Kenya: Our Good-Byes
Our Goodbyes to Kenya, 2011
Last night and today were opportunities for us to thank the amazing folks from Rotary and beyond, who helped us each day to be more successful. First we have to thank Brian and Pat Tuddenham in Canada who set up this trip and did so much of the preplanning before being unable to come.
Here in Kenya our fearless Rotarian leader was Larry Donahoo and his wonderful wife, Donna. With them were an amazing troupe of volunteers from Rotary, church groups, and the communities in which we worked. To mention names means leaving out someone and so we just pass on our most sincere thanks to all who helped in any way possible.
We are exhausted but thrilled to have been part of the Kenyan SCAW team for 2011.
The Kenyan team members are Dave Dryden, Marnie Nelles , Marianne Tomlinson, Karen Bridgman-Acker, Cathy Gregory, and Bill Baker.
Team Kenya 2011
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Last night and today were opportunities for us to thank the amazing folks from Rotary and beyond, who helped us each day to be more successful. First we have to thank Brian and Pat Tuddenham in Canada who set up this trip and did so much of the preplanning before being unable to come.
Including the 5,000 bedkits delivered
in Kenya this year, our total is
now 1,145,130 bedkits since
Sleeping Children began in 1970.
in Kenya this year, our total is
now 1,145,130 bedkits since
Sleeping Children began in 1970.
Here in Kenya our fearless Rotarian leader was Larry Donahoo and his wonderful wife, Donna. With them were an amazing troupe of volunteers from Rotary, church groups, and the communities in which we worked. To mention names means leaving out someone and so we just pass on our most sincere thanks to all who helped in any way possible.
We are exhausted but thrilled to have been part of the Kenyan SCAW team for 2011.
The Kenyan team members are Dave Dryden, Marnie Nelles , Marianne Tomlinson, Karen Bridgman-Acker, Cathy Gregory, and Bill Baker.
Team Kenya 2011
Post your comments here.
Kenya: Gilgil distribution
No one was untouched by our time in Gilgil. The distribution was at a girls' high school, but the children came from neighbouring slum areas in Gilgil, at least three local orphanages, and an IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp. As usual the children were delightful and colourful in their Kenyan SCAW outfits -- and they smiled and giggled for our cameras as we mingled and talked before the official photos were taken.
The real impact for us came with the stories we were told by Mary and her colleagues who run the Restart Centre (an orphanage). Abused, drug-addicted, and prostituted children head for, or are led to, Mary’s Restart Centre. The key ingredient here is love and the children do learn to trust and care again ... so much so, in fact, that they don’t want to leave when they are older. They stay on, some working at the Centre and others working in the community but returning at night to sleep.
We had the incredible opportunity to visit an IDP camp where children from the distribution had walked about ten miles each way to receive the SCAW bedkits. (Photo at right) By the time we had relaxed over a wonderful luncheon given by Mary and her husband, Terry, in their home, the IDP children had walked home to greet us when we went to see the camp outside of Gilgil.
We were told that there are 107 families -- averaging about six people each -- crammed onto half an acre of land, living in tiny -- and we mean t-i-n-y -- huts made of sticks, grasses, and some plastic.
The camp includes an outdoor firepit/kitchen, a small outdoor church, a goat shelter, and a small enclosure for their cherished cow. (Photo at left.)
We were greeted with joy by the whole community and were proudly shown into homes and around the site by the delighted children. With tears in our eyes we were warmly thanked for our gifts by one of the parents, as everyone stood around in a group.
We, who have so much, were humbled by these people who have so little ... by their pride in their community and their positive outlook on the future.
As if that wasn’t enough, we were taken back to the Restart Orphanage and treated to a “show” of singing, dancing, and modeling put on by the gorgeous children there. (Photo at right.) With music blaring, they sang and danced with passion and rhythm. Their voices and body movements were melodic and fluid. Once again there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
What a day!
Team Kenya 2011
Post your comments here.
The real impact for us came with the stories we were told by Mary and her colleagues who run the Restart Centre (an orphanage). Abused, drug-addicted, and prostituted children head for, or are led to, Mary’s Restart Centre. The key ingredient here is love and the children do learn to trust and care again ... so much so, in fact, that they don’t want to leave when they are older. They stay on, some working at the Centre and others working in the community but returning at night to sleep.
