Kenya: Day 51 - Portraits

Portraits of my students.

Francis




Kadera



Linda




Yassin





Amina




Rufia



Fatuma



Abib


Shaban



Osman



Rosemary



Riziki




Kigan



Julius



Michael



Lucas & Jeremy

Kenya: Day 41

Pray for:
- The future that God is preparing for me and that I will have the faith, confidence, and boldness to embrace it
- Wisdom in continued development of a filmmaking curriculum

In this review: Progress, Networking, Future

Progress
==
Things have been going really well. I've been teaching 2 classes and just started my third yesterday.

One class is with high school students. 3 of them just finished their assembly edits and I gave them feedback/critique and sent them back to re-edit. Another 1 is in the middle of production. While the rest are still working on their scripts and pre-production work. It's been really good to see their eagerness to just get something done.

My second class is with post-high school students. We just wrapped production on their first short this week and going to start editing on Monday. I'm hoping to transition them into teaching roles.

The third class I started is as kind of a consultant at the Kibera Film School. I critiqued their scripts, but it looks like I might help them retool their curriculum.

I've been building relationships, and God's been giving me opportunities to pray for people and make a difference. It's been a real blessing thus far.

All in all, I think it's been a pretty successful trip. I still have another 8 weeks. Planning to do shoot some documentaries while I'm out here. Also dedicating August to shooting a TV pilot. We're working on the script now so I'm hoping we'll be able to get it done.

I'm at the point in the curriculum where I'm rethinking my plan and considering trying something new. What that is, I still need to think about.

Networking
==
These last 2 weeks have been a whirlwind of meetings. It was to the point where I couldn't even blog. I know! Right?

It's been a good sort of business. Making contacts, moving Filamujuani forward and seeing who else is doing development and partnering to share resources, what we've learned, and becoming more effective.

I've also been making inroads to the Kenyan film insdustry. It's a really exciting time and I wish I didn't have to go back to school so I can stay here and jump on the band wagon. As is, the earliest that I'll be able to come back is probably 2013.

I'm hoping that things will orchestrate to bring me back sooner, but at this moment, it seems unlikely.

Future
==
As with all trips like this, it has thrown a huge wrench into my future and possibilities and opportunities. In a good way.

In December, I'll be graduating and taking the next step in this journey called life and faith. I see about 4 different paths and the various permutations of being bivocational.

At this point, I'm almost positive that I'm going to be bivocational, it's just a matter of which of the 2 paths I walk.

I thought coming to Kenya would make the decision easier. Boy, was I wrong.

So, the future is wide open. And one of the realities that I'm going to have to face is that of money. Specifically, how to make it. I wish I could just choose a path and run down it, but unfortunately, you can only run so far without eating or drinking anything.

I don't know which path I want to take. And in a lot of ways, I've been putting off the decision. But in a few months, I'll have to take a step. When the time comes, maybe I'll just close my eyes, spin around in a circle, and take a step and see where I land.

As much as I hope for a hand to pull down a particular path, I've come to realize that it's not always that easy. Sometimes we're given the responsibility to choose because we're big boys and girls and we're capable of making those sort of decisions.

It's really quite a privelege to be able to make those sort of decisions. There are so many people here who really have no choice. Because of their circumstances or the resources they have access to, there just isn't much in the way that they can decide for themselves. It's hard when you have to think about how you're going to make ends meet tomorrow, let alone a year from now. Or in my case, 3 years from now. That sort of forward thinking and planning just isn't available to the majority of people.

Thank you so much for your prayers. They're definitely felt and and great appreciated.

Kenya: Day 32

Pray for:
- Rosemary's mom, that she would dream of growth
- Me, as I contemplate my future and where God is calling me (I will expound on this more later)

What happened:
- went to Junction. had meeting with Mercy from Hot Sun. talked about collaboration
- met with Gwatila and Sam. talked about TV opportunities
- hung out with Ken a bit
- went to Ken's place. met Cairo, a publisher. he had published Gwatila's book: Blue Mothertongue
- lunch at prestige
- went to check out Faulu, a micro-finance
- went downtown to do some banking
- went to Kibra Academy. met with Rosemary's mom. talked about her competition and how to differentiate from them
- added credits to my phone
- went home

Ken and I went to visit Faulu, a micro-finance operation, in the interest of helping out Rosemary's mom. What we discovered shocked me.

One of the big problems with micro-finance is managing risk. Usually, the "ventures" that those who are borrowing from you are so small, and their margins so thin, that even minor disruptions can bring them to ruin.

Traditionally, micro-finances have succeeded by making loans to groups. If one person in the group is unable to pay, the debt is passed on to others in the group. In a way, they're co-signing for each other. This also creates a lot of social pressure for everyone in the group to pay back the loan. A good thing right?

Wrong.

