Well, this is it; the freshmen section of The Gem. It gives me great pleasure to know that there are freshman eyeballs focused upon this article. The intent of this columnis to instill a sense of unity and spirit among freshmen and, as well; The Frolicking Freshmen will act as an information guide specificaly for freshmen, and as a forum for freshmen ex- pression.

Thave held position as Fresh- men representative on the UPEI student council since late October of 1986. Ihave realized that there is a tremendous lack of spirit among the freshmen class. This is not surprising since freshmen are totally new to university life and maybe a little lost at first.

Frolicking Freshmen A new column just for Frosh

One problem I saw was the apparent lack of any kind of organization among freshmen to enhance their university life. Luckily this is beginning to change. There are many freshmen who are now actively taking a rolein instilling spirit in the freshmen class.

During this new semester I am confident that the freshmen class will be more active than ever before. Through the initi- ations of the “Freshmen Coun- cil”, which any freshmen may be a part of, I forsee many freshmen events taking place. Hopefully we can initiate acti- vities like a freshmen skate, or freshmen night at the Panther Lounge. Perhaps we can even have freshmen trivia night at the Lounge. Through these

By Dean MacMillian

activities, hopefully we can get all freshmen actively involved in something..,

It’s also pleasing to see that the Student Council is quite interested in Freshmen. In fact, even organizations such as the Winter Carnival committee are becoming more freshmen ori- ented. During winter carnival, I expect freshmen students will be pleased in the way they are treated. Student services is also interested in the welfare of freshmen and offer any help they can.

I am confident that the -

spring semester is going to be one in which freshmen will feel at home at UPEI and where freshmen unity, spirit, and en- joyment will grow tremendous-

ly. This column is a first step.

I hope you will enjoy the weekly article and I urge you to contribute to it as much as you can. Let’s make this sem- ester an outstanding success! Student Services Help Freshmen

OTTAWA (CUP) - Racist graffiti has resurfaced. at Carleton University, where unknown students defaces a poster advertising a discussion with the ambassador of Sudan.

Written on the poster’s corner were the words, “Bunch of Niggers.”

Islander Experiences Kenyan Culture

By Sam Okello

Mike Nearing is: a man of adventure.

That’s why he spent six months recently teaching English, Geography, and Mathematics to Kenyan high school students.

Nearing went to Kenya in May; 1986 under the Cross- roads. Program, a non-profit, non-governmental organiza- tion involving Canadians in social and academic programs abroad.

Nearing has brought back with him a unique taste ofa foreign culture. He says, “If the name Kenya means no- thing to you, you. shouldn’t worry about your lack of geo- graphical trivia knowledge, as PEI might be completely un- known to most Kenyans.”

Nearing explains that the name Kenya is a catch-word for the best experience he has ever seen in his life.

Nearing, born in Charlotte- town, lived in Kisi village. He notés that houses in Kisi con-

sist of attractive designs paint- ed on the walls with coloured soil and plant dyes. He points out that a family usually lives on approximately two acres of land where the members prac- tice subsistance agriculture.

Kenya’s small farm areas are extremely impressive, ac- cording to Nearing. He is pleased to see the neatness of the fields, the intensity of land use, the extent and quality of the soil. conservation. works. The number of tin-roofed build- ings, bicycles, vehicles, and even the quality of clothing depicts a relatively high degree of development.

Nearing explains that for the vast number of farm families, whose members constitute the

main agricultural work force, *

agricultureis not only a way of life, but also an occupation and source of income.

One problem that Kenya shares with other countries is the problem of inequality. Nearing says it exists within farming communities, and

Become Aware!

there is also the problem of the rich and poor, successful and unsuccessful living side by side.

He points out that the small farm sector contrasts with the large farm sector in its relative scarcity of land, capital, access to research-technical advice,

markets, and transport, but -

relatively large quantities of labour to apply to the land.

“Life in Kisi village can be relaxing and down to earth,” he says, “During the day, men sitnear a hut and drink ‘Bussa’, a beer drunk from mugs. The ladies spend their day sitting by the fire cooking ‘ugali’ (the national staple usually made of maize meal), he adds.

There is a certain amount of male and female role-playing. Nearing admits that the vil- lagers (the men) give him the impression of being less sexist and condescending about a woman’s contribution to soci- ety than in towns. He notes that out of economic necessity, both partners in a marriage are expected to do daily cai cal work.

Life in Kenyan villages can be somewhat slow by Cana- dian standards, according to Nearing. He also recalls how people relate to each otherina human and dignified manner. He mentions that everyone his

respect of the elderly members

of the community and take care os them communally. Nearing adds that everyonein the village shows concern for those who are ill. “A simple case of Malaria fever will bring a queue of well-wishers outside one’s door,” he says.

Although education is valued

in Kenya, Nearing indicated that many people, particularly the older generation have not had much schooling. He stres- ses that school in Kenya have an acute shortage of books, labs, libraries, and trained teachers, to name a few. Such a shortage in school supplies implies that education is more accessible to the rich people who can afford to pay the high tuition.

. On leaving Kisi village, Nearing said, “I felt a great

sadness, yet I was deeply hon- oured by the overwhelming

friendliness and hospitality ,

that I had received.”

He mentions that his depar- ture from Kisi village ended up being as interesting as his arrival.

Nearingis now back at UPEI

finishing his B.A..in English. He plans to raise funds and start a library in Kisi village. He also has some slide shows about Kenya. Anyone inter- ested should contact him at 569-4858.

What is perhaps most im- pressive about Nearing is his adaptable personality that has enabled him to experience a new culture. He says that if one is planning to go to Kenya for a vacation, one will not be disappointed. Not only will one learn a lot about Kenyans and

their culture, but also one is

sure to learn a lot more abont himself.

Nearing’s experience has enhanced support for the Cross

Roads program that helped —

him go to Kenya.

THe department of Student Services office (bottom floor Main Bldg) is a wonderful place. When you walk across the floor, you can be hears all over campus.

Actually, Student Services Con't Pg 10

Racism Resurfaces

“This is supposed to be a growing and learning place. You’d think people would be more broad-minded,”’ said Andrea Timoll, one of two Carleton. Anti-Aparthied Ac- tion Group members who dis- covered the graffiti.

The defacement comes nine months after-racist comments appeared on a poster during last year’s student council elec- tion campaign.

“We'd hoped (that) was an isolated example,” said Sulley Gariba, co-ordinator. of Carle- ton’s International Student’s Centre.

Plug. Into your <ampus newspaper.

The Letters Page

The Gem gets a lot of letters to the Editor signed with that old favourite “Anonymous”. Unfortunately, for legal and other reasons, these cannot be printed without the Editor knowing who wrote it.

The Gem gladly will with- hold names from publication, but to prove the authenticity of the letter, IT MUST BE SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR. Just write at the bottom of the page “please withhold name”, or “sign me Anonymous” and the author’s identity will be known only to the editor. It will be kept confidential even from other staff members.

Letters to the editor or other submissions can be sent free of charge through campus mail, dropped off at the SU office in the Barn, or through our Gem- Slot 2000, rm.401 Main. _