Six Jasperites return from Kenya with new world vision

Under a sweltering African sun, Jasper teenagers dig alongside Kenyan labourers in hopes of constructing a new high school and medical clinic. Trading English and Swahili phrases, the crews share jokes while mixing concrete for the new building, which when finished in three years time, will eliminate a 50 kilometre walk to the nearest hospital.

Although July is the coolest month in Kenya, the thermostat still pushes above 30 degrees, as the group – volunteers with Free the Children – dig out the foundation of a building that could soon represent health and hope for rural Kenyans. So far removed from the comforts of Canada, elements such as water and health care become precious.

For the six Jasperites, the experience has been life-defining.

Carly Charlebois, Eman Ismaeil, Clara Waxer, Theresa Westhaver, Paula Ermet and Ben Ritter were touched by the happiness and joy of the Kenyan people.

The six Jasperites recently returned from a three week stint in the Masai Mara in southwest Kenya, ready to share their stories of discovery: discovery of a new land and discovery of themselves.

Expecting to be horrified by scenes of extreme poverty, drought and sadness so often broadcast on Sunday morning television, the teenagers found something different.

“You can’t explain it. It was totally life changing. They have so little, but they’re so happy all of the time,” Ritter said.

The entire group was inspired by how little Kenyan people had, but how happy they appeared. They questioned their own concepts of consumption, water usage and food choices, now seeing their decisions through a global lens.

Westhaver recalls her return to a grocery store in Canada, where after spending three weeks in a land with so little, she felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of food.

“I went to the grocery store and just stood looking at the food. I felt guilty, but it’s so hard to explain,” Westhaver said.

“It’s about the choices we make: trying to get into fair trade and organic food. The problems aren’t just from a corrupt government, but because what we are consuming,” Ismaeil said.

The teenagers recount how the trip made them appreciative of what they have, how they appreciated not having to walk 50 kilometres to attend a hospital.

The experience made Waxer feel better about her own employer’s efforts to conserve water. A lifeguard at the pool (whose first aid skills were requested on the trip when a Kenyan worker dislocated his wrist), Waxer is making an effort to conserve more water upon her return.

“We do so much to conserve water, which is good, but we have to do better,” Waxer said.

For Charlebois, a Masai warrior assigned to the group named Felix stands out. A university student capable of speaking six languages, Felix was in charge of keeping the group safe, and served as an inspiration to the Canadians.

“He told stories of killing a lion with a spear as his initiation. He seems older and wiser, even though he’s only a few years older,” Charlebois said.

Charlebois said she went expecting a huge divide between cultures, but was struck by the similarities between the two, and the generosity she felt.

“They have so little, but they’re still willing to give everything they have. It’s something everyone needs to experience.”

Ismaeil was touched by the plight of the women in Kenya, who worked hard all day to raise their families.

“They were up at 5 a.m. To get water, get their kids to school, went back for water... I have a lot of respect for the women, many raising 10 kids by themselves,” Ismaeil said.

She said it’s not pity the Kenyans want, but for the opportunity to change the lives of others.

The group also got to experience a National Park in Africa, where they watched wildebeast walk single file, giraffes, hippopotamuses and other creatures. Westhaver’s father, who works for Parks Canada, had given his daughter a token from Jasper National Park to give to the wardens in Kenya. However after seeing the wardens brandishing AK-47s, the younger Westhaver decided against the exchange.

Each of the teenagers spoke of how they wish to return to Africa one day, and perhaps explore international development. They’re encouraging friends and family to take part in the journey.

“It would be cool for another group of Jasper youths to go and finish the building,” Ritter said.

The group will be holding a talk about their trip on August 24 at 7 p.m. At the Jasper United Church, where they will also be displaying photos from the trip.