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Students also will learn about the culture of East Africa and about the media system in Kenya. While in Eldoret for three weeks, students will be assigned to teams with communication students from Moi University to report on health care topics in the area, with special attention on the various programs of IU-Kenya Partnership’s AMPATH project.
- Keep track of their work at their blog, where you also can view slideshows. Or, follow some of their work on the School of Journalism’s Facebook page.
- Samples of their blog entries are below.
Itinerary:
May 21-22: Depart/Arrive NairobiUpdate: Indy to Chicago flight delayed by weather, so missed London flight. Took the next one, but can’t get to Nairobi for 24 hours. All is well in London, however, and Kelly reports the students are making the best of things.
May 23: Depart for Eldoret. Arrive IU House, tour of Eldoret, Swahili lesson
Arrived Nairobi with a flight to Eldoret in the morning. (Luggage stayed in London!)
May 24: Lunch with students at Moi University; tour of AMPATH
Update: Arrived at the IU Guest House in Eldoret, home for the next two weeks. Will meet with Moi University students and tour the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
May 25: Briefing; tour of Standard and Nation newsrooms
Update: The students met with the AMPATH communications professionals and Moi classmates, then had lunch at the IU House. They also toured the local offices of the two major news organizations, the Standard and the Nation. After a full day of journalism, the Moi students took students shopping for some clothing and sundries as the group’s luggage has yet to arrive. Tomorrow, the students will scatter and begin reporting their stories.
May 26: Report with Moi students
The students, with their Kenyan counterparts, started reporting today. Some interviewed administrators and directors of various programs, some visited the Imani workshop, others visited rural villages and many were invited into homes. At the daily recap meeting, the students exchanged stories of the day’s progress. For dinner, the cooks were off duty so the entire IU House took over an Indian Restaurant — and it was delicious. Afterward, the students worked on their stories into the night. It seems like the start of a good routine.
May 27, 28: Reporting
May 29: Visit to the Rift Valley Students visited Krueger Farm for a hike, where they saw impala and giraffe. After a traditional lunch of ugali, they headed into the Rift Valley and down to the Keirio River on a very curvy road.
May 30: Working on stories with Moi partners
Students visited different churches, then spent the afternoon writing and editing their work from the past few days. They also visited an Imani shop for handmade shirts and dresses.
May 31: Reporting
Back to work reporting, then in the evening, celebrated Caitlin Johnston’s birthday and watched And the Band Played On, the movie based on Randy Shilts’ 1987 book about the beginnings and trajectory of the AIDS epidemic.
June 1: Madaraka Day (Liberty Day in Kenya)
Today was a national holiday in Kenya, so not many people were at work to be interviewed. Some students interviewed Joe Mamlin, one of the founders of AMPATH, and many were invited to lunch in Kenyan homes.
June 2: Reporting with Moi students
Reporting all day, pushing to finalize stories. For dinner, the cooks were off duty again so the entire IU House took over a Sikh restaurant.
June 3: Reporting with Moi students
Reporting all day.
June 4: Reporting with Moi students
Last official reporting day in Eldoret. The students made the most of the morning. In the afternoon, they had a late lunch/early dinner, hosted by the Moi University students, communications faculty, dean and vice chancellor. It was a wonderful ceremony that really helped cement the relationship between IU and Moi. After dinner, the IU students experienced Kenyan nightlife, dancing the night away with the Moi students — even Jim Kelly busted a move!
June 5: Reporting with Moi students
By special invitation of the vice chancellor Mibey, students toured Moi University’s Rivatext facility, the only textile factory owned by a university. The factory is used by Moi students for attachments (internships) for students in related fields. The factory produces fabric for the police, army and fire departments here, but they also produce kanga (large pieces of fabric).
June 6: Fairwell dinner with Moi Students and faculty
What a great final day in Eldoret! In the morning, many students attended church service. In the afternoon, all 24 Moi and IU students piled into vans and headed out to the main campus of Moi University, where they saw classrooms, the library and student center and admired the campus’ waterfalls. The evening’s final group dinner was bittersweet for the students who have grown so close.
June 7: Depart Eldoret for Lake Nakuru
The group headed to Lake Nakuru National Park for safari. On the way, they stopped at the equator. In Lake Nakuru, they are staying at a very nice, secluded hotel in a national park with no Internet access. During a short safari, they saw zebra, water buffalo, impala, giraffes, hyena, flamingos, white rhinos and lionesses, just to name a few.
