Since making the decision to move here everything seemed to fall into place, and signs – some obvious, some more obscure- started to present themselves along the way. One of the main ones for me is a colleague where I worked stopped me in the hallway in the beginning of March to ask me if I had been to Africa lately (as he knows I have traveled there before). He mentioned his friend from Kenya was just here in CO – she is a founder of a school for children with special needs in Kenya and comes to the states about once a year for further educational training and new ideas. How could I not take this as a sign? It turns out her school is located 10 minutes away from where we are living in Nairobi – and she is in need of physical therapy volunteers. I have met with the founder, Fern (a very knowledgeable Early Childhood Special Educator), twice already since we arrived. School is out for summer break and will resume in September. I sat in on 2 meetings with staff and parents to discuss their child’s progress and goals for the upcoming school term (a version of an IEP meeting).
The school, Fairmile School, is on a pretty decent sized plot of land with a garden and an old-school style swing set. It is located directly next to one of the slums in Nairobi– this took me by surprise at first, as it was unexpected – but it’s safe and I am approaching everything with open eyes and an open mind. The school consists of 2 primary classrooms, a kitchen area (they try to feed the children primarily a gluten free and vegetarian diet), and an office area with a few computers. There is some equipment (mats, a ball, a wedge) that I will be able to use for therapy – but this is where my creativity will come into play. I will post pictures at some point so you can get a clearer picture of what things look like – a school as we know it, but on a much smaller scale and very, very basic.
There are 20 students enrolled in the school (ranging from 4-16 y.o.) with a range of diagnoses from cerebral palsy to autism to delayed with no diagnosis. On a daily basis I was told 10-12 students arrive (attendance is low because of the $2.50/day cost, transportation to school, and family situations). On Thursdays the children go horseback riding – I am very excited to assist with this and on Tuesday they go to the local Y to use the pool – when it is warm enough. There are 3 teachers, 1 occupational therapist, and occasionally there are occupational therapy interns. I am excited and relieved to have the opportunity to progress my physical therapy career here – as I know I will be continually challenged in this environment.
I plan on volunteering at the school 2-3 days a week. The rest of my time will most likely be filled with volunteering with various Girls Centre’s and the Girl Guides (like Girl Scouts) in Nairobi. From my understanding the girls come from the slums and learn life skills and are trained in some type of vocational skill (dress making, jewelry making, computer skills, hairstyling) that they can take back home with them to earn an income. I know I will be working with the Girls Centre at the Hawkers Market – the girls walk 1-2 hours each way, 6 days a week, for a year – certainly puts things into perspective for me. I will be looking for some creative ideas I can contribute to these girls – so feel free to email me.
Yoga instructors seem to be in high demand here. Perhaps I may find myself teaching yoga to some of the girls groups? I have to commend my hubby on his contacts here – which are of course my friends too now. Many of you have heard me rave about the yoga retreat on the Kenyan south coast that our friends own. Madison and I have been here twice before – a small, private retreat right on the beach with a yoga platform overlooking the ocean – plus delicious, fresh food is served to your liking. Well, this past Monday I received a phone call saying Shaanti (the retreat) was in need of a yoga instructor for some guests. Their regular instructor was out of town. Without much persuasion – Madison and I flew to the coast on Tuesday morning (an hour flight from Nairobi) and now here I am. Who could pass up a trip with paid flight, food, and accommodations? I have been teaching about 2 classes a day – which is great because I am growing my own practice. Yes, I feel a bit spoiled here – but I am sure this journey will come with its not so great days too. Madison left yesterday for Nairobi as he had some business to tend to. That left me at Shaanti all by my lonesome, but some alone time is always good. I was definitely a bit scared at first and had trouble sleeping, waking up to every sound, but I know I am in good hands here and completely safe with the many guards walking around the beach front property. I have become friendly with all of the staff and I am attempting to learn Swahili. Although English is primarily spoken here, Madison and I want to learn Swahili as it will come in handy – plus, we are trying to not stand out so much. Madison is of course picking up on it much faster than I am – learning a new language isn’t as easy as it was when I was younger.
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