SCAW BLOG: TANZANIA, 2026: AUGUST 6
Today, our team had the opportunity to speak with two teachers and two parents about children’s sleep. Their insights offered a meaningful glimpse into daily life and sleep practices in this community.
They described a typical sleep environment in which multiple children often share a mat on the floor in one - or two-room homes. These homes are generally open to the outside through windows and roofing, exposing the family to environmental noise and mosquitoes. We learned that families tend to follow similar sleep schedules—children and parents alike reportedly sleep about eight hours per night. Many children wake as early as 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. to prepare for school.
What stood out most was the shared belief that children require the same amount of sleep as adults. When we explained that school-aged children (6–13 years) typically need 9–11 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period, there was genuine surprise. This gap highlights an important opportunity for education. Sleep is not simply for rest - it is a critical foundation for physical health (e.g., immunity), emotional regulation, and cognitive functioning, particularly during development.
Teachers reinforced this perspective by sharing their classroom experiences. They often observe students becoming very sleepy in the afternoon, to the point where naps are sometimes encouraged during the school day. This practical response reflects both the reality of students’ fatigue and the need for broader awareness of healthy sleep habits.
Encouragingly, the teachers we spoke with agreed that incorporating education about sleep and its role in health into the science curriculum would be valuable. Increasing awareness - among both educators and families - could have meaningful impacts on students’ well-being and learning potential.
La la salama - sleep well.
Team Tanzania, 2026
Upendo AIDS Information and Counseling Centre 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: TANZANIA, 2026: August 5
Behind Every Mattress is a Partnership That Makes Dreams Possible
Before a single child receives a bedkit, an incredible amount of teamwork happens behind the scenes.
This week, our team visited the Unoplast factory in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where more than 7,000 colourful mattresses were prepared for the 10 days of bedkit distributions taking place. Watching the mattresses move through production was a reminder that every bedkit represents the efforts of many dedicated partners working together.
High density foam ready to be cut into mattresses
For more than 20 years, Mama Wandoa has partnered with Unoplast to ensure every child receives a high-quality mattress. The company has been in business since 1965 and has become much more than a supplier - they are an invaluable partner in Sleeping Children Around the World's mission.
Their generosity goes well beyond manufacturing the mattresses. Unoplast continues to produce the mattresses at cost, without making a profit. They also store all 7,000 mattresses and, for each distribution, deliver the required 7,000 mattresses directly to the school using their own company truck and driver.
We saw how they were produced and how the colourful fabric with its vibrant patterns is sewn on each mattress. After receiving their knapsack - filled with school supplies, clothing, mosquito netting and other essential items - the colourful mattress is the final piece that the children receive. It is always a special moment to see the children's faces light up with excitement. Not only will they enjoy a better night's sleep, but they'll also have something beautiful and colourful to call their own.
A mountain of mattresses. The girls love the bright flamingos.
There's even a Canadian connection. Some of the materials used to manufacture these mattresses originate from a Canadian company, reflecting the international cooperation that makes this program possible. Just like Sleeping Children Around the World, these distributions succeed because of strong partnerships. Alongside Mama Wandoa, her children and grandchildren and the Upendo AIDS Information and Counselling Centre, Unoplast plays a vital role in helping us reach thousands of children across Tanzania.
To everyone at Unoplast, thank you for your generosity, commitment, and more than two decades of partnership. Together, we are helping thousands of children sleep better, dream bigger, and build brighter futures.
Team Tanzania, 2026
Upendo AIDS Information and Counseling Centre 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: TANZANIA. 2026: August 4
Distribution Day 2 - Highlights in Photos
The mamas have entrusted their little ones to us and are keeping a close eye on the proceedings.
Mattresses unloaded and bundled and ready to be taken home.
Children heading to change room to receive new kangas (multi-purpose piece of cotton) and then to photo site.
Ready for photos
Michael and Alice getting in shape for handing out the bedkits.
Choose your favourite colour mattress.
Tonight, I will sleep, dream and wake up rested in my new bedkit.
Thank you to our hard-working volunteers, especially Mama Wandoa and her family who created this cottage industry, that so many children and their families benefit from: A special thank you to our donors who make the bedkits possible.
