Africa Day 6: The Faces

I had been to the Maternity Ward's site many times now and I was starting to get accustomed to the workers and it seems as though they were getting used to seeing me also. Now the camera was something normal to them and they were not paying as much attention to it than when they first met me. A photographer wrote that "...if you point a camera at somebody long enough, they forget about it and become themselves again".

So on that day felt comfortable asking for a favor. I went to see the foreman Waweru and asked him if I could photograph each worker separately. He was actually pleased that I asked and offered to assist me to mark down their names as well.

Here is a little Soundslides presentation of the workers and volunteers who made ROTH's Maternity Ward's project possible.



After taking pictures of the workers, I felt different, I felt like they were looking at me as a friend. Where I was once puzzled as to whether they liked having their picture taken or not, I was now convinced of the pride they were taking in being part of my images.

I told Waweru that I was going to send all the pictures of the workers for him to distribute to them. It's not often these people have a chance to hang their picture on the wall, something we do here without even thinking about it...

PhiL

Piave, Africa Day 5: Natu Primary School

I was really excited for this day since Gibson told us he was going to take us to the school he taught at for 33 years. At this point you are probably wondering who is Gibson?!

Gibson is a retired teacher who is still very active in his community. He contributed to the realization of the Piave Dispensary which gives medical assistance and consultation to the ones in need. He was at the site every day and was making sure everything was going according to plan. Gibson is one of many unspoken local heroes who touches you by the generosity and respect he has towards others.

I figured I would let the images and Gibson himself do the talking this time, so I put together a Soundslides presentation.



After the visit to the school, Gibson really wanted us to see his house. These people have so few yet they are so proud to show us what they have. Gibson's yard is a very decent one according to the Piave standards. His son and daughter also live on his land which is comprised of three little huts.

He invited us into his living room where we sat and had a soda and some cookies. To see a man with such generosity makes you realize how we so often are egocentric and self-centered. This man was giving us food for which he had work so hard to get and yet was so happy to give it to us.

This visit to the Natu Primary School and the encounter with Gibson touched me and made me think twice about how to act with others. Before parting from Gibson's quarters, with tremendous effort to contain my tears, I said: "Gibson, a man like you is nothing but a true gentleman for whom we have no other choice but to have profound respect and gratitude. I'm privileged to have met you and will remember this day for the rest of my life..."

Related Links
Nakuru, Kenya
Getting Ready for Kenya Part 1
Getting Ready for Kenya Part Deux
Africa Trip Day 1: Friday the 13th...!
Kenya, East Africa Day 2: By way of Air
Nakuru, Kenya Day3: Finally Got There!
Piave, Africa Day 3: Cookie Run
Nakuru, Kenya Day 4: Piave Maternity Ward

ROTH Fundraiser in Montreal

On April 14th 2007 was held a fund raiser by the ROTH organization at the ITHQ (Institut de Tourisme et d'Hôtellerie du Québec) to help raise money and awareness to several of their causes. Quebec's Prime Minister Mr. Jean Charest was amongst the distinguished guests along with family, friends and supporters of this NGO.

The evening was a success and helped Frederique and Alannah in the realization of the Piave Maternety Ward in Nakuru, Kenya where I am heading Friday.

Here is a short Soundslides résumé of the evening and interview with ROTH Co-Founder Frederique Vallieres.

It's about time to get a bit of that French language in the blog! Congratulations to the young organization for pulling off a fabulous evening.