The past two days I have been continuing to intern at the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC). My colleagues have all been very kind in taking the time to meet with me, show me around, introduce me, etc.
Yesterday one of the other interns took me out for lunch at the JaJa shopping centre near KHRC. To get there, I enjoyed my first adventure on a matatu. The matatus are shared vans and an experience in their own right. Many of them are decorated in unique and creative ways, like the one above: “nothing to something.”
I am very pleased with my internship site and experience so far. KHRC is a clear leader in human rights in Kenya, the Greater Horn of Africa, and beyond. The staff is impeccably well-organized. I have already been able to conduct quite a few informational interviews to learn more about what their day to day positions entail. One of the Senior Program Officers today told me all about her position. It was impressive, and so interesting, to learn more about her work. One thing that stood out to me from our conversation was that KHRC is working very hard to build their social action network and team. They are working to include the church, teachers, lawyers and the elders of the community in their work. The church because of its influence, teachers because education is so important and valued, lawyers due to the importance of legal advocacy and professionalism and elders because they are greatly esteemed in Kenya culture, and apparently have great access to politicians and those in power, especially in the village.
Tomorrow we have Swahili class, followed by more human rights coursework. Our Professor has been in Loitokitok, his home village, making preparations for our future visit there to evaluate, and determine if/what may be appropriate in terms or renovating a girl’s dorm located near a school, where many young girls seek refuge from early marriage, domestic violence or cultural practices.
This weekend we will be visiting Ngecha, a local village which has a vibrant artist’s community. Apparently, there are also acrobats, a fashion show, food and other interesting entertainment. Sunday, as I mentioned, we will be visiting the baby giraffes – I learned that the refuge also has baby hippopotamuses. As if the experience needed to be any cuter.
Wishing you all a very happy weekend. More soon ~ ~ ~
Hello Mariah,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading about your experiences so far. We looked at pictures of Nairobi; it looks like a beautiful metropolitan area - but we didn't see pictures of any areas where low-income families live, so that part is unknown except for your description. Can you talk about the living conditions for families in the middle class and lower class? What is the education system like - is there a public school system?
What is the mission of the KHRC?
I'm looking forward to hearing about your travels around the country!
Love you! Jeanette