William H.A. Willbond MSM, CD

WE WALKED THE ROUGH PATHS

We walked the rough paths in the huge African slum
Where the garbage is piled high rotting out in the sun.
The flies and stink wafted, out across the little school:
We sat giving out Izzies whilst sitting on a small stool.

We sang with these wee orphans sitting in their rough seats.
On Saturdays and Sundays they’ve absolutely nothing to eat.
Why are the voted in officials and each of the MPs
Avoiding all of this poverty, can you answer us please?

Kenya is a great country that’s Democratic and free.
People choose their officials and vote in each MP.
Where are the hygiene and sanitation city Engineers?
Listen to these poor people. Please open your ears.

©Copyright February 22, 2011 by William H.A. Willbond MSM, CD

Author’s Note: Written in the Kibera Slum near Nairobi Kenya on 22 February 2011

Some stats from the Stara Peace Woman’s Organization Kibera slum school (across from the swarms of flies and the mountainous garbage pile left stinking and steaming in the hot African sun) – provided by Mariam Abdu and Farida Kamena (Co-ordination of the HIV Mothers):

There are 530 children (students) at the school, and of this number,

70% are orphans.
15% arrived from neglectful parents.
10% are from single parents unable to support their kids.
5% are from the very poorest of the poor

The children are fed a minimum amount at school Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday these children go hungry.