Name: Colin Grisel
Age: 26
Hometown: Icogne, Switzerland
Experience: Marketing Agency
Duration of Stay: October 2009-August 2010 (10 months)

How did you learn about Daraja Academy?
Kirsten, my girlfriend, was hired by MS-the Danish NGO on campus. She told me about this great project with this American couple and she said I would love them. So I thought I would come and check it out.

What were your primary responsibilities as a volunteer?
Improving the communication from Kenya to US. When I arrived, I used my marketing experience to see how I could help Daraja. I thought right away I should send a monthly e-newsletter. I have also been involved with student selection (preparing questions for interviews), managed media club and assisted with tutoring.

What have you learned since being at Daraja?
I’ve learned that if you really believe in a project, anything is possible. I’ve learned a lot about dedication, seeing how people are dedicated around here. I’ve learned how to live without electricity and accepting that things might take 3 days here when in Europe that same thing would take 10 minutes.

What surprised you the most about volunteering here?
To see the entire staff’s dedication. Anyone who works on campus, works numerous jobs. It’s not just a job for them, they are so involved and really believe in the project.

What surprised you most about living in Kenya?
The contrast in wealth was even bigger than expected. I think I was prepared to see people around me who live with very little but I was very shocked that they live with even less than that. It was a big experience to observe people around Daraja, what kind of house they live in and how they survive. This was a big change from the comfortable life that I lived in.

What do you plan to do upon your return to Switzerland?
I plan to find a job again in project management. After this experience, I feel like a stronger project manager- I’m prepared now for the unexpected.

How has it been working with Americans as a Swiss?
I was working with Americans right before coming here. When I left I thought, “I don’t want to work with Americans again!”. But then I came here, and I really enjoyed working with everyone. I like Americans because they are really enthusiastic and really positive, especially Jason and Jenni. I also learned how to give hugs. I was never good at it but I’ve had 10 months of training…but I think I still prefer to shake hands.

Any piece of advice for future volunteers?
I think it is very important to come here with a precise project that you want to achieve, you will get full support from people but the best is if you could do the entire project on your own and not count on too many other things. If you have a great project that you could work independently, that’s the best way to work here. Preparation in something precise is very important.

What has been your favorite part of volunteering here? I wish I could close my eyes and wake up 10 years from now so that I could see where all of the girls will be and what amazing things they will have accomplished. What’s happening now is really exciting but the best part is what they are going to do once they graduate and leave the gates. For me, that is the point of the project- to prepare them to make a difference when they go out. So I’m really excited to see what happens because I really believe this is working.

THE FUN STUFF:

Favorite movie: “Dancer in the Dark”. A movie that shows injustice in the most painful way. It is touching and shocking.
Favorite book: The millennium trilogy from Stieg Larsson. The most exciting thriller + an amazing analysis of modern society. Genius!
What was your favorite musical group when you were in junior high? Junior high, is that high school or before high school? First case I would say “Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals” or maybe “Ska-P”. Second case, probably “Shurik’N” who is still a great French rapper.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Back to the Himalayas. I love mountains and the first time I saw those up close, it brought me to tears. They are incredibly impressive and beautiful. They are a place of real meditation.
You’re about to make your way down the green mile, what do you have as your last meal? Does that mean I’m about to die? Funny, this green mile thing. I would definitely go for a Raclette (melted cheese) with a bottle or two of Fendant (Swiss white wine that we always drink with it). It would probably help me pass away with a smile.
Who is the person you respect the most and why? There are plenty! There is my big sister, who is actually quite small, but who has kept an eye on me since I was born and she wasn’t even 2! She still coaches me. I know she will never let me down. After this great experience at Daraja, I must say that there are Jenni and Jason Doherty who fight so hard for a project, a dream, 24/7. They are incredibly strong and driven, I respect that very much. And Jason has a very serious and reflective voice when he wants, that’s also something you must respect.
What do you think is the secret to a good life? Follow your own ideas, follow your dreams and not only what society would find convenient for you to follow. I try to apply this concept, but honestly, it’s not easy. You have to be very, very courageous.