Kenya: First distribution in Mukuru

From Kenya 2010 Photos

Mud. That's what we were facing after a torrential downpour the night before our distribution.

Our van jostled and slid its way through the streets of Mukuru and was held up by a truck stuck in the muddy street before us where the road had washed away with the rains. Once through, we arrived at the school to find all the children gathered inside out of the rain. Our entrance caused a huge roar from the 630 children and their parents.

It was overwhelming!

After setting up in a separate building, we had a smooth and successful distribution. Children carried their bedkits off through the mucky field and waved to us as we headed off.

George Foster
for Team Kenya 2010

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Kenya: The team has arrived

The Kenya 2010 Travelling Team Left to right: (Back row) Kay Mountford, Nitin Shah, Alan Ingram (Team Leader),Patti Penny, (Front row) George Foster, Helen Scutt. From Kenya 2010 Photos

Safely arrived after a long but pleasant flight to Nairobi. Settled into our lodgings which are basic but comfortable.

Today we met with the Nairobi Rotary Club members for briefing on their progress with organization of the bedkits and preparation for our distribution tomorrow. We are eager to begin (with Pinball Clemons Foundation as the first donor label).

Hoping the rain will hold off until after our distribution is completed.

The 2010 Kenyan Team,
Alan Ingram, George Foster, Kay Mountford, Helen Scutt, Patti Penny, Nitin Shah

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Kenya: Post your comments here

Nairobi, Kenya Weather

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Pune: Two very important days

Days 6 & 7

On Thursday, we celebrated the successful distribution of 4,000 bedkits but there was still much more to come!

From Pune 2010 Photos

On Friday, the Rotarians took the team back to the area north of the city where the Pune 2009 distribution had been held. How had the bedkit items stood up after one year’s use? Had all items been useful? Did the caregivers and children have any advice for us?

The three-hour drive took us to Sarole Pathar. We visited homes and had an amazing “town hall” meeting in a schoolroom with parents, education officials, teachers, and children. Over 100 participants in a 24' by 20' room talked about the bedkit items for over an hour. Much was learned including their preference for an umbrella instead of the raincoat (to provide shade as well as protect from the rain), and their desire to alter the quilt so that it could be washed more readily.

From Pune 2010 Photos

Saturday was more of a catch-up day with some team members writing their newsletter articles and others shopping. Jean and I went to a school site in a Hindu temple where students had received bedkits two years ago. Here we met with two groups of parents, teachers, and children, as well as visited homes.

On both days it was evident that the bedkit items had been used, had had a positive impact on the children’s lives, and had been so valuable as to have been repaired by hand in many cases so that they would remain functional well beyond a normal life span. The bedding items tended to last longer than the clothing and school supply items.

Saturday night it was the Rotary Club of Pune’s Wrap-Up dinner celebrating their involvement with SCAW and their success with a Rubella program: great food and great fellowship. Before the festivities we had a one-hour Post-Distribution Meeting so that all volunteers could pass on their opinions on our successes and areas where we could make things even better.

This morning as I write this blog the team is preparing to depart in a variety of directions. This is a great SCAW team: hard working, caring, fun to be with, they are the perfect match for our Rotarian and teacher partners. My thanks to them all!

Dave Dryden
Team Pune 2010

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Mumbai: Mission Accomplished

Day 12

Well, we've done it! 4,000 bedkits have been distributed to needy children in the Mumbai area of India, and the team is tired and very happy! Thanks to all our donors, families, and friends who have helped support us financially and emotionally on this trip. Your enthusiasm has made all of this possible.

As Team leader, I have given the task of "Blogging" to the other team members as I have had the pleasure of doing other daily "house-keeping" tasks associated with the distribution. This is now my opportunity to acknowledge the incredible job that Faith, Julie, Joyce, Richard, and Russ have done in ensuring that the children have received their bedkits. Special mention goes to Raj Reshamwala, the co-ordinator of the Mumbai distribution and all the members of the 68 Rotary Clubs we have worked with. None of this would have been possible without the help of Ballu, our driver, translator and site manager. We would have been lost without him.

The team has been shown nothing but kindness and hospitality throughout our time here and our Rotary hosts keep telling us just how much the children and their families appreciate the kindness of our donors.

Danyavad and Namaste to you all. (Thanks and Good night).

Lynette Jenkins
for Team Mumbai 2010

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Pune: Tamhini

From Pune 2010 Photos

Day 5: Our Last Distribution Day

We drove to a place called Tamhini about 68 Km. outside of Pune. We were surrounded by beautiful mountains and a winding lake.