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| From Kenya 2011 |
We had the incredible opportunity to visit an IDP camp where children from the distribution had walked about ten miles each way to receive the SCAW bedkits. (Photo at right) By the time we had relaxed over a wonderful luncheon given by Mary and her husband, Terry, in their home, the IDP children had walked home to greet us when we went to see the camp outside of Gilgil.
We were told that there are 107 families -- averaging about six people each -- crammed onto half an acre of land, living in tiny -- and we mean t-i-n-y -- huts made of sticks, grasses, and some plastic.
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| From Kenya 2011 |
The camp includes an outdoor firepit/kitchen, a small outdoor church, a goat shelter, and a small enclosure for their cherished cow. (Photo at left.)
We were greeted with joy by the whole community and were proudly shown into homes and around the site by the delighted children. With tears in our eyes we were warmly thanked for our gifts by one of the parents, as everyone stood around in a group.
We, who have so much, were humbled by these people who have so little ... by their pride in their community and their positive outlook on the future.
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| From Kenya 2011 |
As if that wasn’t enough, we were taken back to the Restart Orphanage and treated to a “show” of singing, dancing, and modeling put on by the gorgeous children there. (Photo at right.) With music blaring, they sang and danced with passion and rhythm. Their voices and body movements were melodic and fluid. Once again there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
What a day!
Team Kenya 2011
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Philippines: The Joy of Opening a Bedkit
We had a unique experience during the afternoon of April 3rd when we distributed another 300 bedkits in the village of Arayat near the dormant volcano of the same name.
After the distribution, there were three children who were waiting to be taken home to the next village and were sitting near us in the open air gym. One had opened his bedkit, so we took the opportunity to share his excitement as he delved into his newly received treasure.
Could there possibly have been a time when he received three pairs of brand new shorts and five new t-shirts along with 52 other items at the same time? We learned from the supervisor of the local volunteers that he had recently lost his father, so the timing of our distribution was perfect. His friends joined him in exploring the contents of their bedkits as well. For us this was a new experience during a distribution because the children normally depart with a parent with their bedkit intact.
As we watched them dig deeper into each of their ‘own’ bedkits, their smiles broadened as they realized that all the items belonged to them.
We shared their joy and anticipation as they checked out all of the items in the bedkits. Their reaction was a validation of everything that SCAW works towards and is the best evidence that the $35 donation in is a worthy investment in the children's lives.
Faith Clark
for Team Philippines 2011
Post your comments here.
After the distribution, there were three children who were waiting to be taken home to the next village and were sitting near us in the open air gym. One had opened his bedkit, so we took the opportunity to share his excitement as he delved into his newly received treasure.
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| From Philippines 2011 |
As we watched them dig deeper into each of their ‘own’ bedkits, their smiles broadened as they realized that all the items belonged to them.
We shared their joy and anticipation as they checked out all of the items in the bedkits. Their reaction was a validation of everything that SCAW works towards and is the best evidence that the $35 donation in is a worthy investment in the children's lives.
Faith Clark
for Team Philippines 2011
Post your comments here.
Kenya: Blog 4
After four days of being out of Internet range, we are happy to update on our most recent two distributions. On Thursday afternoon, we travelled for three hours to Makindu, Kenya, where we prepared for distributions on Friday and Monday of 750 bedkits each day.
Makindu is a small village approximately 170 kilometers southeast of Nairobi and is on the main trucking route between Nairobi and Mombassa. Hundreds of trucks drive along this highway every day and many stop overnight at one of the rooming houses on the road in Makindu. Congested traffic can be a nightmare.
At certain points along the way, there are speed bumps in the road. As the traffic slows the locals have set up stands to sell fruits and vegetables such as watermelons, onions, tomatoes, and handmade baskets. Farming is evident. We noted the red-dirt fields being tilled with oxen-led farm equipment and cattle and goats being herded along the shoulder of the busy highway.
Makindu is a poor, rural area with a hot dry climate. The lack of rainfall affects the quality of the crops and the health of the livestock and the people. We were told that food and water shortages are one of the biggest threats in this community. Diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and parasites are common.
