Survivor Island

On Sunday, I went with the chairmen of our girls football club, Paul Onudno, to visit Ngodhe Island. One of our girls from the football club lives on this remote island behind Rusinga Island. We took motorbike taxis across the man-made bridge to Rusinga Island and then waited at the beach for about an hour and a half for a boat to take us across. The small, old wooden motor boat left a lot to be desired with numerous leaks allowing water to flood in. We were forced to use buckets to scoop the water out of the boat so that it wouldn't capsize. The journey was only about thirty minutes with some light showers to keep us cool. The island could be the poster island for Survivor except that it is inhabited by about 300 people. It is very green and bushy with three big peaks jetting out of the lake

We were greeted on the beach by Caren (the player) and her family who quickly ushered us in the house to do the official introductions and treat us to a big soda and share some beans and chapatis together. After lunch Caren took us on a short tour of the island and the school where the 70 kids from the island get their education. I am amazed by the challenges these young people face. The nomadic fishermen are quick to offer the young girls money in exchange for sex. A few years ago every single girl except one in the upper primary school had dropped out before reaching the end of 8th grade because of pregnancies. The locals finally brought changes to the school to stop this. They now keep the older students in school at night and they even sleep there five nights a week to keep them away from the beaches and the fishermen. The academic performance has increased dramatically and fewer girls are getting spoilt by the fishermen.

My heart really goes out to these young people. If they can survive and succeed in those kinds of situations, it will require the hand of God. I am happy that our football club is able to keep some of these girls busy with positive activities, develop their talents, encourage them in their decision making and give them a hope for a better future!