A school band received us, all in fancy dress-up and playing their instruments. They paraded us into the schoolyard. As has been the custom every day we were anointed on our foreheads with the customary coloured powders and handed a flower.


The children were already in place sitting orderly on the ground waiting for our instructions. We handed out 539 bedkits today.

From Pune 2010 Photos

This was the fifth day that I had the chance to observe these kids. What comes to mind is “great discipline.” There was not one incident of pushing, rough housing, etc. After handing out 4,000 bedkits I have to commend the parents and teachers for a job well done.

The day ended with a daily meal shared with some students. They sat on the floor, plate in front, heads bowed, eyes closed, hands folded, and sang a prayer: a touching moment!

After a ceremony of speeches and gift receiving we departed.

A most fulfilling day!

Erika Zecha
For Team Pune 2010

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Belgaum: Mission Accomplished

From Belgaum Photos 2010

Our last distribution was in a rural area centered in the town of Kundgol. 300 children received bedkits and the local Rotarians (a small club) worked hard to host the distribution in a local school. As our distribution of 4,000 bedkits in the Karnataka area comes to an end, we pay tribute to hundreds of volunteers and Rotarians who made it possible for our SCAW team to take photographs for our donors and to hand out the bedkits on behalf of our many wonderful donors.

We would also like to pay tribute to our 7^th member of the SCAW Belgaum Team: Manjunath, our driver. Not only did he get us safely to and from each distribution site, he was with us at each site volunteering his time from start to finish and helping us interpret the needs of the children and volunteers. The Sleeping Children program is just like a big circle starting with our donors, followed by the volunteers in the SCAW office who pass the baton to our exceptional Overseas Volunteers (The Rotarians headed by the Belgaum Club) and then back to our donors with pictures and newsletters.

From Belgaum Photos 2010

At our last meeting with the Rotarians, we celebrated SCAW's 40th Birthday, with Judy Dryden cutting the cake as we sang "Happy Birthday to SCAW!"

Here ends our distribution in Karnataka. "Thank You" to all who had a hand in this wonderful adventure. 4,000 children are sleeping peacefully tonight in Karnataka, India. WOW!

Team Belgaum

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Mumbai: Wada

Day 11

We drove from Mumbai about three hours and covered about 90 kilometers. We first went to a remote tribal school. This was the first time a Canadian had visited the school. The kids were waiting patiently when we arrived. After the distribution of 100 bedkits the boys entertained us with a walk on their hands and other acrobatic feats. The girls sang and danced with candles. This is another dormitory school where the kids stay during the week and only go home on the weekends.

The second distribution was nearby at the Saloni Farm. It was a beautiful setting in the mango trees and teak trees. Here we gave bedkits to the 325 children. Some children were brought about 40 kilometers. On the way home we observed a group of 51 kids in one truck including the bedkits and back packs. A very full load.

On the drive out from the farm we saw other bedkits on their way. The Rotary members treated us to a farm lunch after the distribution.

Another successful day. We have now delivered about 3600 bedkits to very needy children. Thank you donors in Canada.

Russ Hope and Richard Poth
for the Mumbai 2010 Team

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Pune: Jamgaon

Day 4

We met 1011 beautiful children from 33 schools today. Each school was represented by at least one teacher.

Some of us had fun with the children before the distribution started. They enjoyed demonstrating their English language skills by chanting English rhymes.

After the distribution we talked to the teachers and encouraged them to discuss with the children and their parents the importance and use of the mosquito net.

During an interview with a parent and a school supervisor we learned that the blanket and mosquito net were very important. The mosquito net was valued in the prevention of both malaria and dengue fever.

Jean Bennett
For Team Pune 2010

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Mumbai: Dahanu and Sutrakar

Day 10

Both distributions were an interesting drive from our beach accommodation. The homes were much like what we've seen each day but the children were bright cheery and waiting in anticipation of the day ahead. With help from the local Rotary members the morning went smoothly and efficiently.

The afternoon had the students entertain us with music and dance from their tribal villages. The children had been transported from villages in the mountains on a long and rough trek. We were thrilled to be able to pass the bedkits to them

It continues to be a rewarding and special time for all of us.

Faith Clark
for Team Mumbai 2010

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Belgaum: Hubli

From Belgaum Photos 2010

Day 6

This is the 25th year of distributing SCAW bedkits in Hubli. In their opening ceremony the Rotarians thanked Sleeping Children and paid homage to Murray and Margaret Dryden for the contribution they have made to this community over the years. The Drydens are fondly remembered here.

Today 900 smiling children took home a bedkit of new belongings designed to give them a better night's sleep and to help them be successful in school.