June 8: Safari
The group rose early for a game drive for several hours, then had breakfast. Lazed the day away at the pool, getting massages, watching the birds and just soaking in the Kenyan air before afternoon tea and then another game drive. They saw many of the same animals, but closer, and many more birds. They also took at trip to Baboon Cliffs to get a view of the entire park from above. After another traditional dance, it was off to bed to prepare for another early morning game drive tomorrow.
June 9: Depart Lake Nakuru
The group had the final safari in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya’s first national park, and saw the elusive black rhino. They took a short boat ride on Lake Naivasha through the hippos, a walk around Crescent Island (where Out of Africa and Born Free were filmed) among zebra, wildebeest and giraffe, before a quick lunch. They rode to Nairobi with a quick stop to view the Rift Valley from above. For dinner, students met with journalists from The Standard and had tilapia the traditional Kenyan way: with their hands.
June 10: Royal Media Group, The Nation Group
Students visited both The Nation Group and Royal Media Group, both of which have television and radio stations, and The Nation is the largest newspaper in Kenya. We also were also joined by two of our Moi students, Job and Pauline, who happened to be in Nairobi.
June 11: Agence France-Presse, Reuters, Standard Group
The group started at the Agence France-Presse bureau downtown, then visited The Standard Group’s new building out of the city center. They visited Reuters Nairobi bureau and took a sightseeing trip to the top of the Kenyatta Conference Center to see the city from above. They group is spending the evening in the hotel restaurant, watching the first matches of the World Cup.
June 12: Sightseeing (National Museum, Nairobi Game Park, Blixen estate)
The group spent the day as tourists, visiting the Karen Blixen estate, site of both the Out of Africa movie and book. They visited Nairobi National Park, observing animals they hadn’t seen on safari. They wrapped up their day with a visit to a giraffe orphanage, where students fed (and even kissed!) some of the animals. In the evening, the group will stay in to watch World Cup matches.
June 13: Maasai Market. Evening, depart for Bloomington
The group will visit the Maasai Market and U.S. Embassy before boarding the plane for the trip home.
June 14: Arrive Indianapolis
Estimated arrival in Bloomington is Monday afternoon.
Trip reports:
(Read more at the class blog.)Final night in Eldoret
By Ryan Dorgan
Our final night in Eldoret. Our final night with the 12 Kenyan students who less than two months ago were nothing more than voices on the phone and words in an e-mail.
We literally hit the ground running. We covered the workings of an incredible organization. We covered real issues with real consequences affecting real people in hopes that, with our help, more people will come to know of the disastrous consequences of HIV.
More people will know of the good things that AMPATH and the IU-Kenya Partnership are constantly accomplishing, and yet there’s room for so much more growth and improvement.
Our dinner tonight was very bittersweet. We sat down with our new friends knowing that this would be the last time we would see each other for who knows how long. But we enjoyed it. We enjoyed it knowing that the work we had done together and the bonds that were created would last a lifetime.
As things seem to go in Africa, our reminders of our new friends didn’t end with the goodbyes. We walked out of the restaurant and climbed into the matatu to Bob Marley’s One Love. Absolutely perfect.
I never thought I’d become so close to complete strangers within the span of two weeks. Maybe it’s the power of journalism. Maybe it’s the power of Africa. Maybe it’s just my first real step into appreciating humanity and the good things that people can do when we come together.
Our dinner tonight was very bittersweet. We sat down with our new friends knowing that this would be the last time we would see each other for who knows how long. But we enjoyed it. We enjoyed it knowing that the work we had done together and the bonds that were created would last a lifetime.
As things seem to go in Africa, our reminders of our new friends didn’t end with the goodbyes. We walked out of the restaurant and climbed into the matatu to Bob Marley’s One Love. Absolutely perfect.
I never thought I’d become so close to complete strangers within the span of two weeks. Maybe it’s the power of journalism. Maybe it’s the power of Africa. Maybe it’s just my first real step into appreciating humanity and the good things that people can do when we come together.
Friends
By Jim Kelly
We are now near the end of our time in Eldoret. Over the last few weeks I have watched countless friendships start and grow. I figure most of what the students have learned has been taught to them by their friends. See a slideshow of photos here.
