Tag Archives: kenya

An Extra Dose of Fitness Motivation from Kenya!

We know you’ve been training hard to support She’s the First Run the World campaign, so we figured you could use some motivation from our star students at the Kibera School for Girls! Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared with you their favorite sports as well as what motivates them to exercise. Below are more responses from fourth graders at KSG–in their own words–of why exercising is so important to them. How many reasons in common do you share?

Eunice

Who said running wasn't fun? (Photo credit: Kibera School for Girls' Facebook page)

Who said running wasn't fun? (Photo credit: Kibera School for Girls' Facebook page)

I think you should be fit and healthy because we get to share how we are feeling after doing exercise. We get to…

  • interact with other people
  • stretch out our muscles and get strong
  • be energetic and relax
  • kill boredom in our bodies
  • participate in everything we do in our class
  • co-operate and understand more
  • interact with other kids and get motivated
  • get psyched up

 

Emmaculate

Exercise is when we…

  • do yoga, do exercise, are strong, are energetic, [make] our muscles are strong, relax our minds, relax our boredom, concentrate in class, participate in something, are flexible to do something with your body, are psyched up in class or somewhere.

 

Lorna

Any readers out there willing to try this? (Photo credit: Kibera School for Girls' Facebook page)

Anyone willing to try this? (Photo credit: Kibera School for Girls' Facebook page)

It is important because…

  • we can be strong and healthy
  • we can be able to be known
  • we can be flexible and relax our muscles
  • kills our boredom so that we can be sensitive
  • it excites our mind and we are able to co-operate
  • we can be able to entertain other people
  • we can be energetic and be able to interest other people
  • we learn to know how we can be able to improve our exercise
  • we can be psyched up and be able to be a flexible person
  • we can know how we must be good exercisers
  • we can interact with other people and learn more exercise from them

 

Jesinter

All smiles at Summer Institute 2012! (Photo credit: Kibera School for Girls' Facebook page)

All smiles at Summer Institute 2012! (Photo credit: Kibera School for Girls' Facebook page)

To be useful to people, to learn about something that can help you when you are in trouble, to be relaxed and to be energetic, to have muscles, to be excited about what you are doing, to have muscle and to be energetic, to concentrate in class if the teacher is teaching, to not interrupt your teachers or students when you are learning, to co-operate in what you are doing, to remove boredom, to be constructive to what you are doing, to psyche up when you are in class, home, church, etc.

 

Lilian

It is important for me to be a healthy person because…

  • when I grow up I can be strong
  • I will be confident when I am talking
  • I will stand upright
  • I will be able to interact with other people
  • I will be able to co-operate with others
  • it will help me to have courage
  • it will help me to relax my mind
  • it will make my talents grow

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What Inspires Girls at KSG to Exercise?

Last week, we were delighted to share with you the Kibera School for Girls‘ favorite sports. Check them out here (sneak preview: basketball and netball were their favorites!). This week, we present their reasons for exercising! Without further ado, the responses below are from fourth graders at KSG–in their own words–who have plenty of inspiration to share with those participating in the She’s the First Run the World campaign.

Girls at KSG play on their new playground!

Girls at KSG play on their new playground!

Joyce:
It is important because you can be healthy and energetic. You can be important to other people. It kills boredom. It makes you to be relaxed. You can do exercise to be fit and healthy. It makes you feel better. It makes you to be attentive in whatever you are doing.It makes your muscles to be big and strong. It gives you power. You can be known all over the country. You can make sponsorship. It makes you feel excited. It makes you to be motivated. You can have a lot of fun. You can make friendship. You can interact with a lot of people and people would like to see you and talk to you.

Herenia:
So that you can…

  • kill your boredom, be strong, be flexible, be alive and live, stretch your muscles, co-operate with other people, participate in class, protect yourself, relax your body, concentrate in class and do not sleep, psyche up, listen in class, enjoy your life and live long, be healthy, not be sad

 

Velma:
It is good to be fit because you will be able to know more people and interact with them. It is good to be healthy because when you are not healthy you will not be able to do something good or even you can not be energetic. If you are not healthy, you can even not be able to cooperate or participate somewhere. You will not be able to even mix with people. You can be even very shy that you can’t talk in front of people. If you want to be healthy, you can try to do some exercises. You can even play so that you can kill your boredom. You can also realize some stress. If you are fit and healthy you will always be free and nothing bad will be going through your mind. It is always nice to be fit and healthy so that you can be very comfortable and free.

Yoga is just one of their many talents!

Yoga is just one of their many talents!

Jackline:
It is important because you need to…

  • be healthy and strong, be energetic and flexible, relax and interact with people, co-operate with your friends, do exercise and play games, concentrate and participate, fit in and not to become homesick, have psyche, relax

 

Angela:
Because…

  • you must be flexible, we must be strong and energetic, we must be excited,our muscles should be strong, exercise helps us to be strong, we need to relax and concentrate in class, we make our body to be flexible enough,we can also teach exercise when we are flexible, we now new things and new exercise, we feel strong in our body

 

Idah:
I think it is important because…

  • you will be flexible, you will relax your mind, you will grow to be healthy and strong, you will be energetic, you will cooperate with others, you will refresh your mind, you will not be bored, you will be motivated, you will not be weak, you will be psyched up

 

Beldin:
Because…

  • if I play I kill the boredom, I interact with other people like my schoolmates, I feel flexible when I do exercise and when I do yoga and also when I play games, I feel strong and muscles also feel strong.

