Sack races brought out a lot of laughter during the camps. Each summer, Friends of Kakamega sponsors a cultural exchange trip to the Kakamega Care Centre for first timers, trippers from previous years, and Friends of Kakamega Board members. This year, trippers and the children and young adults in our programs experienced the same joy as is always reported. But there were also changes which enhanced the experience for everyone involved, such as having Kenyans take the lead in planning activities, less structure to camp activities, and home-based children spending one night at the Care Centre. With these changes and the regular activities, excitement, love, and comradery, the August camps proved to be an enriching and enjoyable experience for Americans and Kenyans alike. Kenyans Organize More Relaxed |
After she visited homes and learned first-hand how families fetch water, cook, study, and sleep, Friends of Kakamega board member Anne Daly was moved by the incredible determination and resilience of the people she visited. “The families are loving towards each other and their neighbors. When we …[left] the families’... [houses], they presented us with a chicken or duck to take back to the Care Center. From the little they had, they wanted to share.” | Care Centre farm guru Alfred, center, is proud to share the results of his hard work helping guardians grow more food. |
Conclusion
Once again, all involved with the cultural exchange trip and the camps had fun, learned a great deal, and had life-changing experiences. The tried-and-true and new activities and approaches made this year special. If you would like to be a tripper and take part in all the fun and learning, we invite you to inquire about applying for next year’s trip. Details for joining a trip can be found by clicking here.

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.
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.
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.
Friends of Kakamega's News & Updates
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