My Tent in Kenya
I am in a remote part of Kenya, working at an amazing girls’ school, Nasurani Academy.
I had expected and planned that, for this first of several trips to this school, I would be listening and learning in this totally new environment. And this is my first trip to Africa. I certainly did not want to be that white woman of privilege parachuting into another nation, disrespecting or unaware of their culture, their values and their social norms.
But, something else happened. The school founders and school head leaders, the truly remarkable couple Alice and Moses, asked that I teach and work with administrators, teachers and students immediately. As in today. Of course, I said: Of course I will. I am, after all, their guest.
So, unexpectedly, here is what is actually occurring:
I am running (with help from the amazing American Professor Tracy Hough from Bridgewater College who is here for her sabbatical and one of her American college graduates in the field of education, Mac) a two day workshop for administrators and teachers. It started today! We are talking about naming, taming and framing feelings. In teaching them, I am teaching their students.
Then, I was asked to greet and work with all 300 students, also today. Picture a very large dining hall filled with students ranging from ages 9 — 18, awaiting a presentation from the American. And, I did my introduction to them in three languages (this took some doing and practice): Swahili, KiMaasai and English. Sure, I made some linguistic mistakes and mispronounced several words but I smiled and we laughed together. As best as I could, I was trying to show respect.
Then starting tomorrow, I am working for a week with a subgroup of the high school students, helping them appreciate the power of SEL. After I complete this Medium post, I am plotting out the activities to do with these students during the coming week, enriched I hope with cultural awareness.
My Tent
But, these activities are only a wee part of the unexpected events… and I have only been on campus for 30 hours. Here’s a sampling:
I was welcomed to Nasuruni Academy with an amazing Maasai dance and song festival run by the students, replete with Maasai clothing and jewelry and more modern dress. I joined in the dance, attempting to capture the essence of their movements.
Today, before all students and teachers and administrators, I was gifted a Maasai shawl (and my US friends know I adore shawls) and Maasai beaded jewelry (and my US friends know my affection for boho accessories). And Alice put a beaded crown on my head. Now, that wasn’t easy for me as I am someone who eschews power and authority and generally speaking, am better at giving than receiving gifts. It was a gracious welcome to be sure. I will wear the jewelry tomorrow.
But the best part among all the bests is my home in Narok at the Academy: an amazing spacious tent, pictured above. (Other even more stunning pictures will be forthcoming of all of the described events, taken by a wonderful teacher/photographer Nick.)
Now, Alice and Moses offered me a room in their on campus home. Gracious indeed. Tracy offered me a room in her on campus home too. Gracious indeed.
But, instead, I chose to live in a tent on the Academy compound. (I did make sure I wasn’t offending anyone.) “My” tent is perfect! The Kenyan breezes flow in. I have space to process the many things I am experiencing at a fast pace. I have space to reflect on the tsunami of sounds and color and scenery and animals (yes, donkeys and baboons and cows and goats on the side of the highway). But, most importantly, it is a place that feels like I have a home here at Nasurani Academy.
I am grateful. I am humbled. And I am writing from inside “my” tent…onward.