The problem with this model, at least where Faulu is concerned, is that it requires groups of at least 15 people to take loans.

I don't even have 15 friends that I would trust taking a loan with me, let alone 15 friends who need loans. As a businessman, why would I co-sign loans with 14 other people I don't know? If they default, then I become responsible for their portion of the loan. Why would I want that responsibility?

What's worse, is that the system encourages people to default because the group will support them. The only reason this doesn't happen is because the shame that would be associated with defaulting would be greater and worse than defaulting.

The result is that a lot of people end up being worse off AFTER they've taken the loan than had they not taken the loan at all.

Even if you wanted to take out a loan, you could only take out however much you're "worth". To determine your "worth", they come to your house and look at what you have. TV, chairs, tables, etc. But if it came down to it, they won't take your bed or plates. How kind.

So I can't find a 14 other people to take loans with. So Faulu has something for individuals. But before the individual can take out a loan, they have to have started a savings account with them and deposited at least 500 KSH ($6.25 USD)/week with an initial balance of 300 KSH ($3.75 USD). That doesn't sound like a lot, but in Rosemary's case, her mom is living paycheck to paycheck. She can't even make ends meet as is. In order to get by without falling into egrecious debt, she can't afford school fees or feminine hygiene products. This is the sacrifice that is made so they can continue "living". For them to put away 500 KSH / week for a year is insane.

Even at the end of all that, they can only borrow 80% of whatever they have saved. And Faulu will hold 20% of your savings as collateral. Essentially, you're borrowing your own money from yourself. So, if you were to do the minimum, 300 KSH initial, then 500 KSH/week, after a year, you'd be able to take out a loan of 26,300 KSH ($328.75 USD) with an interest rate of 22%.

Most of the people who need these kinds of loans can barely plan for tomorrow, let alone for a year.

The system is completely impractical for those who really need it.

This micro-finances have become more interested in loan repayment than actually helping people.

Has this system helped people? I'm sure it has helped a few. But I don't believe that it has brought real change to the community.

As for Rosemary's mom. We're going to do our due diligence on her business plan and help her see ways to grow her business, not just get by.

We are investors, not a charity, not a bank. And we want to see a good return on our investment.

Kenya: Day 30

Pray for:
- God's provision to Rosemary and her family.
- Micro-finance to go beyond just giving loans, but doing business evaluation too

What happened:
- morning class got rained out
- met Ken at prestige, went down town
- went around different places to get brochures, did some souvenir shopping
- went to lunch, met Felix, a documentary photojournalist and filmmaker.
- went around to look at various banks
- went to Yaya
- went to Kibra Academy. met with Rosemary's mom
- went to Prestige, had dinner with Ken and Eva
- went home

Today, I met with Rosemary's mom, along with Ken and Principal Sobwa. She hadn't been able to afford school fees, so the intention was to find out what was going on.

Her mom had a small business as a caterer. But she got sick, fell behind, and couldn't afford stock to keep the business going.

We started by looking at her weekly business expenses. Groceries, rent, salary for her 1 employee, etc. Then we looked at how much she was making gross.

Afterwards, we looked at her personal expenses for herself and her two daughters. We asked about food, rent, clothes, toiletries, etc. As we were asking these questions, some of them numbers she quoted regarding toiletries and clothing were woefully low. She was quoting 200 KSH ($2.50 USD) a month for 3 women, which would include pads for feminine needs. Unrealistic by any standard.

After budgeting more appropriately, it was determined that she would not be able to make ends meet. She would be short by 2000 KSH ($25) per week.

Then, we asked her if there were any ways that she could expand her business. She said that the area that she was in was oversaturated. One solution was to move to a different area to set up shop, but rent and expenses would be higher too.

Before we sent her home, we asked her to put together a business plan, do some market analysis, and return on Wednesday so we can look it over.

If all goes well, we'll be entering the micro-finance business.

In the meantime, the money raised for Rosemary's school fees will be used like a scholarship to ease pressure on her mom.

Kenya: Day 27 - Week 4 in review

In this review: racism, vision for change, markets

Racism
==
The other day, I finished reading The Heart of Racial Justice by Brenda Salter McNeil and Rick Richardson.

The Heart of Racial Justice, talks briefly to my comments I brought up on Day 8 on race. I think it makes a very valid point, that we really aren't post-racial, at least, not entirely. There are still places where race, racism, and ethnocentrism still play very important roles. In fact, I kind of face it every day.

I walk down the streets, and I'm judged by the color of my skin. "China"; "How are you?"; "Hello!"; "Ching chong"; etc. I know it's not rooted in racism because it's not hateful. But it's ignorant. It's obvious that I'm a foreigner. It's obvious that I'm of a Chinese or at least Asian ethnic background. But it's assumed that I'm wealthy. By no means am I poor, but those words make me feel like a walking money bag.