These bedkit distributions were held on the grounds of the Makindu Sikh Temple and hospital where there was ample space for 750 children, their teachers, volunteers, and the SCAW team to organize the activities of the day. The children came from the surrounding rural areas. They were either bussed in with their teachers, rode bicycles, or walked. Apparently several of the children walked long distances of between four and eight kilometres.
Upon our arrival, the horde of people waiting for us was exciting. Hundreds of parents -- mostly women -- gathered outside the gates, many with an infant in their arms, to await their children with their new bedkits. We were struck by the array of colourful traditional African dresses and head wraps worn by many of the mothers. They were anxious to talk to us and have candid photos taken. Like the children, they were delighted to see themselves in the digital camera screens. A few of the mothers were asked and agreed to be interviewed later in the day about their impressions of the bedkit contents. They told us how much they appreciate these gifts for their children and how the mosquito nets, especially, will make a difference in their lives. Many of the children currently sleep on the floor or, if they have a bed, they share it with other siblings.
We were told that the children, aged 6-12 years had begun to arrive at 7:30 a.m. We found them all dressed in their new brightly coloured shorts and t-shirts, being led in song by their teachers, hands clapping. On occasion we noticed some children who appeared older than twelve; however it was explained to us that if they miss years of school they may not leave primary school until age 16 or older. Parents told us that the cost of the mandatory school uniform can be a barrier to them sending a child to school.
In addition to some of the members of the Sikh community, volunteers included Rotarians, teachers, principals, and other members of the broader community. One young Rotarian, Nixon, came to assist us for the third time and was very helpful in organizing and communicating with the children. Because of these people who gave so generously of their time, both distributions ran smoothly and quickly.
Many of the children did not speak English or were shy in talking to us, so the volunteers who spoke their mother tongue or Swahili were instrumental in explaining things and encouraging smiles for the camera.
At the end of the two days, 1500 children in this rural community went home with a smile and a new bedkit and hopefully will “lala salama” (loosely translated, “sleep well”) tonight.
Team Kenya 2011
Post your comments here.
Makindu is a small village approximately 170 kilometers southeast of Nairobi and is on the main trucking route between Nairobi and Mombassa. Hundreds of trucks drive along this highway every day and many stop overnight at one of the rooming houses on the road in Makindu. Congested traffic can be a nightmare.
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| From Kenya 2011 |
Makindu is a poor, rural area with a hot dry climate. The lack of rainfall affects the quality of the crops and the health of the livestock and the people. We were told that food and water shortages are one of the biggest threats in this community. Diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and parasites are common.
These bedkit distributions were held on the grounds of the Makindu Sikh Temple and hospital where there was ample space for 750 children, their teachers, volunteers, and the SCAW team to organize the activities of the day. The children came from the surrounding rural areas. They were either bussed in with their teachers, rode bicycles, or walked. Apparently several of the children walked long distances of between four and eight kilometres.
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| From Kenya 2011 |
We were told that the children, aged 6-12 years had begun to arrive at 7:30 a.m. We found them all dressed in their new brightly coloured shorts and t-shirts, being led in song by their teachers, hands clapping. On occasion we noticed some children who appeared older than twelve; however it was explained to us that if they miss years of school they may not leave primary school until age 16 or older. Parents told us that the cost of the mandatory school uniform can be a barrier to them sending a child to school.
In addition to some of the members of the Sikh community, volunteers included Rotarians, teachers, principals, and other members of the broader community. One young Rotarian, Nixon, came to assist us for the third time and was very helpful in organizing and communicating with the children. Because of these people who gave so generously of their time, both distributions ran smoothly and quickly.
Many of the children did not speak English or were shy in talking to us, so the volunteers who spoke their mother tongue or Swahili were instrumental in explaining things and encouraging smiles for the camera.
At the end of the two days, 1500 children in this rural community went home with a smile and a new bedkit and hopefully will “lala salama” (loosely translated, “sleep well”) tonight.
Team Kenya 2011
Post your comments here.
