Habari! Today I not only heard from Ariana (who is in Kenya already), but I also found out where I will be working for a month. After my 2-day orientation in Nairobi, I will be heading to Lenana, an urban slum 15km outside of Nairobi City. According to the Hanne Howard Fund, a Canadian charity that runs an orphanage and school in Lenana, the slum is built on a swamp-like area and has an estimated population of 10,000. The pictures are a few that I found of Lenana. They also stated that:
"Most Lenana residents lack running water, electricity and adequate sanitation. HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, TB, pneumonia, typhoid, and rickets are common health issues. Other social challenges in this area of high unemployment include violence, high-risk sexual behaviour, and gender inequalities, which combine to create extreme vulnerabilities for women and children."I'm told my job there will mainly be home care visits, medical education, and counseling with a local HIV/AIDS organization called Tumaini ('Hope' in Swahili). My host is a lady named Margaret in Lenana who I have learned from other volunteer's journals is a pastor and supervisor of a children's center. I will be living with 3 other volunteers and be able to have a warm shower! Ariana said the power (and running water) is off-and-on even in Nairobi City, so this should be an adventure for sure. Still, I can't wait!
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