Alex Haynie, nicknamed “Aliki” by some of his new Strathmore friends, is an associate at Strathmore University Foundation now in Kenya until December on a three-month exchange assignment to further the collaboration of SUF with Strathmore University.  A 2008 graduate of Princeton University from North Wales, PA, Alex is interning with three of Strathmore’s departments: athletics, community outreach, and alumni development. He is keeping a journal of his experiences and impressions.

Habari!  Greetings from Kenya!  I’ve been in Nairobi for eleven days now, and I’m enjoying getting to know

the people and the culture here.  Kenyans are very welcoming, and I’ve been fortunate to have met so many wonderful Strathmoreans who are making my time here a real blessing. It’s been incredible taking everything in that I’ve seen these last few days, and I certainly cannot do justice to what I’m experiencing in words here.  I’m learning a ton.

 

Walking to school every morning reveals to me the striking disparities in wealth here in Kenya, and of course between many people here and those in America.  Each morning I see a Range Rover (and a Mercedes) drive by a man in dirty clothes who heats up ears of corn on some rocks next to a pile of dirt and trash, and I’m confused and troubled.  How can this be?  People living so comfortably next to people scraping by.  Yet of course I cannot blame anyone, as I walk right by the same man who heats up the corn while carrying my laptop in my bag.

 

Strathmore is a beautiful place and runs a lot like a University in America.  Its classrooms, courtyards,

dining halls, offices, chapel and so many other things are first rate, a place where things work well and trust is assured. Strathmore’s campus stands a big cut above the rest of the buildings in the neighborhood, and the people associated with Strathmore here in Kenya are thankful for the great opportunity to be a part of such an excellent institution in Kenya. The great work that Strathmore does, in training entrepreneurs and leaders to help Kenya achieve a better future, and more immediately in what Strathmore does in its committed community outreach program, certainly seem effective investments of the generous donations from the institutions, foundations, and private donors supporting Strathmore’s work here.  So thank you!