Elissa Jenkins – Green Grrl

While here in Nairobi a thoughtful water consultant from Brisbane e-mailed me to let me know about her recent work at Kibera, Africa’s largest slum. She heard that Global Young Greens were in town and thought that we should make contact with a Kibera youth group.

Unfortunately I received the e-mail after the conference had ended, so we weren’t able to invite the young people along. However, today a group of us were privileged to visit Kibera and meet with a youth group that is working on a water sanitation project that is partnered by Tweed Shire City Council (a fact that surprised and delighted me all at the same time).

We were told that Kibera has a population of about 800,000 people. Although the people pay rent to landlords and electricity to third-party, non-government providers, they are not given any basic services such as water, sewerage and garbage collection. The government – despite promises – seems to have put Kibera in the too hard basket.

The young volunteers network with about 60 groups to educate young people about water sanitation in the slums. They are striving to clean the river network and, while their task and long-term goal is huge, their short-term work and initiatives are realistic and inspiring.

They capture the attention of the youth through soccer games. Attracting up to 2000 spectactors, they use the games as opportunities to educate the young people about topics such as HIV and water sanitation. We visited one of these soccer groups where the young fellas raised money by providing computer time, movie watching and ironing services.

I was fortunate to be able to take some photos of the river in Kibera to share with those here at home. Kibera’s footpaths, alley ways, waterways and rivers are chock-full of rubbish and fifth. It was difficult to see and I will be able to share the photos once I have them available. What I won’t be able to share is the smell. What I won’t be able to explain is the warmth and spirit of the people we met. The people of Kibera become accustomed to that smell and that lifestyle – but they shouldn’t have to. The cheerful greetings from the children; the hope in the eyes of the teenagers; and the adults’ willingness to live ‘normally’ should be met with wealth, not poverty.

I saw furry goats heads and fish covered in flies being cooked on street-side stalls. I saw narrow pipes that were meant to carry drinking water exposed and broken, allowing sewerage to seep into the system and further contaminate already ordinary water. I saw children playing in a creek bed near what was once a forest-lined fresh water dam. After 30 years of neglect, the river and riverbed is compacted with rubbish and the water is black sludge.

At the opening ceremony march of the World Social Forum, I was inspired by a group of protesters singing and dancing: “We are searching. Searching! We are searching. Searching! We are searching for water! We are marching. Marching! We are marching. Marching! We are marching for water. We are fighting. Fighting! We are fighting. Fighting! We are fighting for water.”

It was a group raising awareness about the water situation in Kibera.

At the opening ceremony march I also met a young fellow called Timothy and his friend who hoped to be involved in the River Symposium this year. Being a Brisbane-based initiative, it was a strange co-incidence to bump into them. Timothy’s friend called it “God’s work”.

Whatever it is, I’m contacting B4C straight away for some advice on how I can channel this calling into something purposeful and productive.

Had an easy-going morning of wandering around the World Social Forum looking at stalls and doing a spot of shopping.

Around noon I attended a Climate Change workshop on carbon trading and strategies. Basically the workshop was separated into 3 groups: 1 group to discuss carbon trading as a concept; 1 to debate the concept and discuss alternatives; and a small break-out group to come up with a World Social Forum statement.

I attended the discussion of carbon trading as a concept. We discussed the Kyoto Protocol; the push for a different international emmissions reduction treaty that’s effective and equitable; and the push for removing a market-based treaty that is ‘exploitative and promotes corruption’.

I think the only agreement was that climate change was a matter of global justice – how this justice is achieved was the point of contention.

I support the implementation of a global emmissions reduction treaty that’s effective and equitable.

After this session I met up with my friend Nicola from Perth who I left relaxing at a food/beer tent. Upon returning to the tent I found it deserted – free of chairs and people and staff. Rather odd. Nicola found me and told me there had been a convergence on the tent by protesters.

The people were protesting about the expense of the food inside the World Social Forum so took over the tent. Young, hungry children (presumably street kids) were brought along and the staff were forced to stand aside and the children were given food.

Nicola found herself in the midst of the kerfuffle as many patrons handed food to the hungry children. The food/beer tent – which was oddly run by a local golf course – closed down after that.

