Comments for Alixa Sharkey

Comment on Ahadi-It means promise by Scottye

Scottye — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:02:20 +0000

What well-spoken and hard working young men. It is hard to believe that they live and seemingly prosper in such conditions. I know that this has been an incredible summer for you!

Comment on Identification and Registration by Joe K

Joe K — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:34:04 +0000

Bureaucracy always seems to cause nothing but problems, even in rich countries. However, it is worse to see this bureaucracy being used in a way that excludes help from those individuals who truly need it and thus causing the economic situation of a significant population to remain so poor. Many laws and governments seem to miss or forget about taking a realistic approach to many problems and only accomplish a generic policy that benefits a small portion of the population. As often is the case, the type of help that is needed seems more than what can simply be contributed from outside sources. As you said in your previous entry in regards to the fires, “There was nothing we could do to help.” I would imagine this feeling applies in many of the situations that you have been confronted with or are seeing while you are there (especially when hearing the requests for help or dealing with such a corrupted police force). Nevertheless, it is great to see and hear about the work you are doing because it not only makes a great impact on the individuals you work with but also continues to inform the world of such a difficult life that many of us will never encounter or experience. Thank you for taking the time to document the issues you have seen/experienced during your time in Kenya and keep up the good work!

Comment on To protect and to serve, or not so much by Annie

Annie — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:56:40 +0000

Thanks for sharing. Quite a perplexing, but touching end to your tale. An inspiring reminder perhpas that violence doesn’t always have to breed violence. But, how frustrating it must be for the young people you are working with. They truly have a lot of obstacles in front of them. I’m glad you are there to bear witness and in doing so offer solidarity. Thank you for affording that opportunity to us as well. Miss you!

Comment on To protect and to serve, or not so much by Raka

Raka — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:46:08 +0000

wow, alixa, i’m so impressed with all that you’re learning and doing in nairobi! it sounds like the digital storytelling project is really making a difference in the lives of these kids, and it means so much for them to be able to share their experiences in their own voices, and for us to be able to access it and interact with them even from so far across the world. your blog entries also really drive home the major issues that they’re dealing with – it is so upsetting to hear about the police corruption and violence, especially in the face of all else that these students are dealing with on a daily basis.

please keep sharing, and best of luck to you and all the students! i’m looking forward to your next entry!

all the best,
raka

Comment on John, Joseph, and Patrick by Kristina Rosinsky

Kristina Rosinsky — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:08:27 +0000

This is so exciting that you are trying to get some younger youth involved. I can’t wait to hear about the issues from their perspective–especially the 12 year old. I bet hearing about the issues from such a young voice will increase the impact dramatically.

Comment on John, Joseph, and Patrick by Annie

Annie — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:49:29 +0000

Wow, thanks for sharing. Hard to beleive such basic issues are truly at the forefront. Makes me think of that book “Scavengers” that I was obsessed with last year. Should give it to you when we get home, talks a lot about the potential for formalizing the trash picker sector as a means of providing protection from the police and safer working conditions. Columbia is leading the way in this movement. Thank you for sharing with us!

Comment on Digital Storytelling Project by Kristina Rosinsky

Kristina Rosinsky — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:16:54 +0000

This is so exciting!! So glad you were able to get it back up and running even with all the challenges that you face.

Comment on Time to Start by Luna Liu

Luna Liu — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:00:53 +0000

Dude, nice to c u yesterday–Which let me believe Kenya is a small country! Keep great work and c u again in a week!

Comment on Time to Start by iain

iain — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:55:19 +0000

Your initial reaction – or or lack of it – to the poverty of Kibera rings true. Perhaps getting your thoughts down in writing will provide you with an outlet. It seems to have worked for Joseph and Martin. They’ll probably probably give you plenty of homework!

Comment on Time to Start by Scottye

Scottye — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:00:10 +0000

Bless you, Alixa– this will be an overwhelming adventure. Fortunately you did some research before you left, otherwise you would have been as astounded by the poverty as my husband was when we were in India eons ago. Do be careful, but savor every moment.

Mme