Team Tanzania, 2026
Upendo AIDS Information and Counseling Centre 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: TANZANIA, 2026: AUGUST 3
Today we began our first distribution. We travelled from the hotel to our first site and were greeted by the joyful shouts and smiles of the children. We were also met with a lovely crowd of 20 volunteers from our overseas partner organization UPENDO. They were led and supervised by Mama Wandoa and several members of her family who came to help. Before starting the distribution we were able to meet with the waiting parents and, thanks to Wendy’s help with translation, were able to share with the parents the benefits of sleep.
They were excited to hear about the items in the bedkit and rejoiced over each item we shared. With all the advance preparations arranged by Mama Wandoa and her team, things ran smoothly and we were able to present 700 children with bedkits. There were many smiles, thank yous and shouts of joy from both children and their waiting parents when they received their bedkits.
We are excited to see the joys and challenges that will come as we continue with 9 more days of distribution.
Team Tanzania, 2026
Upendo AIDS Information and Counseling Centre 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: TANZANIA, 2026: August 3
It’s Sunday in Dar es Salaam and we are off to Mama Wandoa’s farm, south of the city. There she built a church for the community. We arrived to the sound of joyful singing by a visiting choir. It was an uplifting start to the day.
We had a walk around to see the chickens and vegetation, including mango trees, then Mama gave us a taste of mango juice. Delicious!
Later in the day we checked out the bedkits and got ourselves organized for our first day of distributions. We are excited to meet the children and wish them “la la salama” (sleep well).
These three photos were from the previous day.
Team Tanzania, 2026
Upendo AIDS Information and Counseling Centre 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: TANZANIA, 2026: August 2
Arrival in Tanzania
Today the team arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania tired after a 24 hour trek from Toronto via a (quick!) stop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We were happy to be greeted by Wendy and Benjamin, volunteers who are also the children of our local partner, Mama Wandoa of UPENDO. Mama has been the oversees partner of SCAW in Tanzania for over twenty years.
After a brief check-in at the hotel to clean up and unpack, we met Mama in her home which serves as the hub for the manufacturing and storage of the 7000 bedkits that will be distributed by our team over the next two weeks.
Pictured are bedkits for boys (blue) and girls (black) and the sewing room where they’re created, an open-air upper-floor room with about 10 sewing machines, each one different as they have been donated and collected over the years.
This year’s bedkit contain a mattress, sheet, backpack, clothing, school supplies, shoes, and mosquito net. They also include an item called a kanga which is a very common item in Tanzania. A kanga is a colourful rectangular piece of fabric worn by men and women and used for many purposes such as a head/body wrap, baby sling, or a sheet. The kanga often includes some writing on it that is an uplifting Swahili proverb.
The team is excited for the days ahead!
Team Tanzania, 2026
Upendo AIDS Information and Counseling Centre 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: TANZANIA, 2026: July 30
Preparing to change 7,000 lives . . .
Soon, Team Tanzania 2026 will embark on a mission with our partner, the Upendo AIDS Information and Counseling Centre, to provide bedkits for 7,000 children in Tanzania.
These photos below show volunteers in Tanzania packing and counting the bedkits for each distribution site.
Every bedkit will help a child sleep better, dream bigger, and wake up with renewed hope for tomorrow.
Come along with us in the coming weeks as we share our daily adventures - the challenges, the unforgettable smiles of the children, and the experiences that touch our hearts each day.
The adventure is just beginning, and we can't wait to share every step with you.
Stay tuned . . .
Team Tanzania, 2026
Upendo AIDS Information and Counseling Centre 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: SRI LANKA, 2026: July 9
Today we ventured to the outskirts of Columbo to an inner city school in one of the poorest areas of Columbo. Next to the river there was heavy flooding in November with the streets 10 feet under water. Our final day’s 500 bedkits were really needed.
The majority of families here are single parent families as crime and addiction has had its effect on one or both parents. The principal of the school had previously been a teacher in central Columbo and, when offered the promotion to principal, chose this school over others to have the greatest impact possible. She cares deeply for the children and you can see it in the smiles she receives from the students. She impressed upon us that this gift, to a small child, is a life changing experience.
Thank you to the donors as your gift has changed their lives!
Team Sri Lanka, 2026
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: SRI LANKA, 2026: July 8
Today began with a truly unforgettable experience. Early this morning, elephants from the nearby elephant orphanage in Pinnawala walked right past our hotel on their way to the river for their daily bath. It was such a thrill to watch these magnificent animals stroll down the street before splashing and playing in the water.
