Re-connecting with Kenya
Yasmin Chin Eisenhauer, Academic Technologist
International educator and child advocate, Kenneth Okoth visited with 2nd grade and Middle School students on May 2nd. Lowell was the last stop on his trip from Kenya to DC and the purpose of his visit was the same as it was when he visited Lowell last year: to participate in an ongoing cultural exchange with Lowell students and faculty.
He discussed our commonalities (such as the English language and a history that includes gaining independence from British colonialism), and encouraged Lowell students to have ambition and dreams--the same way that he encourages students at the Red Rose School in Kenya. Lowell students then had the opportunity to share their dreams and ambitions out loud.
He thanked the Middle School students for their donation to the Kibera Foundation last year (funded from their micro-lending project), and encouraged them not to think about the donation as simple charity (as in writing checks to poor African students). Instead, he asked students to think of it as solidarity; we are united in solidarity and friendship.
At the end of his presentation, he gave each student a Red Rose School bracelet and said, "When you wear this bracelet, let it serve as a reminder of your dreams, ambitions, and friends at the Red Rose School."
