Matt Andrew

Photoshop Projects

2010-05-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Summing it up

2009-08-09T19:30:00.001-07:00

Spending 6 weeks in a rural community in Kenya with no running water or electricity is physically and emotionally demanding. Nevertheless it is an extraordinary learning experience that helps to provide unparalleled knowledge and insight into the development world. From June 27th 2009 until August 4th 2009, I spent my time in Kayafungo, Kenya on a Global Development Internship with the organization Student Movement for Real Change. Throughout my time, I worked extensively with local community members and officials in monitoring and evaluating past implemented projects as well as working to develop future sustainable projects.

In the time that I spent in Kayafungo, I was able to get a better understanding of what projects work or don't work, and why this may happen. I saw success, and I saw failure. I saw solutions, while also seeing more problems. Its difficult creating development in an area that is stricken with problems in a multitude of areas. Not only do the people live with limited to no income, but geographically, the area is stricken with limited resources which further hinders development amongst the community.

A major problem in the area is access to clean water. Water is vital to all life and without it, it is near impossible for development to occur. The people in Kayafungo get their water from watering dams that are usually dug by the community. Unfortunately the water is stagnate, and full of parasites and water-borne diseases. Women will walk anywhere from 1 hour to 3 or 4 hours in the dry season to fetch water. As a result women will spend most of their day fetching water, while children will leave school to help their mothers get the water. All of this hinders education for children and future personal development for the women.

In addition there is a lack of schools and classrooms for children in nursery, primary and secondary schools. I spent time at a secondary school that was recently built with the help of Student Movement for Real Change. The school is Mwijo Secondary school and is the only other public secondary school in the area besides Ngalla Secondary school about 5 km down the road. The problem is the school only has 1 classroom for 75 students. Currently the school has 11 primary schools that feed into it. As a result at the end of each academic year they expect about an addition 120 students that could possibly attend Mwijo, however with only 1 classroom they cannot accommodate for the large influx of students. In turn, many children might not attend secondary school because they cannot afford another one, or live too far away to walk. Secondary school has proven to provide opportunity for children to live successful lives further creating development in the community and in their personal lives. If there are no classrooms, then there won't be that opportunity. I worked with the Board of Governors, as well as the headteacher and headmaster in helping to create a timeline that will allow them to fundraise money for additional classrooms. Most of the students at Mwijo Secondary school would not be attending any secondary school if it had not been built. This goes to show the power of education and the will to learn in this area of Kenya. We need to help this community in getting additional classrooms so that children have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.

With education being such a vital aspect of development and opportunity for the people of Kayafungo, Kenya, it is the hope that the changeIT project will work in this area of the world in the near future. In helping to provide classrooms for schools in Kayafungo, the changeIT project would not only be constructing a physical structure that would help facilitate development, but it would be creating the opportunity for success and helping to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of countless motivated children.

Safari Animal List

2009-07-28T05:54:00.000-07:00

List of animals I saw on the Safari this past weekend at Tsavo West National Park:

Giraffe: Reticulated and Masai
Elephant: packs of 13
Impala
Jackal
Hippo: group of 11 plus one walking around the compound where we were staying
Dik-Dik
Elon
Ostrich
Kudu
Crocodile
Buffalo
Warthog (Pumba)
Zebra
Baboon
Monkeys
Wildabeast
An Array of Birds
Cheetah!!!
(plus more that I forgot)

In Need of a Burn Unit

2009-07-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

One of the most difficult point on this trip for me was witnessing 2 year old Steven Kalama getting treated for the 3rd degree burn that covered his elbow. He feel into the fire his mother kept going to cook for while he was playing. Seeing the tears run down his face as the doctor cleaned the burn with a cotton ball and antiseptic medicine is something that I will never forget. I couldn't imagine the pain this poor boy was going through, just because of an accident that could have been easily prevented. I found myself asking and wondering what I can do to help these poor children.

The next day I heard another child, age 3, came in with her whole arm burned with a 3rd degree burn. This can become a state of life or death for these kids. If they dont get the proper treatment, death can become an easy possibility and unfortunate reality. The past year 4 people have died due to burns. 3 children and 1 woman. Could this have been prevented if they recieved the correct treatment; its very possible.

Moreen at the dispensary is working on setting up a private clinic in Kayafungo. This is where I need to try and help set up some sort of burn unit for these people. I just need to help raise the money to help pay for the medical supplies. This needs to happen. Children CANNOT be dieing from burns that could be treated. Its time to changeIT

Defining a "classroom"

2009-07-28T05:38:00.000-07:00

In the US a classroom can be described as a room where students learn that consists of desks, books, a chalkboard, as well as other learning materials. Here in some parts of Kenya, the standards and description isn't always the same.

