Today was day number three of my internship and I still have no idea what I’m actually going to be doing at Sarakasi. I’ve gotten to watch the acrobats and dancers (who are truly amazing) and meet most of the trainers and staff. I worked on creating a donor list- and sending out the monthly newsletters today, but I think this it still part of my “orientation” to the organization. I’m still hoping to go see the program where they bring performers to a local hospital, see some of their community training centers, and see the “Ghetto Radio” run out of Sarakasi. I have to say though, although I’m still kind of floating around in terms of what I’m doing, I’m working with a really great, energetic team of people, and the building itself that we’re working in is amazing. It used to be this old, abandoned cinema that was just renovated within the past year, so there’s a huge stage where practices and performances are held. There is a huge spiral staircase that goes up three stories to where the offices are, and if you go up on the roof, there’s a great view of the city.

Some of the other girls have really cool internships as well. My roommate Justine is working with youth in Kibera, an informal settlement or slum in Nairobi, at the Initiative for Sports and Social Arts, and Sophie, another girl in my apartment is working at Umande Trust, where they’re helping communities to create these bio-toilets, where waste is turned into fuel for local schools. But really- all of the internships that everyone has are super interesting, and very different. Definitely lends to some interesting dinner conversation, and I think we might be able to work together with some of our organizations on certain projects.

I just have to add that as I write this, I am being serenaded by the Imam in the mosque down the street. This is actually a very Indian neighborhood, but it is Ramadan after all. I’m amazed on a nightly basis at how well a voice can carry through closed windows and be heard over the Al Jazeera playing in the background as we do our work. Mornings can be pretty loud too. We have a gorgeous view out of our apartment, but there are some homeless people who occasionally throw rocks at their tin shack before the crack of dawn, and some stray dogs who also don’t hesitate to make their presence known. The rest of the time though, Njema Court is actually surprisingly quiet.

(the picture is not actually from anything related to Sarakasi- but we saw these amazing kid acrobats performing at a street festival the other day)