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Sun Salutations to Soccer: Getting Fit at the Kibera School

 

All smiles at the Kibera School for Girls!

All smiles at the Kibera School for Girls!

Whether they’re practicing down dog at yoga class or are taking their new playground by storm, it’s no secret that the girls at the Kibera School for Girls know a thing or two about getting fit and having fun. When I asked Alix Haber, Kibera School for Girls’ Postgraduate Fellow, how the students work physical activity into their already busy day, she thought it’d be best to let the students speak for themselves. I couldn’t agree more! Over the next couple of days, we’ll be sharing with you the 3rd and 4th graders’ responses on their favorite sports and why it’s important to exercise, all in honor of She’s the First Run the World campaign.

Below, we’re happy to share with you – in their own words – what 3rd graders at KSG say is their favorite sport!

Elvin – My best sport is basketball because it makes me flexible and strong. It teaches me how to dribble and people earn a lot of money.

Christian - My best sport is basketball because it makes me flexible and when you play basketball you dribble and throw the ball in the net. You can be a good player and become a hero. And it makes me active.

Gloria – My best sport is netball because it makes me cheerful and also when I play I get hurt then I start being strong. It makes me flexible. I also like because when I play I make a lot of scores. When I play I don’t want the other group to score. When I play I don’t get tired. It makes my thighs to be strong and it also makes me comfortable. I enjoy playing netball.

Tracy – My best sport is basketball because it teaches me how to dribble. I love it very much because when you play it makes you feel flexible and hot and it also teaches me how you can do chest pass and you enjoy.

Selma – I like basketball because it makes you strong. I like basketball so much and it is my best sport. Basketball is so important to me, and makes me feel happy when I play!

Susan – The sports that I like is basketball because I learn a lot of things in the sport and also it makes my body flexible.

 

One of the students' favorite sports in action.

One of their favorite sports in action.

Makesh – I like netball because it makes me flexible. It makes me active and also I can teach other people and get money.

Martha – My best sport is netball, because it helps me to be strong and it helps my thighs to be strong. Netball helps me to be flexible. Netball is whereby you pass from one team to the centre and from the centre to the other team. I also enjoy netball because it makes me know how to pass the ball from my chest.

Cinderella – I like netball because I can play it. I am able to score and even netball can make me strong.

Vanessa – I like playing netball because it releases my stress and it makes my body to be flexible. I also enjoy playing with my teammates.

Marion – I like playing netball. It is the best game that I have ever played and also it makes me strong and flexible.

Mollet – I like basketball because I dribble the ball and pass it to my teammates. It also makes my thigh flexible. When I jump to the basket I feel happy that am going to make a basket. I enjoy playing basketball.

Having fun on the slide.

Having fun on the slide!

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Want to Spend the Summer in Kibera?

Photo Credit: Kibera School for Girls

Applications are now open to live, work and learn at the Kibera School for Girls. Photo Credit: Kibera School for Girls

Can you imagine a more rewarding summer than spending it with the wonderful young ladies at the Kibera School for Girls? Once again, our partner school in Kenya is inviting college students to apply for the opportunity to teach and learn from the KSG community.

Since the Summer Institute’s beginning, the program has served as an incredible opportunity to connect civic-minded and engaged college students with girls who attend the Kibera Schools for Girls. Not only do participants assist with tutoring and mentoring, but they’ll be called upon to bring their passions to the classroom by exploring workshop topics of their own choice with the young girls. Weekends are spent exploring Nairobi and surrounding areas with other Kenyan and American college students.

The work is challenging, deeply meaningful and impactful and we at She’s the First are sure it will be as much of an opportunity to teach as it is to learn. If you are an undergraduate or recent graduate who is open to expanding your comfort zone and committed to women’s empowerment and education, please consider applying!

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but ultimately due by March 1, 2013. Applying early is highly encouraged. For more information on the application process, please visit here.

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Interview with Lilian, Prefect at Kibera

 

Lilian, a first grader at Kibera, wants to be an artist when she grows up...we think she already is!

Lilian, a first grader at Kibera, wants to be an artist when she grows up...we think she already is!

And now, for the third and final installment of our introduction to the student leaders (see the first two here and here) at the Kibera School for Girls. As a quick refresher, Kibera recently started a new leadership program for its students. In it, the school calls on different first, second and third graders to serve as prefects, deputy head girls and head girls. Lilian, a first grader at Kibera, completed her term as prefect this year and I’m excited to introduce you to her. She may be young, but not for a second does she let that stand in the way of her ability to look out for and work with her peers. Between her desire to be an artist and her excitement in being a leader, she clearly channels creativity and confidence. I’m excited to see what Lilian accomplishes during her time at Kibera and beyond!

Can you tell us a little bit about your ‘typical day’ as prefect? What kind of responsibilities do you have?

When I am in class and the people are there, if they are making noise I tell them to keep quiet. If they are making noise, I tell them that they need to stop.

How do you work together with the deputy head girls and head girl?

I work with them – if somebody is misbehaving I take them to the deputy head girl and head girl.