We traveled to a nursery school where SMRC had built some latrines for the school. Upon arriving I noticed children, which is normal for a school/ classroom. I also noticed some educators, which is normal for a school/ classroom. Then I noticed the structure the children were learning in: a thatch roof with one mud wall that was falling apart and a broken chalkboard: that is not normal, never mind anywhere near acceptable. The children of course appeared to be happy, but what type of education can they be getting? The simple weather challenges must create difficulty, not to mention they have no seats, desks or proper learning materials.

When I asked why the community didnt try and help rebuilt the school I was told because they dont have the money. When I asked why the government doesnt help, I was told they dont car enough.

These children have been learning in this environment for at least 2 years. This is something that NEEDS to be changed. Children should and will not learn like this. To help demonstrate how little they have, I brought an old water jug with me and gave it to one of the teachers. After taking it she said to me, "May God bless you". It was so powerful to see how grateful she wasx for that water jug. I cant imagine what she wuld think if she had a new classroom: changeIT.

Language is Local, A Smile is Global

2009-07-28T04:57:00.000-07:00

Each day I am faced with a language barrier that is often times very hard to break. Swahili is one of the main languages in Kenya, however in our small village of Gotani, Kayafungo they also speak Giriama. Attempting to learn both in a 5 week period is very difficult and often times frustrating. So far I have learned the basic greetings, hello's, goodbye's, how are you's and what is your name. Its fun being able to communicate on a basic level, however I continually get disappointed when I am sitting, playing with the kids while they are trying to speak to me. The only thing I can do to respond is put on a pathetic looking face and either shrug or say "sisemi Swahili" which means "I don't understand Swahili".

In Nicaragua I can at least create a broken sentence and hold somewhat of a conversation. Here in Kenya Swahili and Giriama have no words that are similar to English so it is near impossible to even try and create or fake a sentence. Not to mention every word and name seems to begin with the letter M, K, or G.

Nevertheless I cant complain too much because the challenge of communicating can sometimes be the fun part, and it is always exciting when I finally make a connection with the people.

After being here for about 4 weeks and learning a little Swahili and Giriama and being able to communicate on a minimal level, I have noticed how far the power of a simple smile can go. Language is local, but a smile is universally global. No matter what type of emotions I am feeling throughout the day; whether it be happy, sad, depressed or angry, I always get a smile when I see the boys in the village running to see with, grinning from ear to ear. I have discovered a smile is not effected by money, race, language or ethnicity.

Even though I live in America and speak English, day in and day out I have the same smile as the children who live in developing Kayafungo, Kenya speaking Swahili. The fact of knowing I was able to make somebody smile goes to show the power of such a small action. I make an attempt to make somebody different smile each day. Even if it only lasts a few seconds, the fact of knowing their day was a little brighter because of me is priceless.

As we drive down the bumpy road in the uncomfortable Matatu, I see many people blankly staring at the group of "Mazungos" (white people) bouncing down the road; however when I wave to them I see that blank stare turn into a smile and get a wave back. It was a small connection, but it made a big difference not only in their emotions, but maybe even their impression of Westerners. The smile, wave, and quick grin of the cheeks can form a lasting connection.

It's priceless seeing the smiles of women who you helped get water or give a ride down the road. A small smile provides proof that a simple gesture goes a long way...not matter where in the world you are.

Gravedigger

2009-07-16T01:34:00.000-07:00

A few days ago an old lady died. The community has been at the home visiting the body, mourning her death. We went and visited the home so experience the traditions of Giriama funerals. When we got there, we were taken to the place where they were going to bury her. There were men digging the burial grave, all taking turns so they dont get overly tired. I decided I wanted to help, so I offered to help dig. They were more than welcoming for me to jump in and start digging away at the hole that was already about 5 feet deep. I first had to take my shoes off. I then jumped in the hole and used a hoe to chop up the dirt. Everyone was starring at me, but I didnt really mind. I only did it for about 5-10 minutes but I still got a blister on my hand!

When I was done they had me wash off my feet and legs explaining that it was a cultural ideal. I dont no if they have ever had a foreigner help dig a grave before me. If they have I am sure they havent had many. Afterwards I had to give a donation for the family. They said it was out of respect for the family. They wanted 400ksh, but I only had 60ksh so I just gave them what I had.

What does it mean to live or survive?

2009-07-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

We recently took a trip to a dam/watering hole that SMRC started for the community. We drove most of the way along the rocky dirt road, but decided to walk 2-3 km the rest of the way to the dam.

