Here's a quick overview of the GIP (Global Interfaith Partnership) and the Umoja Project -- but I encourage you to get some more details/info from their website.
"The Global Interfaith Partnership is a coalition of congregations in Indiana and the Chulaimbo area of western Kenya which has developed the Umoja Project ("unity" in Kiswahili). The overall goal of the Umoja project is to develop a coordinated community-based care system which responds to the multiple needs of vulnerable children in Kenya's Maseno Division. Particular emphasis is given to educational support, food security, safe housing, and psychosocial development. Our work includes providing direct service, working with families and the community to increase their capacity to meet their own needs, and coordinating with existing community services." - this brief overview was given on the back the worship bulletin at NUMC from the worship service that the 2009 intern led upon their return from Kenya.
As we prepare for our trip (we fly out of Indy tomorrow, May 27th, at 2pm) we have been to quite a few meetings this week. These meetings have ranged from staff meetings at the church to GIP board meetings. However, one meeting that was quite informative for me, was the Women-to-Women meeting that we attended at Second Presbyterian here in Indy. This meeting was planned because Ellen Daniels-Howell, the Executive Director of GIP, has recently returned from Kenya with some info and ideas. Overall, I think there were two main reasons for the meeting. First of all, there are some women's groups in Kenya that are currently meeting and helping out as they are able. In addition, many Indianapolis congregations with the Umoja project that have Women's groups who have asked how they can get more involved. The second reason is that there are complex issues affecting girls attending (or with the desire to attend) schools in Kenya. First of all, there is a safety issues walking to and from school. Also, girls miss a lot of school due to menstrual cycles...which means they are falling behind the boys in school! And finally, there are many child-headed households in the area due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and other illnesses that have left children to care for their younger siblings (which means a lack of source of income or missing school).
Therefore, the Women-to-Women meeting yesterday gave us a few things to EXPLORE and LISTEN for while we are there.
One thing that I think is beautiful about the mission of GIP/Umoja is that as Americans the goal is not to rush in and fix. Instead, it is to LISTEN and work WITH the Kenyans. We are to listen to what they need and what their customs allow, etc. Also, if possible, instead of taking a work trip to Kenya - a goal is to create jobs in Kenya for the Kenyans. In addition, GIP/Umoja is about SUSTAINABILITY. Therefore, as we listen and explore options and opportunities the idea is to create something that is long-lasting and can essentially begin and continue to thrive in Kenya.
On a final note (I need to finish packing!), this is just a short overview...but in just the few days that I've been in Indy and part of planning meetings and preparation -- I have learned one thing: This will be like no other international trip that I have previously been a participant. There are two main reasons I think this: first, when I've visited other developing countries, the main cause of struggle was due to economic troubles or devastation caused by war. Kenya, on the hand, more than any other country I have been to is fighting against AIDS. Yesterday at the women-to-women meeting we saw many pictures of children that are living in child-headed homes. I've been anticipating this trip since I found out about my Field Ed. placement in December -- however, those pictures yesterday finally made me realize where we were going and what we would be doing and seeing. Also, this is going to be a different trip because I'm not there to build, but to listen. I'm looking forward to listening and coming back to share stories with you all.
Peace and grace,
Laura
