The Kenyan moonlight—serious moonlight—revealed a zebra. Then another. And another. A herd had congregated along the perimeter of Nairobi National Park. This was just the beginning of a cultural exchange between a group from Mia and our Nairobi partners in “Girls Design the World: Supporting Green Communities with STEAM,” and we were already inspired.
Since last fall, 21 teenage girls in each city have engaged in an international partnership between Mia and the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), Nairobi. They have been empowered to imagine solutions to environmental challenges in their communities through the human-centered design thinking process, and the innovative and appealing prototypes they created after months of hard work are now on view at both museums.
The Minnesota contingent of Girls Design the World in Nairobi, Kenya.
Last month, the Mia group traveled to Kenya with the support of Museums Connect, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Through monthly video conferences and a lively project website filled with stories, poems, and other observations, the girls in both countries had come to know a lot about each other, their projects, their cities, and their cultures. Finally, they would meet face to face.
Wildlife spotting at Lake Nakuru Park.
Collaborating on an art project at Loreto Msongari school.
Our hosts and project coordinators arranged behind-the-scenes tours of Nairobi’s National Museum and the Nairobi Gallery, school visits, a meeting with community members at Mukuru kwa Ruben (an informal settlement visited by the Nairobi girls as part of their project), and excursions to national parks where wildlife roam freely.
The Kenyan participants present their design prototypes.
One of the most profound experiences was the opening of the “Girls Design the World” exhibition in the National Museum’s Cultural Dynamism gallery on April 1. When we entered the gallery, we were welcomed with hugs and excited greetings from the young women who knew us only through blog posts and video conferences. No barriers existed between the Minnesota girls and these enthusiastic and creative teens in Nairobi. Exploring their design prototypes in the gallery drove home for me that, cultural differences aside, the creative potential of young women to make our world a better, cleaner, and healthier place through innovative ideas and designs is universal.
Trying to free the bus, stuck in the mud at Nairobi National Park.
The Nairobi girls’ colorful and imaginative prototypes propose solutions for waste management of non-biodegradable materials, safe and proper drainage of waste water, the management of human waste through conversion to biogases, reducing water shortages, and limiting garbage disposal and increasing recycling. Here, in Minnesota, the girls’ prototypes propose solutions and action steps for reducing water pollution, managing invasive species in our environment, contributing to the health of pollinators in our communities, and producing green lunchrooms in our own high schools. They confirm that the future of our world is in great hands as long as young women like those involved in “Girls Design the World” are given opportunities to put their creativity to work.
A tractor rescues the bus.
After a busy exhibition opening, we headed to Nairobi National Park for adventure. After encountering many animals—ostrich, antelope, monkeys, giraffe, zebra, hyrax, water buffalo, rhino, and even some lions (albeit quite far away)—our bus came to a halting stop. A much-needed rain had fallen overnight, and now our bus of 40 passengers was stuck in the mud. Despite a group of girls from both countries rocking the bus from behind in an attempt to free it, we were left to wait for a giant yellow tractor to come to our rescue. This is the stuff memories and friendships are made of.
Dancing at Nairobi’s Mamba Village.
The Minnesota and Kenya groups together.
There was more excitement: singing and dancing at a delicious luncheon at Nairobi’s Mamba Village, close encounters with gentle giants at the Giraffe Centre, and tours of the Karen Blixen house—of Out of Africa fame. The deepening of friendships between the Minnesota girls and their Nairobi friends was remarkable, and we parted with heartfelt hugs and thanks. We knew we wouldn’t have to wait long for a reunion: six of the girls and their chaperones arrive in the Twin Cities on April 20 for a five-day visit including Earth Day.
Watch this video about the Girls Design the World program, then read what our Twin Cities participants had to say about their experience in Africa.
“Having the opportunity to travel to Nairobi was life-changing! I am grateful that I could experience a different way of life than I’m accustomed to and feel so unbelievably welcomed by everyone there. It’s an opportunity for us as young women to collaborate and hopefully to continue growing side by side for many years to come.”
—Anya
“We were surrounded not only by beautiful vegetation and creatures but also beautiful people. I was incredibly humbled by all the smiles and kind gestures of every person I met on our trip. I am excited to make a difference with all the wonderful young women we are working with.”
—Christiana
“Being in the place where these girls built their prototypes—and seeing their prototypes on display—made everything seem more real and important. And it was amazing to see people from the community come together and take in all the girls’ work.”
—Alicia
“The girls’ prototypes in Nairobi were outstanding—they could be used in the real world to solve so many environmental challenges. The friendships I made during this trip are going to be lifelong. I keep in contact with some of the girls from Nairobi and can’t wait for the day I can visit them again.”
—Shea
“Being able to go on this once-in-a-lifetime trip has changed how I see the world. What surprised me the most was how happy everyone is. Even those who do not have a lot are still so happy and giving toward you. Everyone is just so humble and it was an amazing experience that I will never forget. ”
—Breanna
“My experience in Nairobi made me appreciate life, health, friends, and family more. Seeing how some people are so happy with nothing really impacted me in a sense that I and others shouldn’t have our happiness be reliant on materialistic living.”
—Quinn
“My biggest culture shock happened not in Kenya at all but upon returning to Minnesota, when I realized how much I take for granted: my health, my education, my loving parents. Despite harsh conditions, Kenyans support their family and friends and keep a smile on their face while doing so. My trip to Kenya was one of the best experiences of my life.”
—Amy