Along the way I saw a lady up ahead walking without shoes on, carrying something over her head. When we caught up with her I learned that she walked all the way to Mariakani to buy flour. Mariakani is about 15 km away. It was incredible that this woman walked hours one way just to get that flour; and barefoot on top of that.

Now what is the definition of living and surviving? Are these people really living their lives or simply making ends meet in order to do it all over again the next day?

American society, for the most part, allows us to live. We have the luxury of doing fun things like vacations, while also getting a great education and becoming successful in a profession. We are able to have "toys" like big cars, iPods, Blackberrys, HDTVs, and laptops...all accessories that allow us to enjoy life, and have fun living.

Do they have that here? It is often said that ignorance is bliss, but in reality what are they surviving for? Do they want to survive to achieve more? Is it just too hard? The lady who walked to Mariakani for flour...what is she surviving for? Family? Children? About every two days she will walk a couple hours, just to get the most basic food to survive and get to the next day so they can do it all over again? And this is not an exception; most people are in the same situation living in mud huts, walking hours to fetch dirty water every morning and simply working to feed their children and themselves. Some dont have enough money to buy toilet paper or foot apparel; two things Americans cannot live without. Now that sounds like surviving to me.

The funny thing is, it happened by chance for almost all of these people. They were born here, in Gotani, Kayafungo Kenya in a developing nation living in mud huts while I was born in Naugatuck, CT USA living and growing up in a life that I have been have to fully live. Why? Chance? It just happens?

This is why I have a moral obligation to help people in the developing world in anyway that I can. If I were in their position, I would hope for the same. It do this because last night, as I lay in a mud hut with my headlight on in the middle of Kayafungo Kenya I had an excess of hosptiality all around me. Today I woke up at 6am to help farm with the family. I am exicited and thrilled to be here.

Kenya Update 2

2009-07-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

So much seems to happen everyday that I do not know where to begin giving updates. Each day brings a new experience and a new challenge. I have been doing a lot of evaluation on schools and the community. Currently I am working on evaluating a secondary school (high school) that was built this past February. The school has one room, for 75 students and 4 teachers; 3 who are employed with donations from parents and 1 by the government. The students range in age from 14-20. It costs a student 6000ksh per year which equals $75. They do not have government funding yet so it is a real challenge getting books and supplies for the students. Today I met with the BOG (board of governors) to discuss ways they can, as a community, help sustain and improve the the school in the future. We talked about fundraising, however with much of the community living on less then $1 a day, they are struggling to keep themselves alive. Everything here is a challenge. There never seems to be a direct answer and there is always a problem that we encounter.

They applied for government funding and hope to get some money this fall, but even so, it is not enough money for 1 student to get 1 text book. Each student needs about 8-11 textbooks. The BOG have a goal of getting 3 classrooms for each age level. It is a sure challenge for them.

While speaking with 5 students today, I asked them questions about themselves as well as the school. It was very informative and great information, however I found out that 4 out of the 5 have no parents. They live with relatives, who often have a hard time supporting themselves. One boy told me that he dropped out of a different high school because he had no money, but was able to go come to this school because it was cheaper and closer. As it is he walks an hour and a half one way to the school each day. Many of the students were in the same situation. If this classroom had not been built, they would not be in school.

Education is extremely powerful and absolutely essential.

Community Details 2

2009-07-10T00:17:00.000-07:00

Maize Planting:
-Farmer will get about 50 ksh for 90 kg bag of corn
- 1 acre will produce 20-30 bags = $6-$8 per acre of profit.

Shoes:
- I think about 90% of people in the village walk barefoot
- 1 pair of shoes costs between 1,000ksh- 2,000ksh = $12-$18

Community Details

2009-07-10T00:13:00.000-07:00

To go to school:

6,000-12,000 ksh per year or $75 per year (8 months) = $9.50 per month

Private University
400,000 ksh per year = $5,000 per semester

Dispensary
-People will walk up to 15 km or 3-4 hours one way to get aid
-They will then wait up to 3 hours for a nurse
- Its closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Watering Hole
-For 5,000 people
-Can see about 2-3 inches into the water
-Just for drinking

Defining a Problem

2009-07-02T23:23:00.000-07:00

What is a problem? How difficult or easy is it to resolve? Why did it happen? Who is it affecting? How can it be fixed?

There are problems all around the world. As I travel, I just end up seeing more problems and getting more frustrated. Why does it happen, how can I fix it?

On the streets there are children everywhere begging for food or money. It's hard not to feel bad, but generally they bring back the money or food to their parents because that's what they are taught. Thats a problem.

