The following post features student writing.
Following a weekend of settling in and exploring local coffee farms, we kicked off our first full week in the Marurani Village with our community service project!
On our first work day we started off the day with a bang—literally. We watched as the old kitchen was demolished using sledge hammers and axes. We carried the old bricks to build a bridge over a ditch to the primary school. The next few days we were digging foundation and mixing cement. By Friday we had completed the foundation as well as a few feet of each wall. We spent the downtime attempting to teach English and trying our best at learning Swahili.
Beginning to pour the foundation of the kitchen.
On Thursday we began an additional project of painting some classrooms. The first step was plastering the walls, followed by sanding them, which left Ryan looking like a chimney sweep. Finally on Friday we applied primer to all three classrooms. Throughout the process we got moral support from the school children who never failed to give us high fives or lend a (small) helping hand.
A Marurani primary school student lending a hand with painting!
In between our shifts of working the children were always waiting on the sidelines to have a chance to play with us. We played games like Limbo and frisbee. They love when we bring our frisbee and the soccer ball even though it’s deflated. They also are always up for a piggyback ride. We have all gained the ability to hold three childen at once! The children’s energy is always high even when ours isn’t, so they keep us motivated. When we walk to school there are resounding smiles and “jambos” from all of the kiddos.
We are grateful for such a rewarding experience and amazing community to work alongside. We look forward to next week!
– Franny, Addie, Abigail, & Naomi