Kenyan visitor learns from Canadian government and applies it to hometown By Reporter Erica Timmerman etimmerman@squamishchief Visiting Canada is a real eye-opener for Daniel Nduati, who says Canadians are blessed with many government services that are not offered back in his hometown of Nairobi, Kenya. "There is so much here, like health care, access to good education, it is not even hard to get a job, and means of communication are very easy compared to where I come from," said Nduati.
At only 28 years of age Nduati is the founder and director of Emmanuel Boys Rescue Centre, an organization that takes in street boys and gives them a place to eat, sleep and study while they rehabilitate from drug use and poverty. Along with helping to fund Nduati's project since 2006, the Squamish Rotary Club is hosting Nduati's stay, and this weekend is throwing a fundraising garage sale. Nduati says he takes what he learns from Canada and brings it back to Kenya where it can be applicable. "I learn a lot in Squamish and I am able to inspire the kids in my program and motivate them and I am able to mobilize the community and educate them on such issues," said Nduati. The more Nduati learns, the more he would like to get involved in Kenyan politics. "I believe in 2012 I am going to run for a seat in my country," said Nduati. "I fear that being in politics is corrupt and it might change you but I can't just wait and sit. I believe in myself and I know what I want and this is what I like to do." Through the encouragement of Nduati, many of the boys have been successful at the centre. Some are now attending university or are running their own businesses. Nduati said one boy will be sent to Canada on a foreign exchange program next year through the Rotary Club. Some Rotary members have traveled to Kenya to visit the centre. Anne Peters has visited the Emmanuel Centre twice, the first time, she admits, a bit naively. "Daniel was showing us around and introducing us to all sorts of different people, different organizations, and I said, being Canadian, 'So what kind of assistance do you get from the government?' and they said, "'Nothing, we are on our own.' I was like 'OK, I am all ears, I am all eyes,'" said Peters. Once Peters returned she began telling her friends and community about the boys and their lifestyle, hoping to raise funds for the centre. "I want to keep the ember for Emmanuel going. Yes we have social issues here but we've got to think globally as well," she said. Peters says now that a financial crisis is looming, she also notices a trend in Canadian government services that reflect the facilities offered in Kenya. "We have set such a high standard expecting the government is going to give us everything," said Peters. "But it is going to be gradual and they [the government] will say 'We are not going to do this, you are going to have to be on your own and function independently.'" Last March students from Howe Sound Secondary visited the Emmanuel Centre and helped Nduati with his latest project, a drop-in facility, by painting it and donating books. Nduati is going to use the drop-in centre to feed street children and educate them, and teach them how to read and use a computer. He has also been housing children who were orphaned after the December 2007 presidential election violence. For almost a year, Nduati said, tribes have been fighting against other tribes over the "rigged election," causing homes to be burnt down and livestock to be destroyed. The centre has been renting a house for the orphans to live in but it is Nduati's wish to buy the property and begin a second centre. In order to help finance the centres most recent endeavours, the Squamish Rotary Club is having a garage sale Saturday (Oct. 18). "People can come and meet Daniel and see what is available and learn about the centre and how they can help," said Peters. The garage sale will be at 1017 Tobermory Way and a documentary will be playing to show the centre and the boys who live there