Ok, so it's not ethnocentrism that I face. But I do my best to let the other comments roll off my back.

Even if I don't have control over the actions of others, I do have control of how I react and respond.

Vision for Change
==
I had quite a few meetings this week. And as I met with people and had conversation with them, I realized that not everyone has a vision for change. I can appreciate not knowing how to get there, but not having a vision at all is bizarre for me.

I take it for granted that vision is a rare thing. Skill can be acquired. Competence comes with time, experience, and correction. But vision, real vision, is a rare thing.

So I've found it difficult working with people who can't even imagine change, let alone the desire to work towards it. How do you work towards something you can't see?

Markets
==
Last Sunday, Pastor Oscar mentioned seven sectors of society. I would argue that he forgot the eigth: development.

One of the big problems with many NGOs and NPOs, is that they have a vested interest for things not to change. If the situations they were working in actually improved, they would be out of a job.

The goal for those in the business of development should be to put themselves out of business. They should strive to set up structures that are sustainable, with leaders raised from within the community.

Granted, this may not be possible with every NGO. But the question of sustainability, the question of how is this going to change the community, are often not asked or simply shrugged off.

As I read "Atlas Shrugged", the struggle of pure industrialists is pitted against one with a social conscious. The reality, is that the two cannot be separated.

Pure capitalistic markets don't work, we see that with the market crash of 2009. A result of unbridaled and unregulated capitalism. But pure charity doesn't work either because it's not sustainable.

The missing key is socially aware markets.

If the old adage, "One man's garbage is another man's treasure", is true. Then that other man will be willing to pay for that treasure.

We like to believe that huge multinationals are evil. And no doubt, I'm sure there are some that are. But it is these multinationals who are able to employee a lot of people.

Of course, there are certain things that are best left for governments because they exist for the common good. Like roads and the like. And for the things that government can't run, but has an interest in, they get invovled through regulation. Think the FDA which makes sure that the food you eat is clean.

Not that markets are a panacea. But they are a powerful component that are often ignored.

Kenya: Day 26 - Photos

Yesterday, after the shoot, the cast wanted their pictures taken. The lighting was so gorgeous and they just kept posing, that I had to keep shooting. Enjoy!

Kenya: Day 26

Pray for:
- Rosemary gets the provision to return to school
- Wisdom and insight of what to do about Rosemary and what to say to her parents

What happened:
- met with Koo at Java House to talk about climbing Mt Kenya
- went home and converted footage from MOV to WMV for Windows Movie Maker
- went to Prestige to meet with Pastor Faith, who didn't show
- went to Kibra Academy. Futama finished shooting today. i brought the kids chocolate cake that Helen, from my small group, had made

Yesterday, Rosemary, one of my students, at Kibra Academy came up to me and apologized for not being around. She hasn't been attending school because she can't afford school fees.

I talked to the principle today, and he told me that he had already let her come for one term, waiting for payment. She has since started her second term.

In total, Rosemary owes 12,000 KSH ($250 USD) for this year. And most likely the same amount for next year, where she'll be a senior. Then 5,000 KSH ($75 USD) for the national exam. For a total of $575 USD to finish high school.

It seems like a shame that she should be kept from her future because she can't afford to go to school. Sadly, her story is indicative of many in Kibera.

My heart goes out to Rosemary. She's bright, she's eager, and she's studios. I would consider her one of the stars in my class. I want to tell her that she doesn't have to worry about school, that it's covered. But is that the wisest solution?

This is one of the problems Filamujuani is looking to fix. But how best to fix it? How do you make it sustainable?

I asked the principle if I could meet the parents on Monday. I don't know what I'm going to say or ask. But if I can figure out a way to keep her in school without directly sponsoring her, that would be preferable. But if we can't come to a decision, am I willing to sponsor her?

Say I do sponsor her. What about the other kids who can't pay school fees?





Today, Futama wrapped production on her first short film today, Sumatra.

It was really great seeing a crowd form to watch them shoot. It was to the point where they were getting in the way of the wide shots that Futama was shooting.

Monday, we will start production on Shaban's film.

Kenya: Day 24

Pray for:
- Bind the strong man over Nairobi
- Release God's blessing on Nairobi

What happened:
- went to Jah Army
- went home
- Ken came to pick up some gear for his shoot
- went to Prestige to journal. Ran into Rachel. she's going to take me to Kibera tomorrow morning
- went to Kibra Academy. Futama was ready to shoot.
- went home. spent quite some time talking to the security guard. he basically told me his life story.



Today was Futama's first day of production. She was so thoughtful and kind that she bought the entire cast and crew soda. Knowing where the soda came from, it was one of the best sodas I've ever had.

Reading Futama's script, watching her direct her own script, working with her actors. And then going that extra mile to treat us all to drinks. Then, she's going to get the chance to edit it all together and have her very first short film. This toast had so much meaning. This toast, makes everything worth while.

