In Kenya, University of Scranton students find a people with spirit

Published: 2004-06-24

NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) -- The four students from the University of Scranton, Pa., stood before a congregation of more than 1,100 Africans at Nairobi's St. Joseph the Worker Parish. "Jambo," they said, using a traditional Swahili greeting, and the congregants responded with smiles and greetings of approval. Tata Mbugua, a Kenyan Catholic and professor of elementary and early childhood education at the Jesuit-run university, stood in the sanctuary near her students as they introduced themselves. Mbugua brought the students to her home "to familiarize them with Kenya and issues of social justice" and to pursue research on HIV orphans and their psychosocial needs. The students spent more than three weeks in June visiting clinics, institutions and people in all parts of the East African country. Midway through the trip, the students reflected on their experiences with Catholic News Service. Several commented on the spirit of the Kenyan people, especially the children.

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