Kenya: Mission accomplished
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| From Kenya 2010 Photos |
Finally we finished the last distribution at Njoro.
All the 5,000 are done and all is well.
It was a great experience for me being a travelling volunteer, after being a OVO for quite some time.
Nitin Shah
for SCAW Team Kenya 2010
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Kenya: Gilgil distribution
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| From Kenya 2010 Photos |
We are now staying at Nakuru Game Park, and we plan to do our last distribution at Nakuru tomorrow morning.
We head back to Nairobi after that and fly out on Thursday.
SCAW Team Kenya 2010
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Kenya: Navaisha distribution
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| From Kenya 2010 Photos |
Please post the following:
We completed our distribution in Navaisha today with 500 bedkits in a smooth and successful event. The kids were particularly well behaved and appreciative.
Tomorrow we are off to Nakuru for another 500. Only a couple of days to go.
The time has flown.
The Kenyan Team
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Kenya: Thika distribution
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| From Kenya 2010 Photos |
The rain has stopped (at least in the daytime).
Today we were off to Thika to meet up with what Kenya travellers have come to know as "Eleanor's Kids," a very emotional distribution as many of the children were rescued street kids and kids that have been affected by AIDS in their families.
Many tears -- as would be expected. The team split up to visit three different homes of children that had received bedkits. Words can not describe.
Tonight we are packing to move off north (or is it south?) for a distribution in Kijabi.
George Foster
for Team Kenya 2010
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Kenya: Kibera distribution
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| From Kenya 2010 Photos |
After heavy rains last night we arrived at the school in Kibera, Africa's largest slum (3 million people), to find children busily washing and sweeping the wet pavement of the courtyard where our distribution was to take place. When they were finished we set up and completed a smooth and successful distribution of 672 bedkits.
The teachers and volunteers were well organized and we were pleased to work with them to complete our work without a hitch.
We hope the rain will continue to limit itself to night time hours.
Patti Penny
for Team Kenya 2010
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Kolkata trip reports posted
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| Kolkata Photos 2010 |
All of the reports did not fit into the newsletter but you can read them in their entirety here.
Here is a download link for the PDF version of the newsletter.
Kenya: First distribution in Mukuru
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| From Kenya 2010 Photos |
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
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| 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 |
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!
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.
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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On Thursday, we celebrated the successful distribution of 4,000 bedkits but there was still much more to come!
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| From Pune 2010 Photos |
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.
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| From Pune 2010 Photos |
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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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
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| From Pune 2010 Photos |
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.
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| From Pune 2010 Photos |
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
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| From Belgaum Photos 2010 |
We would also like to pay tribute to our 7th 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.
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| From Belgaum Photos 2010 |
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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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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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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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
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| From Belgaum Photos 2010 |
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.
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| From Belgaum Photos 2010 |
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
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| From Belgaum Photos 2010 |
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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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
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| From Pune 2010 Photos |
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.
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| From Pune 2010 Photos |
We left Pomgaon with warm blankets and very welcome hearts.
Brenda Oliver
for Team Pune 2010
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