My volunteer experience with Global Seekers Development Expeditions in Kenya was an unforgettable one. I performed the role of community outreach volunteering with Shauri Yako Community and Youth Support Center. I had the opportunity to work with youth and women's groups surrounding issues such as HIV/AIDS. Before departure I anticipated that the greatest challenge during this experience would be the language barrier.
I was greeted with such hospitality and kindness and welcomed into the homes of people so graciously. The language barrier proved not to be an issue as communication I have realized extends far beyond language. I was made to feel very safe and comfortable in my host family's home. The youngest son that I lived with taught me Kiswahili after dinner and I would help him with his English.
I was able to learn traditional Kenyan dishes and my participation in the preparation of them has encouraged me to continue enjoying them in Canada. Working with the community I was able to meet some incredible people both at the community center and those living within the slums of Shauri Yako. I was truly inspired by the people of Shauri Yako who have endured so much in the face of poverty and disease and still they persevere.
My time spent there has encouraged me to pursue a career in international development to continue learning about the global issues that affect people at the local level. The most difficult part of the process I found was returning home.
I felt like I was leaving my family behind as I became very close with many people. I will never forget my volunteer experience in Kenya, it has shaped how I look at the world and demystified some of the generalizations and stereotypes that surround Africa.
From Megan Hewer, Kenya - 2007
Volunteering with Shauri Yako Community Youth Support Centre (SYSC) in Nyeri, Kenya:
Shauri Yako Community Youth Support Centre (SYSC) is one of GSDE partner organizations in Kenya. I visited SYSC during my first trip to Kenya to see their development projects.The centre provides outreach programs and services for youth and women living in Shauri Yako and Manjengo slums in Nyeri, Kenya. I had seen a number of development projects while living in Kenya and some of them were not successful. SYSC was different.
Led by a dedicated group of community members, SYSC is a small scale community based organization and effective. It is changing the lives of the youth and women it serves.
Upon my return from Kenya, I wanted to get involved with SYSC to help develop their programs. I have served as a volunteer ever since, working closely with Joe Mwai, GSDE Director of Programs in what ever time I have available to try and build the organization capacity of SYSC.
From Michael Neff, Ph.D.
"Global Seekers Volunteer Vacations (GSVV) is a grassroots organization that truly cares about the results they, and their volunteers, produce. It is also a hospitable organization, which will provide volunteers with the support they need while experiencing new things. If you want a true Kenyan experience, not just a tourist version, GSVV will show you real life, let you work with them to improve it, and send you home with a family of individuals who you'll never forget.
I had the great opportunity to work with GSVV through the Shauri Yako Community Youth Support Center. My time there was spent working with the women and youth on a variety of projects, but the times I will cherish most are just talking to the locals and discussing their goals and desires. The slums of Shauri Yako are not wealthy, but they are friendly. The people yearn for information and support to improve their lives and welcome those who want to help with open arms.
Kenya's culture is something I will never forget, and that I always hope to take with me in life. The poorest of people will offer you all they have, will welcome you into their homes, and will treat you like a long-time neighbour. I am always thankful for my experience in Kenya, how it has changed my view on the world, and what it has inspired me to do with my career."
From B. Cole, WA, US
"Hu Jambo" to all! From the first day that I landed in Kenya, I was greeted by Mr. Anthony Mucheru, GSVV Program Coordinator whom over the 2 months became a father figure and a best friend.
It was only until coming back to Canada that I was able to truly appreciate what I had just experienced. I realized that in Canada, all we are exposed to is the suffering that happens in Kenya; the poverty, HIV/AIDS and health issues. However, it amazed me that through all that was going on within Kenya; you never see a child cry, or a parent give up on their children. After everything these children have gone through, they are still able to shed a smile at any opportunity possible, and this is because they are aware of all the beauty amongst them. SYSC, and my host, Ndegwa Njoroge, showed me that there is more to Kenya than suffering.
From the beautiful look-outs on Mt. Kenya, the miles-and-miles of colourful landscape, and the amazing Kenyan cuisine and culture, I was able to realize why people who have travelled to Kenya truly believe it is one of the most beautiful countries in the World! It truly is the city of God. SYSC in collaboration with Global Seekers Volunteer Vacations (GSVV) have instilled hope within all the people of Nyeri, through outreach, support programs and support of street children and working with neighbouring organizations. I think my greatest experience was how all the street children passed into the centre to say farewell and to wish me success in everything that lay ahead of me in the week prior to leaving. It made me truly feel that they did not see me as a volunteer, but as a friend who would one day return and tell them about the life in Canada, and ask if I achieved all the goals they told me to never give up on. I arrived at Nairobi International Airport alone, but left Nyeri with a family that would always be remembered, and a group of friends that could never be replaced.
GSVV allowed me to accomplish my dream of going to Kenya, while helping others accomplish their dreams, or start new dreams of their own. GSVV and SYSC has brought about so much change, and will continue to create hope to all those who have not been given the chance. To this day, I would still like to thank Mr. Joe Mwai, and all of his directors within Kenya for the experience they granted me, and when the opportunity arises, I will once again travel back to Kenya under their arms. It was two months spent in Kenya, however a lifetime worth of memories. Asante Sana GSVV!
From Justin St. Louis, B.ScH, Consultant, Nyeri, Kenya 2007
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