Twinning and Networking
in the Lake Victoria Region
Nairobi, Kenya June 2005
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The first and most important part of twinning and networking in the Globetree is the person to person meeting between children, youth and adults over the boundaries of nations and cultures. The participants make friends with young and old who have very different life experiences to their own. The Swedes have never walked in slum areas and with children who are brought up on the streets. – How come they are so happy? Why are they not complaining? They believe they can become astronauts and doctors! They long so much to go to school. What happened to me – why am I not happy? I have so much. I have too much and I complain about almost everything…why am I like this? The African children eagerly ask questions. – How is life where you live? Can I take pictures with your camera? Can I write letters to you? Can we be friends?
After a day in Children’s Garden and the surrounding area the Swedish participants understand the importance of the Rights of the Child and Sustainable Development. So much is needed! To take away the garbage heap from the area where the children lives. Water! Clean water! A house to live in! Protection from sexual abuse! So much is different and maybe we can do something?
The politicians joining the Study Tour were taken by the enormous challenges the city council hare faced with. Poverty, infrastructure, lack o funds for education and school materials, expensive medical care not accessible for the poor… - When I come back home I can say to my fellow politicians; We have no problems! We only have opportunities!
The Study Travel started at the Children’s Meeting Place on the grounds of the United Nations, Nairobi. Visits to Children´s Garden Center at Kibera, Dagoretti Center (for deaf and blind children) and the Abandoned Baby Center - all in Nairobi.
The school day consisted of visiting Muslim Primary School and Kilimani School.
A two-day workshop brought all participants together. – We MUST work together! Let us try to find a way to continue learning together!
That urge from young and old became the beginning of the plan for twinning and partnership between schools, cities and municipalities in the Lake Victoria Region and Sweden.
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