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In July 2010 I stepped into a world I had never known before, a world I never imagined existed. Walking through Kenya, I didn’t know what to expect and was not aware of how this place would affect my life so rapidly. I began my volunteering at a pre-school in Naivasha, it seemed great, I had fun with the children and I could certainly sympathise with their weak health and broken homes. But through being in such an “easy” environment, I was unaware of what I was about to experience.
A friend of mine had invited me to visit what she called, “a garbage slum” in Nakuru. I had only been in Kenya two weeks and was very keen to find out more about the country, visit new places, and meet new people.
We met with Pastor Anthony in Nakuru who had offered to show me and two others a tour of the slum, assisting us with speaking to the people who lived there.
Arriving at the garbage slum in our Matatu I began to smell the stench in the air, we had arrived.
We trekked through the garbage to go and meet the residents. When I reached the top of the rubbish pile it felt like my whole world had just frozen for that small moment in time. The smell and the million flies washed through my clothes as I stepped on rat skins and what ever else lingered amongst the garbage. It was horrible.
I felt physically sick knowing people actually lived there. Once I adjusted to the smell and view, I remained overwhelmed these are real people living in REAL poverty.
As I looked into the distance I could see children running over the top of the garbage, shouting, “Mzungu! Mzungu!” Which translates to, “White Person!” I spent some time with the children, playing with them, learning their names. I noticed many were not wearing shoes to cover their feet from the needles and other dangers that were piled below their feet.
I left the slum that afternoon leaving a piece of me lost amongst the garbage. For days the slum and its people was all I could think about. I decided I had to do something about it. Within a few days I met with Pastor Anthony for lunch and we decided to set up a feeding program at the slum. The project; “Gioto Garbage Slum” has a vision to see the people’s lives changed through the help of people like you. Our goal is to educate the younger generations so they have the option of leaving the slum for a better life.
We bring a number of volunteers who donate maize flour, rice and cooking oil to each family residing in the garbage slum.
This opportunity would not have been possible if it was not for the fantastic people I have met in Kenya. I give many thanks to everyone that has and is soon to share the same passion for these people and the possibilities we can create for them.
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