Most of us even had the chance to touch the elephants and take photos with them.
Our fearless team leader, Sue, went one step further by climbing into the river to help bathe them!
It was a wonderful start to the day, and we are grateful to our Rotarian Overseas Partners for arranging this for us.
From Pinnawala, we travelled to Kadawatha for another bedkit distribution. We received a warm welcome with traditional drummers and dancers, as well as smiling children who greeted us with beautiful bouquets of lotus flowers. It was a lovely setting, and everything ran smoothly, making it another successful distribution.
Taking their bedits home by tuktuk
Leah and Warren hamming it up for the SCAW camera.
Today marked our 11th distribution out of 12, so we are almost at the finish line! This evening we arrived in Colombo, where we’ll spend the next two nights. Tomorrow brings our final distribution, followed by a meeting and dinner with our Sri Lankan Rotarian partners. It will be a fitting way to wrap up such a meaningful and memorable trip.
Team Sri Lanka, 2026
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: Sri Lanka, 2026: July 7
Tea Leaves, Bedkits, and Tomorrow’s Elephants
Our morning began at the beautiful Blue Field Tea Gardens, where we were welcomed by our guide and dressed for the occasion. We were fitted with colourful head scarves, wrap-around skirts, and traditional tea baskets strapped to our backs before heading into the rolling green hills to pick tea leaves ourselves.
It quickly became clear that harvesting tea is an art. We learned how to select only the tender new leaves and then followed the entire journey from the field through the drying and processing stages.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without enjoying a cup of fresh Orange Pekoe tea and spending a little time browsing the wonderful tea shop.
From there, it was time for the real purpose of our journey.
We travelled to Gampola, where 787 bedkits were distributed to children from 14 schools. Every one of those schools had been affected by the recent monsoon, making today’s distribution especially meaningful. Despite everything these families have endured, the resilience and spirit of the community shone through.
One thing our team couldn’t stop talking about was how incredibly well-behaved the children were. Their smiles said everything. The Canadian flag pins and little Canadian flags we brought along were treasured gifts, and two simple Frisbees quickly became the stars of the afternoon. It’s amazing how something so small can create so much joy.
Before heading to our hotel, we made one final stop at the Susana Spice and Herb Gardens. Our guide introduced us to an incredible variety of spices, herbs, and traditional remedies. Apparently, there was a natural cure for almost everything—from aches and pains to promises of a longer life and a healthier body. If all the claims are true, we should all be returning home in peak condition!
There’s plenty of excitement for tomorrow morning because around 8:30, we’re hoping to watch the elephants make their daily walk down to the river—a sight many people say is one of Sri Lanka’s most memorable experiences.
We’ll let you know tomorrow if it lives up to the anticipation. Somehow, I have a feeling it will.
Team Sri Lanka, 2026
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: SRI LANKA, 2026: July 6
A Rewarding Day in Nuwara Eliya
Today was an unforgettable day in Nuwara Eliya as we distributed 1,320 bedkits to children from 17 different schools. Seeing so many smiling faces is a great reminder of the impact that generosity and community can have.
At lunchtime, we had the opportunity to visit a beautiful Hindu temple, where we participated in a traditional blessing ceremony.
Once the distribution was complete, we enjoyed a little free time exploring the local market. With the help of the Rotarians accompanying us, many of us managed to find some great bargains. We also discovered that many international brands have products manufactured in Sri Lanka, including Patagonia, Columbia, Lululemon, and Nike.
We are grateful to everyone who helped make this day possible and look forward to the days still to come.
Team Sri Lanka, 2026
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: SRI LANKA, 2026: July 5
Sunday morning brought bright sunshine, as the SCAW team left for our morning distribution in tea country in the mountains.
The ride was on narrow winding roads to Agarapathana where the school band patiently waited to serenade us upon our arrival. We were privileged to have a distinguished guest with us this morning. The Sri Lankan Minister of Education welcomed us very warmly and was grateful for SCAW coming to help the school children in level 3, the most needy children in this region. The impact of our distribution today helped 12 schools.
