Full Day of Activity

The classroom at the Pangani Center

Sweet school children

Our tour includes a visit to the classroom - a small room packed with children - absolutely no supplies, no electricity, no books... Only inspiring teachers and eager children. They overwhelmed us with songs and playful "wow" games.

The "wow" game

This is a fun game - clap your hands 3 times and throw your arms forward tossing a hug across the room to a guest and gleefully shout "wow!"  Seriously, this is great stress reliever, a fun game that transcends language and cultural barriers - and you can't help but smile, laugh and have fun in the process! (Try it some time, I dare you!)

Playful and full of life!

They were curious to learn more about us - hobbies, favorite foods - so fun to connect and share with complete strangers. And yet, somehow, we knew we were reaching out across humanity and forming new connections!

Intrigued by their new American friends

Social Workers

These are the people that connect families, love the kids and knit the entire community together. They are closest to the children and families. Their role is to get to know the community, spot the families with the greatest needs and simply get involved. Help them. Heal their hurts. Give them hope. Our role is simply to come alongside. To acknowledge the great work they are doing, to celebrate their progress - one small caring gesture at a time - and to encourage their continued work.

Fidelis

Sweet and soft spoken, Fidelis has a heart for the children and families we serve. She’s alive with light and energy to help.

Curious

After school, ready for fun!

Retail

We wind down our afternoon at the Pangani Center and make a stop at a shopping center where we encounter our first retail experience in Kenya. It's sort of a 'all under one roof'' kind of place complete with electronics, appliances, even a cupcake bakery (Sprinkles)! I was surprised at all kinds of American brands and household items, even books (Apple, Zig Ziegler, even a Danielle Steele novel...). A far cry from the desolate area we just left. Clearly there are two sides of the community in Nairobi. The ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ again - as in most every part of the world - exist right alongside one another in a disparity gap that is hard to comprehend.

At the checkout lane, we encounter fully automated check outs complete with Olympic ads exclaiming "Go World" to round out our experience.