Welcome to the Marine Mammal and wildlife Research and Community Development Expedition blog where you can keep up to date with all the happenings and information from Kenya

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Experiences of a Kenyan student: Thankyou GVI!

So... let me fill you in on what it's like being on GVI Expedition! Cetacean and Mangrove surveys were some of the most intense learning experiences of my life…..seeing a humpback whale on my own survey leader day was the best moment of truly appreciating one of the biggest mammals on earth; it made me reflect on issues I had previously never even thought about: like why would people whale simply as a result of following a culture?

Through forests surveys in Shimoni Forest I have gained knowledge about the issue of unsustainable use of the forest by logging and deforestation for charcoal… initiatives such as ecotourism are forging a track, involving a local community conservation group in partnership with Kenya Wildlife Service. With this I shall dedicate some of my time and expertise towards marketing the eco tourism group to harness an economic value of their idea and surely bring out the true essence of sustainable development practiced in a local area.



-- A move towards sustainable resource use in the forests is essential --


Satellite Camp at Tsavo connected me with the local community, and was a bridge with the real problems in Kenya…I feel more connected towards making Kenya a better place of living. Among these other experiences, I also took part in First Aid Training: this knowledge will be material long beyond the end of the programme.

Fun and bonding with the people from all over the world in one local area was enjoyable and very interactive. Knowing people socially and building bonds is important…..there is no superior culture I believe, the more we talk, the more we share, the more peaceful and understanding we shall be to each other. “Hakuna Matata in Kenya,” I guess this evident as I felt and knew that Kenya is a peaceful ground or ourselves and Kenyan visitors.



-- Sharing experiences and having fun with new friends! --

The funniest and most ridiculous part of it has been when village kids constantly disturb the GVI volunteers shouting, “Mzungu, Mzungu…. Jambo, what is your name!! What is your father’s name? ”

GVI Kenya has truly been a good teacher to me and the only way of returning that favour is to make the best of the knowledge I have gained to make this country a better part of the world, of course through sustainable means.

GVI Kenya truly gives a purpose of life to Kenyan coastal communities and I appreciate the experience with them…Ahsanteni Sana GVI.
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