ALICE MATERE

First let me say that it's not always that you meet people in life and you're never the same again.I Have just completed my internship at Muthaa Foundation and amazingly I had never gone for a single FC2 training (training done on the correct and consistent use of female condoms),so when my boss told me that I was to accompany Esther- Program officer in charge of the FC2 program to a training in Kitale, I was really excited and nervous at the same time.

Now you probably guessed my piece is on  Alice Matere but hold on, I'll get there .As we drove to the airport I was absorbed deep in thought with different expectation and ideas from the local community.The flight was short and terrible, let me just say I'd rather walk than fly (I seriously mean that) .We get to Sikhendu Market,a small village 50 km from Kitale at 3pm and as we alight from the Matatu we are mobbed by a group of youth asking to carry our luggage.Adamantly,we resist as Esther calls Alice,but before  her call goes through a woman with a big smile on a face comes our way smiling and shouts "you must be Esther". They both hug and cuddle like they have known each other for ages even though they have just me."Am Watson"I say as I pass my hand to greet her.She tells us that shes just from attending a G.N.L.D meeting,that just impressed me from the onset,the hunger and desire for information just stuck out for me.

She pulls the suitcase from me but with some resistant as she insists she was ok.As we walk to her house I could not help but notice the stares ,waves and greeting from the villagers.We clearly looked like outsiders but there was a aura of expectation, like they knew we were coming.
Alice lives in a  single bedroom house with her 3 children one who is adopted.Brian-one of her sons a form one student was at hand to welcome us-A wall hanging at her home read 'we are humble not because we have a lot but because we are content and happy with what we have'.

Now while I could go on and on about Alice,my  experience was mainly about the interaction we had,she had this authority that endeared her to the community members not because she was a  community worker, a single mother,a village elder or a social  worker but because she was empowered both socially and economically.Women are the backbone of every society or community and if any change is to be initiated it must start with women.Every society needs an Alice,a champion of change,someone ready to go to every length to make sure that the society is availed with the right information so as to aid its growth and development.

My trip to Kitale was supposed to be about Female Condom but in turned out to be  life changing experience,I met a lady that inspired and motivated me.

I'd like to dedicate this piece to Esther Ngure, for showing concern and guiding me through the 2 day training (I would actually leave my wife to be with Esther..I hope she does not read this ) and of course  thanks to Winnie Chelagat Makena the Communications Manager for allowing me to share my experience with everyone ..I HOPE I did not disappoint.