- On the 26th of September Sarah Baechi (a physiotherapist with profound medical knowledge) and I started our Charity trip to Kenya. Our luggage consisted of 6 big suitcases (Virgin Atlantic gave us extra baggage allowance) with donations (school materials, toys, clothes, medicine and bandages).
After an internal flight from Nairobi to Kisumu and an adventurous 3 hours drive we arrived in Konya village on Monday, the 29th of September and received a warm welcome from the village people.
The next days were filled with visits, talks and very impressive experiences.
- visit of 2 secondary schools in Konya district
- visit of the primary school in Konya village
- visit of the nursery school in Konya village
- visit of the nearest hospital (one hour drive by car) in Mumias
- visit of Barclays Bank in Mumias and opening a community account
- visit of some local families with different problems
- treatment of 500 patients through Sarah.
Everywhere we experienced a very enthusiastic welcome and for a lot of people we were the first Whites (Muzungus) they have ever seen. The people especially the children were so happy about every little thing and so full of hope we might come back and will not forget them. They all told us about their main problems and that are really problems in all basic matters of life.
- hunger although the land is so fertile
- no clean water because no wells
- no basic medical treatments because the next hospital is too far away and they need to pay for medicine
- no money for school uniforms, books, paper or even pens
- no possible further education
It was shocking to see the kids go to school with no food, but so hungry to get education!
It was dreadful to see how many are sick with malaria, cholera and infections which could be treated with simple hygiene measurements or medicine.
We distributed 180 malaria nets and handed them especially to children, pregnant women and elderly people.
On the spot we decided to do something against poverty in the village. We bought a big supply of food and distributed it to the ones most in need.
We talked with a lot of people who want to help to improve the life in Konya .
Sarah and I went back to Nairobi and then to London very tired and exhausted but happy and healthy with the following conclusion:
It seems to be an endless mountain of problems and work, but it is worth it and happiness already bring little things, therefore Hope for Konya will make a difference for the people of Konya!
We hope to give you an impression of our experiences with our photos and videos!
Thurit and Sarah