AjabuAfrica.com
Worcester, MA
01/21/2001
It was Mahatma Gandhi, India's political and spiritual leader who said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." So just what is it, that compels change in any society? Often times it takes someone candid enough to speak the truth, uncomfortable enough to perpetuate the status quo, and resilient enough to stay the course even when no one else tarries with them. It takes courage to overcome life-sized obstacles, a passion for truth and the hope that we can make a difference. It takes a Visionary. And that is what a group of Kenyans in Worcester MA, fed up with the socio-economic problems afflicting Kenyans in the USA have done. They have become Visionaries.

The group, aptly named "Kenya Community Empowerment Assoctiation," have begun a series of frequent weekend meetings to discuss a wide range of issues plaguing the Kenyan community. Alcoholism, tardiness, domestic and marital problems, utter ignorance of the massive investment opportunities in America, their children’s future education, available educational opportunities such as scholarships, their own retirement needs and  are some of the concerns raised. It was during one such recent meeting with about two dozen Kenyans in attendance that the attendees also decried the problems of information dissemination in the community. “Some church pastors sleep on some important community advancement information that they don’t want to announce for fear of getting outdone by others in the community.” said one lady attendee. "This is really not good for practicing Christians”, she added.

Mr Fidelis Gacheru, the man who founded the association

Although the group has only held a few meetings to-date, there has been an increase in attendance among the Kenyans in the community which makes for a good beginning to what may very well be the initial stages of restoring our community's downward spiral. “It’s getting better and better with every meeting, last time 18 people showed up. Today, we are close to thirty." said Fidelis Gacheru.  Mrs. Gacheru together with her husband Mr. Gacheru are the pioneers of these meetings. "The more people show up, the better for us all, since we will have a better handle on addressing our community issues head on," Mr. Gacheru reiterated.

The attendees also learnt that an outrageous number of Kenyans have lost their homes recently due to the sub prime mortgage market collapse in America and that many others are currently faced with foreclosure. "All this could have been avoided if the community took a step of educating itself on the right ways to purchase homes,” said Ben Kamiri of Doubles Building Society. A noteworthy observation of how the Kenyan community cannot escape the pilferage that the rest of the society is experiencing but must find a way to deal and or cope with these societal evils.

As with many other similar organizations the group needs to garner the support and presence of more younger members of the Kenyan Society as this will not only dispel the notion that the youth are indifferent but lend credence to the fact that it will take all and sundry and that change is imperative.

Kenyans discuss their Community issues

Ms Karen Githinji, a 23 year old Senior Billing analyst with Beth Israel Deconness Medical Center in Boston is one such youth who was in attendance. She traveled about 60 miles from Boston for the event. "I hope you a find a way to invite more young Kenyans to attend these meetings” said Ms Githinji ,  “I will try not to miss one. You get to learn a lot here."

Just as it had began, the meeting closed with prayers, followed by a tasty traditional dinner boasting Kenya's chapati, githeri, samosa, roasted goat meat, tea and other beverages. Others revered in watching the New England Patriots Football game on a wide screen TV.
A notable exception from this meeting unlike other Kenyan meetings was the absence of alcohol at this event, which helped emphasize the credibility and seriousness needed to tackle these perennial community snags.

Stay logged on to AjabuAfrica for information on the next meeting.

Below are more pictures from the meeting