Dear reader,

as part of my sabbatical I have spent nearly 3 months in Kenya, from December 2023 to February 2024. It was an incredible experience, a deep dive into another culture, community and country while staying 10 weeks as part of a community in a village called “Korando”, near the town of Kisumu.

This entire project has touched me deeply, it has changed things for me and it has sharpened my senses even more. At the time of my stay there were 17 children who stay here permanently. Some of them are orphans and they live under under the shields of “Mama Dolfine” (the founder) and “Better Me”, the NGO I am supporting. During the school time (January to November) there are even more children around (approximately up to 70, if not more). Mostly because of a long way from/to their homes. This school is also called “Educational Center” and is fully based on donations.

At this occasion once again many thanks to Valiantys for the support and the meaningful donation. This budget was very helpful to buy scholastic materials and clothes to bring for the children here. I could see how important and helpful it is. Nearly half of my 23 kg luggage was a donation. And I kept buying smaller items on premise: books, scholastic materials, toys and tools on children’s request. Also some sweets and cookies.

The other day I had the opportunity to talk to “Mama Dolfine”, the founder, who shared her inspiring story with me. I feel grateful to have such great people around me, working each day to raise up children who don’t have much of a chance due to their background. She has founded two places to take care of the children however she got a great support by a German NGO (“Better Me”) – the Kenyan branch is my host for the time of my stay.

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In Swahili language, “Karibu” means “Welcome”. This poster, used to welcome me at the airport, has found a place at my home. It always makes me smile. I have enjoyed the company of so many great people, it was truly an amazing and inspiring time. From the first moment I felt very welcomed. I have found a second home and a second family, the global Better Me family.

Already the place for the volunteers is quite cute. One of the reasons why I choose this project was the (sustainable) building, using almost only local resources, built by local people, supported by the German NGO “Better Me”. I was asked to bring biological degradable toiletries. Warm water for shower might be heated by the sun. The roof, in parts made of glass, allows to fill and enlighten the rooms by the sun. This is exactly my mindset. other parts of the roof are are even accessible by ladder, just to hang out up there. This is exactly my mindset. In fact, “Better Me” has already changed parts of my life before I have even arrived. Cultural exchange already has started at this point.

Open kitchen and the community room as seen from the kitchen. Rooms are flooded by sunlight over the day. Rain lovers may appreciate sprinkles of rain touching the glass parts of the roof. Cynthia, one of our dogs and her fella dog Emily are mostly around, except for the night.

Volunteer room, a shared room for 2 persons. At the end of the room there’s a shared bathroom accessible from two separated volunteer rooms. Yes, there are rules and agreements how to handle this. Doors on both sides to the volunteers (shared) rooms.