Team Reports |
Meeting the parentsJudy Skelton -- Toronto, ON
An integral part of each SCAW distribution is interviewing the bedkit recipients about the quality and usefulness of items in the bedkit. This ensures that donor dollars are used in the best possible way to meet the needs of the children. Next year's bedkit will be designed keeping in mind what they tell us. Usually parents wait for their children outside the distribution area. We don't always have the opportunity to interact with them, so it is a special privilege to meet them one-on-one. About twenty-five parents are interviewed during each distribution. A bedkit is laid out in the interview room and our OVOs choose an interpreter to work with us. When we are introduced to the parent we try to help them feel comfortable – the interview can be an intimidating experience. We begin by telling the parent that it was the wish of our founder, Murray Dryden, that each child have a good night's sleep so that they can better meet the challenges of the next day and as a result be successful in school. We explain that their opinions will help us to determine the quality and usefulness of each item in the bedkit. This is the first time that parents see the items in the bedkit and without exception they are delighted and express their deep gratitude.
Parents told us that the quality in the Belgaum bedkit was very good; this confirmed our assessment of the twenty-five items. Both parents and the children were pleased with the choice of clothing – practical, durable, well-made, and attractive. Parents agreed that all items in the bedkit would be used and that the mosquito net and school supplies would most benefit the children. Many families wlll have two or three children sleep on the mat under the mosquito net. The blankets will also be used by the whole the family. Most children attend government schools and are supplied with uniforms and textbooks but not backpacks, notebooks, pens, or pencils which are included in the bedkit. Children are given a nutritious lunch at school but must bring their own plates, bowls and cups – these too are given in the bedkit. Many children arrive at the distribution barefoot so the sandals are appreciated. Parent interviews not only give us valuable comments on the bedkit, they also give us insight into the daily challenges that "our families" face from day to day. Many of the families come from rural areas where they make their living as farm labourers clearing weeds and picking crops. The entire family lives in a one- or two-room dwelling of about one hundred and fifty square feet. During the monsoon season there is no work and the homes are damp and uncomfortable. Most families cannot afford the items in the bedkit – particularly the mosquito net which is so crucial to the health of their children.
One interview I will always remember was with eleven-year-old Rupa and her mother. Rupa, resplendent in her new frock, was beaming. It was clear how she felt about her new bedkit. Joy was written all over her face. Her mother, a single parent and a farm labourer, was quietly gracious as she inspected the bedkit – she was overwhelmed with gratitude. When she left she knelt down and kissed my feet. The Rotarians told me that this was a tradition in India and is a sign of respect and gratitude. For me it was a powerful and humbling experience. I had to fight back the tears. I responded with another Indian tradition – hands clasped in front of my chest, head slightly bowed and saying "Namaste" – this is a gracious form of extending friendship, respect, and humility. The clasped hands symbolize that we are all one. We are happy to pass on to our donors the sincere gratitude that the children and parents expressed to us. On behalf of the Sleeping Children team and the Belgaum bedkit recipients, "Dhanyavaad" (*Thank you). * Thanks to Sambodh Kaul for help with the Hindi translation and spelling. |