From Belgaum Photos 2010

We interviewed ten parents to get their feedback about the quality and usefulness of items in the bedkit. Parent interviews are an integral part of the distribution process. Their feedback is needed to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the children in the best possible way. Next year's bedkit will be designed with the suggestions of the parents in mind.

It is hard to believe that tomorrow is our last distribution day: 3700 bedkits have been given out and there are only 300 to go.

It is true that time flies when you are enjoying what you do. We feel blessed to be part of this wonderful experience.

The Belgaum team

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Belgaum: Ranebennur

From Belgaum Photos 2010

Day 5

We are off to an early start today. It is barely eight o'clock and the sun is already hot. We have driven 100 miles and we are welcomed like Bollywood stars. The crowd is excited and anticipating great things. We are greeted and blessed and the hosts are well organized.

There is a special ceremony welcoming Judy Dryden, daughter of the founder of SCAW. Photographs are taken in front of his portrait of yesteryear. The children are happy, and we move along.

We have 700 bedkits to distribute, and we carry on in the heat for hours. A great shout arises from the Rotarians when the numbers balance. Success!

Another great giving completed - smiles everywhere.

Tomorrow, we distribute 900 bedkits in Hubli.

David Kiddle,
Team Belgaum, 2010

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Mumbai: Warm welcomes at every turn

Day 9

I have been so impressed at the wonderful welcome we receive everywhere we go. At a number of our distribution sites we have arrived to beautiful warm smiles from the children, parents and all the Rotarians. They put these gorgeous designs on the ground with a coloured powder to welcome us they are called Rangolis and the children have put on some beautiful shows for us with singing and dancing with some gorgeous costumes.

The Rotarians have helped us with alot of details that I never realized were a part of bringing this whole project together until now that I have done this trip.

We have been invited into a number of the Rotarians homes for snacks or lunches and it so very nice of them to open their homes to us! They are very hospitable people wanting to make sure we are all comfortable and they can not thank us enough for helping the needy children of India but we also thank them for all their work, if they were not a part of our team we would have alot of trouble getting these bedkits to the children!

Julie Merkley
Mumbai Team 2010

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Pune: Pomgaon

From Pune 2010 Photos

What a day!

Our third day of distribution was totally amazing! First of all we drove through some spectacular countryside overlooking a beautiful lake surrounded by cascading hills.

Our drivers navigated along a narrow, bumpy road which wove through mountainous terrain to Pomgaon, north-west of Pune.

Upon arrival we were greeted by drummers and an elderly man playing a long circular horn. The six of us were loaded into a cart pulled by two oxen dyed pink for the occasion. With villagers on both sides of the lane this is how we made our entrance into town!

We were given a tikki (red dots on our forehead) before we began our work for the day. This was truly a memorable welcome for our team.

The distribution site was perfect and the surrounding scenery breathtaking. The children were well behaved and 422 bedkits were given out.

From Pune 2010 Photos

At the end of the day we were presented with a beautiful woolen blanket (hand woven by the villagers) to keep us warm in Canada.

We left Pomgaon with warm blankets and very welcome hearts.

Brenda Oliver
for Team Pune 2010

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Chennai: Mission Accomplished

I am pleased to confirm that the Chennai Trip and Distribution concluded yesterday with the distribution of 200 bedkits in a small Island community of Baratang Island. This brings to a conclusion a most successful trip for all of us. Our team sincerely hopes that our many blog readers have enjoyed experiencing our trip as much as each of us has in bringing it to you. The experiences we had over the last two plus weeks have been varied and many. The fact that 6,400 needy children now have a comfortable place to sleep brings a sense of deep satisfaction and pride to all of us.

The volunteers on this trip -- and on all Sleeping Children trips for that matter -- work extremely hard to accomplish our goals: to bring bedkits to those most in need. We experience all the emotional feelings when we meet and greet our needy friends. We go through extreme conditions for a prolonged period of time during these trips: almost unbearable heat, high humidity, long hours, early mornings, some sleepless nights, new diets and foods, rumbling bus rides, horrific roads, wonderful countrysides, boats and ferries teaming with people, and always a touch of danger and wonderment.

Hats off to our team of dedicated volunteers on this trip and all other SCAW trips who always do their very best to accomplish the goals of representing SCAW and our donors.

"Long Live Murray's Dream."

Tom Belton
for Team Chennai

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Mumbai: Two days in the country

On Day 8 and Day 9, the Sleeping Children 2010 Mumbai Team is in a remote area delivering bedkits. We do not have email connections. We will give an update when we return to Mumbai on Day 10. Do watch for our news.