Wrapping up
By Kelly Martin
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| Photo by Dennis Elliott |
| Moi student Job Baharini (right) and IU’s Kelly Martin transcribed audio files of individual Kenyan interview subjects and recorded a voiceover translation. |
But, in the midst of all of the running around and scheduling interviews, we can sometimes forget that it all has to come to an end somehow.
And, of course, this means leaving behind the Moi students.
I’ve been so thankful for this opportunity to come to another country, to report on important HIV issues, and to simply interact with different people and learn of their culture. It’s something that will stay with me for a lifetime.
Tomorrow, we hope to get some interviews out of the way to finish up a story. While it has gone a different direction than we first anticipated, we’ll get it done. Journalists must be flexible.
After all, we did choose to come to Africa, right? Seems like we knew to be flexible a long time ago.
Take mine, please
By Julia Haller
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| Photo by Dennis Elliott |
| Maureen Jiwaji (right) and Julia Haller started outlining a story from their notes. |
At this point we had already attracted attention by coming over and speaking with Charles, but when we attached a microphone to him everyone crowded around in a circle to see what we were going to do. While Diana asked him questions, everyone was listening intently.
It was really interesting to see how curious people were about why we were asking him questions and what he was saying. Charles was very proud of his job and wanted to make a good living for his family.
As we were walking away from the shoe shiners, Diana said that they all wanted me to take their pictures. It seems that the others wanted the special attention we were giving to Charles, so we will have to return tomorrow and take pictures of the rest.
As we were walking away from the shoe shiners, Diana said that they all wanted me to take their pictures. It seems that the others wanted the special attention we were giving to Charles, so we will have to return tomorrow and take pictures of the rest.
Interviewing a loving family
By Risha Kohli
Although today is Kenya’s Liberty Day and most offices are closed, I was busy reporting. I scheduled a home visit with Joseph, the man I’m profiling who works at the Imani Workshop. I was grateful for the holiday because I was able to catch Joseph at home during the afternoon instead of waiting until evening when he returns from work.
My partner, Jobe, and I headed to the supermarket this morning to buy gifts for Joseph’s family. When we arrived, we met his parents, his wife, his 1-year-old son and many nieces and nephews. For lunch, they prepared cooked kale from the garden, bananas from their backyard and ugali. I was full from the ugali, but his father said I had to eat at least two bananas and drink chai. He joked that we should be so full that by the time we left, we’d have to take out our stomachs and carry them over our shoulders.
From the moment we met the family, we could feel the love they had for each other. They joked around with each other and helped each other prepare the meal, the men and the women. Neighborhood kids dropped by to eat bananas, which Joseph’s wife told me they did everyday as a tradition that his father started. When his mother needed to be lifted onto the wheelchair, the whole family helped.
I think Joseph said it best when I asked him what he would say to other people whose family members live with HIV or AIDS: “Show them love, and make sure they know you’re there with them.”
From the moment we met the family, we could feel the love they had for each other. They joked around with each other and helped each other prepare the meal, the men and the women. Neighborhood kids dropped by to eat bananas, which Joseph’s wife told me they did everyday as a tradition that his father started. When his mother needed to be lifted onto the wheelchair, the whole family helped.
I think Joseph said it best when I asked him what he would say to other people whose family members live with HIV or AIDS: “Show them love, and make sure they know you’re there with them.”
The simple finger prick
By Ryan Dorgan
Today, I witnessed absolute joy.
I’ve spent every day here in Kenya out in the field, and I have to admit that since day one, that was the plan. The medical staff here does an incredible job, but I just don’t feel right approaching people in a hospital. Being welcomed into somebody’s home is one thing, but approaching somebody at what very well may be their deathbed is a situation that I just don’t want to work in. At least not right now.
I’ve been invited into more homes that I ever would have imagined, being a strange white boy in Kenya. Single parents, grandmothers caring for 12 grandchildren with no parents, and even households run completely by children, but today was the first time I was invited into a home to witness a rapid HIV test.
My new Moi University partner, Jennifer, and I met up with an AMPATH Home Counseling and Testing (HCT) counselor named Anna outside the small village of Ainabkoi. She led us to a 10-acre homestead belonging to a 36-year-old man named Musa, who lives with his wife Loise, his one-year-old son, and his nine-year-old niece, who is living with them so that she can take care of the baby while Musa and Loise are tending to the farm during the day.
