January 22, 2004

Dear Friends and Family,
Each episode of Star-Trek began with the famous words: “Space the final frontier… going where no man has gone before”. This quote seems particularly applicable to the pygmies and especially to one pygmy named Keneth Turyamubona. Space is not the final frontier for the pygmies but rather the challenge is moving from forest dweller to the “modern” world. We had been told that the pygmies could never successfully compete in this world; they would always remain marginalized especially when faced with the rigors of the educational system. Our impression though, was that the challenges of hunter/gatherer would parlay well into the competition of the classroom.
In January, two pygmies graduated from primary school, the first, as we know in the history of the pygmy community to complete this grade level. These two had excelled in their studied but Keneth proved to be a particularly good student. We appreciated his determination 18 months ago when he requested a kerosene lantern and a watch from us. “Why do you need these items”, we asked? “Because I need to check the time so that I can get up at 4am daily to study and I need a light to read by”, he responded.
Keneth’s diligence paid off as he ended up not only being the top student in the school but also in the district. His goal was to be admitted to Budo secondary school en route to an eventual medical degree. Budo is the most exclusive secondary school in the country reserved for the best and brightest students, typically sons of the wealthy and politically connected.
Keneth’s struggle for this goal was not limited to the rigors classroom. Recently another pygmy that we had supported in acquiring a vocational trade challenged him. This friend chided him in that now with a trade he was able to earn money, showing Keneth a hand full of shillings. “And with this money I now can marry, and what do you have to show for all your education”, he asked? Recalling his tradition as hunter/gatherer where life is always lived in the present and schooling is of no value, Keneth became despondent. He lapsed in his studies and became withdrawn and seemed morose. The Bishop, the school headmaster and several elders counseled Keneth reminding him that he represents the future of the pygmies. “The tribe was counting on you becoming a physician and that in fact we sacrificed much to allow you this education,” he was told. In fact he owed the tribe a great deal, the debt to be repaid when he became a physician.
Keneth redoubled his efforts and scored well on the national exams. On Feb 5, Keneth received word that he had been accepted at Budo. The pygmies celebrated by song and dance but did not fully realize the enormity of the accomplishment. Previously no student from the entire district had ever been admitted to Budo, Keneth was the first ever!
This event was not lost on the national newspaper “The New Vision” who quickly dispatched a reporter to interview Keneth. One poignant question was asked, “What if you don’t get into medical school?" Keneth shot back, “How can you ask that question, I will become a doctor, I will not fail”.
Keneth is truly going where no pygmy has gone before and many are very proud of him. His continued journey will be not be easy though, we humbly ask that you keep him in your prayers.
Scott and Carol