Iron sharpens iron

Coming from Kenya, I felt that I had little to offer to kids in the US. I was nervous because I knew nothing about the intercity culture, save what I had seen on TV. However, the kids are eager to teach me about their city as they are to learn about my country. They ask questions about the Kenyan system of education, our government, what are the country’s major exports, what are the major problems prevalent there; whether there is injustice. They ask what makes Kenya beautiful. They eagerly sit around me every morning for a new word in Swahili. They are fascinated my accent and try to imitate me.


Recently, the kids asked me if I played basketball at home. While I had played the game- just a little in high school, they were shocked to learn that there was not a single basketball court in my small town. Albert, our Afterschool program director, suggested that we begin a penny drive where kids can bring change and put in a jar.

The enthusiasm is amazing and contagious. They want a competition among the grades. Each grade has their own jar and each day Albert announces the winning class. The kids call it ‘our Kenyan Project’. Every day, they shade the funds’ thermometer a notch higher. So far, with only 3 days into it, we have raised $63.

The penny drive will continue the whole year and hopefully raise $840, the estimated budget to build a basketball court outside my home church. I called my pastor last night and he says the kids back home are so excited about having a basketball court, that they have already formed a team! It is amazing to see how dedicated these Camden kids are. Jorge, one of the kids in my class recently asked me, “Ms Winnie, do kids in your neighborhood have hope? Do you think that the basketball court will give them hope?” ‘’Sure!” I responded. “I am asking because you are here to give us hope and love and so we should also give some in return. People should not just receive, they should also give “And with that he suddenly joined the rest in counting the pennies for the day.

These kids have taught me so much in the few months I have been here. One great lesson is that they have much to give too: from hugs to basket ball courts. Iron sharpens iron.

Winnie Kiunga

International Fellow