Your blog, your questions!

Hi Friends,

We would like to thank the over 230 daily readers of our blog. We thank you for your interest and your support. We love to read the comments sent from far home. 

The following questions / requests came up that we would love to answer below. Please feel free to shot us over any questions that you might have.

1. How many inhabitants does Kimilili have?

Sounds like an easy question, however, so far nobody could answer it. We will try and find out with the head teacher of the school tomorrow, hopefully she has an answer. We estimate around 2000 (including all the kids hidden somewhere in the houses)

2. We are surprised that you have a disco, market etc?..Sounds as if you are in Zurich:-))

Kimili is not a town but a market center. It consists of one main road with shops on both sides as well as further small building behind it, where most of the people live. One could surround Kimilili in less than 45 minutes walking. It has a market center where most of the life takes place. The market consists of women selling (mostly) bananas on a blanket on the floor. The disco is a bar playing loud music. No similarities to an European disco. :)

Market in Kimilili:

3. Do they have normal marriages or are they all arranged by the families there?

Arranged marriages are not common in Kenya. Girls choose their husbands, however, they are supposed to seek parent’s advice. Men need to pay around 12 cattle to the girl’s father as a dowry. If the man can’t afford it, women often financially support the payment.

4. If we donate money while you are there, can you assure that the money is used for something specific?

A clear YES to this answer. We’ve created a financial plan for 2011 and 2012 with necessary investments. Please see here for more information. If you would like to support a specific cause, please send your money to our account (specifically opened to support the CBSM children). We (Alex and Agnes together!) will make sure it is used as you wish and will provide pictures / reports on the money spent / results achieved.  

5. Does the reverend live in Kimilili or Nairobi and what is his exact function when it comes to Kimilili?

The Reverent and his family were born in Kimilili but live in Nairobi. CBSM was found in Nairobi, however, during the elections in 2007 ALL (!) Kenyans were forced to move back to their ancestor land (the land were your tribe originates from). Reverent Wasike moved the kids to Kimilili (with only their cloth on) and started all over again. The first school they’ve used was demolished by the landlord as they were not able to pay the rent (50 Euros per year!). Meanwhile, with donations received, they managed to buy a small piece of land as well as rent the adjacent land for the kids to play on.

Reverent Wasike is the founder of CBSM. Meanwhile, CBSM elected local board members in Kimilili to run the organization. Reverent Wasike acts as advisor, but the decisions are carried out by the board members.

6. We would specifically like to see a photo of the village, your room, the market and the school!

See below:

Bedroom (at night a matress is put on the floor to accommodate 3 more people)

No wardrobes so excuse "the little chaos"

Kitchen (yes, that's all)

Shower (our favorite room!) and we spare you the pic of the latrine...

Living room (currently used as CBSM office, meeting point and bed room for boys / men)

All the best from Kimilili! Big hug!
Alex & Agnes