Philippines: More Stories
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| From Philippines 2011 |
Her husband is a fisherman. The woman walks one and a half hours daily to sell the fish door to door in the local town. The price is 35 - 54 pesos per kilo, depending on the kind of fish being sold. One dollar is 41 pesos. When the rainy season comes, polluted water floods their home and the incidence of sickness rises. Times get even tougher! Food becomes scarcer and eking out a living becomes a huge challenge.
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| From Philippines 2011 |
And yet the woman sits with dignity and grace, telling her story, wanting life to be easier, but accepting and working with the daily challenges of living. The sincerity with which she speaks, and her fleeting smile, is mirrored in the sadness of her eyes -- eyes that have seen a million disappointments but today have hope. Today there is a bedkit sent by the generous people of Canada. Today her need has been understood and responded to. She expresses gratitude for the blessings her son and family have received and I am humbled by the depth of her feelings.
Donna Chantler
for Team Philippines 2011
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Philippines: Interviewing Parents
At each SCAW distribution one of our tasks is to interview several of the parents of children who are receiving a bedkit.
The purpose of the interview is to help SCAW with ongoing assessment of the needs of the families and how the bedkit meets those needs. The parents volunteer to sit and speak with us and give input on the contents of the bedkit. With the help of an interpreter we have a set of questions to ask relating to living conditions, health of the family, the contents of the bedkit, and the parent's general impressions of the SCAW distribution.
I really appreciate having the opportunity to interact on a one to one basis with the parents. As we begin the interview, I hear them express the same hopes and dreams for their children that parents everywhere have. They wish for healthy, happy children who are able to get as much education as possible. They want their children to grow up and be successful in the world.
When I listen to their stories of cramped living conditions, poor health, and lack of basic living essentials it is very clear how helpful the SCAW bedkit is.
One of the interview questions is, "What item in the bedkit is the least useful to your family?" Most parents have a difficult time answering that one. Their response is that everything in the bedkit is useful.
The message comes through loud and clear in every interview that the SCAW bedkit not only helps the recipient child it also benefits the entire family. Money that would have been spent on items in the bedkit is available for much needed food for the family.
Even though the parents and I speak different languages, I don't need an interpreter to hear the appreciation in the tone of their voices and see the thankfulness in their eyes.
Pat Innes
for Team Philippines 2011
Post your comments here.
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| From Philippines 2011 |
I really appreciate having the opportunity to interact on a one to one basis with the parents. As we begin the interview, I hear them express the same hopes and dreams for their children that parents everywhere have. They wish for healthy, happy children who are able to get as much education as possible. They want their children to grow up and be successful in the world.
When I listen to their stories of cramped living conditions, poor health, and lack of basic living essentials it is very clear how helpful the SCAW bedkit is.
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| From Philippines 2011 |
The message comes through loud and clear in every interview that the SCAW bedkit not only helps the recipient child it also benefits the entire family. Money that would have been spent on items in the bedkit is available for much needed food for the family.
Even though the parents and I speak different languages, I don't need an interpreter to hear the appreciation in the tone of their voices and see the thankfulness in their eyes.
Pat Innes
for Team Philippines 2011
Post your comments here.
Philippines: Amazing Local Support for SCAW Team
Local organizations in the Philippines truly value the presence of SCAW and do what they can to enhance the bedkit distributions to make them into a celebration -- with students performing dances or singing.
The organizers of the Plaridel distribution went as far as to provide us with a motorcycle escort from our hotel through the chaotic traffic to their site where we delivered 330 bedkits, The seven motorcyclists were members of Patrol Assistance Rescue and Community Services (PARACS).
We had three out-riders in front of us waving the traffic over to the sides of the road -- both in our lane and in the on-coming lane. There were times when the on-coming traffic did not budge so they rode in their lane and forced them onto the shoulder. It was nerve-wracking for us; so it must have been even more so for them. Needless to say, we thanked them profusely for their assistance and nerves of steel. Afterward they helped the Knights of Columbus with the SCAW distribution which went like clockwork.
During the Paranaque distribution, the nuns arranged for local students to perform a traditional southern Filipino dance for the bedkit recipients and the SCAW volunteers at their site -- which was enjoyed by all. At the San Antonio site, a young girl about seven or eight years old did the welcoming speech and another sang their national anthem. Normally, everyone, especially the recipients sings the Filipino national anthem with enthusiasm and gusto in a proud display of patriotism. In Bustos, the school that hosted the distribution had taught 50 girls to sing the Canadian national anthem. It was nothing short of amazing the way that they sang it.
