Tembo Interviews

We had a very full first day.  Terry and I took a boda boda through town to meet Rod and Patricia at the Virtues Centre where Tembo is interviewing for scholarships for vocational training.  This is the final step for twenty people, who have been vetted by the Tembo Kenyan advisory committee, to apply for a scholarship for vocational training of their choice.

I was so impressed -- Tembo really knows what they are doing.  Applicants hear through word of mouth (usually through the advisory committee -- for full info on Tembo Kenya, visit http://tembokenya.org/ ) that there is an opportunity for a training scholarship.  They choose the school and program that they want to attend and submit an application letter stating their need, what program they want to take, and how it will help them.  Applicants are shortlisted and invited to interview.

Applicants waiting for an interview at Virtues Centre (Tembo)

It is important to note that some of these people may have to walk three hours or more for the chance if they can't manage the fare.  Some will come the night before and sleep outside so they are not late.  Of the twenty who were invited, all of them showed up -- which is a big deal in Kenya.  In Canada, of course you would show up for an interview for a scholarship, but there are obstacles here that we just wouldn't think of.  Having a dollar or even 50 cents for the bus for one thing.

The interviews were held by the Kenyans to help put the applicants at ease and also for the language barrier.  English and Swahili are the official languages and taught in school, but in the rural areas village languages are spoken (this region is home to Luiya people).  Applicants are selected based on Need and Potential, Number of years out of school, Number of dependents, and how they interview (confidence, enthusiasm, etc.).  Tembos mandate is to put food on the table, so priority is given to those who are the primary bread winners.  The Kenyans on the advisory committee interview and make recommendations, but it is the Canadians who make the final decisions.  This is to follow CRA rules as well as to relieve pressure on the Kenyans.  They can say honestly to their friends, "It is not up to me."

Tembo Interviews

Of the twenty who applied, only two were not selected.  Patricia had received a negative report about one young man, and one girl was just out of form 4 (grade 12) and had not yet received her results.  The committee felt that "it would be wrong for us to mentor"... and they would be limiting her by setting her on a path of tailoring when she may have greater potential once her results are in to be called to a university.

Eleven young men (aged 23 to 36) will go to driving school (about $100 for a commercial license), one for carpentry, and one for computer training.  Two women have selected motor vehicle technology, three for tailoring, and one for computer secretarial.  Some of the comments from the interviewers were:

"Looks successful and determined."


"Looks very determined.  This one was a house girl for a year trying to raise funds for school.  She is widowed raising three children."


"Worthy to be sponsored."

Debrief after Interviews

 
I also want to mention that Tembo only has one paid employee.  Mary is the office assistant and works very hard for very little pay.  She is a great asset and Tembo couldn't get on without her.  All of the others on the advisory board are volunteers.  This is extremely rare in Kenya, as most charge a sitting fee -- something we are faced with with our friends at KASFOOC.  After the interviews (four hours), we all went to the Sports Club for lunch.

We had lots of time to chat and laugh as we waited for our meal (it took 25 minutes for Terry to get his coffee)... the toasted chicken sandwich and chips were a least another half hour or more.

One story that came out over lunch...  Caroline's fiancee (they have been together 6 years, waiting for enough money for a bride price and wedding) completed university last year at the top of his class with a degree in Education.  He accepted a teaching position for 10,000 Ksh/month (about $100).  Salaries are paid at the end of each month.  On payday, he was given 2,000 Ksh and promised that the rest would be forthcoming.  At the end of the next month he simply was not paid.  He is now looking for another position.  Given his marks, he should be called to a government university soon.  Teachers are talking about striking again.

Another story...  Our friend discovered some time ago that she had a lump in her breast.  She went to one hospital that wanted to operate immediately.  She did not have the money, so went to another hospital where they told her the same thing.  A friend directed her to another doctor who gave her some medicine and within three days the lumps were gone.  Surgeries are big business :o(.  She feels lucky to have met this doctor and has another consultation this week.  She is not sure how she will pay the consultation fee (500 Ksh... about $5).