We have two Good Work videos
Back in March, YouTube set up the Good Work Channel on their website and invited non-profits around the world to tell creative agencies about their group.Sleeping Children Around the World was among 436 groups that submitted briefs and, in response, 268 agencies replied to the briefs. Two of them were for our charity.
To put this in perspective, only one-third of the briefs got a response at all -- some only received one response and the most popular received 58 responses.
I've posted Sleeping Children's two spots below. One came from Budapest, Hungary and the other from Cape Town, South Africa.
Please help by liking/voting for our two spots. We've also posted them on the SCAW website.
You must click on the YouTube icon below each video to vote.
Togo: The Last 2011 Distribution
Destination: Attitongon, 134 kilometres from Lomé
Hurray, hurray our last distribution went without a hitch.
The trip was long, hot, and bumpy but the children's cheers upon seeing us arrive made it all worthwhile.
As we passed village after village, with the roads getting narrower and narrower, we wondered how the OVO's had found such remote villages.
Team Togo 2011 signing off.
Post comments here.
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| From Togo 2011 |
The trip was long, hot, and bumpy but the children's cheers upon seeing us arrive made it all worthwhile.
As we passed village after village, with the roads getting narrower and narrower, we wondered how the OVO's had found such remote villages.
Including the 5,000 bedkits delivered
in Togo this year, our total is
now 1,156,130 bedkits since
Sleeping Children began in 1970.
We are all well and in good spirits with lots of stories to share with everyone at home.in Togo this year, our total is
now 1,156,130 bedkits since
Sleeping Children began in 1970.
Team Togo 2011 signing off.
Post comments here.
Togo: A Phone Call
We received a brief phone call from Togo this afternoon.
"We have no Internet at the moment but we'd like everyone to know that we are all well."
"We are coming to the end of the distribution in Togo."
"We enjoyed a great dinner evening with our overseas partners last night and hopefully will have Internet tomorrow and be able to send you more."
Team Togo 2011"We are coming to the end of the distribution in Togo."
"We enjoyed a great dinner evening with our overseas partners last night and hopefully will have Internet tomorrow and be able to send you more."
Post comments here.
Togo: Gboto
Day 9
Our drive today took us along roads that were difficult to manoeuvre, very bumpy, and at times full of rocks with deep craters.The Gboto area and villages seemed extremely isolated and poor. Again the bedkits recipients came from many kilometres away. The distribution was smooth.
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| From Togo 2011 |
- Day 1: They dig into the the red clay, loosen up the earth, add water, then cover the mixture with palm leaves for five days.
- Day 5: The wet mixture is carried in small “blobs” to the house location where they are molded into larger “blobs.”
- They are cut with a machete-like knife into large “bricks” (about 50x20x20 cm). These “bricks” are laid to form the first wall layer. The layer is covered with palm leaves.
- Three days later the process starts over with a new Day 1 mixture.
- Therefore each layer dries for 8 days before the next wall layer is made. This clay house will last for 25 years or more.
- The roofing is usually made of palm leaves, which must be replaced every couple of years.
We invited our AED-Togo volunteer partners to dinner and it was enjoyed by all.
Team Togo 2011
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Togo: Kala Kala
Day 8
We left at 7am for the long drive of almost three hours to Kala Kala. As we left , a billboard indicated it was 31 degrees (already).The Tam Tams started up at our arrival, but this time it was dancing women who greeted us, several of whom had a baby snuggling on their back (one baby was even sound asleep).
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| From Togo 2011 |
Everything went smoothly. Unfortunately we all had to work in direct sunlight today so it was difficult to exchange a shady position with each other during the day, as we often do.
At the end, the Kala Kala Village chief and the President of the County presented us with a hand-written letter in which they warmly and sincerely expressed their gratitude for our work and support. They hoped that, by seeing the very poor conditions of the school rooms, we would continue to help them.
We had our usual snacks on the way home, but today we needed even more salt repletion, so the Pringles, pretzels, nuts, and sweets were very welcome.
Team Togo 2011
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Later in the day at 6pm, we visited the Canadian Consul’s home. We spent a very informative and pleasant hour with Marc Antoine and his wife.
Togo: Day 7
Today our journey took us to a remote village in the northern part of south Togo.
We were greeted by the king of the village in the traditional costume of his office. The site was ideal for an efficient distribution and we successfully completed our mission by noon.
Following the distribution, the king and the elders treated us to a tour of the village.
The village was very traditional and untouched by the modernization of Lome and other cities that we have seen in our travels.
Homes were constructed from mud walls and thatched roofs.
The village was well-organized and the residents were friendly and hospitable.
