Karibu Kenya: SWU leaders at World Social Forum

Genaro Rendon and Willie Stamps are representing SWU at the 7th World Social Forum in Nairobi, Kenya as part of the Grassroots Global Justice delegation. They have been their a week now staying busy visiting communities, making presentations and networking with other organizations. Here are some of their impressions:

It is the early morning on the 3rd day of the WSF. We have the workshop on Military Toxics at 11:30am followed by a large panel on migration at 1:30pm that we are presenting on and finally the Border workshop at 5:30pm. A very full day!

Day 1 at the WSF was an opening marcha and ceremonies. Unfortunately we missed the march due to misinformation. The opening ceremonies were great with many great performers from around Africa.

Day 2 the first day of workshops was hectic. The programs were a hot item and barely got one late yesterday. I ran into many folks that we know from around the world. Many people sends hello's.

The site visit to Korogocho, the 2nd largest slum in Nairobi was very impacting. People live on less than a dollar a day. The population in over 200,000 people living in extreme conditions. Many youth groups have developed in this slum like developing their own schools, sports leagues, recycling programs and cultural activities. Own new friends in Korogocho were great, they have almost nothing, but their spirit and commitment to change is unbreakable. We were welcomed with open hearts and big smiles. This was quiet an experience.

We also visited the daughters of Mumbi in a community outside of Nairobi. The place was beautiful.

The drivers and streets are crazy! You have to be very careful in crossing the streets, plus the cars drive on the opposite side.

We are well and in good spirits.