As we walked back from dinner the other night there were a few mothers and children on the side of the street. Most of the children were coming up to us begging for money, however there was one child who didn't come up....that's because they were about 3 years old. Nevertheless they still had their hand out........ Thats a problem.

This child who first of all should not be on the street, should not be taught to beg from people. They dont even know what they are doing, or why yet thats how they will live their life............ Thats a problem.

They cannot be dependent on other people, they need to be self sustaining when they grow older. Its terrible that the only thing that child knows is to bed and depend on donations from others.

Thats a problem!

Mombasa Time

2009-07-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

We got to Mombasa last night. Nice quick 45 min plane ride that I dont really remember because I slept the whole time. Mombasa is a very pretty city when you go to the ocean. Its pretty much organized chaos on the streets just like Nairobi, however we have this great Rasta guy that Saul and Vanessa know from previous trips who just takes us everywhere. His name is Madi, and hes one of the coolest people I have met. He live on the deserted island that we will be visiting in a couple of weeks. Hes also a fisherman, so I told him that I wanted to go fishing with him in his canoe in the Indian Ocean. Its going to be an awesome experience.

This morning we woke up at 5 am to see the sunrise, however being tourists and not knowing better, the sun doesnt rise until about 6:15, plus it got cloudy on us, so we didnt get to see it. We might try again tomorrow.

After breakfast we had some training, then we shopping all around Mombasa with Madi. The shops are amazing. Just these little shops in small ally ways, that you go to an bargain until you cant bargain anymore. I got some really great gifts, but I think I have to keep it secret for now.

changeIT!

-Matt-

UN Visit

2009-06-29T03:36:00.000-07:00

Today we got to visit the UN in the capital. Its the largest UN in all of Africa. We met with some representatives of UNICEF who talked about developments in water and sanitation. They have been working to provide latrines and handwashing stations to villages in Kenya. 1.5 million children died each year from diarehha. Thats something that needs to be changed and that can be prevented. changeIT!

Kenya Day 1: Flight

2009-06-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a long day of traveling. 6 hour drive to D.C., 7 hour flight to London, 4 hour layover, plus another 8 hour flight to Nairobi, Kenya. It was long and tiring, but it gave all the students a great chance to meet and bond with each other. We have a great group that is going to do some amazing work here in Kenya. Right now I am at a hotel eating breakfast. Today we have meetings with UNICIF about projects that they want to do as well as projects that we want to do. Its going tobe an interesting day. Tomorrow we have a flight to Mombasa, a major city on the Indian Ocean. I cannot wait for my first day in Kenya!

Article from the newspaper

2009-06-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Republican American Article

2009-06-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

Borough man needs help to give help in Kenya

BY PAUL SINGLEY

REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

NAUGATUCK — Like most Americans, Matt Andrew used to take for granted everyday needs like clean drinking water and a roof over his head.

But recent volunteer trips to Nicaragua and Guatemala — where many people lived without those and other necessities — helped him realize how lucky he is.

“Those trips kind of put life into perspective,” said Andrew, a 21-year-old borough resident and Quinnipiac University student. “After that, I think I kind of felt a moral obligation to make a change in the world.”

That is what Andrew will attempt to do this summer when he spends six weeks working to improve life for people in Kenya, in east Africa. Andrew, who will be a senior in Quinnipiac’s School of Communications this fall, has been selected to participate in the Student Movement for Real Change internship. The program, based in Washington, D.C., is an international nonprofit organization that works to empower young leaders in the global effort to stop poverty.

Andrew, editor-in-chief of the Quad News online student newspaper, was one of only 10 students chosen for the internship out of hundreds of applications from 40 universities nationally. The students will leave for Kenya on June 27. Andrew is no stranger to humanitarian efforts. In his trips to Nicaragua and Guatemala, he helped residents build classrooms for children. This summer, he will spend time working directly with Kenyan people to help resolve a lack of clean drinking water problem.

Along with the other interns, Andrew will work with the community to construct a dam to provide cleaner water, 14 latrines to provide safe and hygienic disposal of human waste and hand-washing solutions. The interns will also give hygiene training workshops to the community, and they plan to build a schoolhouse for primary-and-secondary- level education. Andrew will stay with a host family during his visit and will spend most of his time in the town of Kayafungo.

Andrew must raise $5,500 to participate in the internship. So far, he has raised about $2,500.

For information about the Student Movement for Real Change, or to help Andrew’s fundraising effort, log on to www.mattandrew. com. The site has a link for people to donate.

Starting Out

2009-05-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Kenya in less than a month