We were welcomed to our first site, Pulilan, this morning by a parade of uniformed marching musicians and a majorette corps made up of Grade Four and Five students from our hosts, the Pulilan Central School, who had given up their Saturday to be part of the distribution. The Canadians, OVOs, local volunteers, and bedkit recipients watched in wonder as these talented young people performed musical numbers and beautifully choreographed majorette maneouvers. This was followed by an outstanding cheerleading display by the young students, who had tailored their athletic cheers to honour Canada and the SCAW donors.
This delight was repeated in the afternoon prior to the Paombong distribution at the Bridge Crossing School with traditional dances performed by Grade Six students from the host school dressed in elaborate national costumes. These graceful and elegant entertainers had also given up their day off to show off their award-winning dance routines and participate in our worthwhile cause.
In summary, SCAW is a highly respected and valued program in the Philippines. The recipients, their parents, and the SCAW volunteers pass on a heartfelt "Salamat Po" or 'Thank You Very Much' to all of the donors.
Team Philippines 2011
Post your comments here.
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| From Philippines 2011 |
We had three out-riders in front of us waving the traffic over to the sides of the road -- both in our lane and in the on-coming lane. There were times when the on-coming traffic did not budge so they rode in their lane and forced them onto the shoulder. It was nerve-wracking for us; so it must have been even more so for them. Needless to say, we thanked them profusely for their assistance and nerves of steel. Afterward they helped the Knights of Columbus with the SCAW distribution which went like clockwork.
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| From Philippines 2011 |
We were welcomed to our first site, Pulilan, this morning by a parade of uniformed marching musicians and a majorette corps made up of Grade Four and Five students from our hosts, the Pulilan Central School, who had given up their Saturday to be part of the distribution. The Canadians, OVOs, local volunteers, and bedkit recipients watched in wonder as these talented young people performed musical numbers and beautifully choreographed majorette maneouvers. This was followed by an outstanding cheerleading display by the young students, who had tailored their athletic cheers to honour Canada and the SCAW donors.
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| From Philippines 2011 |
In summary, SCAW is a highly respected and valued program in the Philippines. The recipients, their parents, and the SCAW volunteers pass on a heartfelt "Salamat Po" or 'Thank You Very Much' to all of the donors.
Team Philippines 2011
Post your comments here.
Philippines: What a Great Organization
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| From Philippines 2011 |
Originally started in 1990 by the Kiwanis, this is still one of their favorite projects. This small group includes the Torres, Navarro, Lucero, Lazatin, and Gonzales families. It soon became much larger and it seems like a 'rite of passage' that, not only sons and daughters help out, but cousins, aunts and other relatives by marriage generously contribute their time and effort as well.
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| From Philippines 2011 |
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| From Philippines 2011 |
So to a Canadian volunteer travelling seventeen hours through twelve time zones -- jet-lagged and adjusting -- it seems like easy work compared to the organizational efforts of our valued SCAW overseas partners, SCAWphilippines.
Tom Chudleigh
for Team Philippines 2011
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Philippines: Surprises and Gratitude
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| Former bedkit recipient with Bill and Tom. From Philippines 2011 |
The Jacinto Ponce Elementary School in Baliuag was the site of the distriibution because it was central to the area where the needy children lived, being only a short twenty-minute ride by motorised-trike that most take to school.
The surprise was having a twelve-year-old girl (Pictured at right.) and her mother show up at the site and approach us to say thank you for the bedkit that she had received in 2006 when she was seven years old.
She still had her woven mat, t-shirt, shorts, pillow case, and well-worn mosquito netting.
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| From Philippines 2011 |
These items continue to be used and thanks given to the donors years later because these bedkits are so valued by the recipients. It truly does change their lives.
Monika Sergeant
for Team Philippines 2011
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Philippines: Bustos and Caloocan
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| Our overseas partners in the Philippines From Philippines 2011 |
No matter where we end up though, the faces of the children turn in delighted expectation for the gift they would receive.
