Honduras: Two-day report
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| Making the bedkit mattresses. From Honduras 2007 Album 2 |
Our distribution on Wednesday was followed by a visit to the manufacturer of the mattress that is included in the bedkit. It was interesting to see the work conditions of the people working there. The work environment is very primitive in comparison to our Canadian standards.
In the evening we were hosted by the Rotary Club at a dinner during their weekly meeting. We were presented a certificate to thank us for our collaboration with their club in helping the children of their country. What a wonderful evening.
On Thursday, after the distribution, the guys (Jim and I) stayed at the hotel for some R & R (I caught up on backing up the bedkit photos we've taken so far) and the women were off to visit two general hospitals and a psychiatric hospital.
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| View from the restaurant. From Honduras 2007 Album 2 |
Carlos, the director of the SCAW project of the Tegucigalpa Rotary Club, said it was higher than the CN Tower. I believe it. It was just turning dusk as we got there. We were able to get some pics but they did not show the true splendor of the view. What a wonderful supper! We treated Carlos and Pablo, our driver, to dinner. It is very little in comparison to what they have been doing for us.
Then it was back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep in preparation for our biggest distribution in the morning -- 700 bedkits.
Harry Gauthier, reporting live from Tegucigalpa, Honduras
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Bangladesh: The team has arrived
The SCAW team has successfully arrived in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
We were pleasantly greeted by the Rotary and Lion's Club and escorted to our hotel. We settled in and made ourselves comfortable. Later that afternoon we gathered together and took a walk around the neighboroud and visited a few shops.
The Rotary Club joined us for a meeting and then treated us with a nice dinner. We have just finished our first SCAW meeting and we did a preview of what the bedkit will look like when on display for the pictures. Tomorrow morning we awake and leave for 6 a.m. to beat the morning traffic.
The SCAW team will be distributing our first 600 bedkits.
Arrius Racioppo, SCAW team member
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We were pleasantly greeted by the Rotary and Lion's Club and escorted to our hotel. We settled in and made ourselves comfortable. Later that afternoon we gathered together and took a walk around the neighboroud and visited a few shops.
The Rotary Club joined us for a meeting and then treated us with a nice dinner. We have just finished our first SCAW meeting and we did a preview of what the bedkit will look like when on display for the pictures. Tomorrow morning we awake and leave for 6 a.m. to beat the morning traffic.
The SCAW team will be distributing our first 600 bedkits.
Arrius Racioppo, SCAW team member
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Bangladesh: The 2007 travelling team
The Sleeping Children Around the World 2007 Bangladesh Travelling Team
Left to right: Clive Dunstan, Arrius Racioppo, Don Harris, Roberta Harris, Dave Dryden (Team Leader), Judy Dryden
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Honduras: Muchas gracias
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| Suzanne blows bubbles for the children. From Honduras 2007 Album 2 |
It was my pleasure today to interview some parents and children to get their feedback on the bedkit. The consensus was that everything in the kit is needed and would be useful. The hugs and expressions of "muchas gracias" were plentiful.
After the distribution, we were taken to visit families who had received bedkits last year. We left the city and the paved roads and went on a narrow, stone-littered path to get to the small village of about thirty homes. We were greeted by lots of moms and little children. We visited a few homes and were shown some of the items received in the bedkit. The mattress and pillow were still intact but stained. The towel was in good shape but we were told that the clothing was worn out.
The children seemed happy and enjoyed the entertainment provided by Suzanne and Judy: hand stamping, bubble blowing, and stickers.
A most interesting and not-to-be-missed experience for our team.
Hilda Reinauer-Stark, for the 2007 SCAW Honduras team
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Bangladesh: Leave your comments here
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Honduras: Official Recognition of SCAW's Contribution
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| Children welcome us with their school banner From Honduras 2007 Album 1 |
488 children from 8 schools in the area were the happy recipients of SCAW bedkits.
