I found it hard to answer people’s questions about my determination to go to Africa (in particular to Kenya) and do volunteer work there. First of all, it was my dream to see the African continent since an early age and, secondly, it might be due to my nature that demanded new things, edgy and extreme life and, thirdly, my disbelief in mass media and how people picture real situations that take place in Africa in our country. Reading papers and skimming through various websites I got shocked and even petrified what I saw there as our papers and national television I would say is a bit misleading what concerns real facts and valid information but, thanks to WORLD WIDE WEB, people (including me) have got a chance to uncover the truth. Since that time I thought about setting off on a journey to Kenya as well as hard work there. So the priority was given to “Out of Africa” but speaking candidly I did it randomly but now I have no regrets at all as this organization is worth trusting and believing. But then it appeared a bit terrifying for me because I live in Russia and people don’t have much experience in taking risks and covering long distances let alone doing volunteer work overseas. My relatives and friends tried to destroy all my good intentions and hopes I raised at that time but being a “free spirit” I tried to concentrate on filling in the forms and preparing myself to go to Kenya. Honestly, I didn’t feel anything but maybe it’s because I’m not a person who is used to showing off my emotions especially in the public eye but I think I was seized up with a blend of different emotions: excitement, happiness, horror and anticipation.

So welled up with them I arrived in Kenya and a new stage of my life began completely different from my routine life and aimed at getting used to being one of many other people here in Kenya although as I reckon you’ll never manage that and remain an alien for all of them (local people) and not only the colour of your skin matters here but many other subtle factors – rhythm of life, different code of living, pace, customs and traditions, public and tribal rules and morals etc But initially I came here with another mission which was to contribute as much as possible in terms of teaching skills, keeping children busy, making their lives a bit more colourful and vivid even if it’s only for my short period of staying here (only two months). I’ve been staying here for a month so far and gained so valuable experience here as well as true knowledge about real life in eastern Africa. I’ve been involved in teaching in Githunguri Primary School, on Thursdays I spend some time in a day care center and at weekends I usually devote my time to “former” street children in a local rehabilitation centre. From the beginning I knew point – blank I wouldn’t change a lot as you’re alone but those who need help (both financial and psychological) they are millions and the first thing you need to learn to try to stay calm, cool and collected, otherwise, you’ll get definitely a nervous breakdown as extremely hard to bear the burden being a white person “with money” in others eyes and realizing that you were so lucky being born and raised in a complete family and given a chance to move ahead but, on the other hand, once putting yourself in their shoes you realize you would do the same thing (mourning at life, complaining and begging for help etc) to survive at least.

But everything’s not so bad for Kenya in the whole because despite poverty, desperation and “dead-end”-ness, Kenyans are truly gorgeous – you feel at ease and at home the very minute you get in their homes, meet them in the streets and doing the shopping. You feel their gratefulness and hospitability and that the thing that warms your heart and appreciate a lot. Living in a country where people are turning into cool, indifferent and unsympathetic human beings you feel relieved here just smiling without any reason to that, beaming when you see children’s faces while coming across them on the streets. It’s so hard not to give feedback, not to smile back or start laughing and really God bless this country where you feel total freedom, the country where you don’t think about prejudice against you as much as you do in your country.
As for me, I’m really grateful to my parents who support me in my time of need and understanding in time when I intensely felt that I should do it now or never, to myself (because I now see Africa not through rose - coloured spectacles), to Julie who was patient enough while I applied to an organization and had some obstacles on my way, to the whole organization that “contains” beautiful people, both outwardly and inwardly, who accept me as a member of their “family” and to the country and people that showed me a lot, opened a window on to a new Africa to me and taught me a lot.

And this article is like a drop in the ocean I intended to say here to future volunteers who might now be in two minds – you should have the guts and just do it because it’s experience, a lesson for the rest of your life that will teach you how lucky you are when everything was made for your well – being and development and you’re used to taking it for granted. Here I must put a full stop but anyone feel free to contact me not only to enquire but tell your story, share your thoughts and just chat. chepaitite@front.ru