Fiona Dowling’s visit to Kenya

Fiona Dowling (Chief Executive)’s visit to Kenya in October:

This was my first visit back to East Africa since before the pandemic and it was great to be back! The visit was planned in collaboration with Edmund Rice Foundation Australia (ERFA) so I was delighted to be joined by ERFA’s CEO Bren Arkinstall. We visited projects in Nairobi which have been supported by ERD and ERFA: the Ruben Centre, the Edmund Rice Centre and the Edmund Rice Catholic Education Centre (ERCEC). These education and community development projects are all situated in densely populated informal settlements (slums) in Nairobi. It was highly impressive to see the progress made in all projects, despite the challenges of recent years. And it was a joy and privilege to re-connect with old friends and forge new connections.

We had positive and productive meetings with Brs Alfred Banda and George Massay of the Africa Province Leadership team. Planning sessions were held with the ERFA Kenya team in their office in Nairobi to consider challenges and opportunities for enhanced partnership going forward. Andrew and Hedwig from Wholistic Leadership, who have been supporting the Ruben Centre, hosted a meeting with us to share learnings and plan.

We were deeply grateful and humbled by the warm welcome and hospitality. Asante sana.