In search of my roots...

A lifetime’s ambition was fulfilled when Diploma student Robert from St Catherine, Jamaica, went to Kenya on placement.

'It has been a dream for many years to put my feet on the land of my forefathers' birth.  Most Jamaican slaves came from West Africa and Jamaicans today say "Boy I wish I could visit Africa for just one day".'

'When the pilot told us we had arrived in Kenya, my eyes became tear-filled.  I felt that in a true sense I am an African and I felt privileged to be back home.'

During the six weeks, Robert taught topics including leadership, personal development and youth work to pastors and church workers.  He also took the opportunity to observe the African culture.

'I wanted to understand how the African heritage influenced Caribbean men in particular.  For example, men are not supposed to wash clothes or clean the house, although this is changing now in Jamaica.  When I did washing in Africa nearly the whole village came out to watch, as it was the first time they had seen a man doing this!'

A special moment came when a Masai lady asked him, 'You are one of us, where have you been all these years?'

'This made me feel "Wow, I am at home, I am accepted".  And because they felt I was one of them, I was able to challenge them on cultural issues such as the treatment of women.'

'Redcliffe’s courses on cross-cultural communication and living gave me the tools, and the placement provided a clearer focus on what the Lord is leading me to.  I feel a warming of my heart towards East Africa, and I would like to return and help address some of the real needs I encountered.'