Runda Feeding Program 20 Nov 2011

This was the last Feeding program at Runda for Interact club this year. We met at java again and the organization of cars was much better as there were more poeple that could give rides to people without a car. Unfortunately when we arrived, the food that was supposed to be delivered had been delayed so we actually questioned if we had come on the right day. it finally came and we could start setting up all the food stations for bread, milk, fruit, cookies etc.

Last time one of te problems was that it was difficult to know exactly how many kids were left, therefore we had been very strict with the children in the beginning of the line and they all got exactly 6 pieces of bread etc. However there was lots of bread left when the line started to run out so the last people could get an entire loaf of bread. We knew this from last time so we aimed for a more equal distribution of food this time.
And just as last time, another difficulty, was of course to say no to the little kids that tried to take a second round and see their disappointment.

Apart from the students of Interact club at ISK there were several people that had donated money that helped us with the activity and we got to know who they were. When everything was done we all said a thank you and hoped to continue these visits to Runda next year, which I look forward to.

International Day - 11th November

Every year ISK has an International Day which highlights the diversity of the school and we celebrate all nations. There is food from all countries and parents and friends are invited to watch the parade of students dressed in colors of their nation. This year I assisted both at the Artsco stand where one could pay to throw darts at paint-filled balloons and win eaither a lollipop or the jackpot; a gold fish.
Once the kids knew that it was possible to win a gold fish the line became very long and some kids played probably 8 times in a row! This was a good activity for practicing organization and interaction with younger people. We had to make sure the kids didn't get too impatient or sad if they didn't win so it was a good thing that we had plenty of lollipos to give to the ones who played lots of times without winning anything. The money collected went to Artsco and by the end of the day, even with many costumers, there was only a small profit considering the money spent on preparation of balloons and paint etc.  still consider it a successful activity since many people seems to enjoy it and we got to meet new people and also take care of those that you actually don't really like, which is a skill i must say.

 

Apart from the dart throwing table I assisted briefly at the Interact table where there was a raffle. In before hand all members of Interact club had been asked to donate potential prizes and there was everything from chocolate to candles, wines and clothes. Then the person who wanted to have the possibility to win would pay 200 ksh and pick a raffle from a bag. The chances of winning were one out of three but still there were of course some unlucky people who go very frustrated. Both Artsco and Interact made be develop my team working skills and communication as well as organisation.

Horse Riding

This past weekend i went to Karen to ride again. It is a new place to me, with new people and horses, to which I was introduced a couple of weeks ago. Since then I have been coming there, mostly on weekends, to ride the polo horses. Apart from exercise in the forest I have also got advise from several good polo players. It is a sport that I have earlier never understood nor appreciated. However this new style of riding is quite fascinating and also the horses are different and should e ridden in another way than what i am used to.

By starting to ride I hoped to gain further insight into this part of the horse world, learn new ways of controlling and enjoying time of horse back. Frankly I have got a lot more than that in return. Most of all I have had the possibility to not only develop my skill as a rider but also my confidence and leadership. Especially when riding in the forest all paces should be taken into consideration. A polo horse must be able to accelerate fast and then stop in a second without hesitation. This quick response of the horse is quite new and has made me try different speeds that I would never have dared to reach on other horses. But for this to work and the horse to listen is important, as the groom and experienced rider Abraham tells me, that the rider is absolute in what he wants and only after that the horse will trust the rider and  a good relationship can be established. Additionally I have taken the leader position of the group and this demands to look ahead and decide what way and pace is appropriate for the rest of the group as well as make others aware of possible obstacles.

By continuing the horses horses and myself I will hopefully learn even more about the game of Polo and that no one can be an expert the first time (I have a tendency to get frustrated when I have little knowledge in a certain area). I will of course also continue riding at my other stable and practice jumping and dressage so as not to forget that.