This evening I had to say goodbye to a big group of GYG people, including two special people – my beautiful tent roomie Hannah from Tasmania and also my dear Joachim from Germany.

It’s actually quite a cruel game to play – to bring like-minded people together from all over the world to work, live and play together for a week and then say “OK! Time to go home now!”

Their departure upset and saddened me. Hannah I will surely see again. As for Jo, well I’m not so sure.

Enjoyed a morning of looking at stalls at World Social Forum and an afternoon wandering the city.

Today is Hannah from Tasmania’s 17 birthday so there will be celebrations tonight.

Must dash!

Elissa.

All the GYGs are slowly leaving camp so it’s very sad to say goodbyes.

Received 2 gorgeous goodbye gifts from two 16 year old girls from South Korea.

We braved a nightclub last night and had an absolute ball. Africans kept trying to teach us how to dance (obviously we looked really bad).

Elissa.

Registered for World Social Forum today. Huge event. Huge logistical nightmare. I don’t envy the organisers and it’s a bit of a shamozzle but I reckon they’ve done a great job.

There’s about 50-60 simultaneous workshops 4 times a day so it’s incredibly difficult to choose.

I’ve been opting for Climate Change workshops and human rights issues such as Israeli vs Palestine issue; public stoning of women in Iraq; unrest in Sudan plus more.

I’ve been taking notes so will post my summaries on the blog when I return.

Asante!!!

Elissa.

I may not get a chance to write a proper entry for a while, so I figured I’d take the time – while I’m in an internet cafe – to write about today’s experience.

Today is Day 1 of the World Social Forum. What an incredible experience. We began in the slums of Nairobi and continued walking to the City Centre for the opening ceremony.

There were so many issues represented (many of which I captured on video camera) including poverty, water crisis, slum conditions, war in Iraq, ‘no more plastic’.

There was only a tiny bit of chanting from the Socialist group, but the rest was singing and drama, creating a peaceful march like none other I’ve been a part of. The smiles on the faces of those involved and the passion for a better world were an inspiration.

I met a young Kenyan fellow called Timothy who is a youth leader of about 20 young people who are involved in a River Symposium project, a project I know about only because the international conference was held in Brisbane last year. An Australian environmental scientist has been in Nairobi for the last 2 month showing the young people how to clean the rivers. The group is being sponsored to attend Melbourne this year for River Symposium. What a coincidence to know EXACTLY what they were talking about. His friend described it as ‘God’s work’ that we met.

Must dash. There are two people I feel should be here with me at World Social Forum. One is Bronwen and the other is Luke. You would’ve loved it here and you should be here with me.

That said, I am with amazing people and I am blessed to have met and connected with people from all countries.

Miss you all in Bris.

Eli.
xx

Global Young Greens EXISTS!!!

Yes! Today was an historic moment for young people all over the world – and for the future of all life on this planet.

We agreed on an organisational structure, a list of principals and also elected an organising committee featuring 16 young people from 4 regions: Africa, Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe.

It was a mammoth effort, concluding 3 days of discussions and practicing consensus decision-making to reach a common ground. While we often went to a vote (due to time constraints and frustration), it was awesome to watch young, passionate people working late into the night striving for solutions.

At the end of the day, a couple of “old” Greens shared their experiences, but the two speeches that stood out for me included one by a US Green with grey dreadlocks who hyped up the ground with an extrovert, gospal-like manner (a common for US public speakers). “Green and Growing” is the US campaign slogan. Another speaker touched my heart. From Japan, he spoke about being HIV positive after having a blood transfusion as he suffers haemaphilia. He is running as a candidate at the next election and is currently setting up a Greens Party in Japan. Fantastic!!

To celebrate, we had a party back at Camp with a live DJ and dreadful American hip hop music, but everyone had a HEAP of fun with dancing galore.

It’s hard to describe the experience at this global conference. Not many people in their lives get to experience what I have had the honour to experience and that is MULTICULTURAL SHOCK.

I use that term with endearment as all of us are in the same boat and we are constantly gobsmacked by the feelings of solidarity in purpose.

I have met an exceptionally intelligent, worldly, compassionate, sincere young man from Germany named Jo who – at the quite unbelievable age of 20 – is probably one of the most amazing people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.

