This weekend has been quite eventful for the STRIVE gang. We have been working on our newest service project – hand washing stations (Tippy Taps) at the primary schools that we have been working with throughout this trip. These hand washing stations will consist of two large support sticks and a smaller stick that lies across the top of the other two sticks. A plastic jug is attached to the smaller stick. This jug will then be attached to a small pedal which can be used to tip the jug and pour out water. A piece of soap will also be attached to the cross-stick. Gravel will be laid down beneath the Tippy Tap in order to absorb spilled water and stabilize the sticks. The STRIVErs were divided up into four groups in order to obtain all these items. One group focused on getting the sticks. A second group focused on getting the gravel and going to the schools to determine where we will locate each Tippy Tap. A third group focused on obtaining jugs, soap, and rope. The fourth and final group focused on creating a way of teaching the students and teachers at each school how to use the Tippy Tap and the importance of hygiene. Additionally, the fourth group was responsible for interviewing and videotaping individuals in the community for a STRIVE promotional video.

On Saturday, the groups were out in the community in the morning, attempting to complete their tasks. Group 1 was successful in obtaining sticks from a local vendor. Group 2 was unable to obtain gravel. Group 3 found an abundance of soap, rope, and jugs. Group 4 visited the local hospital to learn about local diseases and hygiene but was unable to talk to the medical superintendent due to the fact that it was the weekend. Despite mixed results, the groups were all able to visit the local marketplace to buy formal attire for the STRIVE fourth of July celebration which took place on Monday.

After a busy Saturday, everyone was ready for a relaxed Sunday. Many individuals went on a long run that morning then relaxed in the early afternoon. In the evening, the group visited Kerio View, a nearby restaurant/resort with an incredible view over the valley. Everyone stayed for a Fanta or a mango juice and many members stayed for a full dinner. Those who did not stay at Kerio View enjoyed a hilarious dinner talking about their most disastrous race experiences (ask college intern Owen about his last cross country race of his senior year of high school). Overall, it was a successful weekend in Iten and we are all looking forward to another great week!