The First Lady of Honduras (the wife of the President) visited the site today and expressed her gratitude for the contribution that Sleeping Children makes to the health and well being of youngsters in Honduras. The First Lady is the patron and sponsor of the Healthy Schools Project, a government funded initiative that promotes the health of children in need by providing a breakfast program, gardening program, and health and dental care.
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| The First Lady of Honduras with bedkit recipients, Rotary Club, and SCAW Members From Honduras 2007 Album 1 |
We are proud to be part of a team committed to enhancing the lives of the wonderful children here.
Judy Skelton, for the 2007 SCAW Honduras team
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Honduras: Two schools today
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| Setting up for the photo: Harry, Hilda, Laurie-Beth From Honduras 2007 Album 1 |
At the first school we gave 511 bedkits to some very excited children. The children paid little attention to the various rain showers while they waited, except to giggle and shake the water off their heads.
It was interesting to see the layout of the this school with the picture area set up at the bottom of a long, steep cement staircase. The children were very used to running up and down, paying little attention to the obvious dangers.
This afternoon we drove a difficult passageway to a village in the hills. Although the school is new, it has no electricity and the school yard reflects an abandoned work area.
The children were delighted to be there awaiting our arrival. As the day progressed we had to work dilligently to ensure we were able to take the final pictures of the 389 children, as we were losing our natural light.
It is so heart warming and fulfilling to see the happiness in each child as they leave with their bedkits. As we loaded into the van one of the teachers caught us to offer her thanks and gratitude. We were as thankful for her committment as she was for ours.
Suzanne Dobinson, for the 2007 SCAW Honduras team
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Honduras: First distribution complete
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| Children waiting for bedkits From Honduras 2007 Album 1 |
They were so excited when we arrived at the site on one of the many hillsides overlooking Tegucigalpa.
We were met by crowds of parents and children greeting us with "Hola." and excited chatter. This particular site was not closed-in due to construction of more school classrooms and facilities -- another project of the Rotary Club that is working so hard with Sleeping Children to organize all the arrangements for the bedkits, the school children to receive the bedkits, and the various and sundry needs of the six SCAW travelling team members.
It was a warm sunny day as we began the distribution but heavy rain clouds came over the mountain tops and soon after we left the downpour began.
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Laurie-Beth Davidson, for the 2007 SCAW Honduras team
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Honduras: The team has arrived
All is well!
We are in Tegucigalpa. We were greeted at the airport by members of the Rotary Club: Carlos, Sergio, Roberto and Fidel.
After a short trip to our hotel we checked in, freshened up and the team got together to plan for tomorrow, our first distribution.
We had a look at the bedkit and practiced setting it up for the distribution. We discussed our various roles for tomorrow and are eager to get started. The distribution that was missed today has been rescheduled for Sunday afternoon. Sunday will be a very busy day for us with two day's distributions.
Laurie-Beth took us on a tour of the hotel and then we went to the restaurant for an early dinner. We then retired to our rooms to rest for tomorrow.
Harry Gauthier, for the 2007 SCAW Honduras team
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Honduras: Houston - We have a Problem!
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| Laurie Beth calls Carlos: “Carlos, Help! We are stuck in Houston!” |
Suzanne and I went to a mall to buy a few things (T-shirt & toothpaste) as our baggage is locked up at the airport waiting for the flight tomorrow to Tegucigalpa.
We have had to put off the first day's distribution to a later time. Carlos will arrange that for us I am sure. We had a chance to relax and eat (Texas-Style) and we will be up early in the morning to take our three-hour flight to Tegucigalpa.
All is well otherwise and we are looking forward to our first distribution.
For the Children
Harry Gauthier reporting live from Houston.
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Honduras: Leave your comments here
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Honduras: The 2007 travelling team
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| From Honduras 2007 Album 1 |
The Sleeping Children Around the World 2007 Honduras Travelling Team
Left to right: Harry Gauthier, Suzanne Dobinson, Laurie-Beth Davidson (Team Leader), Hilda Reinauer-Stark, Judy Skelton, Jim Stark
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Don't miss the next blog posts.
