As the summer ends, Daraja says goodbye to the 30+ volunteers that took the time to visit Kenya and share their skills and knowledge with the Daraja girls. Most importantly, lifelong friendships have been made and volunteers left learning something, something that you can’t learn in a textbook. Below is a letter from volunteer Homan to Benny, a Form 2 student that he got to know especially well during his stay on campus. (The picture above was taken of Homan, Benny and Benny’s family during Parents Day in June). Homan agreed to share his goodbye letter to Benny on the blog…
Dear Benny,
My adventure here started 2 months ago. I had just finished my 3rd year of university and was extremely exhausted! When I came to Daraja I didn’t know how I would be accepted by the wanafunzi (students) and was excited and nervous to see how life at Daraja would work out for me. Those very first days at Daraja, my nervousness was relieved when you where so brave and sweet and came to me to give me tour of Daraja. You were one of my first of many rafikis (friends) at Daraja. I truly appreciate how warm, inviting, and kind you were to me. That same night you showed me some Kenyan dancing in the Dining Hall with all the girls and Teacher Catherine. It was so fun and you really took the time to teach me!
That was just the beginning Benny and I knew I had a friend forever. Then over the next few weeks I came to find how confident, wise, focused, brave and true to yourself you are. Benny, these are all traits that a great leader has and I believe you are a great leader. I remember at the football tournament when we were sitting in the grass after your first match. You told me, “Homan if in the next game I see a chance, I will make a goal. I will just shoot it and make a goal.” Sure enough, you scored a goal in the next two matches. Wow! You know the secret. The secret that if you want something bad enough, focus on it very hard, and work for it you will get it.
A few days later at dinner you asked me to tutor you in math. I talked to Mr. Charles to see if I could start tutoring and he said that would be very okay and that he would put me with a student. I told him that you had already asked me at dinner. Mr. Charles smiled and said, “Very brave girl”. After I started tutoring you, the other girls began to ask me to tutor them. You were the first brave one to ask though. You were a leader and knew that I could help you and then the other students saw that and started using me as well.
Then the talent show came! We all started working on the “Waka Waka” dance. You all were so amazing! I couldn’t believe how fast you all came up with a dance routine. I remember when you all were practicing I could count on you to be responsible with my laptop, which was playing the music. But more importantly I remember when you wanted to have the lead voice in one part of the dance, but another student who was younger than you wanted it as well. Well you let her have it so fast and I saw how mature you were Benny. I was so proud of you. Then you all performed at the talent show without any fear and won!
Benny, you are a true inspiration to me. Your happiness, focus, confidence, and bravery will make you achieve all your goals through hard work. When you shared your story with me and I read about your life I knew that you were very wise. Wise to know that there is no point in being sad. That you had a voice, a strong and powerful voice that could never be silenced. Wow! You have taught me so much and I am so grateful for that. I know I will see you in the future succeeding in whatever you set your mind to.
Best
Homan
A few days prior to his departure, Homan planned to visit Benny in Kibera during the school break. Unfortunately, the cell phone of Benny’s mother was stolen and therefore Homan was not able to get a hold of Benny. The day of his departure, Homan decided to kill some time before his flight. He spontaneously chose to check out the National Archives museum in Nairobi. A few minutes into his visit, he sees Benny! She had persuaded her mom to take her to the museum before they went to the market. “I wanted to go to the museum to learn more about Kenya. Also, something inside of me said “Go to the museum!,” said Benny. Needless to say, they were both ecstatic to see each other and they spent a great last day at the museum.
