Unlocking My Mind: Intern Post by Alisa Herbert

I came to Kenya with the Kenya Keys internship not really having a clear idea of what the program involved or how Kenya Keys would incorporate me with the other interns in the program.My first assignment was to teach basic math and English to a primary school located in the bush, six miles from where we were staying.  The name of the school is Bahakwenu. This school has about 450 students, grades 1-8. The families live in the bush. There is no transportation, no electricity, and no running water. It is not uncommon to see a child walk up to 6 miles to and from school.When we pulled up the children came running out of their classrooms made of mud and sticks. They were running along side the van barefoot, in their torn shorts and shirts. They were so happy to see us, at least most of them were. Some of the children have never seen white-skinned people. We frightened some of the smaller children. They took one look at us, turned around, and started running the other way to hide.The other children held their hands out for us so we could reach out and touch their hands through the windows. They had smiles so big and eyes so bright that it pierced my soul with such love that I started to cry. I was overwhelmed with such pure innocence and I was feeling their gratitude and love for us. They were so happy to have visitors!Their circumstances are so humble. Some of the children get one meal a day. They have their own bowls and they are served a cup of tasteless mush. I know it will take me time and I hope and pray that I can somehow comprehend how they can seem so happy and so curious and grateful for what little they have.I was fortunate to teach in every classroom. The children are kind and respectful. I have never seen such a burning desire to learn and to please. They have hope. They just need someone to unlock the door. They can speak and understand English. They are like sponges, so hungry to be educated!Brent Hayes from Kenya Keys tells them always to remember and to recite, “We are the future leaders of Kenya!” It is these children that have such a strong desire for teachers, mentors and sponsors to unlock the door so they can achieve their dreams and become who they want to become. We take our opportunities so for granted! We are not waiting and praying for rain, just to be able to eat one meal a day.Thanks to Kenya Keys, I have been able to “unlock my mind” and see a glimpse of what providing an education to these children with such strong spirits can mean. If only they can get an education, there is no doubt that they can become the leaders of their villages, their schools, and of Kenya.