Stories

Oct 19, 2024

Our visit to St. Dominic Savio Catholic Church was organised by their youth leader, Alvin. This visit sparked a lot of inquiry about actionable work among the youth and where to begin, especially in a country where resources seem strained and necessity often outweighs philanthropy in the age of survival. 

Sandra

Oct 16, 2024

My neighbouring school, Powo Primary School, has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. I have always dreamed of giving back to my primary school, and I was very happy to engage and interact with the students there during the MountainFilm Screening. During our recent visit, it was encouraging to share in film, love and support. I was particularly impressed with the teaching staff, and the challenges they face teaching at Powo. I feel indebted to them. I want to return to teach environmental management and life skills as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Article 2.

However, during our time there, we also encountered some sad realities. The pupils we interacted with individually were facing significant challenges. At their young age, some were breadwinners for their siblings, as they were orphans. Others were unable to attend school every day because they had to work on farms to secure a meal. This was heartbreaking for all of us.

These pupils have big dreams and aspirations for their futures, but due to the obstacles they face at home and in school, they struggle to achieve them. Nonetheless, through my work with MountainFilm, I see changes happening and believe that these dreams can be realised.

Winnie

Oct 16, 2024

Powo made me cry. While introducing MountainFilm to the students, I mentioned the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a vital part of our programming, since the Kenyan government has integrated these into the national curriculum to help tackle Vision 2030. We hoped that the students would be able to relate to these goals. We discussed the implementation of the SDGs, and I specifically highlighted SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. I told the kids that the government ensures all students are provided with food.

Later, as the students watched the film, the deputy principal called me aside and explained that we should avoid mentioning food, as it is a sensitive topic in the region. He noted that it was likely some of those children hadn't eaten in over a day and were simply being respectful.

Let that sink in.

Sandra

Oct 14, 2024

Bungoma High School is regarded in the region as a valuable part of the education system. One notable aspect of this school is that their deputy principal, Mr. Toili, has championed theatre arts in the country for many years. Therefore, having them reach out to us for an environmental film collaboration was a novelty of significant proportions.

Witnessing the young men as they made plans to establish an environmental club at the school made me reflect on youthful purpose and the steps we take to ensure that it happens.

Sandra

Oct 14, 2024

Chebukutumi was the first school in the MountainFilm tour. I remember feeling quite anxious as I took the night bus to Bungoma town. Since our Nairobi volunteer pulled out at the last minute, I had to go alone but managed to find a volunteer in Bungoma, a young entrepreneur named Tonac, who has a passion for youth engagement and mentorship. We arrived at the school around 1 PM, in the hinterlands of Sirisia, in a place called Butonge. The school's head, James, was very welcoming; we had a brief chat before meeting the students, a mixed group of Grade 5 and 7 children.

When I say the energy in that room was genuine, I mean it. The kids were incredibly excited, and we engaged in small eco-discussions between the films about their environment and society. The most memorable moment was when they echoed our return call, "Karibu tena MountainFilm." It was such a pure exchange, and I cannot wait to go back there.

Sandra