Before actually meeting our rural host families, we stopped for lunch at a house that works for the Green Belt Movement. We observed substinence farming at its finest, were introduced to African food, and learned about a theme of the study abroad program.
Typical foods of Kenyans:
Ugali (thick flour and water stuff)
Chapati (thick tortillas)
Sweet potatoes
Arrow root
Maize
Papaya
Bananas
Beef
Also, we were given two trees each to plant at our rural home stay to support the Green Belt Movement. I was given an avocado and mahogany tree.
Kenyans are quite funny. They had a bowl of yes and no sheets of paper that we picked from. If it said yes, we received a rolled paper necklace. Ha. I got a 'no.'
The Green Belt Movement (GBM Kenya) was established in 1977 by Prof. Wangari Maathai, under the auspices of the National Council of Women of Kenya.
Its vision is to create a society of people who consciously work for continued improvement of their environment and a greener, cleaner Kenya. Its mission is to mobilize community consciousness for self-determination, equity, improved livelihoods and security, and environmental conservation. It is guided by the values of volunteerism, love for environmental conservation, pro-action for self-betterment, accountability, transparency, and empowerment.
GBM Kenya has used tree planting to realize its vision and mission in nine districts nationwide (Bungoma, Embu, Kisii, Machakos, Maragua/Muranga, Meru, Nyeri, South Nyanza, Trans Nzoia). While tree planting has always been the focal activity, GBM programs have expanded to include projects in indigenous tree planting, civic education, advocacy, food security, greenbelt eco-safaris, and “women and change.” Through these projects GBM Kenya has succeeded in promoting environmental consciousness, volunteerism, conservation of local biodiversity, self-empowerment, community development, and accountability.
For more information, http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/
No comments:
Post a Comment