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| Going home with bedkit gift. From Philippines 2011 |
Each child was gently nudged forward. They took our hand, drew it to their forehead and said " Thank-you po." It felt like a blessing that touched us deeply. The small faces turned up to us bore a twinkle of anticipation, they smiled shyly then trotted off with their bedkit to meet with their parent who waited patiently outside the gates of the school.
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| From Philippines 2011 |
Donna Chantler
for Team Philippines 2011
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Kenya: Kangemi
Today’s distribution was at New Kibumbui Elementary School in an area of Nairobi known as Kangemi.
Headmaster Wilfred invited the SCAW team and our Rotary partners into his office to sign the school’s Guest Book and inform us about his school, students, and staff. He mentioned that many of his students slept on the floor of their homes.
This is a school of 1601 students covering grades 1 to 8. The Kenyan government provides the funding for the school building and the salaries of the teachers. Unfortunately with the school’s present enrolment the school is short 9 teachers. Kangeni is a disadvantaged community where parental involvement in the school is minimal.
The Headmaster led us from his office to an interior courtyard where the distribution was going to take place. We were deluged with motion and noise. The students were running through the courtyard and the interior halls of the 2-storey building chattering with their friends and classmates. There was excitement in the air.
The students also have responsibilities before the school begins each morning. They sweep and tidy the halls, classrooms and playground and clean the washrooms.
We were told that the students would be coming in classes to have their photos taken and receive their bedkits. They would remain in their classrooms until all 1,100 students between the ages of 6 to 12 had received their bedkits and then the whole school would be dismissed. Thank goodness for the teachers. They were wonderful and much loved by their students.
In less than three hours all the photos had been taken and bedkits given out.
After a short meal in the staff room and many “thank yous” we wandered throughout the school and playground talking with the students and teachers.
Some of the facts that we learned were:
To see and hear the video, click on the graphic at left.
As we left the school we saw students skipping “Double Dutch” and some playing soccer with homemade soccer balls of rags and plastic bags.
The spirit and the enthusiasm of the students were quite remarkable. This was a day that both they and we would long remember.
Thanks to Champlain Discovery Public School. Some of your bedkits were given out at this school.
Team Kenya 2011
Post your comments here.
Headmaster Wilfred invited the SCAW team and our Rotary partners into his office to sign the school’s Guest Book and inform us about his school, students, and staff. He mentioned that many of his students slept on the floor of their homes.
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| From Kenya 2011 |
This is a school of 1601 students covering grades 1 to 8. The Kenyan government provides the funding for the school building and the salaries of the teachers. Unfortunately with the school’s present enrolment the school is short 9 teachers. Kangeni is a disadvantaged community where parental involvement in the school is minimal.
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| From Kenya 2011 |
The students also have responsibilities before the school begins each morning. They sweep and tidy the halls, classrooms and playground and clean the washrooms.
We were told that the students would be coming in classes to have their photos taken and receive their bedkits. They would remain in their classrooms until all 1,100 students between the ages of 6 to 12 had received their bedkits and then the whole school would be dismissed. Thank goodness for the teachers. They were wonderful and much loved by their students.
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| From Kenya 2011 |
In less than three hours all the photos had been taken and bedkits given out.
After a short meal in the staff room and many “thank yous” we wandered throughout the school and playground talking with the students and teachers.
Some of the facts that we learned were:
- A typical Grade Four classroom had 74 students.
- The desks were 48 inches wide and shared by four students.
- The room was 20 feet by 30 feet in size.
- English as a subject begins in grade one (Swahili is the language of the school and family).
- All students must wear a school uniform. The estimated cost to parents for this uniform is 2,000 Shillings ($25.00).
- The outside walls of the school displayed murals related to health, hygiene, academics, and civil behaviour.
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| Click on photo to see VIDEO. From Kenya 2011 |
To see and hear the video, click on the graphic at left.
As we left the school we saw students skipping “Double Dutch” and some playing soccer with homemade soccer balls of rags and plastic bags.
The spirit and the enthusiasm of the students were quite remarkable. This was a day that both they and we would long remember.
Thanks to Champlain Discovery Public School. Some of your bedkits were given out at this school.
Team Kenya 2011
Post your comments here.