From what I understand, a couple agreeing to be tested for HIV together is somewhat rare in Kenya. The societal norms here usually place the blame on the woman even if it was (as it usually is) the man who brought the virus into the family. Musa and Loise, though relatively young, exhibit the bonds of a couple twice their age, and their willingness to go through this potentially life-changing test together speaks volumes to their level of trust of one another.
Anna began by speaking with Musa and Loise about the dangers of HIV, tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections related to the virus. She spoke softly and the couple stared attentively, constantly nodding their heads in understanding.
And then came the finger prick.
The rapid HIV test would take roughly 10-15 minutes to show results – an illustration of which Anna had shown to the couple prior to testing. As soon as the red line appeared above or below the midway point of the testing strip, Musa and Loise would know their fate. Anna took this time to keep their mind off their blood by sitting on a stool before to demonstrate proper condom use and explain the possibilities of living as an HIV+ or an discordant couple – a couple in which one is infected and the other is not.
Just under 15 minutes later, there were smiles. Musa had recalled what he had seen on the AMPATH diagram and knew that he and his wife of 10 years had tested negative to HIV. The uneasy tension was gone and life was suddenly back to normal.
From what I understand, a couple agreeing to be tested for HIV together is somewhat rare in Kenya. The societal norms here usually place the blame on the woman even if it was (as it usually is) the man who brought the virus into the family. Musa and Loise, though relatively young, exhibit the bonds of a couple twice their age, and their willingness to go through this potentially life-changing test together speaks volumes to their level of trust of one another.
Anna began by speaking with Musa and Loise about the dangers of HIV, tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections related to the virus. She spoke softly and the couple stared attentively, constantly nodding their heads in understanding.
And then came the finger prick.
The rapid HIV test would take roughly 10-15 minutes to show results – an illustration of which Anna had shown to the couple prior to testing. As soon as the red line appeared above or below the midway point of the testing strip, Musa and Loise would know their fate. Anna took this time to keep their mind off their blood by sitting on a stool before to demonstrate proper condom use and explain the possibilities of living as an HIV+ or an discordant couple – a couple in which one is infected and the other is not.
Just under 15 minutes later, there were smiles. Musa had recalled what he had seen on the AMPATH diagram and knew that he and his wife of 10 years had tested negative to HIV. The uneasy tension was gone and life was suddenly back to normal.
Each day more amazing than the last
By Lauren Stanley
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| Photo by Ryan Dorgan |
| Lauren Stanley (center) shares photos with her Kenyan colleagues while waiting to tour the Eldoret bureau office of Kenya’s Daily Nation newspaper. |
I suggested we take a taxi out to his village and see if he was around. Kevin was up for it. We also ran into Brittney and Joan, who wanted to go out to the farms, too, so they joined us.
Luckily, Kiptoo was out in the streets when we arrived and recognized us straight away. He spent the rest of the day showing us around to his neighbor’s homesteads and having them invite us in their private houses. It is so different than America where if you show up unexpectedly, someone will tell you the entire day’s schedule. “Oh, I have a meeting at 12:30, 1 and 2:45, so I can show you around between then.” No. They dropped whatever they were doing and helped us out. They put down their gardening tools or their laundry and cleaned the sitting room so they could tell us their stories.
We were offered sodas, seats and even a chance to hold their babies. We visited four homes altogether and had incredible and emotional experiences at each of them. I was especially touched by every statement Kiptoo made, and his amazing insight on the human race and a struggling society. All the people we met today were inspirations to us. All households we visited made us feel as though we were well-known guests. Another unforgettable day, and even more unforgettable people.
We were offered sodas, seats and even a chance to hold their babies. We visited four homes altogether and had incredible and emotional experiences at each of them. I was especially touched by every statement Kiptoo made, and his amazing insight on the human race and a struggling society. All the people we met today were inspirations to us. All households we visited made us feel as though we were well-known guests. Another unforgettable day, and even more unforgettable people.
They said this would be life-changing…
By Ryan Dorgan
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| Photo by Ryan Dorgan |
| Clare Krusing and Moi University student Diana Chelagat interview a woman at her home outside the rural town of Monsoriot, Kenya. |
It’s impossible to even try to anticipate the experiences and feelings that will come from a trip to a continent that I never dreamed I’d get the chance to visit. And not only am I visiting Africa; I’m living in, working in and feeling connected to this city of Eldoret – a city that before the course applications came out I had never even heard of.
