Stacee Smith: Youth Conference In Kenya
[Written by Stacee Smith] I never would’ve thought that my involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme since the age of fourteen, would’ve lead to a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend a youth conference in Kenya! From September 2nd to 16th of this year Jovanna Douglas and I were selected as delegates for the International Gold Event (IGE) in beautiful Kenya – along with National Director Tina Nash who was a member of the IGE staff. First held in 1967, the triennial IGE gathers active Gold Award holding volunteers from around the world in an effort to instruct and inspire them to undertake leadership roles within the Award and their communities. It also offers the opportunity for delegates to run for a position on the International Council (IC).
Both Jovanna and I are active volunteers within the programme. In addition to serving as National Award Assessors, I hold the position of Chair of the Communications Committee, whilst Jovanna is an organizer of the recently established BANX (Bermuda Award National eXpedition) initiative and Chair of the Alumni and Friends of The Award Association Committee.
The best word to summarize our experience would be nothing less than ‘INCREDIBLE’. Kenya native and former IC representative for the Africa region Olunga Otieno called IGE 2011 the “third biggest event on the continent after the world cup and the liberation of southern Sudan.”
Students of Empash Primary:
His Excellency Kenyan President Hon. Mwai Kibaki , C.G.H., M.P. was in attendance at the official opening ceremony of the IGE on Tuesday September 6th – which included a soulful performance by the Kenyatta University Choir. He addressed the 92 delegates under a finely decorated tent on the lawn of the Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort (GRVL) in Naivasha: “As young people gathered here you are also citizens of the world. I encourage you to acquire the mind of a global citizen, with a clear world view. This will enable you to easily fit into whatever circumstances that you will come across in your lifetime.” Those inspiring words set the tone for the rest of the event, as it was full of energy and content of the highest quality.
Before arriving at the luxurious GRVL we had spent our initial two days of orientation in Nairobi, where I met my roommate and soon to be close friend Lucky Giirre of Australia. From the capital city the attendees travelled by two IGE-bannered buses to an exotic outdoor adventure camp in Sagana. The foundation of lasting friendships were formed during that period as we slept in tents and bicycled on a variety of terrain through the nearby villages, squealed along whitewater rafting rapids, hiked for miles through the needle-filled shrubbery, cheered each other along the climbing wall and danced the nights away. Oh, and let’s not forget the frequent singing and laughter that occurred whenever time allowed, even while travelling. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that the Swahili song ‘Jambo Bwana’ became the theme of IGE 2011.
Ms Smith with Prince Edward Earl of Wessex after youth forum:
After about three days of outdoor adventure and a five hour journey to the Great Rift Valley we received a heart-warming welcome to the GRVL. Having formed a path for us to walk through, local primary school children generously handed us roses and souvenirs, while adults of the Maasai tribe dressed in vibrant colours and jewelry sang in their language. All of us watched in awe while dampening our faces with the hot cloths, and sipping the sugar-sprinkled glasses of fruity juice that had been given to us upon our arrival. What an incredible honour to have been greeted in such a manner. The word ‘karibu’ – Swahili for welcome – was repeatedly uttered by the locals. We settled into what would be our comfortable home for the rest of the conference: beautiful rustic chalets, villas and cottages spread out along the outskirts of the 18-hole golf course. Our first experience enjoying a buffet meal at the resort that day was simply delicious and we would soon become accustomed to such occurrences, as well as the excellent service given by the friendly dining room staff.
However, we realized that we would need to shift focus slightly. Following our initial briefing in the GRVL conference room – a regular meeting point – we were prepared mentally for a series of IGE staff-run workshops that would be instrumental in furthering the development of the Award. We were to each attend four out of six on policy, governance, fundraising, training, communication and research over the next two days. They provided opportunities to broaden our minds and create a dialogue with one another about the Award in our home countries and globally. The policy workshop for example, stressed the value of having a clear understanding of one’s national youth policy and increasing the level of youth involvement in decision making structures in an effort to not only develop the Award, but each nation.
Ms Smith and the rest of the delegates receive a warm Maasai welcome at the GRVL in Naivasha:
As the workshops began, so did the delegates’ preparations for the four “regional nights” representing the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific (AP) and Europe, Mediterranean and Arab States (EMAS) regions of the Award. Everyone had a blast as we witnessed and joined in on comedic skits, dances, songs, sampled international food and generally gained valuable insight on a variety of cultures. As part of the Americas region Jovanna and I prepared slideshow presentations on Bermuda and shared cans of ginger beer as well as other souvenirs.
The IGE continued to roll along with a safari trip to the savannas of Lake Nakuru National Park where we saw a variety of wildlife, and the delegates also spent two days volunteering at primary schools. Jovanna Douglas went to the Longonot Township Primary School and I assisted at Empash Primary. Both of us not only painted walls and cemented the floors of classrooms but also planted trees. I enjoyed getting to know some of the students at Empash and by the time I left my neck and wrists were adorned with beautiful beads from a few of the girls who I also presented with gifts. In addition, donations of school supplies that the delegates collected from our home countries were presented and greatly appreciated at each location.
For the second and final week of the IGE we were joined by the Trustees of the International Award Association and the staff of the International Secretariat, which is based in London, England. All (including the Duke of Edinburgh’s son Prince Edward – Chair of the IC) attended workshops on various topics that were presented by the delegates during the youth forum, for which everyone wore matching animal-print shirts. The point of the youth forum was to create an opportunity for meaningful discussion between the attendees and the International Council in an effort to establish a strategic plan for the future. I was a member of the Communications workshop whilst Jovanna Douglas took part in the workshop on Environment & Sustainability.
Upon conclusion of the youth forum each delegate pledged to contribute to the Award in a particular manner over the next three years. My pledge is “to use creative methods to spread Award awareness” whilst Jovanna Douglas pledged “to help improve the New Start Project (the Award at the Co-Ed prison facility) from 2011-2014.”
As the unforgettable IGE was coming to a close we enjoyed a bush dinner where we were each given handmade Maasai scarves. There was also an opportunity, if one so dared, to add crocodile and ostrich to the evening meal! The following and final night however, was the concluding ceremony and formal dinner held under a glowing tent on the GRVL lawn – elaborately decorated with the colours of the Kenyan flag one last time. Prince Edward gave a closing speech, as did others in attendance and we were entertained by Kenyan dancers as well as musicians throughout the evening. However, once the food was digested the dance floor quickly became crowded with delegates, staff members and many others present who were eager to make the most of our final moments together.
The IGE 2011 was like a dream that one would want to hold onto and never let go. To be surrounded by so many ambitious and humble young people from virtually every corner of the world was a rare experience that I will forever cherish.
- Stacee Smith
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