Jambo from Kenya and Engineers for a Sustainable World

It' nice and hot in Kenya this time of year and we're trying very hard to adjust. This morning we leave for the tiny village of Ngomano where Engineers for a Sustainable World from Harvey Mudd College will get their first experience of field work in a third world country. The Goddard students, Kirsten, Jim and I, will do some classes on microfinance and some basic business principles. We planned our project before we understood what a mess Kenya is in at the moment. As our friend Benson Matua says, "When the U.S. sneezes the whole world catches the flu." The economic crisis combined with lack of rain so that food production is down more than 30 percent, has created famine. Our engineer friends have come to help us figure out why after three years of trying, we still aren't able to get water to the village. Keep your fingers crossed for them. Their success will literally mean life for many as we will be able to grow the crops we were successful with only last year. By contrast, our plan may be more germaine after the rains return.
The women's co-op has been very successful with the Kiondo business (the baskets they weave and we sell in the U.S.) We've been so fortunate that our major problem right now is how to maintain the supply as we haven't found an economic way to ship. Right now, that's the only means of making money in Ngomano. If the microlending is successful perhaps more small businesses can germinate in this dusty thirsty financial climate. Too many people are hungry for us not to be able to figure out a simple thing like shipping, either. And hooray for Goddard for an education program that allows us to be here doing this as part of our studies.
For me, the joy is being here, watching more people who are genuinely interested in making a difference experience Africa, and being with my Kenyan friends who are so willing to share their hospitality, knowledge, and wisdom with us. I hope we'll be smart enough to repay a fraction of the gifts they so freely give.
Sorry if this blog is a bit disjointed. Second typing. First disappeared in the African cyberspace. I'll be back to you in five days to tell you how we did before proceeding on to Masaii Mara to work with Andy Aho on energy sources, pumping, and for the SBC's, social entrepreneurship, of which Andy is the Master. Wish all you were here for the first hand experience.