What’s your favorite part of the prefect job?

My favorite part of the job is when people are making noise, then I take them to the teacher or headmistress.

What is the hardest part about being prefect?

When people are making noise, and I have to tell them to keep quiet and they make noise again.

If you had to give a piece of advice to next week’s prefect, what would you tell them?

I will tell her that I was the prefect and I want you to lead people nicely.

How did it make you feel to be selected prefect?

I felt happy and I was excited.

What did you learn about your school when you were prefect that you didn’t know before?

If someone is misbehaving, you should take them to the deputy head girl or head girl.

On top of being prefect, you have lots of classes to take too! What’s your favorite part of the school day?

My favorite part of the school year is the Summer Institute. My favorite subject is art. I like to draw and make dolls using lassos.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be an artist.

 

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Interview with Christian, Deputy Head Girl at Kibera

Check out Christian's deputy head girl pin!

Check out Christian's deputy head girl pin!

We’ve already written about the Kibera School for Girls’ new leadership program through the eyes of Natasha, a third grader who did a phenomenal job as head girl for the month. It was great to see all of the positive encouragement sent her way, and it makes me even more excited to introduce you now to Christian, a second grade student at KSG. As deputy head girl, Christian was also selected to lead her classmates for the month. She worked with that month’s head girl to help their fellow students follow the rules and shine as examples of respect and friendship. Like the deputy head girl, Christian was pleased to share her experience and deputy head girl observations through a speech presented to her classmates.

Christian dreams of defending those in Kibera through a law degree, and loves that being deputy head girl allowed her to make sure her classmates “love each other and help each other to do the work.” Read more about her experience being deputy head girl below!

Christian shares, in her own words, her experience being deputy head girl:

Can you tell us a little bit about your ‘typical day’ as deputy head girl? What kind of responsibilities do you have?

I behave well, I make sure the girls go to the hall when the come to school. I have them come with handkerchiefs, and to have good manners.

How do you work together with the head girl and prefects?

We love each other and we help each other to do the work.

What’s your favorite part of the deputy head girl job?

My favorite thing about being the deputy head girl is that the deputy head girl is the one who takes care of the school.

What is the hardest part about being deputy head girl?

Sometimes some people are hard to work with because they disturb you. They run in the hall when you tell them to stop it. And they fight and pour water along the corridor. Sometimes you get annoyed because they disturb.

If you had to give a piece of advice to the next deputy head girl, what would you tell them?

If somebody does not listen to them they need to find a way to make that person understand them.

How did it make you feel to be selected deputy head girl?

I was feeling happy because you were standing with the prefects.

What did/will you tell your classmates during your speech?

I said that they should have respect and obey the prefects and not to fight.

What did you learn about your school when you were deputy head girl that you didn’t know before?

I’ve learned that the deputy head girl has some challenges.

On top of being deputy head girl, you have lots of classes to take too! What’s your favorite part of the school day?

My favorite part of the day is when the girls behave well and do not disturb and not to give me challenges.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a lawyer to defend the people in Kibera.

Isn’t she cute? Did any of you have leadership roles when you were in grade school?

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Interview with Natasha, Head Girl at Kibera

Natasha, a third grader at Kibera, shares her thoughts on being head girl with She's the First blog readers

As I think back to my elementary school days, I remember one of the highlights was getting to be a safety in sixth grade. Considered the highest of honors among my peers, serving as a safety meant getting out of class a few minutes early at the end of the day so I could lead my fellow bus-mates to bus #42. I made sure everyone got on and off safely, and that everybody stayed in line and sat in the right row on the playground. I proudly wore my fluorescent yellow safety badge and took great pride in my near flawless track record.

Because of my fond memories of “safety days,” I was delighted to hear that the Kibera School for Girls recently introduced a program very similar to the one I experienced. Though the mark of distinction is different (they opted for the more subtle pin instead of overly-flashy yellow badges), Kibera’s new program is similar in that it fosters leadership and listening among its students. Each month, a third grade student is selected to serve as head girl and a second grade student serves as deputy head girl. Each month, a different girl from each class is picked to serve as class prefect. Together, these girls make sure their classmates follow school rules and encourage their peers to show kindness and respect to one another. At the end of the month, each head girl and deputy head girl delivers a speech to their classmates.

This post, and the next two posts I share, will feature a head girl, deputy head girl, and class prefect. For this feature’s debut, I’m happy to introduce Natasha, a third grader at Kibera whose favorite parts of the school day include “playing together, sharing ideas, and playing games.” She used her position to inspire respect, hard work, and love among teachers, classmates, and friends. After reading about Natasha’s experience as a head girl, share your support with her in the comments below!

Natasha shares, in her own words, her experience being head girl:

Can you tell us a little bit about your ‘typical day’ as head girl? What kind of responsibilities do you have?

When the girls have gone to play, I make sure that they have not gone to the shops or removed their shoes, that they hear the bell when it rings, and that all the toys are in the box.

How do you work together with the deputy head girl and prefects?

We work together when I tell some of the prefects to group the classes and make sure that nobody makes noise, everyone listens, and all of the things that she has should be neat. Her room should be clean and she should have a handkerchief.

What’s your favorite part of the head girl job?