The 12 Moi University communications students we are paired with are absolutely incredible and have helped the adjustment to an unfamiliar place and culture be the easiest experience in the world. We’re all so excited to learn from them just as they are excited to learn about us. It’s really one big happy family.
My biggest fear before coming to Kenya was that the people here would be very hesitant to open up to some American they’ve never met and will most likely never hear from again. Take into account that many of these people we’re speaking with have been deeply affected by HIV and AIDS, which is unbelievably stigmatized here in Africa, and it’s hard to think about anything other than a great feeling of doubt and uncertainty.
But we’ve found exactly the opposite. Not only are people speaking to us, they’re welcoming us into their homes. They’re welcoming us into their lives – lives that many citizens of the developed world could never imagine living. And they’re doing so with so much joy and enthusiasm.
After this first few days of reporting, I’ve never felt better about pursuing international journalism. What once was a mysterious feeling of fear and doubt has blossomed into a renewed sense of optimism – not just for my own career hopes, but for all of the disadvantaged people around the world that can live better lives because of the power of journalism. All it takes is one person that is willing to listen.
My biggest fear before coming to Kenya was that the people here would be very hesitant to open up to some American they’ve never met and will most likely never hear from again. Take into account that many of these people we’re speaking with have been deeply affected by HIV and AIDS, which is unbelievably stigmatized here in Africa, and it’s hard to think about anything other than a great feeling of doubt and uncertainty.
But we’ve found exactly the opposite. Not only are people speaking to us, they’re welcoming us into their homes. They’re welcoming us into their lives – lives that many citizens of the developed world could never imagine living. And they’re doing so with so much joy and enthusiasm.
After this first few days of reporting, I’ve never felt better about pursuing international journalism. What once was a mysterious feeling of fear and doubt has blossomed into a renewed sense of optimism – not just for my own career hopes, but for all of the disadvantaged people around the world that can live better lives because of the power of journalism. All it takes is one person that is willing to listen.
Reporting: Day One
By Risha Kohli
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| Photo by Jim Kelly |
| As soon as the van stopped, Risha Kohli began interviewing the driver. |
She surprised me by suggesting that we accompany her on home visits, because I thought I would have to wait for at least a week before anyone invited me into his or her home. Needless to say, I was grateful for Grace’s guidance and help.
As we made our way to the neighborhood in a dusty Toyota Camry taxi cab, I had to clutch my seat because the road was full of bumps and small ditches. When our driver turned off the main road, the condition worsened. Instead of a road, we found ourselves on a dirt path that was hardly wide enough to fit the car, moving up and down with each bump we hit.
Upon our arrival, Grace led Lucy and I to a small small home made of clay with a blue sheet of metal covering it. She introduced us to the woman who cared for her HIV positive niece, who allowed us to ask her questions about her life and the lives of her children. Her twin boys slept noiselessly under two blankets on a seat nearby, and she told us she would soon leave one twin under the care of her daughter because she had to move to town to be closer to the hospital.
Although she spoke in Swahili, I could detect the emotion in her voice. She seemed timid, and I understood how painful it was for her to leave one of her babies, who still needed their mother’s care. The sadness in her voice made me sad, and at that point I decided to change the subject.
Talking to someone whose suffering is something I simply cannot understand was difficult for me. I felt a bit helpless during this interview, in part because I could not communicate with her and in part because I could not help her.
While we drove back on the same dirt path, I realized that my interviews with the family members were remarkably similar to the bumpy roads. At times they go smoothly, and I feel prepared to handle the conversations we have with the patients. But many times, I feel like I’m moving up and down emotionally, unable to continue because I feel emotionally lost in their stories.
Upon our arrival, Grace led Lucy and I to a small small home made of clay with a blue sheet of metal covering it. She introduced us to the woman who cared for her HIV positive niece, who allowed us to ask her questions about her life and the lives of her children. Her twin boys slept noiselessly under two blankets on a seat nearby, and she told us she would soon leave one twin under the care of her daughter because she had to move to town to be closer to the hospital.
Although she spoke in Swahili, I could detect the emotion in her voice. She seemed timid, and I understood how painful it was for her to leave one of her babies, who still needed their mother’s care. The sadness in her voice made me sad, and at that point I decided to change the subject.
Talking to someone whose suffering is something I simply cannot understand was difficult for me. I felt a bit helpless during this interview, in part because I could not communicate with her and in part because I could not help her.
