My Name is Saskia Akinyi and I am One

I have now been living in Kenya for one month and I am amazed at how quickly the time passes. Many of my projects are well underway but there is still much work to be done. Last Friday, Francisca and I ventured to the base site where the street youth live. They literally stay in a garbage dump and I think it may have been one of the most eye opening experiences of my life.  We have been working with them the last few weeks discussing ideas to help them off the streets. Besides not having a house, there are a large variety of problems that they encounter and it is a huge challenge for us.  At their home we witnessed first-hand the depth of their suffering.  Upon arrival, we were extremely nervous and intimidated.  The street youth generally don’t allow visitors to their base and as we approached, we were met with harsh glances.  After the men explained our reason for visiting, however, the base leader welcomed us with open arms and the tour began. While treading over heaps of trash and broken glass we were shown each of their sleeping spots. These “beds” are basically just 3 large stacked pieces of cardboard with a sheet of plastic for rain protection. During our tour a milk truck pulled up and everyone stopped mid-sentence and raced to claim their expired milks. Today I was told that one of the boys was beaten to death by a police officer.  We already knew how horrific the situation was but seeing their home and hearing their stories really puts things in to perspective. 

The last week I also helped with the polio campaign in response to a recent outbreak in my area.  For two days, I traveled from house to house giving children the vaccinations that they needed.  In the clinic itself, Andrea and I have started working on the malnutrition program. If the case is severe enough, the patient is sent to the district hospital in Kisumu. Unfortunately, the dispensary does not have the necessary resources to treat out-patient cases and if a child is only moderately malnourished, they are simply sent home.  Because the hospital is such a far travel, parents will often fail to go despite having the referral.  We hope to develop an outpatient program that will allow the children to receive the proper care they need from home.  Additionally, I will start implementing my prevention program next week. I met with the headmaster of the local school and my first session will cover hand-washing and clean water techniques. I will soon begin giving the presentations in the community as well.  Finally, I spent a day in the district hospital of Kisumu last week.  This hospital is in such a terrible condition and more than half of the girls in the women’s ward are immunosuppressed with HIV/AIDS. Resources here are very limited and any money received from the government somehow disappears into the world of corruption. 

On Sunday, the girls and I decided to take a break from our work and relax at Dunga Beach on Lake Victoria.  We were able to eat, enjoy a cold beer, and take in the beautiful scenery of the lake.  It was so nice to step away from the hardships that we witness every day and unwind in a peaceful location. We conversed with some of the local fisherman and Andrea and Francisca were finally able to eat some deliciously prepared fish.  We still have yet to see the Hippos but plan on going sometime in the very near future.   The girls are attempting to teach me Spanish but between learning their language, Luo, and Kiswahili, I am having difficulties keeping all the words straight.  We have befriended a few of the local children who come screaming and laughing when we pass.   Three sisters in particular are especially wonderful: Blesser, Joy, and baby Cynthia. Blesser and Joy are the only ones who remember our names and proudly demonstrate their intelligence when they come to greet us.  We love seeing them and always take a few minutes to ask about their day.

When arriving at home after a long day of work I am always greeted by a friendly swarm of mosquitos. Fran has become an expert mosquito killer and I am trying to quickly learn her skills. In the evening, I douse myself with mosquito repellent hoping that this will ward them off.  Unfortunately, with my fingers covered in spray, everything quickly eludes the smell and taste.  My room and clothes are permanent stained with the smell of “Off! Deep Woods” and my dinner often carries just a hint of deet. Before falling asleep, I lie in bed and hear them buzzing around my room.  I laugh to myself and feel victorious knowing that I am safely under my net.

On a separate note, I came across this quote a few days ago and it gave me some much needed inspiration.  There are such a vast number of problems in Kenya that I sometimes feel hopeless.  I have all these ideas but the implementation is more difficult than I had imagined.  Each problem is backed by five additional problems and solving the root of the dilemma is quite a challenge.  Instead of fixating on these hardships, however, I’m trying to see all the beauty that Kenya has to offer.  The locals have given me the name Saskia Akinyi to signify the time of day I was born.  When I am having a discouraging day, I remember that I am Saskia Akinyi, I am one, and I can make a difference for someone. 

Love, Saskia