Old Cambrian Society
Dear Steve,
In January 2010 I was fortunate to be able to return to the country of my birth - Kenya with my two sons - Nicholas & Richard. Both my children were born & raised in the very privileged country of New Zealand and it was 45 years since I left my 'home' in 1964.
Part of the journey was for sentimental reasons to retrace the memories of my youth - where I lived, went to school, and played. We were made so very welcome..... and were shown with pride their achievements as we were
introduced to such dedicated and committed teachers of children who really wanted to learn.
These children, even at their young age, understand that the way forward for their country is through Education. It has been a humbling experience to be among people who have so little yet they still love their country and give so much of themselves to try to make it a better place for the average person to live. Giving so little by western standards could make so much of a difference to the people of Kenya. The corruption of the elite & the poverty of the masses is indescribable. The way forward is through education to build the middle class and so make corruption socially unacceptable, not inevitable. The traditional way of the west of funding aid projects just does not work. 90% of the funds donated just disappear in ' administration costs'. We need to deal direct- if a school has no water then we need to buy & install a pump - not send money and hope somebody might do it. I realised from this trip that although from a pragmatic point of view, I am very fortunate to live in New Zealand, my heart will always be in the Country of my birth - Kenya.
As I head for retirement and more time to 'give back', I have been considering the Kenya situation and it is overwhelming. While as individuals we can have little effect on the big picture (that is the job of Governments and large Aid Agencies) we can make somebody's life so much better on an individual basis.
If nothing else we can give them that most precious commodity - hope.
My 'project' is outlined at this link Children of Kenya Education Trust.
Are there any Old Cambrians or Kenya born people out there who would like to join me and help make this dream a reality?
Regards Robin Humphreys
Clive House 1959 - 1964
Nairobi School (Prince of Wales)