My favorite part is when I tell the girls to be neat because I’m sure that I’m neat and to come early and to do the right thing at the right place and at the right time.

What is the hardest part about being head girl job?

When you tell the small girls something and they can’t hear. The girls don’t know who I am when I tell them not to remove their shoes. Sometimes I tell them to go and lay down and they don’t so they go to their teacher and they tell them. Now they know I’m the head girl and that they should do the right thing at the right time.

If you had to give a piece of advice to next month’s head girl, what would you tell them?

Work hard and you should work as a team together with the deputy and you should respect them and show them the right place at the right time and you should make them come to school early and be obedient.

How did it make you feel to be selected head girl?

I didn’t know I was so surprised! I was worried and I didn’t know and when I remembered I went to look after the girls.

What did/will you tell your classmates during your speech?

I tell them you should respect teachers, your classmates, and you should show to your friend love. You should make sure you come to school early and clean.

What did you learn about the school when you were prefect that you didn’t know before?

I’ve learned that when you come to school, there are some people who are neat and respect their teachers, follow instructions, and respect their classmates. I learned on my first day how I was proud, I looked at the girls and was proud to be the head girl.

What makes you most proud of your school?

They are girls, they show respect, and they play together as a school. They show teachers respect and obedience. If I give them the ball they know how to return it where I found it. I like how we have a playground and a clinic – how if we are sick we go there. I like how the visitors come and how our teachers handle our problems if we have them and how they teach us.

On top of being head girl, you have lots of classes to take too! What’s your favorite part of the school day?

Playing together, sharing ideas, playing games.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Air hostess

 

Stay tuned for our next interview with second grade deputy head girl, Christian!

 

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Kibera School Takes First Place in National Poetry Competition

Teacher (and poet!) Julia Alubala and her award-winning students!

I’ve never been prouder of the young students at the Kibera School for Girls at Shining Hope for Communities in Kenya – and that’s quite a statement! Earlier this month, the pre-K class was honored with the first place title for their performance in Kenya’s National Poetry competition for their stirring recital of “Wings to Fly.” Their performance will be broadcast on national television and the girls will perform at the State House in front of President Kibaki. The poem, written by their teacher Julia Alubala, is one of inspiration and hope – it tells of the girls’ desire to soar above poverty and hunger into a better life filled with learning and love.

In light of the girls’ phenomenal performance, KSG’s Headmistress Anne Olwande said, “State house, here we come, next time White House! Nothing can be our limit, not even the sky. The power of positive thinking!” Twenty-four young girls took part in the national level of the competition, with 12 from pre-K and kindergarten in the winning group. Twelve others from grades 1-3 were awarded 8th place in the national competition.

Watch the video below and it’s quite clear that the girls’ performance is deserving of national (and now international!) accolades. I guarantee their rendition will leave you with goose bumps. Send your congratulations to the girls and Teacher Julia by leaving a comment on their Facebook page!

“We want to fly
give us the wings
Give us love, hope, education
and proper direction
and we will fly high like a butterfly”

To see a video of the girls’ powerful performance “Wings to Fly”, click here.

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A Celebration of Firsts from the Kibera School for Girls

Kennedy Odede and Jessica Posner, now newlyweds, walk with students in Kibera, Kenya

Kennedy Odede and Jessica Posner walk with students in Kibera, Kenya

I feel like my fingers can hardly keep up with the exciting news I have to share with you, She’s the First readers!  Jessica Posner and Kennedy Odede, co-founders of our partner school, the Kibera School for Girls, and nonprofit Shining Hope for Communities, recently tied the knot! Can you think of another couple that radiates such goodness in this world? On behalf of everyone at She’s the First, we send our deepest congratulations to a world-shaking, life-changing couple.

The newlyweds met when Jessica Posner, a student at Wesleyan University, packed up and moved to the Kibera Slum in Kenya. At the time, Jessica was one of the first outsiders to live in Kibera, a region of Kenya suffering from extreme poverty and Africa’s largest slum. Before her arrival, Kennedy had earned the reputation of “mayor” in Kibera because of his work in establishing a community-run organization that offered AIDS education, female empowerment, health and sanitation, soccer, microfinance and theatre programs. As fate would have it, the two crossed paths and co-founded Shining Hope for Communities as Kennedy pursued his dreams of earning a degree at Wesleyan University himself. (This leads me to an entirely new first for Kennedy, but I’ll keep you in suspense until the end of this post!)

Under their guidance and leadership, Shining Hope for Communities has grown to offer the Kibera School for Girls, The Johanna Justin-Jinich Community Clinic, Shining Hope Community Center, and multiple other community services and women’s empowerment programs.  To learn more about the incredible work of Shining Hope, visit here.

As for the other incredible “first” from Shining Hope for Communities, Kennedy became the first person from Kibera to move his graduation tassel from one side to the other.  In honor of overcoming significant challenges, filling others with Hope, and being a mentor and leader to all in his home community, Kennedy delivered the Senior Class Welcome during Wesleyan University’s 180th Commencement Ceremony on May 27. A graduate of the Class of 2012, Kennedy shared his message of hope as he addressed his fellow graduates.  In his speech, he declared his wish to return to Wesleyan 13 years from now to watch his young students at the Kibera School for Girls walk across the stage and receive their own Wesleyan diplomas. In closing, he asked his peers to join him in saying,

“Today I promise to use my Wesleyan education to champion hope throughout the world.”