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| From Uganda 2007 Photo Album |
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By the way, you can also subscribe in an RSS Reader if that is more convenient for you.Tanzania: Day 10 — Kibaga
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| From Tanzania Album 10 |
Dedicated to our donors, who make it possible.
We arrived at rural Kibaga School on a beautiful Tanzanian morning. The temperature was perfect with blue skies all around, a wonderful change from yesterday’s humidity of 94%. Stately coconut trees formed the back drop for the photos. Following roll call, we were touched to hear a group of children orphaned by AIDS sing the following song they had composed for the occasion:
Welcome to our school.
We never thought it would happen.
We are so happy you came here, please feel at home.
We are orphans with lots of problems ... No food, no one
To take care of us.
We beg people to let us live with them.
CHORUS
Twawashukuru wafadhili wetu mungu awazidishie
Thank you very much. May God bless you.
Today you have brought us a great gift.
We are begging you to keep up your support.
We pray that God will bless you more and more
So you can help more children.
CHORUS
Our teachers give us a good education
They treat us with respect and do not discriminate.
They teach us wisdom.
CHORUS
We are begging you that this will not be
The last time you visit our school.
We did not expect it and we appreciate it.
CHORUS
So many people have lots of money and big companies
But they do not come to help us.
They are not even empathetic
But you have sent help to us.
CHORUS
Now this is the last verse.
The pen has run out of ink.
We are so happy.
May God bless you more and more
So you can give happiness to more children.
CHORUS
We never thought it would happen.
We are so happy you came here, please feel at home.
We are orphans with lots of problems ... No food, no one
To take care of us.
We beg people to let us live with them.
CHORUS
Twawashukuru wafadhili wetu mungu awazidishie
Thank you very much. May God bless you.
Today you have brought us a great gift.
We are begging you to keep up your support.
We pray that God will bless you more and more
So you can help more children.
CHORUS
Our teachers give us a good education
They treat us with respect and do not discriminate.
They teach us wisdom.
CHORUS
We are begging you that this will not be
The last time you visit our school.
We did not expect it and we appreciate it.
CHORUS
So many people have lots of money and big companies
But they do not come to help us.
They are not even empathetic
But you have sent help to us.
CHORUS
Now this is the last verse.
The pen has run out of ink.
We are so happy.
May God bless you more and more
So you can give happiness to more children.
CHORUS
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| From Tanzania Album 10 |
Twawashukuru wafadhili wetu mungu awazidishie.
Linda Webb for the SCAW 2007 Tanzania travelling team.
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Tanzania: Leave your comments here
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Tanzania: Day 9 — Tungini
HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa
- There are nearly 25 million people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa – 59% of them are women.
- Two million children are living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Only 13% of HIV-positive children have access to antiretroviral treatment.
- Without treatment, one-third of infants infected with HIV die before reaching age one. Half die before age two.
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| Jacqueline From Tanzania Album 9 |
We are surrounded by the ravages of AIDS: grandmothers parenting orphans, single parents, children raising children, children who are HIV positive.
A few months ago, Jacqueline was dying from AIDS. Even though she herself was hospitalized and facing death, she found the strength to reach out to the other patients and comfort them whenever possible. Then Mama Wandoa came into her life and took her to her home. She was able to obtain the antiretroviral drugs Jacqueline needed and today — there was Jacqueline handing out clothing to 550 children. She never once wavered from her post in spite of the heat and humidity. She was kind and gentle as she gave directions to the children. She asked for only one thing: a second Canada pin so she could use them as a pair of earrings. She also wanted her story told. So many lives could be saved if only they had access to the drugs.
On the way to Tungini this morning we reminisced about past few days and could hardly believe there were only two distributions left to do. Even though we are emotionally and physically tired, you could hear the tinge of sadness as we realized our Tanzania adventure was drawing to a close.
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| From Tanzania Album 9 |
It’s at times like this you seek consolation in the 550 children who did receive bedkits and the miracle of Jacqueline.
Linda Webb for the SCAW 2007 Tanzania travelling team.
