenya, including how to do laundry by hand and Kenyan dances, as well as about Kenyan education and food. They also learned about the history of the project and conditions in Kenya that necessitated it; the history of colonialism and how the current political system emerged; and traditional women’s roles, tribal practices such as female circumcision, and how they gave rise to today's gender roles and expectations.

---

The Emma Willard girls taught the "Whip Nae Nae" dance and spent time with kids playing, reading stories, and helping with homework. The Mexican girls explained more about where they're from, brought traditional costumes, taught the Macarena,  and handed out Mexican candies.

Ida’s seeds grew and multiplied when the Emma Willard girls returned to school committed to raising funds for and awareness of the Care Centre and its work.

---