While we drove back on the same dirt path, I realized that my interviews with the family members were remarkably similar to the bumpy roads. At times they go smoothly, and I feel prepared to handle the conversations we have with the patients. But many times, I feel like I’m moving up and down emotionally, unable to continue because I feel emotionally lost in their stories.
Getting acclimated
By Natasha Seitz
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| Photo by Ryan Dorgan |
| Students are making their home at IU House in Eldoret. |
The weight that lingers is comforting now–it makes me feel ready to go back into the city and report, even though I trekked around Eldoret from 6:30 a.m. until past noon.
The weight from my pack is also just something else I have become accustomed to during my short stay in Kenya. Walking the 10 or 15 minutes to the hospital feels shorter than walking down my apartment stairs, and I can even do it without getting my shoes dirty now. I know which dirt paths to take and when the rocky sections are approaching. My ears can hear the boda bodas (bicycle taxis) and matatus (van taxis with crazy drivers) in enough time to step off the road.
I welcome the cold in the mornings when I can slightly see my breathe as I walk into town. Daytime is gorgeous, sunny and cool when standing in the shade or inside a building, but warm when walking a long path without any trees. And when the rain clouds roll in, they are beautiful. The weather instantly drops to the most comfortable temperature and all I want to do is stand outside. My Kenyan friends quickly pull out jackets and coats because the perfect temperature for me is freezing for them. If it rains, it rains hard, but only for 30 minutes to an hour, and then the sun comes back from around the clouds and the streets are quickly repopulated with Kenyans.
The IU House already feels like home. The guards at both gates welcome me each time I enter with smiles and Swahili welcomes. The guard at the front gate always calls the girls “daughters,” saying phrases like, “Oh goodbye, daughters” and “You have a wonderful day, daughters.” Kenyans do not recognize family members such as cousins or nieces. Every family member is referred to as a mother, father, son, daughter, sister or brother. So our nickname comes from respect and relates that the guards like us.
And the food. So much could be typed about how delicious all of our meals have been. Everything is so fresh. Even when the cooks at IU House bake pizza, all of the vegetables are from the garden. The fruit is mouthwatering. Dishes I initially think will not be appetizing turn out to be the ones I wish would be made again.
The weight from my pack is still there, even after lunch and conversations with my IU professors, classmates and friends, so I know it is time to venture back into the African landscape and become even more familiar with the place I am becoming so fond of so quickly.
I welcome the cold in the mornings when I can slightly see my breathe as I walk into town. Daytime is gorgeous, sunny and cool when standing in the shade or inside a building, but warm when walking a long path without any trees. And when the rain clouds roll in, they are beautiful. The weather instantly drops to the most comfortable temperature and all I want to do is stand outside. My Kenyan friends quickly pull out jackets and coats because the perfect temperature for me is freezing for them. If it rains, it rains hard, but only for 30 minutes to an hour, and then the sun comes back from around the clouds and the streets are quickly repopulated with Kenyans.
The IU House already feels like home. The guards at both gates welcome me each time I enter with smiles and Swahili welcomes. The guard at the front gate always calls the girls “daughters,” saying phrases like, “Oh goodbye, daughters” and “You have a wonderful day, daughters.” Kenyans do not recognize family members such as cousins or nieces. Every family member is referred to as a mother, father, son, daughter, sister or brother. So our nickname comes from respect and relates that the guards like us.
And the food. So much could be typed about how delicious all of our meals have been. Everything is so fresh. Even when the cooks at IU House bake pizza, all of the vegetables are from the garden. The fruit is mouthwatering. Dishes I initially think will not be appetizing turn out to be the ones I wish would be made again.
The weight from my pack is still there, even after lunch and conversations with my IU professors, classmates and friends, so I know it is time to venture back into the African landscape and become even more familiar with the place I am becoming so fond of so quickly.
Shopping
By Laura Sargent
So we still have no luggage, although Kate Lee and professor Kelly went out yesterday night and got us dresses to wear today. I have realized how hard it is living with only a few things. We got word from British Airways that four of our suitcases were put on a plane from London to Nairobi and will be here tomorrow. We just don’t know which four suitcases it will be.
We have decided that whoever gets there luggage, the clothes and toiletries will be pretty much communal. After working all day, we went downtown to shop. Wow, was that an eye-opener. For most clothing shops, everything is bartered. It was great to have the Kenyan students with us because they were able to lower the price on most of our clothes.
