Joy, Bonding, Unity and Love in Kibera [PHOTOS]

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By Julia Douglas | March 17, 2016

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LOVE AT FAFU: In the school song it says, "Facing the Future, we are one big family." The children at FAFU truly do rely on each other and the staff to get through the challenges they face every day in Kibera. Julia Douglas photo

LOVE at FAFU: The children at FAFU have a genuine love of learning. David Squier and Allison Wolters donated many books to the school's library, and during lunch I noticed John carrying a stack back to his classroom. Julia Douglas photo

BONDING at FAFU: Mary Coleman thought the children were afraid of her when we first arrived at FAFU. We later found out, to them, she was an anomaly, because the average life expectancy in Kibera is 30. Here she is pictured reading to the children. Julia Douglas photo

Joy in Kibera: Bradley and his friends at FAFU were overjoyed learning how to play Bingo. Julia Douglas photo

Joy in Kibera: Allison Wolters taught the children how to make friendship bracelets. The project was a huge success, and the children were happy with their creations. Julia Douglas photo

BONDING AT FAFU: Mary Coleman dancing with the children of FAFU at the closing ceremony. Julia Douglas photo

Unity in Kibera: The staff of FAFU came together with the New Canaan YMCA team to celebrate the future of the school and the work being done to ensure its students have bright futures. Julia Douglas photo

On our last day at FAFU, I look back in amazement at how fast the week has passed. We have learned so much in the short time we have been in Kibera, and I don’t think any of us will forget our time here.

Julia Douglas of the New Canaan YMCA

Each morning, Simeon, the founder and director of the school, shared a word with us, and it was intended to be our motivation for the day. I would now like to share the lessons we have learned during our time at FAFU:

Joy
Bonding
Unity
Love

[Editor’s Note: This week, we are publishing posts from Julia Douglas of the New Canaan YMCA as she writes from Nairobi, Kenya, where she’s volunteering with a team working in the world’s second largest slum, Kibera. Read all of Julia’s posts here.]

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