Experience in Holland (Charles J. Odhiambo)

The visit to Holland is and will remain one of the most memorable events in my life and by extension, Ujima Foundation. It was the first time African management were presented to all the stakeholders and actively participated in funds drive, information sharing and more so a learning opportunity in the Netherlands. It was very interesting! The acceptance we felt and the interest most organizations had in Ujima was quite exhilarating. Of particular importance was the fund raising in the boat dancing the night out….we had so much fun…All for Ujima!

It was a great feeling to interact and see the eagerness and interest several organizations had in us and more so possibilities of working together. We had lessons to take home from the SOS Kinderdorpen, the Stichting Progamme, visit to the world house, the Hogeschool students, the College Hotel, the interview in the American Hotel…the county side. The rich history all wrapped the trip into one superb success. Working for IGP IN Kenya, I had particular interest in the hotels in Holland. We had a chance to see and experience their service and cuisines. A very interesting concept was at Pasta e Basta! Where the waitress also sings to the guests!

We had the opportunity to stay at our directors parents. It was so different from Kenya! There was just so much to see and learn….I made so many pictures! From the airport, Central Station, the dykes, the old architecture, the canals, the wind mills, the people, the steep stairs! All seems so organized! In Holland, everybody seems to be on the move! Unlike Kenya. No wonder we say hakuna matata.

We thank you very much for the opportunity you gave us and the support and faith you all have in Ujima foundation.

Charles J. Odhiambo
IGP Ujima foundation - Kenya

THE (UN)DUTCHABLE MEMOIRS… (Robai Naliaka)

It was exciting to have an 8 hour flight to Schiphol. The reception by the security personnel was one that I wouldn’t want to experience again….”Where are you going? How much money do you have? What are you going to do?” I understood anyhow that they were just doing their job. We tried our level best not to look so new in the country and thought the best thing to do was to ask for directions ….” Go right, left and make a double right”…. And guess what we made several rounds before landing at the immigration office…where we were detained briefly as our documents were checked. Wasn’t it awesome that Jet was at the airport together with baby Noah to receive us! Pole (= sorry) to Machiel who was still running up and down the airport for us just to realize we had sorted ourselves out! Traveling in the trams and the trains was great and efficient! I remember one morning I had to forego breakfast so that we didn’t get late for an appointment…this craze about time was later clearly understood when observations were made in all appointments made, constantly communicating and confirming that the appointment will still materialize before the set moment. I kept being alert for time because time was literary equated to money and therefore not wasted.

Doing the very steep stairs in the buildings required some technique in itself…KAP hotel in Amsterdam gave me that experience! I dreaded forgetting anything lest I was forced to exercise on the stairs again! Had the chance to visit the red light district, and the fact that commercial sex work and being gay is part of life reminded me that the Dutch life is very open and at the end of the day it is all about individual choices and the respect for those choices within that culture. Talking about culture, I hoped to wear those wooden clogs and walk around….I didn’t even see anyone in them. Too bad the stay was too short.

Admiring how people really worked hard to meet their bills really challenged me. Everyone seemed to be in a rush and I had to learn how to keep right always to avoid head on collisions. It has been perceived here at home that the west is a land of opportunity and there is money! True there’s money, and many bills too, life is very expensive compared to Kenya! No wonder when it is time for party then it is real party time as it is well deserved! I enjoyed the singing hosts as well as the dinner at the Pasta e Basta, something that is novel to my motherland thanks to Bob & Jolanda. The party on The Prince of Orange was good fun, even though’ I didn’t dance….Planning to take some few dancing classes in future!

The beautiful architecture of the historical buildings, the roads without any potholes, the beautiful bridges – I liked the buildings on the bridges! The legendary canals were breathtaking. The Green Wheels…technology in action! I had to laugh at some point when we were driving to Machiel’s parents and I guess Machiel imagined he was in Kenya and with his foot on accelerator….just then I decided to take a photo from the back seat and the flash caught him unaware…he had been booked for a speeding fine! Imagine how many apologies I made of course amidst laughter!! That kind of technology is what Kenya is dreaming of in Vision 2030. And how can I forget….Bicycles! Bicycles! Bicycles! In my imagination boda bodas (= bicycle taxis) could not be used by anyone apart from the taxi persons. I then understood why there were in Holland 20,000,000 bicycles while the residents were only 16 million…no wonder the floating bicycle parking boats in Amsterdam, and the bicycles having no traffic rules…..

Hats off for both Marc’s and Machiel’s parents for their hospitality… indeed a testimony of how parents can believe in and fully participate in the lives and course of their children. Their own homemade meals and introducing us to the Dutch cuisine will forever be cherished. The walks and drives in Piershil and Ohst were awesome, helping us to unwind and learn. Thanks for the herrings and stampot… and the apple sauce/soup… lekker! The enthusiasm that captured our visits to the harbor, Zeeland’s isles made me aware that the Dutch are prepared to deal with disasters and emergencies.

Visiting the TWCA, Hogeschool, SOS, the World House and Cordaid gave me an idea of how work is carried out in Holland. It was good to link, learn and share with staff in these institutions. Many thanks to Robert (partner Petra) for the tour and experience at the College Hotel in Amsterdam. I appreciated the opportunity to facilitate a session at the University of Amsterdam… and the fact that the students appreciated the practical and realistic approach of Ujima recharged more passion for my work. Interesting to note that while interventions in Kenya are focused on assisting people meet the basic needs of food, shelter, clothes, in Holland the focus is more on the higher needs of social security & self – actualization. The fact that Ujima’s focus on motivation works, has challenged me to think of how best Ujima can influence and have a greater impact on the Kenyan public. As an individual I have since reconnected with my primary school… back to the rural life and really want to empower the girls to look ahead and strive for the best in life!

It was nice to meet and chat with Ujima’s ambassador, the very famous actress Halina Reijn! The DOCters, it was amazing to have the interview at the American Hotel. Looking forward to host you and your crew this coming year!

Marc and Machiel, thanks for believing in us and giving us the chance to smell, touch and taste your homeland. To the outgoing Board Chairman Michiel… thanks for your inspiration and for helping Ujima come this far! My sincere gratitude and appreciation goes to the entire Board in Holland and the volunteers for making sure that our visit was a success and for the wonderful work you are doing. We are in deed proud that you value Ujima! We sincerely hope that your efforts are rewarded and that you continue finding great Fun, Freedom & Fulfillment!

The information day with the donors was special. Enjoyed the opportunity to share on the strides that Ujima has made for 5 years now and acquired ideas on donor language. I have realized that fundraising is based on donors believing in the people behind the programmes, and of course the programmes themselves. My hearty gratitude to all donors who have believed in Ujima. We could not have made it this far! Thanks for investing your time, energy and resources in Ujima. As a result many lives of orphaned youngsters and the siblings under their care have been transformed – an income, access to education and better health care with children growing up in a familial environment! What’s more they are now participating in the society positively!

Robai Naliaka