We then went to a “supermarket,” which was more like a simplified Walmart because it had clothes, food and household items. I thought it was interesting that the clothes you bought could be tailored for you for free. We are hoping that we get our bags soon, though! Although our Kenyan friends helped us pick out clothes, it would be nice to not be living on only a few outfits again.
We then went to a “supermarket,” which was more like a simplified Walmart because it had clothes, food and household items. I thought it was interesting that the clothes you bought could be tailored for you for free. We are hoping that we get our bags soon, though! Although our Kenyan friends helped us pick out clothes, it would be nice to not be living on only a few outfits again.
Reporting
By Risha Kohli
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| Photo by Jim Kelly |
| IU and Moi students are working in teams. Here, they prepared their strategies for working on stories. |
For my first story, I wanted to write about the home-based clinical testing, which involves AMPATH employees going to homes to test people for HIV. This seemed like a great lead, in part because of how innovative it seemed for medical workers to travel to homes of people who would otherwise never get tested.
When I suggested my idea to Lucy, she discouraged the idea because so many programs in Africa and Kenya already implement a similar policy. She told me specific programs send workers to universities and rural towns to offer HIV tests. In short, it was less novel than I originally thought.
I learned an invaluable lesson from this encounter. What seemed different to me was ordinary to Lucy. Of course, I run across this every time I travel. I experience things differently from the people in the countries where I travel. But still every time, I’m surprised to learn that some program, or some food or some holiday is just a part of everyday life. The people remind me to view their country with an open mind. I cherish the fact that we will all continue to learn about Kenyan culture through the eyes of our friends from Moi University.
I learned an invaluable lesson from this encounter. What seemed different to me was ordinary to Lucy. Of course, I run across this every time I travel. I experience things differently from the people in the countries where I travel. But still every time, I’m surprised to learn that some program, or some food or some holiday is just a part of everyday life. The people remind me to view their country with an open mind. I cherish the fact that we will all continue to learn about Kenyan culture through the eyes of our friends from Moi University.
IU House, Moi University
By Meghann Estrada
Today, we finally arrived at the IU House in Eldoret, Kenya, around 10 a.m. After receiving room assignments, we took a brief tour of the place that will be home for the next two weeks. I must say that the area is really nice. It far surpasses the accommodations I thought we were going to have.
We had about an hour for down time in which many of us rushed to the computer room to e-mail loved ones and simply reconnect since we’ve been without Internet access since we left on Friday. Around 11 a.m., we met the students from Moi University who will be working with us to report and complete our stories. They were really nice and welcoming.
We all broke bread together in the dining room at the IU House then visited the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. While there, we saw the Riley Mother and Baby Hospital and AMPATH Centre.
Inside the AMPATH building, the Sally Test Pediatric Center definitely touched me. The Sally Test Pediatric Center is a place for pediatric patients to play and a safe area for abandoned babies. I held a 1-month-year old baby boy who had the biggest brown eyes and just keep staring at me smiling. It was hard to put him down and leave. Before I leave Eldoret, I want to hold him again.
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| Photo by Jim Kelly |
| IU and Moi University students (and one IU House dog) meet for the first time. |
Inside the AMPATH building, the Sally Test Pediatric Center definitely touched me. The Sally Test Pediatric Center is a place for pediatric patients to play and a safe area for abandoned babies. I held a 1-month-year old baby boy who had the biggest brown eyes and just keep staring at me smiling. It was hard to put him down and leave. Before I leave Eldoret, I want to hold him again.
Arriving and getting our bearings
By Risha Kohli
We arrived in Eldoret this morning. Life has been a whirlwind for the last few days. In fact, it hardly seems like a few days, instead it feels like they’re all fused together into one extremely hectic day. We missed a few flights, which resulted in an impromptu sightseeing day in London. We walked around the city for a couple hours and saw Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey. It was beautiful, and a refreshing break from the stress of traveling.
On Sunday, we flew to Nairobi and stayed at the Methodist Guest House. I could hardly sleep though, because I was so excited that we were actually in Kenya. This morning, we finally caught our last flight to Eldoret. As we drove from the airport to IU House, I couldn’t help but marvel at the stretches of green outside.
Later today, we will meet the university students from Moi. I’ve been looking forward to this meeting for a long time!
Later today, we will meet the university students from Moi. I’ve been looking forward to this meeting for a long time!