Projects in Africa

Amy's Kenya Story

During her six weeks in Kenya during the summer of 2011, Amy lived at Mudzini Kwetu Centre Trust. "Mudzini Kwetu" translates from Swahili to mean "Our Home." And that is exactly what it is to nearly 40 girls from newborn to university age (yes! the eldest girl has now entered university) who were once orphaned, abandoned and even sex trafficked. Amy had been working and volunteering with Anthony Mulongo, founder of Mudzini Kwetu, for nearly a year and created a unique connection between many of her American students and the girls she would come to live with in Kenya.

(Read the story of the global bridge Amy built between Boston students and Kenyan students by clicking here.)

Amy's trip to Kenya held two purposes: First, Amy wanted to meet, support and create a unique curriculum to aid the girls and the Mudzini staff in talking with the children about their futures in Kenya's economy. This was especially important and challenging as the children arrived at Mudzini feeling they had already been discarded by society. Rebuilding their confidence, talking about trust and envisioning their place in Kenya's - and the world's - future was critical for so many reasons. Already in love with the girls and knowing each of their names and stories, this "Auntie" wanted to spend time showing and telling them how much they were loved and belonged in the world. Teaching this incredible group of eighteen girls ages 10 to 18 how to find confidence and belief in themselves in a culture that sees them as "throw aways" was life-changing.

The second reason for Amy's time in Kenya was to visit schools and educators across the country to learn about this African nation's education system and share her methods with educators who wanted more resources to support their students. Witnessing first hand the disparity between the wealthiest of private schools and the poorest of government schools was at once heartbreaking and motivating. She met with school leaders and principals to discuss her work in the U.S. and its value to Kenyan students.

Amy's approach to creating living curriculum programs that honors culture and ecosystems will empower children to become the leaders of tomorrow because it answers the questions our children carry in their hearts. Both in the U.S. and abroad, Amy's approach to empowering children works with the educational climate with which the students are familiar but fills gaps and teaches young people how to find their voice.

What she saw and learned during her time in Kenya broke her heart and called her to advocate far and wide for equity of access to the critical lessons children must receive to prepare their hearts and minds to take their rightful places in the future of their communities - and the global family.