I will no doubt leave some countries off this list, but follows are a couple of the countries that are represented at this conference:

Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Canada, France, Spain, Tunisia, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanki, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Benin, Angora, Czech Republic, Italy, Cyprus – AND THEN SOME! I will complete the list another day!!!!!

All is well here. Hakuna Mattata mate!!!!

Love to all in Australia. I hope Pacey finds his collar soon.

xx

This morning we went to a forest that was saved from development by the Green Belt Movement and community. Development had started and they still managed to reverse the decision. The forest is now protected by armed rangers to prevent poachers and bushfires.

We had a tree planting ceremony funded by Global Young Greens to help offset our carbon emissions that we all used flying to Nairobi. Each continent planted a tree and the locals will care for these and plan 1000 trees in the correct season.

After that, we headed back to the Conference Centre and split up into interest groups and workshops. I attended one on Africa which was incredibly interesting with the African speakers explaining an array of issues which I noted and will report on at a later date.

I attended an election campaign and media workshop and thoroughly enjoyed a presentation from a young New Zealand Green member, Gareth, who presented a slide show of creative, effective actions he and his campaign team have carried out over the years. Very inspiring and grasped media attention.

I facilitated a youth advocacy workshop at which two speakers shared their experiences of youth work in their countries; a fellow from Mozambique and a fellow from Pakistan.

The conversation was exceptionally important. It turns out that the Kenyan government, during the last election, promised to fund youth and youth organisations. However, the youth haven’t received any of those funds. They were after some tips on how to lobby the government for these funds.

The differences between countries in respect to freedom or speech is vast, with the Kenyan youth clearly silenced. They are not allowed to call a meeting of any sort on campus over the number of 5 people. This means that collective organisation of actions is virtually impossible given that universities are the best place for educated youth to meet.

Settling into the campsite now. A couple of Australians got a bit of a bug, but I’m feeling very healthy and happy here.

Today was the first day of the Global Young Greens Conference.
Many groups representing NGOs and political parties from many countries presented their groups and issues.
An overwhelming and emotional experience for me.
In the afternoon, we broke into groups and started discussions about Global Young Greens to find common ground.
The evening back at the camp was highly social and we were entertained by young African drummers and dancers – the most amazing I’ve ever seen!
Camping is tough but everyone is in the same boat with cold showers and clogged toilets.
Hakuna matata!
The food is delicious with vegetarians well catered for.

Have arrived safe. Can see green as far as the eye can see.
We are camping in the gardens of a student hostel.
Young africans and blaring music TV abound.
We have 24 hour security guards.
Toilets clogged day 1 with 100 people to arrive today.
Have met young men from Nigeria, Republic of Congo, India, Argentina and Germany. One young girl with her mum from Nigeria. Australian women make up the gender balance.
They have almost built an office for us.
Pre-conference organising today.

Most Australians are encouraged to “think globally and act locally”, but Brisbane resident Elissa Jenkins will be doing the opposite next week when she attends the Global Young Greens Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.

Held from January 16-19, 130 young people from all over the world will be attending the founding congress of the Global Young Greens.

Partly funded by the Australian Greens, Elissa – aged 30 – will journey to Nairobi to represent Australia’s youth as an official delegate of the Australian Greens.

Elissa, who is also Social Justice Spokesperson for the Queensland Greens and has run three times for public office in the last three years said the Conference was to be action-oriented.

“Our aim is to coordinate our work on important global issues and strengthen Green politics internationally.

“Unlike other Australian political parties, The Greens have a strong global focus and international camaraderie with like-minded organisations.

“Kenya is going to be amazing as young people aged from 16-35 from different cultures converge together to share accommodation, meals and discussion.

“I am to meet fellow Greens from African nations, European countries, USA, Sri-Lanka, Indonesia, Germany, Czech Republic – just to name a few.

“We’ll be discussing environmental and human rights issues – it’s going to be incredible.”

“These young people are passionate about helping to make the world a better place.

“I will not only be taking the voice of Australia’s young people to the world, but I will be bringing back stories to share with local residents,” she said.

While in Nairobi, Elissa will also attend the World Social Forum which attracts 100,000 visitors.

To view updates on Elissa’s journey visit her weblog at www.elissa.info.

For media information while Elissa’s away e-mail elissa@elissa.info or send a text message to 0418 786 986.