Mum in the Slum

Scrumptious to Scanty --  Contradictions and Catastrophe.

 

 

Amid the clinking of glasses, hushed chatter and mouth watering smells of Tuscan culinary delights, we dined Al Fresco on a cool night in Nairobi. Well -- at least we were close to the door which I think qualifies as it was indeed an authentic Italian restaurant in the middle of Nairobi. A foursome that included my friend Grace, we discussed the politics, culture and the realities of present day Kenya. My friend Grace (introduced a couple times earlier in my blog) is a extraordinary successful and thoughtful lawyer who represents her clients in a most passionate and earnest manner. Smart and fun - she regaled us with stories of courtroom calamities and other Nairoibiesque judicial realities. A pleasant night for all in the somewhere in Nairobi where it's just like Tuscany.

Slums and Poverty

Andrew, Grace, Mom and Kath pictured in the Malezi School Garden ... where they teach how to grow growy things

With the idea presenting the "Real Nairobi" to my guests, we travelled to two places to explore. The first - a formal but poor community known as Kawangware. Area 56 -- is rough... and because I've travelled through it many times ... I chatted easily sharing what I know as we bumped along the road ( which would be more like a trail) It was a moment of satisfaction and shame as I looked at the back seat where my Mom sat. Her face .. a mix of shock and horror was one that I hadn't seen since I fell off my bike and onto my head in grade 2. In both cases it looked worse than it was. I'd achieved the desired effect of exposing her to extreme poverty but felt guilty having done so. It's a bit of a shock. There's no pictures from this area as it's just too dangerous to be seen taking pictures. When we arrived back my apartment Mom's first words were "Is it too early for scotch?"Ordinarily yes .... but this brand of extreme poverty is hardly ordinary where we come from. Bring on the Laphroig!!!!



The Kawangware trip was a precursor to a visit to Malezi School in the Majengo slum. Whats the difference? Well - Majengo is an informal settlement so no real services exist. Water sewer electricity .. policing ... nothing. It is as poor a community as any in the world - though beautiful things are happening here. We were fortunate to have an escort into the slum and to the school led by Andrew and Grace. A pair whose selfless work and generosity of spirit has assured their place in the hearts of parents volunteers and most important the children who dutifully and gratefully arrive each morning.

Mom and Kath chat with school kids and teachers. Love the smile from the boy in the bottom left :)

Mom and Kath listen to the story of Malezi school now with over 200 children attending.

I think the shot above captures the way we felt on that day. The reality is a soul crushing.The kids and their parents have so very little particularly when compared to our comfy North American perches. It's with a profound sense of humanitarian failure that we sift through what we know and try to come up with the solutions. I listened to both Mom and Kath discussing possibilities that I too have considered -- knowing that we all just want to help. It's just not easy or obvious how to do so. It's not about money. It's about love and commitment. Well -- it's a bit about money 😀 but that alone will not address the situation.
 


Perhaps it was the writer Eli Khamarov who said it best, "Poverty is like punishment for a crime you didn't commit." 

With that said - if there any readers who would like to donate to the school please email me directly and I'll ensure that we can arrange  a small donation that is well spent. Laynemahon@live.com

Thanks for reading ....Layno !!!