Intern Report - Leigh Anne Tyson

I arrived in Kamulu on Thursday, June 12, 2014 to serve as an education intern. While here, I taught middle and advanced math classes, middle and advanced library, and advanced plus biology. My daily class schedule generally consisted of 2-4 classes, with the exception of Wednesdays. In the middle math we worked on fraction operations; and in advanced math we worked on converting between centimeters and millimeters, as well as finding circumference of circles, and area of polygons. In the library classes I spent several weeks reading a chapter book aloud to the students, discussing aspects such as vocabulary, plot, making predictions, etc., and then they completed a short book report when we finished the story. In advanced plus biology, I picked up where Angie had left off in the chapter on diffusion and osmosis, and then continued into the next chapter on plants. On Wednesday mornings and part of Thursday morning I was in the children’s centre, spending time with the children there. We played, read, listened to music, and sang songs. In the afternoons I worked on lessons and then tutored students on math homework or simply on math facts during homework time.

My time here at MITS has been an invaluable learning experience. I have been forced out of my comfort zone in many aspects. While I teach these same mathematical concepts to my students in the States, there is no language barrier preventing their understanding of my lessons. So when a student at MITS was struggling, I had to determine if they simply did not understand what I was saying, or if they truly did not grasp the concept. In addition, I have no had trouble in the past with earning the trust and respect of my students in the States. However, this was a difficult task here. It took a couple weeks for the students here to realize that I knew what I was doing in the classroom, that I cared about them, but I expected them to follow the rules. I have developed precious relationships with these kids as a result of my time here. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve the students and staff of MITS, and look forward to serving them again in the future, both from the States and hopefully in Kenya as well.

Team and Student profile

 KEN ATSIAYA

What is your position at MITS: Farm Worker and dorm supervisor

How long have you worked at MITS: I have been blessed to work at MITS for 6 years.

Do you have family: Right now I am single but I am getting married to the love of my life, Beatrice, in November.

What are your hobbies: Playing soccer, practicing drama and spending time with young teens.

What do you envision for your position at MITS: I want our students/kids to be known in every town in Kenya and to be known as hardworking people.

What do you envision happening for MITS: I would love to see MITS become international . . . That MITS exists in many big cities helping the poor and loving the least.

Name one of your proudest moments at MITS: One of my proudest moments at MITS is when Terron came to visit my place to eat, watch a movie and just hang out when no American had ever done that before.

Anything else that you would like to add about working at MITS: MITS has allowed me to grow in so many ways. They helped me to get my drivers license and MITS is the place where I found my girlfriend/wife to be. Our MITS family is the best and is where every street kid should be. I look forward to joyfully continuing to serve at MITS and loving on as many street kids as I can.

Student: Davies Kuria

 Favourite Subject: 

 Skill:Wood- working

 Age: 18

Age when   moved  to  base:11

Age when came to MITS:13

Base location: Nairobi Grew up: Karen Siblings: 1 brother 3 sisters  Favorite Sport: Soccer

Favorite Team: Manchester City

Favorite player: Silva Favorite Food: Pizza Favorite Movie:(Lion King) Pumba 

Favorite  Music: Gospel Favorite  Artist: Miley Cyrus

Favorite drink: Chocolate Chip Milk Shake

Favorite dessert: Nature Valley

Favorite book of the Bible: Proverbs

Favorite passage: Ecc. 11:9-10; 12:1,8

Favorite activities: Playing games like Capture the Flag

Goals in life:

•    Graduate from MITS

•    Start Singing

Welcome Home!

God has graced us with five new faces from the streets! These students for the majority of the month have been in orientation and getting equipped for their new beginning at MITS. Everyday, the girls have been with different staff members as they show them the life of a MITS student. From dorms tours, to farm tours, to Bible studies, to practicing English, these five have successfully completed their orientation. They have their uniforms and have begun taking classes. Let’s introduce you to these wonderful girls. Khadija Ndinda is thirteen years old from the Mathare area. She came from the Globe and Grogon base. She believes she can change at MITS without the influence from her friends on the streets. She aspires to become a pilot when she is finished with her schooling. Teresia Nzilani is twelve years old, turning thirteen in August. She is originally from Mombasa. She comes to us from the Mutindwa base. She intends to go through the entire education process in order to be a pilot to improve her entire family’s lives. Catherine Wanjiku is twelve years old and was born in Murang’a. She comes to us from the Mutindwa base. She wishes to be trained in hairdressing and beauty because she believes she has a talent in that trade. Anne Wangare is thirteen years old and originally from the Kayole Soweto slum. She was on base with Teresia and Catherine in Mutindwa. She wishes to acquire the education and skills to secure a well-paying job to uplift her father’s living standards. Zipporah Mushiba is thirteen years old and has lived many places. Her smile lights up a room and although she is quiet, she has the spirit of a survivor! Please pray along with us as the transition period is some of the hardest times for incoming students. We are so lucky to have them!

MITS Hosts Basketball Clinic

With the help of the visiting group from Malibu, California, MITS organized a two-day boys and girls basketball clinic. This took place at the boys’ compound basketball court. The students loved it. The clinic lasted for two and half hours each day. Coaches for the clinic were made up of MITS staff, alumni and visitors: Francis Mbuvi, Terron Talley, Victor Otieno, Brian Ochieng, Edward Muhea, Phillip Kariuki, Dane Marshall and Robin Ndunda. Students practiced on their lay-ups, free throws, jump shots, dribbling, passing and footwork. A big thank you to the group from Malibu for teaching our students these skills and making this a possibility

Staff Seminar

Otter Creek hosts staff of Kamulu and Eastleigh for a 4-day seminar.

One of our supporting congregations, Otter Creek Church of Christ, sent a group to visit us in Kamulu. MITS was lucky enough to have a 4-day staff seminar where the entire staff, Eastleigh and Kamulu, was joined together. Two of the visitors lead these seminars. Chris Gonzalez informed the staff on trauma and resilience. He taught the staff about the symptoms of trauma as well as the ability of some students to bounce back. He gave the staff pointers on how to build strong belief systems so that MITS can better cater to students who have experienced trauma. Walter Surdacki talked about spiritual discipline for teens. He also taught the staff new strategies of conflict management. Walter shed light on preventing spiritual burnout and how to inspire a spiritual relationship to continue after the students exit Made in the Streets. 

OTHER NEWS!

Otter Creek Church of Christ teaches specialized classes to our students.

Patrick teaching a dating class to our Skills business class

Literacy class in session

Being taught how to read and do public speaking