A day in the life of...
on A Serendipitous Journey (Kenya), 01/Mar/2010 09:27, 34 days ago
VSO Jilotee asked all of the current volunteers in Kenya to write a brief 'day in the life of' story... I've posted mine below.As a VSO volunteer in Nairobi, I have to admit, I lead somewhat of a double life– one life on weekdays, and another on weekends.On a typical weekday, I leave my apartment at around 7:30 am and arrive at work 30 to 45 minutes later. I hop on a‘party matatu’ (decked out in graffiti and blaring music) in front of my building to Mombasa Rd for KES 10 ($1Cdn = KES 70), get directed to a smaller mini-van type of matatu and pay another KES 20, and change a third time only about a kilometer from my work for a final KES 10. During the dry season, it’s relatively uneventful, but during the rains the commute can be a very muddy affair! I work near the international airport and for some reason, prior to arriving in Kenya, I pictured this to still be part of the city. However, in reality it’s surrounded by factories and I usually cross at least one Maasai with his herd of cattle every day and walk around goats, sheep, and chickens before entering my work compound.The Kenya Union of the Blind (KUB) is the national membership association of persons with visual impairments and celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. My role here is Fundraising and Publicity Officer and my principle responsibility is to work together with the staff to secure funding and promote the cause of the Kenya Union of the Blind. When I arrived in October 2008, we were a team of 10 (including a driver, caretaker and 3 security guards) however since then our team has expanded to 20, plus 2 volunteers. I share a large office with two other staff members, which overlooks the gardens and parking lot. As in most jobs, no two days are the same, however I spend most of my time researching and writing fundraising proposals, liaising and networking with current and potential partners, working with the media to promote KUB’s cause and tell stories of successful blind persons in Kenya, creating marketing materials, and establishing systems and processes for the new Fundraising and Publicity department.I am always home before dark, as it is against VSO’s policy and it is not safe to take public transport after this time. After cooking dinner with my flat mate, I usually catch up on e-mails, watch a movie on my computer (we don't have a tv), read or do some yoga, then go to bed.By Friday, I’m usually very ready for the weekend (however isn’t this true everywhere!:-) A lady comes to clean our house and hand-wash the laundry every weekend, which allows us more down time and helps her earn some income. Weekend activities vary, but may include enjoying a coffee on a patio, going outwith friends, attending one of the many social events or concerts Nairobi has to offer, swimming at a pool, going to the movies or, on occasion, getting away to Naivasha to go hiking, cycling or enjoy the lake.