Watoto World Center has gone SOLAR!!!!!
Yes indeed. Forget Kenya Power, who wanted to stick us with purchasing a transformer to bring electricity to the home. This, of course, was not in the original estimate which we got back in April, then again in July. The cost of this project would have exceeded $3000 USD and then some. Further, we would have to fund this project while others wanting electricity could tap into it. Ha. I don't think so... I know how these kinds of things work around here, and wanted no part of any of it. After getting a couple of quotes, Tony decided that he could purchase the materials and hire a fundi to do the work. Tony owns an electronics shop in Kiserian, so after he took me in to explain how this works, I said "Let's do it. But I have one stipulation: No materials from China can be purchased." Sawa.
The fundi was on the job this morning at 10:30am. I headed to town to do some shopping, and when Tony picked me up at 2:30, the job was done. We didn't even need to charge up the batteries for 24 hours.
One panel on the dorm:
One panel on the kitchen/dining hall/office building:
We can run all inside lights, security lights,
outlets and the TV!
AC Power inverter - not exactly fascinating information, but I am intrigued.
This equipment is in the Matron's room, far away from prying hands.
We saved $3000USD by doing the work ourselves. Power lasts for 6 hours until it needs to be re-charged. We will never need 6 hours worth of power :-)
While I was busy in town, I got a call from the new Chairman of the Board of Nagolie. He wanted to meet with me, and I said fine. After a lot of initial small talk, I asked Michael "Why did you want to meet me?" The bottom line is, the home is struggling. They need assistance. I gave my condolences to Michael, and said "It's a shame that management chased away the one person who could help. I hope you find a way to get the help you need." "When I heard about you," Michael said, "I wondered why all the children did not go with you. There are so many children in need, here in Kenya. It would have been the logical decision." "Yes, it would have, but logic is not in abundance at Nagolie. You know, I offered to help the home if the children could come with me. Rather than work with me? I was treated as a common criminal and vilified instead. So, I have moved on. There are many, many children and centers in this country that would embrace help. Nagolie is not one of them. Good luck to you, I wish you well. I will suggest that you start with management. They work for nothing, right? All I can say is you get what you pay for."
I have predicted this scenario. It sure didn't take long. Michael told me he is going to direct the board to move the older children to WWC. "Can you take them?" he asked. "Yes, but this is not my decision. You must work through the DCO in Ngong, with Vivienne. This has nothing to do with me," I answered. Rather than get into anything further, I told him I will be back after Christmas. There was no emotion in my voice, no change of expression, no anything..All I said was: "Come visit sometime. We love visitors. We are one huge, happy family over at WWC. I would be proud to show you around."
It is very apparent that the Nagolie Board and all the players at the home are stunned by my willingness to walk away. They wanted and expected a fight, and are now scratching their heads, scrambling for support. True to form, this chairman is working behind the backs of other board members. Been there, done that. I won't be getting snared into any of their dysfunction anytime soon. While the children are at the center of this problem, there isn't a doubt in my mind that I am doing the right thing. "What is your email?" Michael asked. "Why would you want my email?" I said. End of discussion.
We had a wonderful afternoon with the children, once they got home from school. Tomorrow, my friend Anne will be coming to teach the older children how to make jewelry with the shanga I purchased in the market today. The kids are really excited.
All is well here in Kenya. No stress, no complaints, extra time, lots of laughs and happy children. What more could I want?
It's been a great and productive day here in Kenya.
Nawapenda wote,
Simmie, Njeri and Tiff
Njeri and Tiff will start Baby Class on Monday
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