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Tanzania: Day 8 - Kitunda
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| From Tanzania Album 8 |
When we arrived, the students were gathered in an open area, ready to perform their opening exercises. They sang the national anthem, accompanied by four girls on drums. What an uplifting way to start your morning! Mama Wandoa then introduced us all, making us feel like celebrities. However, that feeling didn’t last long once we were covered in dust and sweat!
It was obvious right from the start that the number of children here exceeded our previous distributions, yet we weren’t concerned about crowd control, feeling assured by what appeared to be the head mistress explaining earlier who we were and what we were doing there.
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| From Tanzania Album 8 |
But this is the reality so we do what we can and console ourselves that at least a few more children will sleep well tonight.
Maureen Maus for the SCAW 2007 Tanzania travelling team.
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Tanzania: Day 7 - Bunju B and Boko
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| From Tanzania Album 7 |
We visited two school sites: Bunju B in the morning and then on to Boko where over a hundred of the children were brought in by truck to have their photos taken and receive their bedkits. What a truckload went home this afternoon, loaded up with smiling children, their bedkit bags, and brightly coloured mattresses!
We also gained a new volunteer today. Avod is our new driver and upon arrival at the first site, immediately pitched in to help line up the children and help us out with our limited Swahili. What a treasure he is!
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| From Tanzania Album 7 |
It is hard to believe there are only three more days of distribution to go. Time flies when you’re having fun!
Sally Sandiford for the SCAW 2007 Tanzania travelling team.
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Tanzania: Sunday ... a day of rest.
"The vibrant spirituality that pervades much of the African continent fills Tanzania as well"
As I type this blog I am listening to the 5 a.m. call to prayer from the mosque a stone's throw from our hotel.
Yesterday we worshipped with Mama Wandoa at her church. We were welcomed warmly by the pastor and the congregation. Even though we could not understand a word, we felt blessed to listen to the soul-stiring music accompanied by guitars, keyboard, and brass band.
Following the service, we visited with the children in the Sunday School class. Again, the fervour of their responses to their teachers and their musical performance was inspiring.
According to the Lonely Planet, "about 40% to 50% of Tanzanians are Christian. The remainder of the population follows traditional religions centering on ancestor worship, the land, and various ritual objects. There are also small but active communities of Hindus, Sikhs and Ismailis."
After church, we travelled north of Dar es Salaam along the coast to Bagamoyo, where we were taken back to the mid-19th century. "Slaves. ivory, salt and copra were unloaded here before being shipped to Zanzibar and beyond." We stepped back further in time with our visit to the Kaole Ruins, where we picked our way over the remains of a 13th - century mosque and burial ground.
Following lunch and a stroll along the coast of the Indian Ocean, a tired team drove back to Dar es Salaam to get ready for Monday's distribution.
Kwa heri. Kesho. (Goodbye. Until tomorow.)
Linda Webb for the SCAW 2007 Tanzania travelling team.
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— The Lonely Planet - Tanzania
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| Ready for church with Mama Wandoa From Tanzania Album 6 |
As I type this blog I am listening to the 5 a.m. call to prayer from the mosque a stone's throw from our hotel.
Yesterday we worshipped with Mama Wandoa at her church. We were welcomed warmly by the pastor and the congregation. Even though we could not understand a word, we felt blessed to listen to the soul-stiring music accompanied by guitars, keyboard, and brass band.
Following the service, we visited with the children in the Sunday School class. Again, the fervour of their responses to their teachers and their musical performance was inspiring.
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| The Choir |
After church, we travelled north of Dar es Salaam along the coast to Bagamoyo, where we were taken back to the mid-19th century. "Slaves. ivory, salt and copra were unloaded here before being shipped to Zanzibar and beyond." We stepped back further in time with our visit to the Kaole Ruins, where we picked our way over the remains of a 13th - century mosque and burial ground.
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| At the Indian Ocean From Tanzania Album 6 |
Kwa heri. Kesho. (Goodbye. Until tomorow.)
Linda Webb for the SCAW 2007 Tanzania travelling team.
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