Voices from Brooklyn to Kenya

My last day at work was June 28th. I came home with more stuff then usual-- almost 200 t-shirts and all the supplies people had brought in for us. The t-shirts are part of what we called the Brother to Brother project. The idea being that each of the boys at St. Mary's will feel like they got something directly from a student at RELC. They are lightly worn and interesting and I'm hoping I can stuff them all into two duffle bags. Many of my colleagues also brought in everything from flashlights to rain ponchos to Ibuprofen. It means a lot and is a further testament to what can happen when good people come together.

I asked my 84 students to write letters to the boys at St. Mary's. I didn't give them any instructions except to say that the goal of the letters was to make the kids smile. They got to adorn their letters with stickers. I didn't actually get a chance to read the letters until recently. Sitting on the floor of my apartment, it made me stop and recognize that this project has the potential to mean something for more than just Darren and Kahlil, or for the boys at St. Mary's....or for you and I. I had to write down some of the excerpts which I want to share with you.

I am continually impressed by my students here in Brooklyn-- by their own strength and understanding of life albeit only being 12. These letters reaffirm my belief that all people, when given the tools and opportunity would choose to do good and do right for others. So the following are just excerpts from many letters. I told my students that in Kenya, I am known as Hannah not Ms. Kehn.


Ø I've seen your pictures and those pictures are beautiful.
Ø Be strong and believe in yourself, you can make a difference.
Ø I am writing a letter full of joy and smiles
Ø Hannah has told me and the other kids about you!
Ø From what I hear Hannah admires you and I guess she believes you shine like a star, and I think so too.
Ø Make that one special dream into a reality

I wrote you this poem-
To the chrysanthemum
Passionate chrysanthemum
Waving in the grass
The beauty
The smooth touch
Of a baby's skin
Love resembles you and your home
Oh chrysanthemum

Ø Ms. Kehn has told me a lot about you- it's like I know already.
Ø I think Africa is the best continent in the world. I think you are also brave to get up every morning. I am jealous. You are all smart and you are so lucky. You should be proud you have an education.
Ø Sincerely, Mohammed Awad….your very proud brother in Brooklyn

Ø I think your land is beautiful.
Ø You are a star….Africa all day.
Ø Writing this letter made me smile with every word I wrote down.
Ø I want to go- I want to go to Kenya and see you guys and I will bring my football down there and show you how to play.
Ø If you are sad just remember you are a star and extremely brave.
Ø Ms. Kehn asked us a questions today and it was "what makes you smile?" and I said, "The joy of other people." So to make me happy…you must be happy.
Ø I want to learn more of your beautiful personality. I feel better knowing that you are going to get this letter.
Ø I think you guys are brave. I wish to be like you one day.

I wrote you this poem-
Around the other place
The sun sets on the native land
I watch on the grassy hills, my love.
In the skies of my heart
The sun cries "My Love" as it
Starts to dissolve
Live your life to its fullest
Live, love, laugh your
Heart away.

Ø I want to travel the world one day and help people in need. I want to become a doctor and help sick people and sick kids.
Ø Nakupenda (I love you). You're the best and I look up to you. I will never forget about you. I have seen pictures of your village and it's very beautiful. You're beautiful in every type of way.
Ø When one of you reads this you will already know me because Hannah picked me and another boy to hang out with you all.
Ø It would be a pleasure to spend the summer in Africa with you guys….hopefully I will become a singer and perform in Africa.
Ø What's up man? You don't know me and I don't know you but we're cool. So how is it in the Mother Land? I would love to visit you because that's what I would do. Maybe one day you could teach me Swahili because it's one of the best languages ever!

Ø I love the way you guys are all one big family. I hope you keep this forever…I will always have you in my heart.
Ø Just remember that the race for success never has a finish line and there are many ways in which you can succeed.
Ø I'm not an orphan but I don't know my father and barely see my mother so I know how you feel.
Ø I hope you like my gift (he taped on a dollar to his letter) and I hope you have fun with my friends Darren and Kahlil
Ø You have a bright future ahead of you. You can do anything you put your mind to. You should always be kind to people…enjoy life because you deserve it
Ø Think as if you are dancing.
Ø Even though I'm living out here in Brooklyn, it's not always easy. I am 12 years old and I live in Bedstuy.