Although volunteers are supposed to have weekends off, there isn’t a whole lot to do within walking distance in Rongai. It’s possible to take a matatu – the minibuses that serve as public transit throughout the country – to the more metropolitan area, but I avoid taking them when at all possible. Not only is it cheaper, and generally safer for mzungus, I just prefer to walk and get some exercise. It’s proving rather tough to stay in shape here, so I like to walk as much as possible.
Instead of sitting around today, I decided to go to the orphanage. Kelsey had yet to go there, so she came along as well. Charles, the man running the orphanage, was there today, so I was able to meet him. I discussed with him my desire to re-vamp the library, and he basically gave me free reign. I walked in and didn’t even know where to start. Books were just in piles everywhere, and one of the main bookshelves scared me. It was a black metal contraption with panes of glass loosely laid down for shelves. I decided to begin sorting books by purpose and level. It was rather frustrating as I discovered so many tools that could and should be used in the classroom. For example, there was a number of beginning to read books intended for K – 2 still wrapped in the plastic. I would bet that they were purchased by volunteers, but the teachers either didn’t know how to utilize them, or were even unaware of their existence.
As I worked, other students came in to help me. One in particular got really into the project. Children kept coming in and “discovering” a new book that piqued their interest. I was so glad to see this, because it really validated what I was doing. Seeing how the students would actually use the library made me positive that I have found a worthwhile project that I can really delve into while I’m here.