How will you join Kennedy in this vision? How do you use education to champion hope? Share your thoughts and congratulations with the newlyweds on Twitter or in the comment section below!

For a full transcript of Kennedy’s Senior Class Welcome, click here.

Kennedy Odede delivers Senior Class Welcome to the Class of 2012 at Wesleyan University

Kennedy Odede delivers Senior Class Welcome to the Class of 2012 at Wesleyan University

 

 

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A Blockbuster Time for She’s the First

"In Kibera," Shining Hope for Communities powerful new film collection

"In Kibera," Shining Hope for Communities powerful new film collection

I’ve noticed recently that She’s the First is in a flurry of film! Kate Lord and Christen Brandt are gearing up for their trip to Shanti Bhavan in India, where they’ll be filming a short documentary, and of course we recently launched our brand-new PSA (see it on our homepage!).

And one of our partner schools, Shining Hope for Communities in Kenya, just launched an incredible new film platform. “In Kibera” features short videos about the lives of those who have been impacted by Shining Hope. The videos are beautifully done, intriguing and inspiring. Visit the site and you’ll learn about Baba Diana, the father of a student at the Kibera School for Girls who wants nothing more than to see his young daughter live a life filled with learning. You’ll be captivated by the story of Shining Girls for Kibera, an empowerment group for young girls.  In Coaches, you’ll feel the dedication of a man committed to supporting the children of Kibera through coaching. I’m already beyond-impressed by the phenomenal work of Shining Hope for Communities, but this new website is truly icing on the cake.

I also recently got a chance to attend a film festival with Brianne Riviello, She’s the First Pen Pal coordinator and former Ithaca grad! Because I’m an Ithaca College student living in upstate New York, it’s a rare day that I can visit my She’s the First friends based in New York City. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I found out Brianne would be visiting Ithaca, New York for its famous FLEFF Film Festival! We were moved by the screening of “Africa is a Woman’s Name,” a collection of three documentaries about women who are catalysts for change.  At the film’s conclusion, we were asked to speak about the She’s the First. All the Ithaca students lit up in smiles when we reminded them they already know of She’s the First – the organization that brought them the famous tie-dye cupcakes! For more information on the documentary and other films about women’s rights and education, visit this site.

I’ve loved learning about new films that bring to life how women are empowered by education. What are your go-to girls’ education films? If you have any recommendations, tweet us or comment below!

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All Fun and Games in Ethiopia and Kenya

The endless talents of the students at the Kibera School for Girls!

The endless talents of the students at the Kibera School for Girls!

As summer approaches and finals are behind us, it’s time to close the books for a bit and think about fun! I wrote to the Kibera School for Girls in Kenya and the Selamta Family Project in Ethiopia to learn more about playtime halfway across the world. In elementary school, my recess usually consisted of hopscotch, foursquare (the kind with a ball and chalk boxes – not a cell phone check-in!), and funnel ball. However, after learning about the schools’ playtime activities like Circus Camp, yoga classes, Ethiopian and hip hop dancing, I’m blown away by incredible ways these girls fill their day.

At the Kibera School, the girls play outside for 30-40 minutes every day after lunch. Typically, the younger girls dance their way through recess, while the older girls jump rope, read, or talk with friends. However, for two weeks recently, the young girls were entertained by the Africa Yoga Project, a performing arts organization that led the girls in yoga, drumming, singing, sign language, face paint, and hula hooping classes! The girls rotated through the different sessions the first week, and then chose their favorite activities to do the second week. At the culmination of Circus Camp, the girls hosted an incredible show for all of the KSG families.

In Ethiopia, the students at the Selamta Family Project also have time each day to relax and play. Though all of the students have break-time during the school day, they usually also play after school before helping out at home or starting homework. Like the girls at Kibera, the students enjoy jumping rope, painting and drawing, and doing gymnastics, but they also love to play card games (especially Uno!) and futbol, or practice their hip hop or traditional Ethiopian dance moves. Some girls spend their recess trying out new hair braiding styles. One of their favorite special events is Selamta Idol!

Both the Kibera School for Girls and the Selamta Family Project believe that all children have the right to play. In writing this blog, I learned that playtime is more than just a fun break in the day, it’s actually a right protected by the United Nations. Article 31 of the UN Convention asserts, “every child has the right to rest an leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities . . .and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.” Whether they’re working hard at reading new books or solving math problems, it’s clear the girls at the She’s the First partner schools fill their day with lots of learning and lots of joy!

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Hope for Water at the Kibera School for Girls

Community members at the Clean Water Project in Kibera

Community members at the Clean Water Project in Kibera

Did you celebrate World Water Day on March 22nd? Children worldwide, especially young girls, suffer at the hands of unclean water. When water isn’t easily accessible, education also becomes less obtainable. Girls are typically the ones responsible for walking miles each day to fetch water for their families, thus taking them out of school and often placing them in harm’s way. Given these circumstances, it’s no surprise that the She’s the First partner schools I work with pour so much effort into bringing water points closer to their schools and communities.

