questions.

It has been 2 months into the SIT Kenya program and we have started with our independent study project phase.

Armed with a pen and notebook, I have gone, eagerly to practice my field research techniques; interviewing people on the streets, staff members of various organizations. It was a little intimidating at first. Like running off into the deep end of the pool without knowing how to swim, I was searching for answers to my questions, without the confidence that the questions I have will bear answers.

But I am enjoying it immensely. This form of learning appeals more to me than learning through books. I have to admit that it is partly because I don't enjoy reading a lot. More importantly, though, I it is inspiring to witness the work and efforts of many, in the stride for a better quaility of life for the Kenyan communities.

My search for answers have also raised more questions.

Last week, I spoke with a counselor at a clinic where commercial sex workers (CSWs) (or prostitutes, as some of us know them) are given free ARVs (Antiretroviral durgs, or medicine to keep HIV+ people healthy). He is an advocate and an activist for the fight against CSWs' stigma and discrimination. Many of them, he says are victims of circumstances. Teenage pregnancies, the leave them with children to take care of. Irresponsible boyfriends that have left them scared and angry parents who have stopped loving them, in the time that these girls need love, and guidence more than ever. "Transactional Sex" is the consequence of the lack of any other way of supporting livelihoods and should instead be considered "sex for survival". Does it mean that it should be justified?

Last night, I had a conversation with a friend of mine about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The history and the causation responsible for loss of lives and destruction of homes is deeply complex, rooted in politics, religion, and resources. If we hear the views of each side, it seems justifiable. But who is accountable? Who should be stopping it?

Be it war or prostitution, begging or robbery, we can give the view points from different sides and the motives behind such acts seems justifiable but it is undebatable that these are disintegrating the society. Looking for those accountable and responsible, could very well be a task of finding people to shoulder the blame, but forgiving is not the solution either. So how do we find meaningful solutions to these problems, if there is any at all?

Thich Naht Hanh (a Buddhist monk) said: if you see a lion eating a rat in the valley, and you are on top of a hill with a bush of strawberries, smile and savor the strawberries, instead of frowning upon the lion. The exact wording might be wrong but the concept is, there is no use troubling over problems we cannot solve. If we adopt this concept to societal problems, it call for an attitude of indifference and inaction. Would the world be more peaceful then? Or will the problems continue accumulating into a mountain that would cast a dark shadow over humanity?