Since it was our fifth day, we had more experience and the distribution went swiftly with all the teachers' and parents' help. We had the opportunity to ride 3 wheeled tuktuks going into the back hills for a home visit to see how some of the recipients live. We met a father who graciously welcomed us into his 2 room home that housed 3 families, 11 people in total. In one room seven people sleep on the floor, while 4 people share a bed in the second room that also is used for food preparation. Meals are cooked outside on open fires.
We were taxied by tuktuk back to the school to depart for Nuwara Eliya. The route offered spectacular views of mountains and tea plantations.
Upon arrival we visited Sri Seethai Amman Temple, a Hindu temple of renown, and then walked through a tea plantation for some photos before arriving at our destination for the night.
Team Sri Lanka, 2026
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: SRI LANKA, 2026: July 5
Sunday morning brought bright sunshine, as the SCAW team left for our morning distribution in tea country in the mountains.
The ride was on narrow winding roads to Agarapathana where the school band patiently waited to serenade us upon our arrival. We were privileged to have a distinguished guest with us this morning. The Sri Lankan Minister of Education welcomed us very warmly and was grateful for SCAW coming to help the school children in level 3, the most needy children in this region. The impact of our distribution today helped 12 schools.
Since it was our fifth day, we had more experience and the distribution went swiftly with all the teachers' and parents' help. We had the opportunity to ride 3 wheeled tuktuks going into the back hills for a home visit to see how some of the recipients live. We met a father who graciously welcomed us into his 2 room home that housed 3 families, 11 people in total. In one room seven people sleep on the floor, while 4 people share a bed in the second room that also is used for food preparation. Meals are cooked outside on open fires.
We were taxied by tuktuk back to the school to depart for Nuwara Eliya. The route offered spectacular views of mountains and tea plantations.
Upon arrival we visited Sri Seethai Amman Temple, a Hindu temple of renown, and then walked through a tea plantation for some photos before arriving at our destination for the night.
Team Sri Lanka, 2026
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: Sri Lanka, 2026: july 4
We are now in the hill country of Hatton. The landscape is so lush and green and layered with endless rows of tea trees.
We awoke this morning to strong winds and heavy rain. Our hotel lost power for an hour but eventually the generator turned on and our hosts prepared some delicious Sri Lankan omelettes and rich, dark coffee for us to start our day.
We had 2 big distributions today and we met children from 33 different schools!
It was impressive that so many teachers and principals volunteered their time on a Saturday to help us with our distribution. They also took the time to write us beautiful letters of gratitude. They wrote “These kits will provide meaningful assistance to our children and help ease the financial burden faced by many of their families in supporting their education.”
Although the rain continued throughout the day, the children’s smiles kept on shining and they were excited to see us and greeted us with lots of waving and laughter.
It was very moving to see the parents waiting so patiently in the rain for their children to receive their bedkits.
We know that during this rainy season the items in the bedkits such as the umbrella and waterproof sleeping mat will be very appreciated by the families.
Team Sri Lanka, 2026
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: Sri Lanka, 2026: july 4
We are now in the hill country of Hatton. The landscape is so lush and green and layered with endless rows of tea trees.
We awoke this morning to strong winds and heavy rain. Our hotel lost power for an hour but eventually the generator turned on and our hosts prepared some delicious Sri Lankan omelettes and rich, dark coffee for us to start our day.
We had 2 big distributions today and we met children from 33 different schools!
It was impressive that so many teachers and principals volunteered their time on a Saturday to help us with our distribution. They also took the time to write us beautiful letters of gratitude. They wrote “These kits will provide meaningful assistance to our children and help ease the financial burden faced by many of their families in supporting their education.”
Although the rain continued throughout the day, the children’s smiles kept on shining and they were excited to see us and greeted us with lots of waving and laughter.
It was very moving to see the parents waiting so patiently in the rain for their children to receive their bedkits.
We know that during this rainy season the items in the bedkits such as the umbrella and waterproof sleeping mat will be very appreciated by the families.
Team Sri Lanka, 2026
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: SRI LANKA, 2026: July 3
After the last 3 days of fun, meeting the children and delivering much-needed bedkits, we had a day to slow down and take a breather and enjoy a day of rest. But even rest days are packed with things to see. After a quick breakfast we were off to see the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. As the majority of Sri Lankans are Buddhist this place is revered for its special significance. Once inside the temple you can feel the religious significance of the site and the beauty of the artifacts. We were fortunate to be able to view the relic as it is only open for viewing 2 or 3 times per day. We later took time to explore the World Buddhist Museum which was equally memorable.