Kenya: Blog 3
There is an impressive number of Kenyans sporting Canadian flag lapel pins this evening who did not have them yesterday. They were given out earlier today in appreciation of the invaluable contribution of those who volunteered their time and energy with Team Kenya so far this week.
We completed our second distribution today; 900 more children received bedkits, made possible only with the amazing help of over 30 Kenyan volunteers. Rotarians, Rotoracts, teachers, church and community members, both male and female, of various ages, demonstrated impressive passion and stamina as part of this distribution.
We were reminded of the amount of hard work that takes place prior to the SCAW Team’s arrival. For example, making decisions related to finding and obtaining quotes from suppliers, choosing the locations, the contents of the bedkit, which they then collate and deliver to the distribution sites. At the same time, volunteers are selecting the most appropriate children to receive the bedkits and arranging for them to be brought to the distribution.
On the day of distribution, they never stop, assisting with organizing the children, a huge task given the numbers and ages. Volunteers also act as interpreters, ensuring the children are changed into their new outfits, entertaining the children as they wait their turns, reuniting the parents with their children after they have received their bedkits, and helping the SCAW team members with their responsibilities.
What is truly special about our volunteer partners is the obvious dedication to the children in their community and their willingness to act upon it.
Team Kenya 2011
Post your comments here.
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| From Kenya 2011 |
We completed our second distribution today; 900 more children received bedkits, made possible only with the amazing help of over 30 Kenyan volunteers. Rotarians, Rotoracts, teachers, church and community members, both male and female, of various ages, demonstrated impressive passion and stamina as part of this distribution.
We were reminded of the amount of hard work that takes place prior to the SCAW Team’s arrival. For example, making decisions related to finding and obtaining quotes from suppliers, choosing the locations, the contents of the bedkit, which they then collate and deliver to the distribution sites. At the same time, volunteers are selecting the most appropriate children to receive the bedkits and arranging for them to be brought to the distribution.
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| From Kenya 2011 |
What is truly special about our volunteer partners is the obvious dedication to the children in their community and their willingness to act upon it.
Team Kenya 2011
Post your comments here.
Philippines: Interviewing the Parents
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| From Philippines 2011 |
My responsibility was to conduct interviews with parents about the bedkits. The information gleaned from these encounters reveals that living conditions are sub-standard with entire families sleeping on the floor with only cardboard as a buffer. The rainy season is particularly difficult because of heavy and frequent flooding. In some cases the breadwinner is unable to get to work thus cutting off the income for long periods of time. The children are prone to colds, flu, and TB.
When asked what item from the bedkit would be most beneficial the common reply was the school supplies because they could be shared among the siblings. If possible they would like vitamins added to the kit.
All of my interviewees wanted higher education for their children.
Faith Clark
for Team Philippines 2011
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Kenya: First distribution
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| VIDEO - Click above to view. From Kenya 2011 |
Add the vibrancy of their new brightly coloured clothing with the clear, pure strength of their young confident voices spontaneously singing gospel songs and you have our experience today during our first distribution.
To see and hear the video, click on the graphic at right.
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| From Kenya 2011 |
One of the highlights for us was the parent interviews which were held with the skill of our interpreter at the end of the afternoon. The shy women enthusiastically offered their suggestions. They shared lives that are completely unfamiliar to us from Canada.
Their eyes lit up when they saw the items in the bedkit, particularly the mosquito net. When asked how they felt the bedkit benefitted their families they replied, “Our children will be able to sleep better tonight on their new mattresses instead of on the floor and they will be safer from malaria under the mosquito net.”
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| From Kenya 2011 |
Team Kenya 2011
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Philippines: Marakina
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| From Philippines 2011 |
As a teacher, I was very interested to see that our afternoon distribution was being held at Nangka Elementary School in the town of Marakina. As the children were being organized into groups for their photos, I had an opportunity to sit and speak to the school principal. She explained that Nangka is a public school for children in Grades 1-6 with a total school population of 3,795 children.
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| From Philippines 2011 |
The teachers helped select the children most in need of receiving a SCAW bedkit and the principal commented on how wonderful it was to have a backpack and school supplies included in the bedkit. She found it hard to believe that 800 students would be considered a large Elementary School in Canada and that Primary class sizes are only around 20 students.