Count me encouraged :D

I also spend some time talking, Richard, one of the security guards for our complex. We usually exchange pleasantries as I leave or return for the day.

Today, for some reason, he started telling me about his life. He has a wife and a 4 month old son named Sean. His wife helps take care of his mom after his dad passed away several years ago. They live far from Nairobi.

He makes 200 KSH (~ $2.50 USD) per day. Between rent, groceries, and supporting his family, he doesn't have the capacity to save. "Struggling" was what he called it.

On a side note. Vice President Joe Biden has been here for 2 days. His wife went to Kibera today. They got to experience some "mud".

Such is life in Nairobi. Highs and lows.

Kenya: Day 23

Pray for:
- Vision for Filamujuani

what happened:
- went to Jah Army. path was all muddy after the big rain the previous night
- went to prestige to meet with Ken. talked about the Filamujuani website. when we looked, it had gotten hacked.
- dropped off Ken's gear at my place.
- went to Ken's place.
- went to lunch: chipati + beef stew
- went to Kibra Academy. taught directing. Futama finished her script and pre-production. we'll start shooting her script tomorrow.

Today, over lunch, Ken and I talked about how the project has been going thus far. And it was a bit discouraging because only about half the class has been coming out.

The morning class is understandable considering all the mud. As I walked back to the mutatu, Kigan was telling me about how most of Jah Army doesn't come out when it's muddy like that.

Then, when I got to Kibra, Futama surprised me with not only a finished script, but finished pre-production too. She had an extensive shot list, storyboards, and everything else. She even went the extra mile and asked her actors to bring their home clothes to make it more real.

It was also really encouraging to see how well written the script was too. There were sentences that were grammatically incorrect, but that's ok. What really impressed me was how visual the script was. I could see all the action come alive off the page.

Still, we're rethinking our strategy for how we approach Filamujuani. How to have the most impact and really give these kids a future and not just have it be another after school club.

We also got a chance to sit down with Anima and Frances to do interviews for the Filamujuani documentary. Frances gave us a lot of really good stuff.

On Saturday, I'm going to be going to their homes and getting some coverage for the documentary.

Kenya: Day 20 - Week 3 in review

This week in review: Jah Army, Children's DVD, Cold.

Jah Army
==
Jah Army is a a group of about 20 guys (and a few girls) in their early to late 20s from, living, and working in Kibera. Jah is swahili for God. They mostly grew up together and do a lot of art together. They sing, draw, paint, act, make documentaries, write, and now, making movies. They do a lot of socially aware content with an eye towards being role models for others in the community and encouraging young people to explore their creative talents.

Children's DVD
==
There's this DVD of "children's" song that Jeremy (the 18 month old) absolutely loves. When it's on, he's entranced, he's quiet. I can understand the appeal of something like that to parents.

Far too often, the DVD is set on loop, even if Jeremy isn't there to be inprisoned by it. And I do mean inprisoned because it is a torturous affair.

Poorly lipsynced children singing to their own voices. Arduous fades between shots where normal cuts would be sufficient. Terrible camera angles. And of course the rancorous noise that's considered music. With lyrics such as "Blue bird blue bird, through my window"; "when the army is up they're up, when the army is down they're down"; "everybody should love Jesus"; "the farmer in the dell"; and of course, who can forget "the cheese stands alone".

I won't even get into the inherent flaws in theology in the songs.

It may seem like I'm spewing bile on what many would consider harmless. But trust me. There has to be some statute in the Geneva convention that defines subjecting humans of any age to this torture as a war crime.

I could try to justify my hatred with some logic such as how the DVD is adverse to Jeremy's development. How it's destroying his ability to hold a semblance of attention. Or even the idea of a DVD as baby sitter.

But I won't. This is unbridled hate towards the product. I hope the company that developed this material has long filed chapter 11 and moved on to more meaningful work.

Cold
==
We've entered winter here in Kena and the month of June is supposed to be the coldest. "Cold" seems to be in the mid 60's and overcast. There isn't any sort of heat in the house, so I often wear 1 of 2 hoodies that I brought.

There have been a few days where I wish I brought my Northface as I had originally intended. I had removed it in order to reach the weight limit for my luggage.

When the sun is out, it's gorgeous. And there were days when it was down right hot. Those days were great.

It doesn't help that it rains almost every night, keeping the air cool during the day. It's funny, because it's not supposed to rain as much as it has.

But the cold is a real problem for those in Kibera. A transformer that brings a lot of electricity deep into Kibera has been out of commission for the last 4 weeks, with little sign of it being fixed any time soon. Along with the cold, comes illness.

One of the members of Jah Army, Zayna, both her and her child has been sick for what seems like 2 weeks now.

Kenya: Day 19 - Jah Army Art

Art made by Jah Army