A Season of Transformation in Kamwathu Sub Location
When I first arrived in the Kamwathu Sub location in October 2024, the scene was bleak—dry, parched land, water scarcity, and struggling crops. The community was burdened by these challenges but inspired me with their resilience and determination to adapt. By December, everything had changed. The rains came, and the transformation was incredible. The barren […]
Melodies of the Tharaka People, Dancing to a New Tune
The Tharaka people in Kitui dwell between the Nithi highlands and across the River Tana. An intriguing community with a distinct musical and culinary style. “Ngima” is what they name it; on the opposite side, where the Nile finds its source, the same term signifies life. It’s amusing that they share the majority of the […]
Green Fields, Stronger Futures: Volunteering with the Community
As the morning chill lingers, I’m out on the community farm, surrounded by the peaceful hills of Charuru and Nyambene. Today, like many mornings before, I’m harvesting fresh green vegetables alongside the community. There’s something deeply fulfilling about being connected to the earth, feeling the soil in my hands, and knowing that the crops we […]
Sustainable Traditions
It is so amusing that even with the current evolution of everything, the people of Tharaka have held so tight to their traditional ways of farming. The food here is as organic as organic can be. No fertilizers, no pesticides, and no GMO seeds either. These great cereal farmers would get anyone thinking that because […]
The Power of Seasons and the Unity of Family in Kiriene Village
As a Volunteer with CorpsAfrica/Kenya, I’ve had the unique opportunity to live in the rural village of Kiriene. Coming from a more urban environment has been a humbling and eye-opening experience. One of the most striking things I’ve learned here is the people’s profound connection with their land and the changing seasons. The rhythm of […]
The Milking Assignment
On a windy day, the wind will blow and the anus of the chicken will be exposed 😂. Monday Evening was the Day I made my mind up to take on this challenging assignment. I had been carefully watching my host mom carry out this task effortlessly with such ease every single day. I had […]
Breaking the Chains of Poverty: How Mindset Shapes Community-Led Development
Extreme poverty is not only about the absence of resources. It’s a mental trap that reinforces the cycle of deprivation. While many development programs focus on providing aid or infrastructure, they often overlook the internal barriers that prevent people from lifting themselves out of poverty. Changing this mindset is essential for sustainable and effective community-led […]
Embracing the Journey: Reflections on Community, Challenges and Growth
Not a single day had I ever imagined being called Mwalimu. Perhaps it’s because of the roles I’ve played in my community so far, but I love and feel proud of the title. It’s a humbling experience that makes me wonder if schoolteachers feel the same way about the honor. In moments of reflection, I […]
The Transformative Power of Rains
Before November, the Turima location In Tharaka-Nithi County was locked in a season of waiting. Conversations at that time revolved around the delayed rains. The scorching sun ruled the skies, leaving vegetation dry, seasonal rivers barren, and roads cloaked with dust. The community seemed to be in a collective pause, their focus pinned on the […]
Lessons From the Field
Not once did I imagine things would be this tough. I have many reasons to call it quits. Does one have to go through all of this? Fighting parasites all night and spending the entire day under the hot sun, talking after overdosing on what our principal refers to as “humility pills.” Not that I […]