At Shining Hope for Communities, home to our partner, the Kibera School for Girls, Kibera residents pay up to ten times more for water than those in the capital city of Nairobi. Kibera residents’ unclean water supply takes a disastrous toll on the city’s health. However, we can’t forget that hope is right in Shining Hope for Communities’ name!  Shining Hope is rejuvenating its community by providing Kibera’s largest single water point.

The Clean Water Project is in its pilot phase, but already provides 12,000 people per day with clean water. How does this impact the community? The Justin-Jinich Community Clinic is now better poised to prevent and treat waterborne, infectious diseases. Shining Hope sells clean water below the market price so no family is cutoff from access to clean water. In addition, the water tower profits will be used to help fund the Kibera School for Girls.

Shining Hope for Communities’ Clean Water Project unites the Kibera community in developing a sustainable model to ensure that this basic human right—access to clean water—is met. In collaboration with The Safe Water Network, Newman’s Own Foundation, Nairobi City Council and David Engineering Ltd., this truly is a community-based project. There’s an inextricable link between access to clean water and girls’ education. Shining Hope for Communities proves that by bringing water to a community, the ripple effects are tremendous!

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Women’s Rights in Nigeria, Business Skills in Egypt & More

Women Refugee Teaches Business Skills in Egypt
Fatma Soleman is an inspiring entrepreneur in Cairo, Egypt. She fled from conflict in Ethiopia when she was 17 years old and has since been running a handicraft business to support herself and family. After partnering with a local NGO, Fatma now works to train other female refugees living in Cairo on business skills and various handicraft techniques. She even teaches her students how to approach stores throughout Cairo and find business opportunities at community bazaars. Read her story here.

Struggle Continues for Girls and Women in Tanzania
A recent four-day event in Arusha, Tanzania highlighted the plight of girls and women in the country, particularly those living in nomadic pastoralist communities. Things are especially difficult for females in the Northern Zone of Tanzania, including the Maasai, Meru, Barbaig, Iraqw (Mbulu) and Chagga communities. In these areas girls do not inherit property or land and their mothers do not have any say in the matter according to traditional laws. Activists joined together to discuss these issues, including violence against girls and women, education, and civil rights. Read it all here.

Iran’s Women Activists Say No to War
Human rights activists in Iran are voicing their concerns for the rights of girls and women in the shadow of war. A joint statement issued by more than 200 women’s rights activists and 15 political organizations, states that Iran is currently in a very dangerous situation with the peace and well-being of Iranians in the balance. The statement goes on to say, “The continuation of this situation, will cast a shadow of war and a militarized atmosphere over our country, exposing our people, women in particular, to further discrimination, various kinds of violence, poverty and adversity.” Read it all here.

Nigerian Lawmakers Split Over Property Rights for Women
Lawmakers in Nigeria’s State House of Assembly recently discussed a proposed bill to ensure women’s inheritance and ownership rights. Members were divided, with some opponents saying the issue is not relevant at this time and the bill should be dropped. Supporters of the bill argued that female children should have the same rights as males and should be able to inherit their parents’ property and wealth. The bill was sent to the Committee on Women Affairs where members will organize public hearings and report back to the House in a few weeks. Read all the details here.

US Department of State Expands Techwomen to Sub-Saharan Africa
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announced that TechWomen, an international exchange program that uses technology to empower women and girls around the world, will expand to sub-Saharan Africa for the first time in 2013. The program, which was launched by Secretary Clinton in 2011, will pair up women from Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Zimbabwe with their American counterparts during a four week mentoring program in the United States. The American mentors will then travel to Africa to do follow-up with the women and conduct workshops and training in the technology sector. Read more here.

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Celebrating Women’s Day with the Kibera School for Girls

The girls at the Kibera School for Girls are all style and substance!

Last Thursday, our friends at the Kibera School for Girls in Kenya celebrated International Women’s Day with song, dance, poetry, a fashion show and soccer match. The day was filled with joy as the entire community honored the strength and contributions of women. The girls were all smiles on the fashion show catwalk, stopping the show in shimmery gold dresses, feather boas, sparkly tiaras and colorful beads. Community members also cheered on a friendly soccer match between Shining Hope for Communities and Kibera Women for Peace. The Kibera School was joined in the festivities by local organizations like CareKenya and Fairness and Women’s Empowerment Link.

Though the day was filled with happiness, the Kibera Schools took time to call attention to a critical issue impacting women worldwide. They recited a poem that encouraged women to have the courage to rise above domestic abuse.

The girls read,

“It’s all up to you
You just have to get the courage to move on to something new
It’s not going to be easy.
Take it one day at a time.
They have to subside and you will finally have a peace of mind.”

The day’s theme, “Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures” epitomizes the incredible work of the Kibera School for Girls. Everyday, they nurture the minds, bodies, and spirits of their young girls to be tomorrow’s leaders. To catch a glimpse of day’s big celebration, click here to see photos taken by The Kibera Mirror, the local newspaper.

How did you celebrate International Women’s Day? Tweet us your answer and share in the comment section below!

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UNICEF Promotes Girls’ Ed in South Sudan, New Farming Infographic & More

Bringing Girls to the Classroom in South Sudan
In an effort to increase the number of girls in school, UNICEF is working with the government of South Sudan and other partners to tackle the barriers that keep females out of the classroom. Aside from the typical reasons, such as deep rooted beliefs that girls should be kept home to help with household chores or married young, many poor families also struggle to educate their children in the midst of conflict. Fifteen-year-old Habiba Ahmed, now in fifth grade, dreams of becoming a nurse and says, “Education is important because an uneducated person has no chance in life.” To read more about this and watch a short video about what UNICEF is doing in this region go here.

