“It depends how you define poverty,” answered Ngigi, our local driver. “If it’s not having enough to eat, then no one here lives in poverty. But, if it’s not having opportunity to realize your dreams, many do.” This was a lightbulb moment for MIHS’ PETRI Club members visiting rural Kenya.
There were many lightbulb moments during mid-winter break, when eight MIHS students traveled 9,000 miles to Taita Taveta for a cultural experience that forever changed their perspective on poverty, privilege, and the paradox of similarities in differences. The students are part of PETRI, a club that supports education in Kenya.
This year, PETRI raised $33,000 to scholarship 116 students to 10 secondary schools. MaryMargaret Welch, the club’s founder and advisor, envisioned the trip as, “a unique opportunity for a shared experience between our students and the Kenyan scholars to honor both cultures and bring to fruition the work the students have been doing all year.”
The delegation spent a week with the Kenyan scholars, who each speak at least 3 languages: Swahili, Taitan, and English. They attended class together and collaborated on DNA labs. The student also sewed reusable menstrual pads. Globally known as “period poverty,” Kenyan girls miss 5 days of school each month because disposable products are not available. “I did not realize all the obstacles these girls overcome, from waking up at 4:00 am to walk to school, and after school cooking, cleaning, and studying. Learning about their daily routines took my understanding to a whole different level,” said Aadyaa Singhal. www.seavuria.org.
