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It's hard to believe I'm home already and our trip to Kibera is over.  HUGE thanks to all the staff and leadership who spoke with us and provided information for our research.  Next steps will be analyses of interviews and focus groups, then draft design of an intervention to address asset development in Kibera youth.
A few more pics:

Farewell lunch with CFK staff

Binti Pamoja Young women's empowerment program

Closing meeting with CFK staff

Medical clinic founded by Tabitha and Rye, 2 of the 3 original founders of CFK

A few pictures

CFK Entrance

CFK Staff

Kibera from roof of Tabitha Clinic

Tour of Kibera

Very Productive Day

Had a wonderfully productive day yesterday.  Met with Amon Anderson from the Acumen Fund about potential collaborations.  Then had an excellent meetingwith the chair and faculty of the Dept. of Sociology at Kenyatta University--they are creating a BSW program and engaged in some interesting research on community development and also criminal justice.  Then co-facilitated a rockin' focus group (with Rain, facilitator per excellence) about youth in Kibera and asset development .  Quite a day!

Anna, Gina, and faculty from the Kenyatta Uiversity Dept. of Sociology

First Day in Nairobi and Kibera

Yesterday was my first day in Nairobi and Kibera.  Gina Chowa and I met with representatives from the embassy and USAID to talk about their initiatives and learned a great deal about their focus on youth in Kenya.  Then we went to Kibera.  We were greated by our students and former students Mary, Julie, and Rain, as well as the CFK director and staff.  People were wonderfully welcoming and seem excited about our research.  In the afternoon we got a tour of Kiera and the CFK programs--amazing work on girl/women's empowerment, health, recycling, sports, vocational training.  The location is poorer than anything I've ever seen, with running sewage and tin 10x10 houses. But the people are friendly and wlecoming...and the little kids wave and say "how are you?" in this sweet lilt every time they see a visitor.
Lots to digest.

Today we meet with the Acument Fund, Kenyatta University, and then do our first focus groups.

Here is our UNC Team

First Week in Kibera/Nairobi

I have spent the last week acclimating to life here and getting to know CFK.   All of the staff members have been very welcoming.  I am looking forward to working with them over the next few weeks.  I have spent some time setting up interviews with stakeholders in the community, however we will start the bulk of our work this week.  I am excited about the other group members arriving!  Dr. Chowa came to CFK this morning and it was nice to see a familiar face.  Tomorrow we will spend time learning more about CFK and seeing some of Kibera.  On Wednesday we will dive into interviews and focus groups.
-Mary

Getting ready and plans for our trip

One book I've read recently that gave me some understanding of Kibera and the origins of Carolina for Kibera is It Happened On the Way to War. After finishing it I am really looking forward to seeing the agency and its programs in action. We'll also be meeting with leadership from Kenyatta University Dept. of Sociology and United States International University in Nairobi. Leaving Sunday, landing in Nairobi on Monday. Can't wait!

What exactly are we doing?

Welcome to our trip blog!

Next week our team will begin work at CFK!  Mary Oliver, 2nd year MSW student at UNC, is already in Kibera laying the ground work for our team's arrival.

Check out this great article from the University of North Carolina's School of Social Work about our partnership with Carolina for Kibera and why we are traveling to Kibera....

School of Social Work teams up with Carolina for Kibera to help Africa’s poor

Kibera, Kenya

CFK's office