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What a Welcome to Africa!

posted on Sunday, July 06, 2008 11:05 PM

I set out without expectations, let me say that firstly. And I think that would be the best possible thing I 'didn't' do!


Lioness

I say this because somehow, the forces of nature seemed to relax with me and release the best of its blessings for practically the entire trip. I won't go into too much of the detail now, but I will mention that things like venue changes, late or no notifications of cancellations, no time to get 'shots' because of very late finalisations and little knowledge of who the profile of the audience would be, did not affect things, in even the smallest way. Somehow again, like I said, it all worked out! And it worked out beautifully.

The people of Kenya are very solid in themselves without being proud or arrogant. They have had their challenges, but they do not come across as if they consider themselves disadvantaged or victims. Indeed I was introduced to a people with an extremely high level of education, who speak eloquently and confidently, and are respectful of themselves and others. There wasn't any 'shifty-eyed' behaviour in my space, just pleasantness. Other people that I met who had come in from nearby parts of the continent, such as from South Africa and Tanzania, were equally respectful. This was very pleasing, as I consider myself best identifying with people that are secure in themselves.

After I gave my talk, which was at the very least controversial, as I was quite openly speaking to policy makers and leaders everywhere to place the creative individual more prominently in their planning and decision making activity, again I didn't expect lots of feedback. It was a new topic, barely one or two people had dared approach the subject of people and their place in politics and economy, and I had pretty much blown the entire system and pronounced it 'failing', as it left health and wellbeing out!

There lies the full surprise: there was a tremendous amount of traffic to speak with me thereafter, and a non-pretentious kind as well, AND representative of BOTH the developed AND the developing world as it is.


Often, the people of Kenya asked directly what was my impression, since they knew that much was said about the post-election violence in the international press and sadly much of it was divergent from the truth. Although there were clearly still issues to be worked out - there were some army searches approaching the airport - I didn't at any point feel really scared. The atmosphere was not of such. I could tell that no-one desired a repeat of these events and especially they all desired that the tourists come back since tourism is a mainstay of their economy. I say to anybody thinking of visiting: go for it!

While I am excited about the overall experience, I must say that it troubled me as it did in Cuba, that the inequities are really so blatant. I stayed on the last day at a hotel quite near the airport [which shall remain nameless...!] that was so lavish I was utterly stunned. Then I was informed that the largest slum in the world could be found about five minutes away on foot... it houses 1 million persons right on a hill... If there needs more evidence of failed economic systems, there we have it...

I would like to thank SACOMA for the opportunity to come to Kenya and to bring my message and Dr. Rebecca Harding of WES for pioneering in the field of Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Economic Development and connecting me as it is, to the event [which I will treat separately]. I continue to make myself available for opportunities to spread the cause of humanity everywhere and I do look forward to returning to the continent in the future. At the very least, the excitement and the energy of the very knowledgeable professionals there, makes it something to look forward to working with.


Beauty in the Eye



Sherrilene M. Collymore

The Human Quality Headquarters

http://www.hq-2.com

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