May 1st 2013
PA-MOJA sends a big cheer from Canada to
Ol Pejeta Conservancy Community Coordinators,
Paul Leringato and Patrick Waigwa
Nearly eight years ago, when we were just entertaining the idea of creating a network of sister schools in a partnership with the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, we needed someone that we could trust. Paul Leringato was the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and would act as our liaison with PA-MOJA, the conservancy and the local community.
Primatologist Dr. Gillian LaPrairie, our initial inspiration, had known Paul for some time and joyously sang his praise.
We quickly found out that not only was Paul an efficient and amazing coordinator, but a warm human being who was eager to help our fledgling organization find its place. Working with community leaders, elders, teachers and Head
Masters, Paul quickly established a sense of trust within the community. In 2009, the OPC sent Paul to our AGM here in Vancouver and on a brief tour of schools to promote our organization. It was a great experience for all, but particularly challenging for Paul since he had to experience a Canadian winter first hand!
Back in Kenya, Paul continued to oversee the building of school libraries, accepting the delivery and installation of 20,000 books, coordinating multiple classroom constructions and biogas projects. These are but a few examples of Paul’s ever expanding job description.
When the work became too demanding for Paul, the Conservancy hired Patrick Waigwa to step in two years ago and help. Patrick jumped into the job head first and feet flying. Working with our sister schools by supplying videos, pictures, interviews, website updates, and multiple Skype nights exchanges, Patrick kept us moving forward.
In January 2013, both Paul and Patrick decided to run locally in the national elections.
They had to resign their positions to participate and we lost a fabulous team. Paul got us started, built the connections and Patrick helped him maintain and expand our presence.
We are forever grateful.
We wish them the very best and send them both a heartfelt Canadian standing ovation for their dedicated contributions to PA-MOJA.
Sincerely,
Neil Bryson, President
PA-MOJA