Kenya Program Seeks to Increase Women in Politics
Female legislators in Kenya are looking to train young women interested in getting involved in politics. The Kenya Women Parliamentary Program will put together groups of four or five young girls who will shadow a female member of parliament in order to see first hand what it means to be in politics. The new constitution of Kenya states that positions in government should be held by no more than two-thirds of the same gender. The new program hopes to help girls realize their potential and what they can achieve in a political career. Read more here.

Afghan Refugee Studies to Become a Lawyer
A twenty-five year old Afghan woman, Ameneh, is breaking barriers and studying to become a lawyer with the help of a UNHCR run scholarship. With the support of her entire family, she is pursuing higher education in hopes of not only breaking Afghan tradition, but also inspiring other young girls to do the same. Read it all here.

Infographic: Women and Agriculture
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation has created an infographic to visualize the relationship between women and farming around the world. You can check it out on The Guardian’s site here.

Jeffrey Sachs to Lead the World Bank?
Economist Jeffrey Sachs has thrown his hat into the ring for a shot at heading the World Bank. Sachs already advises UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon on achieving the Millennium Development Goals, and has been coined as one of the world’s most famous economists. Read more here.

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“The More That You Learn, the More Places You’ll Go!”

Students at the Kibera School for Girls at reading time

Students at the Kibera School for Girls love reading time!

When I asked the directors of our She’s the First partner schools which books their students liked to read, I had no idea that I’d find myself saying, “That was my favorite book! I remember that one . . . and that one too!” I never would’ve guessed that young students in Nepal and Kenya love Charlotte’s Web or Ella Enchanted as much as I did in elementary school. What I wasn’t surprised by was the students’ absolute love of reading.

At the Kibera School for Girls in Kenya, all students have time set aside everyday for reading. Girls in 1st-3rd grade enjoy daily reading time in either the classroom or in the library.  The students also take turns reading aloud to the entire class. Some of their favorites are the Amelia Bedelia series and Frog and Toad. The pre-K and Kindergarten students love to listen to their teachers read Miss Wishy Washy and Elmo books. They also have plenty of time to practice their reading and look through colorful picture books.

Libby Doyne and Kopila Valley’s English teacher wrote that their students “can often be seen with their noses in a book at recess!” Even though the students read at the library everyday, they can’t get enough of their new favorite book Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.  Their teacher said, “They even yell out to read faster when time is running out because they want to find out what happens before the bell rings.”  Some of the students even take the book home to read it again and again.  A few times a year, older students help teach their younger reading buddy.

These stories reminded me of Dr. Seuss’ quip, “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go!” In writing this post, I was amazed to learn just how far my favorite childhood stories have traveled. Years ago, my friends and I used to giggle over Shel Silverstein’s silly poem “Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too.”  Now, girls in Nepal are pouring through this same book, maybe even smiling over the same lines I did.  The joy that I found, and that you found too, in learning to read is the joy that our young generation of girls is discovering right now.  From the lines of #VoiceYourVerse poetry to a poem nestled in the well-worn pages of Where the Sidewalk Ends, you, me, and young girls thousands of miles away are united by the joy of learning.

Kopila Valley students' favorite new book!

Kopila Valley students' favorite new book!

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It Takes a Village: Nepal and Kenya

 

Marty working with the children at the Kibera School for Girls

Marty working with the children at the Kibera School for Girls

 

 

As I read about the ongoing activities of our She’s the First partner schools, I’m reminded of the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I originally imagined this saying applying to the school founders, board members, teachers, community supporters, and students living and working in Nepal, Kenya, Ethiopia – wherever our partner schools do the incredible work they do! However, I’m noticing a trend that gives new meaning to this phrase. The “village” I originally conceived isn’t limited to local boundaries or lines on a map; it spans the globe! Everyday, I read about the relationships that our partner school founders foster with family and friends their homes in the United States.

Jessica Posner, cofounder of Shining Hope, was recently joined by her former middle school principal, Marty Caplan, in Kenya.  After reading about Jessica’s work with the Kibera School for Girls, Marty and his wife Arna volunteered their combined 70 years of teaching experience to develop math curriculum for Kibera’s girls!  Marty secured new “Math in Focus” curriculum for the students and is also developing a reading recovery program. He and his wife have been training teachers in Kibera for the past two weeks! The couple said, “We have fallen in love with the Kibera community. The teachers are bright and very receptive to learning new methods. The children are so impressive. Working with them cannot help but make us smile.”

Maggie Doyne, founder of Kopila Valley Children’s Home in Nepal, is constantly updating her blog with visits from family and friends.  For four months, Maggie’s cousin Julia worked and lived side-by-side with the students.  Her mother and father have devoted so much love and attention to the kids of Kopila Valley as well. Maggie’s uncle Ed worked for three months as “Mr. Fix-it” at the school. The children know Maggie’s sisters, aunts, and other close family members.

