Girls in patrol

It is one of the oldest young women’s associations in Kenya, and since its inception in 1920, it has helped shape and influence the lives of millions of girls across the country, writes NELLY OBADHA

 Nina Abira, 28, has been a volunteer member with Girl Guides Association for 20 years.

 When did you join the Girl Guides movement?

I joined KGGA (Kenya Girl Guides Association) in 1991 as a brownie. It was all out of curiosity. When I was eight years old, I noticed that all the girls in the estate would disappear and I was left alone to play with the boys on Saturday afternoons.

One of my friends asked their wise bird (brownie teacher) if I could join their unit, even though I was from a different school. She agreed, and that’s how I became a brownie. Later, I was transferred to Westlands Primary School and I became a girl guide.

 What got you interested in joining organisation?

At first, I liked being a Girl Guide because of the cool uniform, the marching, the outdoor camping and the lessons they taught us such us first aid and doing good deeds to others without expecting anything in return.

 Today, I love being a Girl Guide because of the sisterhood; no matter where I travel to in the world, for as long as I am wearing a Girl Guide scarf or uniform, I will always have a ‘sister’ or friend, who will welcome me with a smile and open arms.

 What did you study in school?

I hold a Bachelor of Education degree from St Mary’s University of Minnesota (2007), a Diploma in Education from Tangaza College (2006) and a Diploma in Religious Studies from Tangaza College (2006). I am pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the University of Nairobi.

 How did you get to the position of Deputy Chief Commissioner?

From 2007 to 2010, I was the Young Leader. I was a member of the National Council (the governing board of KGGA) and also represented the young leaders of KGGA in the executive committee. In March last year, the committee nominated me to the position and the National Council confirmed me.  This was the first time (since 1922) that they were electing a young leader to the position of Deputy Chief Commissioner and history was made.

I chair the Human Resource committee, which is in-charge of staff recruitment and remuneration, volunteers’ and staff welfare. Apart from that, I assist the Chief Commissioner in her duties, which involve overseeing administrative matters and guide programmes and activities.

 What challenges do you face in your day-to-day responsibilities?

My biggest challenge is balancing my full time job as a human resource officer and my role as Deputy Chief Commissioner at KGGA, which is a voluntary position. I have also faced challenges in recruiting young people to become volunteers at KGGA; since most young women aged between 18 and 30 are either pursuing their studies or careers and don’t have time to spare. Many young people are also geared towards financial advancement.

 Amina Anen, 26, joined the Girl Guide movement when she was eleven and has fond memories of being in the movement.

 What got you interested in joining the organisation?

This is a voluntary movement and anyone interested is welcome. I fell in love with the blue uniform and red scarves. I used to admire my friends and neighbours in uniform and thought they looked cool. I joined the Girl Guide movement when I was in primary school. I started out as a guide (a branch in Girl Guides for ages ten to 14 years). Since then, I have literally grown in the movement.

 How did you get to the position of Secretary of the Young leaders at Kenya Girl Guides Association?

I first started out as an assistant treasurer of the young leaders in 2007. Once I had successfully finished my first three-year term, I was elected as the secretary of young leaders at the Kenya Girl Guides Association.

 What does your roles entail?

I am responsible for communication to the young leaders, informing them of activities to be held, reminding them of important dates like meeting days and coordinating activities to run throughout the year.

 What are your achievements in this position?

I have since been nominated into the national council of the association, which is the overall decision-making board of the organisation.

 I am also involved in the Peace Among Children programme, which is a peace project at the Dadaab Refugee Camp. This is a programme that aims to increase the capacity of girls and young women in the community through education, skills development, economic empowerment, building self-esteem and psychosocial support in order to achieve their full potential as responsible citizens.

 I have been able to expound my voluntary experience internationally at one of the four world centres of the world’s Association of Girl Guides Association in Switzerland. I had an amazing time learning different cultures, leadership skills and take part in a variety of sports.

 Zahra Wasike, 11, joined the Kenya Girl Guide Association when she was in Class One and five years later, she is still going strong and loving the experience.

I attend Catholic Parochial Primary School. It has a Girl Guide movement. Our leader is Teacher Virginia. We have a lot of girls who are part of the Girl Guide team at the school.

 What made you join the Girl Guides?

It looked interesting and enjoyable as I saw girl guides marching and going for camps. I also love the beautiful uniform. The activities are also fun and interesting.

 At what age did you join the movement?

I joined the movement at the age of seven as a Brownie. And now am in class five and a girl guide.

 What activities do you get to involve yourself in?

There are many activities such as planting trees and flowers, cleaning the environment, going for camps, trips and picnics. I have a flower bed at home that I take good care of during my free time.

 What lessons have you learned from being a Girl Guide?

 I have learnt to help others, to be responsible, share, and be prepared for anything, to conserve the environment and to respect others.

 What activities do the Girl Guides at your school do?

We do a lot of activities such as plant trees, clean the environment, marching, raising the flag, and go for trips. We are also taught to share food and anything we have with our friends.

 How was the camp you went to in Nyeri, and what did you do while there?

The camp was interesting. I made new friends from Maseno Girls’ School and we had fun. We marched, visited Lord and Lady Baden Powell’s grave, learnt new songs, met older Girl Guides from other countries, attended a rally and played games. We cooked and I learnt how to prepare chicken from the Maseno Girls’ pupils.

 Lillian Itenya, 26, has been a volunteer at the Girl Guides association for 12 years now.

 I joined the Rangers unit in high school when I was in Form One. I later joined the young leaders, which is a continuation, in 2004.

 What got you interested in joining organisation?
I liked going for the camps, volunteering in the sports activities and parades during the national holidays. I found the uniform beautiful. The responsibilities Girl Guides were entrusted with made me look forward to each learning experience.

 How did you get to the post of Centenary ambassador?

The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts called for applications before the centenary celebrations in 2008. I applied for the position and I was selected. Each member organisation or country has two WAGGGS centenary ambassadors.

  What does your role as the Centenary ambassador for Kenya entail?
As a Centenary ambassador, I shape the centenary celebrations for the association. I update the Kenya Girls Guide Association on what is happening around the world, and how other member organisations are celebrating their centenary. I practically update the two factions of the Girl Guide Association on what is going on around the world.

 What challenges do you face in your day-to-day responsibilities?
Bringing young people together and convincing them to volunteer with no pay is not easy. They always need motivation. The organisation has to come up with interesting activities to keep them in the movement. Time is quite limited because we are all volunteers and we have careers and school.

What kind of people do you work with?
 I work with people from different cultures and backgrounds. There are also women leaders who are humble role models, compassionate and understanding.

 Apart from your work how do you get to relax and let off the pressure from work?
I love travelling, hanging out with my friends, listening to music and reading. The girl guiding and camping activities are always a way to relax. I also enjoy making new friends from all over the world and keeping them.

 The guides’ law

“I promise on my honour that I will do my best to do my duty to God and to my country to help other people at all times and to obey the Guides Law” .