Next we went to the Gemstone market. The hand mining of gemstones is still done by manual labour and has a very valuable part in the Sri Lankan economy. The Sri Lankans were proud to point out the significance of their place in supplying the world with precious and semi-precious stones.
After a quick lunch by the river we were informed that the recent cyclone dropped so much precipitation that the bridge we viewed from the restaurant window had been under 10 inches of water. The flood occurred without warning and entire villages were washed away, again showing us how important the gift of a bedkit truly is!
We visited a wood carving and batik shop to see the skilled artisans ply their craft and were astonished at the level of skill and time needed to produce their unique creations.
We then departed Kandy for a 3 hour drive through the winding hills to our next distribution town which will be our home for the next 2 nights.
Team Sri Lanka, 2026
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: Sri LANKA, 2026: July 2
Our morning started with a wonderful breakfast at the hotel which included fresh watermelons, papayas and a wide assortment of curry options for dahl and on eggs. We then travelled a short distance to a school to complete a wonderful distribution of 800 bedkits. It was all outside and well organized. The teachers had us back to the office for lunch. The hospitality here is incredible.
In the afternoon we distributed 400 bedkits and most of the children were affected by the monsoons. They are so happy and grateful to receive such a gift. The team is now working on doing the Hokey Pokey as it was a huge hit with the kids.
Team Sri Lanka, 2026
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
Scaw blog: Sri Lanka, 2026: July 1
Our first stop was Pinawalla where we received a warm welcome complete with marching band. We were also presented with floral bouquets that had exotic flowers and were made by the children. We also enjoyed King Coconut juice.
In the hall we did the lighting of the candles and the children put on a beautiful dance for us. In an effort to show some of their heritage they performed a special show to teach us their lifestyle. We then had a distribution of 245 bedkits. After the distribution we were invited to a delicious meal.
Our second stop was Kegalle where we were given beautiful garlands that were made by the parents. Here too there was a powerful feeling of excitement which can be very emotional for the volunteers. 400 bedkits were given to kids affected by the monsoon. They were brought in by the rotary club on 7 different buses from a wide area. We sang “Oh Canada” followed by the Sri Lanka national anthem.
The distribution went well and when we finished we enjoyed different Sri Lankan delectable foods prepared by the locals.
Team Sri Lanka, 2026
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: Sri Lanka, 2026:June 30
What a jam-packed first day in Sri Lanka!
SCAW’s overseas partners, the Rotarians, have been working hard behind the scenes sourcing items that make up the more than 7,000 bedkits that will be distributed to needy children while we are here. It was a pleasure to finally meet them in person.
Today we toured three small family-run manufacturing facilities that supply the mosquito nets, pyjamas, T-shirts, and finally, bags to hold the bedkit.
It was inspiring to see that these businesses share SCAW's commitment to compassion and humanitarian service. As we toured it was very obvious they take great pride in employing and sourcing materials locally and that they too can be involved with the Rotary and SCAW in helping improve the lives of children and their families.
The children and families welcomed us with a beautiful cultural dance and music which we truly appreciated.
Our day ended with an awesome first day distribution of 316 bedkits. What a feeling!!! There were smiles all around as the children waved or high-fived us and headed for home.
Much like those children, we will all have a good night’s sleep after a busy and heartwarming first day.
Team Sri Lanka, 2026
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 21
Our last day of distributions (18 & 19) in the Philippines dawned with an early morning bus ride to the famous Talisay area. The Taal volcano sits in a lake in a very mountainous area. The backdrop was stunning as we prepared our site as a now experienced team. Excited smiles beamed at us despite the heat. The children were polite and treated us to a rousing chorus of the Philippine national anthem. We have all taken this tune into our hearts now.
Over a lunch that included refreshing whole coconuts we learned that Talisay had been the victim of devastating land slides just two years ago. Many of the children from today’s distributions were living in government-sponsored resettlement camps. These families that had lost everything were truly grateful to receive a bedkit. We saw many bedkit bundles being transported home up the steep road.
Talisay skies treated us to a spectacular sunset display which felt like a celebration of our long weeks of work. A quiet and contemplative team rode back to Manila, having been strangers just a few weeks ago. I’m grateful to now consider them a special kind of family and can vouch that the SCAW volunteer experience is a life-changing one.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