Time for Africa

Employees of the Diocese of Essen returned from Kenya and Tanzania
Sandy beaches, safari in the big national parks with fascinating
species-rich animal life, the Kilimanjaro and the great African ditch,
extensive plains and large lakes make Kenya and Tanzania for decades
for many Europeans to be a popular and fascinating destination. So,
but also experienced a very different group of full-time and volunteer
employees of the diocese of Essen, both countries at its fortnightly
meeting learning and travel through the region. For several days, the
thirteen men and women back in Germany. In their luggage they have
many moving impressions - both beautiful and shocking. In the last two
weeks they have had experiences that enrich their lives and they also
commit to action.
Starting point of the trip was two weeks ago in Nairobi, Kenya, the
central city in the heart of East Africa. Here are the participants of
the tour group got an insight into the life of the metropolis. They
met with representatives from politics to know each other and the
church and learned specific projects for young people and residents of
the slums. The second leg of the journey took the group from the
Diocese of Essen to Arusha, Tanzania, before continuing in the small
town of Mbulu, Tanzania went, which lies inland, in the settlement
area of ​​the Masai. Was on the program here including the visit of
projects for children, HIV and AIDS sufferers, for disadvantaged women
and small farmers.
Participants were especially the warmth and friendliness of the
people, pictures of a beautiful African landscape, but also moving
experiences in the slums are social projects in mind. "The stench of
Nairobi's largest garbage is still in our noses. The images of
Slumbesuchs in Nairobi, we have specifically in mind. And our ears
still hear the screams of the girl's genitals are mutilated. Some
impressions can not and do not we just forget. Any / r Individual asks
of us what he can do it or to contribute to change, "says Martin Fey
participants concluded from Oberhausen in the blog of the group
together.

Prepared and carried out in cooperation with the travel MISEREOR and
the children's charity. The children's charity supporting education
projects in Africa in particular. The construction of schools in rural
areas, the funding of school materials, school feeding and the water
supply to schools are among the measures to be financed from Aachen.
Also, projects for children affected by HIV and AIDS as well as mobile
health clinics are an integral part of the project work of the
Children and Missions in Africa. MISEREOR promotes in Kenya and
Tanzania, among other projects, which aim to prevent children from an
escape on the road. The Fund also supports partners who are committed
to ensuring that the living conditions in Nairobi's slums lasting
change and people live together peacefully. (Ms)