These are just a few of the countless examples of “villages” that transcend classroom walls or city gates.  She’s the First is part of these growing villages too! Together, we form an intricate network of support and love; we’re committed to raising a generation of girls who are the first in their own village to share a gift that keeps on giving – an education.

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Girls in Uganda Outshine Boys, Changes in Kenya & More

Food Shortages Force Children to Drop Out of School in Niger
The food crisis across the Sahel region of Africa is having devastating health effects on millions of children, especially those under the age of five. However, food shortages have also created a ripple effect that is causing countless children to stay home, too weak to attend school. Niger has been hit especially hard by the crisis, where 66 percent of the population lives below the poverty line and educational indicators are already among the lowest in the world. Read more here.

Girls in Tororo, Uganda Outshine Boys in Final Exams
Girls in Tororo District, Uganda have a big reason to celebrate: For the fourth year in a row, girls in this region have outshone their male counterparts in Primary Leaving Examinations. Way to go girls! Read the details here.

Major Changes Possible For Kenya School System
Kenya will have four different types of secondary schools if a new proposal on education reforms is adopted. Unlike the current system, the proposal allows students to pursue either general, technical, talent or vocational education from specialized institutions. The changes would bring new curriculum and textbooks and would also require students to take two years in pre-school, six in primary, three in junior secondary, three in senior secondary and three at university. If accepted, the changes will take place in September 2013. Read more here.

Mexico Appoints First Female Chief of Federal Police
For the first time ever, Mexico has appointed its first woman to head the federal police. Maribel Cervantes, 41, has a degree in communication sciences and is experienced in military training and intelligence. The past year has seen a number of firsts for women in Mexico. Marisela Morales became the first female attorney general of Mexico in March, and last weekend Josefina Vazquez Mota of Calderon’s conservative National Action Party (PAN) won her party’s presidential nomination for the July 1 election. Read more.

 

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US Ambassador Visits Kibera School for Girls

Ribbon Cutting 

 

Ribbon cutting for the new Kibera School for Girls with Margaret Patricelli, Judy Gration, Bob Forrester, Jessica Posner, Kennedy Odede, and Ambassador Scott Gration (from left)

As we welcomed in the new year, the Kibera School for Girls welcomed an ambassador! Earlier this month, the school celebrated the arrival of Scott Gration, US Ambassador to Kenya, and his wife Mrs. Judy Gration.  The Ambassador and his wife joined Kibera’s students in honoring Newman’s Own Foundation, a major supporter of the school since 2009.  The Newman’s Own Foundation is instrumental in funding Kibera’s school, clinic, bio-latrine, and Clean Water Project.  Bob Forrestor, the foundation’s president, joined the Ambassador and Mrs. Gration in cutting the ribbon for Kibera’s newest clean water tower and school building.  Katherine Kitfield Bascom, Shining Hope’s Associate Managing Director, reported, “Our new school building is providing our students the space they need: larger classrooms, art studios, a hall for performances and parent meetings, and more. The clean water tower kiosk has started selling water, and we are thrilled to report that it’s been quite busy every day!”

Judging by what I read about the girls on Kibera’s Meet the Students page, I had a feeling they’d have no trouble impressing the US Ambassador and his wife with their bright personalities.  The 2nd and 3rd grade classes shined on stage as they performed their play, “Lack of Education.”  The story chronicles two parents who feel education has no place in their lives.  Everything changes when they meet a student from the Kibera School for Girls who kindly offers to read a letter for them.  They’re amazed by what this young girl can do and need no further convincing to enroll in Kibera’s Parent Education classes.  Bascom commented, “The girls are amazing actresses – loud voices with very exaggerated character development.”

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Shining the Spotlight on Shining Hope

 

Shining Hope for Communities

Smiling students at Shining Hope for Communities

It was the Girl Effect that brought me to She’s the First.  In a matter of minutes, they had me hooked. Three years later, it’s this video that keeps me coming back for more. Reinforcing with every second, every pound of the piano keys, every word that flashes across my screen, that my passion for what She’s the First is doing grows.  If you haven’t seen it yet, or just need your daily dose of inspiration, watch here, then read on to see how this powerful video is continuing to make waves for girls’ education.

Shining Hope for Communities, one of our directory schools planted in the Kibera slum of Kenya, received the incredible honor of winning the Girl Effect Challenge!  In addition to the tremendous coverage this brings to Shining Hope, this distinction also comes with a prize of over $25K!

Now, Shining Hope has the opportunity to double this prize, but needs some Facebook love to make it happen.  They’re in the running for the CHASE Community Giving award, and simply by voting on Facebook before Tuesday, November 22nd, you can help secure Shining Hope’s spot as a Top 100 finalist.  With this honor comes another $25,000!

Katherine Bascom, Shining Hope’s Projects Manager imagines how huge of an impact $50,000 would have on the girls living in Kibera.  She writes, “How many more girls we could educate, how many more sanitary toilets we could build to prevent waterborne illness and disease, how many more lives we could save in our clinic by hiring more nurses and community health workers.”

So quick, get on Facebook; spread the word and vote!  Katherine says, ”The Girl Effect Challenge has shown us how powerful our community is and what is possible when we join together.” Let’s spark a girl effect of our own.  Rally the She’s the First troops, guys and girls alike, and let’s make this big prize happen for Shining Hope!

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