Wednesday 11th October - Jack

Today, the group headed to the Oceans Alive office to learn more about what goes on from day to day. After a lecture on permaculture and the impact that its having on providing local communities with access to a more balanced diet, we headed to the garden. Team Taa split off and headed down to the Coral hut where they made coral plugs using wet sand and a wooden mould. To make the plugs, they poured concrete into the holes made in the sand by hammering the moulds into place. At the same time, Team Kasa remained in the garden and leveled an area of topsoil ready for planting, before joining Taa at the Coral Hut. We then headed home to Popes (Bahari Hai) for basket weaving with Omar and cooking Mandazis with Dama and Dolphin which tasted unreal. After a long days work, it was time to head to Vipingo Ridge where the team played boules, darts, pool and foosball whilst enjoying some delicious pizza and a few drinks. There was even a game of boules between team Popes and team Oceans Alive! After heading back, some of the team decided to relax on the balcony under a glorious night sky. See you around for the next update!

Oceans Alive says:

Permaculture is a really interesting way we have got involved in a non-marine based action. Our team have set up water and space efficient sack gardens in a nearby village. The households can look after each sack garden and harvest nutritious leafy greens within six weeks of setting it up! Schools in the area have already seen a difference in the learning ability and concentration in kids who are getting this extra nutrition. Some households are also able to sell any excess crops at the market to make a few extra shillings. All in all its a very positive way to get communities to be less dependent on marine resources.

Activities such as basket weaving and mandazi making are fun and educational and give Leapers an insight into daily life in Kenya. Our trainers are all Kenyans and it’s a really good way for the community to get involved in what we do.

Vipingo Ridge is our neighbour and long-term partner. It is an award-winning PGA Championship golf course (www.Vipingo ridge.com). We have a special status at the Ridge and we hope our Leapers continue to build this with good behaviour and respect for the privilege of having access to such a prestigious facility. There is an opportunity to learn to play golf, or play golf (if you already play) at very reduced rates - again, as part of our privileged relationship with Vipingo Ridge. There are two restaurants, tennis courts, an huge swimming pool, and a large dam. Animals such as zebra and giraffe, eland and gazelles have been introduced to the 2,500 acre estate and roam freely around the villas and graze around the golf course. It’s a pretty amazing resource for us and the sunsets from the Ridge are some of the most spectacular you’ll ever see.