You can also download a PDF version of this report from our Distributions page.
|
 A Mother's ReportSally Sandiford – Stouffville, ON I am a mother, accompanying my daughter Katie on her second trip to Tanzania. Katie had told me many wonderful stories of her previous adventure, and I'm delighted for the opportunity to experience a SCAW distribution for myself. As we drive out of Dar es Salaam each day we notice many humble homes with mothers outside, often with a young one wrapped on their backs, either cooking over charcoal, sweeping or gathering water. Along the road in the city and countryside alike, they walk on uneven ground with buckets of water, large plastic sacks of goods, or baskets of fruit and vegetables perfectly balanced atop their heads. I can't even begin to imagine how much their loads must weigh. 
Upon arrival at the various schoolyards, where each of our daily distributions take place, we see several groups of people. The Tanzanian volunteers are hard at work off-loading the colourful mattresses and bedkit bags while Mama Wandoa begins to assemble the children who will change into their new clothes in preparation for their photos. The children -- so many children -- are everywhere in their blue and white uniforms and very excitedly greet our arrival with shy smiles and wide eyes of wonder. And then there is a colourful but quiet group of people: the mothers, dressed in their simple but beautiful kangas -- watching and waiting to see if today is the day their child will be one of the lucky ones to receive the much coveted bedkit, meaning a comfy mattress for sleeping, a mosquito net for protection from deadly malaria, and much needed school supplies and clothing. These mothers have probably been waiting since the mattress trucks arrived and may stay as long as six or seven hours, sitting, watching, and hoping. One day we travelled to a small village school in the country, called Kwembe. Here we were able to set up our photo taking and bedkit distribution in a relatively small area right next to where the mamas were waiting under the shade of a tree. Our visit appeared to be a bit of a social event as well -- an opportunity for the mothers to sit and wait, chatting with one another, while their younger children played within arm's reach. 
The mothers watched as their school aged children, changed into their new clothes, lined up in groups, and timidly posed for their photos. The children then proceeded cautiously up the hill to receive their bedkits, and some even stole a quick glance toward their mothers before receiving their bag and mattress. What a proud moment for the children as they made their way over to their mothers with great excitement to show off their gift. The mamas, most quite reserved until now, beamed with pride and gratitude as they looked through the bag at its contents. Many then said their farewells and walked home together, mother and child, carrying the load together. On our final day in Kibaga, we were again able to watch the mothers as they, along with their children, walked home with their new bedkits and mattresses. Many made a point of calling out "asante sana" to us to ensure we knew how much your gift was appreciated. All mothers, regardless of their circumstances, want the very best for their children. We want them to be healthy, happy, and able to receive a good education. You have helped 5,000 mothers achieve this goal. |
Team Reports