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Preparation - Part II

Its a few weeks later and I have decided that ball of dirt will be my website of choice.  I didn't really like Dot Photo & Blogger Spot cause you couldn't easily do both pics and text.  

I have got my Kenyan Visa (yeah, that means I have my passport back too!!) and I finally starting buying the little important items.  But that is all the boring stuff. The more interesting news is that I got more detailed information about my project & where I will be staying.   Instead of staying at the residence house with other volunteers, my accommodation is a homestay.  I will be staying in a three bedroom house with the owner and his housekeeper.  The location is closer to my project, so the convenience factor will be good. 

I was initially a bit disappointed that I would not be staying with the other volunteers.  By staying at the residence I would have an easier time meeting new people also interested in the volunteering/travel thing and get a chance to share stories from our respective "work" day.   I have since gotten used to the idea of the kind of living arrangement I will be having and it will be nice to come home at night and wind down & have the time tor reflect on my day.  The house itself will have running (not heated) water, electricity. As well, the cook will be making me breakfast and dinner..  

I also got more information on my project, and it sounds like it's gonna be fun and lots of work.  I will be working at an organization called Mombasa Olympic Youth, which is based in the Changamwe Constituency (located on the west side of Mombasa).  The man who started the organization is Mr. Fred Achola, and he will be my direct contact at the organization.  He started the organization in 2004 in after he noticed the influx of drug abuse and petty crimes in the neighbourhood, mainly involving the local youth. His aim was to get the youths  off drugs and out of crime by involving them in sports in an effort to rehabilitating them. They have since expanded their focus to reach kids before they go down that path.

Their main objective is to inform, educate, motivate and entertain the youth. Their mission is: 1- to use sports as a mode of mobilization so as to disseminate information and knowledge, 2- to use sports as a tool for tackling poverty, both directly or indirectly, 3 - to use sports as a tool for tackling drug abuse and crime, 4 - to use sports and sport groupings as a tool for rehabilitation, & 5 - to produce successful sports competitors.

My role will be to show the kids some new sports and skills, be a mentor and friend to them and motivate them to participate in new activities.  My working hours are going to be from 9:30am to 7:00pm. The day will consists of taking sports lessons, then assisting in basic physical education lessons, and then spending time with the kids in the early evenings.  There are going to be up to 50 kids that I will be working with at once, some of whom will know only some words in English.  I am learning a few Swahili phrases, but I am going to need to learn more depending on how much English the kids know (or don't know).

Also, based on the type of equipment the organization has, I am going to be taking an air pump, an old basketball, volleyball, and if I can find one an old soccer ball.  If anyone has anything they are willing to donate or don't need anymore please let me know and I will take it with me.

Anyways, that is all for now.... Only 2.5 weeks to go....I guess I just have to pack now.... 

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