Visits from the Benedictine Volunteer Corps and Square One Global

Over the holiday, Alfajiri welcomed visitors from Saint John's Abbey and the College of Saint Benedict & Saint John's University in the United States.

Benedictine Volunteer Corps

The Benedictine Volunteer Corps is a volunteer program for graduates of Saint John's University. Volunteers are placed worldwide and each January, they were invited for a retreat led by Father Geoffrey Fecht OSB, Logan Lintvedt, and Margaret Nuzzolese-Conway in Nairobi.

The volunteers visited the top of the KICC.

Our founder, Lenore Boyd, welcomed the group to the center in early January offering an overview of our programs. They explored the center and especially enjoyed the serene environment provided here. Some days later the group was welcomed at The Farm and visited its manager, Ian Mwangi. Ian shared the history of the project and detailed how The Farm supports the sustainability and financial goals of Alfajiri. Our visitors enjoyed sampling fresh tomatoes, chilies, and fruits straight from the source.

Staff members Ian and John Paul showed the greenhouse to members of the BVC.

Earlier in the week, the group was given a tour of Mlango Kubwa by Alfajiri Staff to witness the tragic suffering of those in our community. This was a transformational experience for all involved. The visitors interacted with locals, observed the damage of the devastating floods of 2024, and reflected on the experience later in the day as a group.

The Benedictine Volunteers also spent time in Mathare at Saint Benedict's Children's Center, visited the village of Nunguni in Machakos, and explored all that Nairobi has to offer!

Square One Global

Square One Global, a non-profit research group led by current students from the College of Saint Benedict & Saint John's University, also visited Alfajiri over the holiday. This visit marks the second year of collaboration and the growth of this important partnership. Their visit follows an auction and presentation in the United States to support Alfajiri.

A recent panel presentation at Saint John's University led by Lenore Boyd, Paul Richards OSB, and Square One.

While here the group visited The Farm, Mlango Kubwa, and spent several days here at the center interacting with our beneficiaries! They also supported the work of the Mathare Street Kitchen, playing with the children of Mathare and serving meals. The group also spent time exploring Nairobi and assisting other projects, including Decent Living, which is based in Nunguni.

One traveler serving Ugali.

We here at Alfajiri look forward to future collaborations with Square One Global and the Benedictine Volunteer Corps!

We are so thankful for their visit!