Quote:
Originally Posted by wdfifteen
Awesome Jeff.
I wish I could go to Africa and learn what it is like there. The predominant image we get is of miserable, ignorant, starving black people struggling for life in a barren desert hellscape. We are always being asked to “help Africa, give to Africa.”
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My African experiences is limited to Kenya, though Dee's includes many other countries. That said, all told including time living there, I have probably spent 30+ months there. 8 or 9 months during the last 8 years. We do our best to rent homes each trip in different areas, smaller towns, (though we have a couple of favorites) so we can live a week or so at a time as if we were residents. Best way to learn.
I can say that, as westerners, it is easy to look at people there and think they have "nothing" compared to the way we like to spend money and acquire "things". Yet, they seem happier and more content than the typical westerner. Food, shelter and water. We have always found the locals to be polite, giving and helpful. It is a different life for them for sure, but we don't see what is shown on those TV shows asking you to donate.
In Nairobi, which is a city of close to 5M people, it is like many cities. Classes of society exist, bad/good/better/best areas for sure. Homelessness as well. But we have always felt safe. Safer than in some parts of Vancouver.
We are currently looking to help with a water project for the village that leases out the land that our fave camp is on. We feel better doing stuff directly with those that will benefit as there is a fair bit of corruption in the country, and most of Africa. The only difference with the corruption vs North America, is that it is out in the open and understood by all. Where here it still very much happens, but our Politicians choose to try to hide it from us....
If anyone ever has any question about travel to Kenya, we are always happy to answer them. Dee organizes all of our trips, and Trips for many others as well who have reached out to her on forums etc.
Cheers