Ellen Daniels-Howell, Executive Director of Global Interfaith Partnership

The last couple of days have been a time simply to listen. First, I visited 5 secondary schools to listen to the Head Teachers talk about the problems girls encounter trying to complete their secondary education. Most schools start their lessons by 6:15 in the morning and don’t dismiss until 12 hours later. The long hours, compounded by the long distances walked from home to school, mean that girls are walking in the dark, risking their safety every day. I listened, while the school administrators expressed their concern for these young girls and their hope that Umoja will find a way to allow more of the girls to enroll in boarding schools, although it is a much more expensive option than day school.

Then, a meeting with 9 young people who have their secondary school certificates but have not been able to continue school or find regular employment. I listened, while these young adults told me their individual stories, hoping that together we would hear common issues and discern possible solutions.

Finally, a meeting with the Head Teachers of the 15 primary schools with which Umoja Project partners. I listened as they talked about their struggles to balance all of the competing needs they must confront daily. Listened to their frustrations about working with very limited resources. Listened to their ideas about how the schools could work together more effectively.

Often, when folks from home talk about coming to see the Project, they want to come and DO something. It’s a natural enough impulse, given the deep needs so many people have here. However, the last few days have shown me once again that most of the answers are already here; often, what is needed most is a listening ear, a few questions or small suggestions, and a commitment to help find necessary resources. Listening may not satisfy a need to solve problems immediately, but it does seem to be the basis for strong partnerships.