The size of the school and classes may be different in the Philippines and Canada but the smiling faces and shining eyes of the children are universal.
Pat Innes
for Team Philippines 2011
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Kenya: The team has arrived
Team Kenya arrived safely in Nairobi and spent the last two days checking the contents of a bedkit, meeting the overseas Rotary volunteers, and exploring the first distribution site where the action starts tomorrow (Monday).
We also had some time for touring, shopping and recovering from the long flight and time change. We are looking forward to a successful distribution.
Pictured are (Left to right): Larry Donahoo (OVO Leader); Marnie Nelles; Marianne Tomlinson; Karen Bridgman-Acker; Cathy Gregory; Bill Baker, Dave Dryden (SCAW Team Leader)
Team Kenya 2011
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| From Kenya 2011 |
Pictured are (Left to right): Larry Donahoo (OVO Leader); Marnie Nelles; Marianne Tomlinson; Karen Bridgman-Acker; Cathy Gregory; Bill Baker, Dave Dryden (SCAW Team Leader)
Team Kenya 2011
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Kenya: Post your comments here
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Philippines: Organizational Meeting
The SCAW team met with Dr. Ito Torres and his outstanding team of Overseas Volunteers in Antipolo City, just outside Manila on Sunday afternoon. They proudly showed us how they were packing the 27 items (59 pieces) into each bedkit and the high quality of each item. All of the bedkits were packed in exactly the same manner by a group of young men who were proud to be part of the SCAW team. They then showed us the two two-story houses where they were storing the 6,000 bedkits. The compact bedkits filled every room and will be transported to the distribution sites over the next two weeks, starting tomorrow morning in Brookside.
Dr. Ito Torres and his wife Alice kindly opened their own home to host the organizational meeting for the distributions. Military operations have seldom been organized with better precision and attention to detail. During the meeting he reviewed the criteria that he follows for selecting organizations to work with in the Philippines and how he wanted them to select the needy children who would receive a bedkit. It was as if the great man, Murray Dryden, himself were talking when he was speaking. It was a singular pleasure for us to hear his philosophies about SCAW and the sincerity of his and his team's work.
Afterward Dr. Torres and Alice treated the team to an authentic Filippino meal of traditional foods and delicacies for which we were most thankful. Dr Ito showed us how to peel sun-ripened mangos for dessert and Alice generously provided us with goody bags, including maps of central Luzon Island where we will be doing the 19 distributions.
We and the SCAW donors are certainly blessed to have such a wonderful team of Overseas Volunteers in the Philippines who have done everything possible to keep Murray's dream thriving.
The SCAW Philippines 2011 Team
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Dr. Ito Torres and his wife Alice kindly opened their own home to host the organizational meeting for the distributions. Military operations have seldom been organized with better precision and attention to detail. During the meeting he reviewed the criteria that he follows for selecting organizations to work with in the Philippines and how he wanted them to select the needy children who would receive a bedkit. It was as if the great man, Murray Dryden, himself were talking when he was speaking. It was a singular pleasure for us to hear his philosophies about SCAW and the sincerity of his and his team's work.
Afterward Dr. Torres and Alice treated the team to an authentic Filippino meal of traditional foods and delicacies for which we were most thankful. Dr Ito showed us how to peel sun-ripened mangos for dessert and Alice generously provided us with goody bags, including maps of central Luzon Island where we will be doing the 19 distributions.
We and the SCAW donors are certainly blessed to have such a wonderful team of Overseas Volunteers in the Philippines who have done everything possible to keep Murray's dream thriving.
The SCAW Philippines 2011 Team
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Philippines: The team has arrived
This afternoon we will be meeting with the overseas volunteers to get ourselves organised for the 19 up-coming distributions for this trip.
Stay tuned.
The SCAW Philippines 2011 Team
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Pune: Trip reports posted
The donor newsletter for the Pune bedkit distribution has gone to print and can be downloaded from the Sleeping Children Website. |
| Pune 2011 |
Photos are available in the Pune 2011 Photo Album. You can view them by clicking the link above.
If you would like to read the reports on the web, you can read them in their entirety here.
Here is a download link for the PDF version of the newsletter.