The distributions are going well

Richard Poth
for Team Mumbai 2010

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Belgaum: Bailhongal

From Belgaum Photos 2010

Day 4

"Ee doo mee mah gah ghee" is the phonetically pronounced version of "This is for you" in the Kannada dialect. This phrase was mispronounced and generally mangled 501 times as the boys and girls received their bedkits at the Bailhongal distribution yesterday. Some children looked a bit bewildered at the fractured use of their language, but it was apparent that others understood. One girl's eyes grew big and she had a huge smile on her face as the words sunk in and she looked at the size of the bedkit bag.

From Belgaum Photos 2010

We were fortunate to have help from a group of teenage girls and boys from the National Cadet Corps. The girls helped organize the children for their photos, and the boys hauled the heavy bedkits out to the waiting families. Not an easy task in mid 30 degree temperatures.

With the 501 bedkits distributed in Bailhongal, this brings the total to 2,100 with another 1,900 to go.

Today we're off to Ranebennur for our next distribution.

Team Belgaum 2010

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Mumbai: Palgar and Boiser

Day 8

We left Mumbai early in the morning for a 3-hour drive to our next destination of Palgar.

They say India is a country of villages and it is so true. We drove through village to village, dodging cows, ox carts, trucks, autorickshaws, bicycles, mortorcyles and other cars to give out our 125 bedkits.

As we drove we could see gorgeous mountains in the distance.

When we arrived at Palgar, we set up and were merrily giving out the bedkits and all at once a cow came strolling through the distribution.

We then drove to a village called Boiser for another distribution of 125 bedkits.

Both of these distributions went smoothly and to very deserving children.

Since we were 150 km from Mumbai we stayed overnight at a hotel in Dahane. To our delight, it was across from a beach on the Arabian Sea. It was not a beach to swim at but it certainly was a nice change from the noise and pollution of Mumbai.

We have now distributed over 3,000 bedkits.

Thank you donors.

Joyce Poth
for Team Mumbai 2010

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Pune: A Valentines Day distribution

From Pune 2010 Photos

The SCAW Pune Team wants to assure those who are concerned for our welfare and tried to contact us following the media reports of the bombing in Pune. We are all fine and continuing "Business as usual." We had no indication of the blast at 7:30 PM. Apparently it took place 4 - 5 km. distant from our hotel. Although there were bulletins on the TV News Channels we weren't really concerned.

When we awoke in the morning and read the newspaper headlines we were reassured when Aloysius Pereira, the leader of the SCAW Rotary Project visited us at our hotel. Aloysius had already received a call from Linda Webb and had informed her that our team was in no way affected by the bombing. We talked with Aloysius and all agreed to continue with our scheduled distribution at a site west of Pune.

From Pune 2010 Photos

Approaching the Day Two distribution site we saw numerous children and their caregivers on the side of the road. It wasn't long before some hitched a ride with us in our convoy of cars. I think that we were as excited as they were.

We have marvelled at the unity of purpose that exists amongst the different volunteer groups at each site. Rotarians, community elders, school officials, teachers, local youth that turn out to help, all pitching in with a common purpose to help the children in their communities. After giving out another 978 bedkits we were all tired but inspired. We just felt lucky to be spending our Valentines Day in this way.

After the last bedkit was given out we were asked to join the community in a "home-cooked" meal. It was heartwarming and humbling to be treated so kindly by people willing to share what little they have.

Tomorrow we travel further into the countryside but have fewer (493) bedkits to deliver. We're sure that it will be as inspiring as today.

Dave Dryden
for Team Pune 2010

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Mumbai: Thane and Mulund

Day 7

Today is Sunday and traffic is light. We arrived at Thane early. We set up and waited for the children. They were sponsored by eight different Rotary Clubs. Total distribution was 300 children. Some were deaf and mute. It was wonderful to see their faces when they received their back packs and the large bag. There was a large crowd of parents, Rotary members, and just onlookers.

The host club treated us to lunch at an international restaurant. We saw "potatoe fingers" on the menu and discovered that is French fries. Of course we had to order some of them. It is interesting to sit down with Rotary members and discover the work they are doing.

The second distribution was at Mulund. This was held behind some large apartment buildings at a small school. They had erected a huge canopy to shelter the children and the distribution workers from the sun. They prepared a huge welcome with drummers and young girls dressed in beautiful saris. They performed a traditional welcome dance. After a brief formal ceremony we went to work delivering about 85 bedkits.

I was responsible for several interviews with parents. They were very appreciative of the gifts. They in particular were pleased to have the mosquito net. This group all mentioned malaria as a concern. Another rewarding day for the team and 400 happy children and families.

Thank you donors for your support.

Submitted by Russ Hope
for Mumbai 2010 Team

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