A first impression of this bucolic setting could lead one to the romantic conclusion that this was an idyllic unspoiled oasis -- but closer inspection revealed water, hygiene, and malaria-exposure issues that put residents at high risk of the kind of troubles SCAW attempts to alleviate.
Following our tour and visit we returned to our base in Lome grateful for the experience this village provided us.
Team Togo 2011
Post comments here.
We were greeted by the king of the village in the traditional costume of his office. The site was ideal for an efficient distribution and we successfully completed our mission by noon.
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| From Togo 2011 |
Following the distribution, the king and the elders treated us to a tour of the village.
The village was very traditional and untouched by the modernization of Lome and other cities that we have seen in our travels.
Homes were constructed from mud walls and thatched roofs.
The village was well-organized and the residents were friendly and hospitable.
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| From Togo 2011 |
Following our tour and visit we returned to our base in Lome grateful for the experience this village provided us.
Team Togo 2011
Post comments here.
Togo: Tabligbo & Kovie
Fifth Day
Today was another hot and humid day. We arrived in Tabligbo and were again welcomed by colourfully dressed adults and children dancing in the shade surrounded by a large number of fellow villagers. We joined them after a few minutes. Not only is this daily dancing fun but it helps burning the extra calories from the superb meals that Bill cooks for us every day!
The distribution went well despite some difficulties in getting all the bedkits to the site. But, as always, Laurent and his team, assisted by our team leader Bob Barclay, figured out how to manage this difficulty.
All’s well that ends well.
Sixth Day
Today we just had time to finish our distribution in Kovie before it started raining goats and chickens (cats and dogs!).
We really felt bad for the many families who had left the site and had a long walk home. This afternoon we went to Mercy Children’s Home, an orphanage close to where we stay in Lome and which supports 93 orphans.
It was a moving experience for us all.
Team Togo 2011
Post comments here.
Today was another hot and humid day. We arrived in Tabligbo and were again welcomed by colourfully dressed adults and children dancing in the shade surrounded by a large number of fellow villagers. We joined them after a few minutes. Not only is this daily dancing fun but it helps burning the extra calories from the superb meals that Bill cooks for us every day!
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| From Togo 2011 |
The distribution went well despite some difficulties in getting all the bedkits to the site. But, as always, Laurent and his team, assisted by our team leader Bob Barclay, figured out how to manage this difficulty.
All’s well that ends well.
Sixth Day
Today we just had time to finish our distribution in Kovie before it started raining goats and chickens (cats and dogs!).
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| From Togo 2011 |
We really felt bad for the many families who had left the site and had a long walk home. This afternoon we went to Mercy Children’s Home, an orphanage close to where we stay in Lome and which supports 93 orphans.
It was a moving experience for us all.
Team Togo 2011
Post comments here.
Togo: Day 4
Day Four: a long drive of 178 kilometers one way past goat markets, mountains, and small rural villages. We were again greeted enthusiastically by dancers. We joined in after a while with parents showing appreciation more by laughing than applause proving us white guys really can't dance!
We also got to know the community a bit better as we were introduced to the village chief and queen. Bob signed the guest book and they expressed their appreciation for our efforts in the blazing heat (at least 36 degrees Celsius).
We didn't set a record, but we did photograph one group of fifty children! (Click on photo above.)
Chris interviewed three families which confirmed why we are here. "My children have only slept on palm leaves until today."
Before getting too far home, we stopped in Tove to visit three families who had received bedkits last year.
They were very much intact and in use. Exercise books were full. Khaki was turned into dresses. Mattresses and mosquito nets were in use.
Team Togo 2011
Post comments here.
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| From Togo 2011 |
We also got to know the community a bit better as we were introduced to the village chief and queen. Bob signed the guest book and they expressed their appreciation for our efforts in the blazing heat (at least 36 degrees Celsius).
We didn't set a record, but we did photograph one group of fifty children! (Click on photo above.)
 |
| From Togo 2011 |
Chris interviewed three families which confirmed why we are here. "My children have only slept on palm leaves until today."
Before getting too far home, we stopped in Tove to visit three families who had received bedkits last year.
They were very much intact and in use. Exercise books were full. Khaki was turned into dresses. Mattresses and mosquito nets were in use.
Team Togo 2011
Post comments here.
Togo: Agbelouve
We travelled a shorter distance of 80 kilometers to Agbelouve today.
As we drove into a narrow laneway, it opened into a school yard where an amazing experience awaited us!
As soon as we got out of the car, the tam tam drum music started and a group of children who were dressed in traditional African dresses -- with painted skin as well -- performed a very animated dance ensemble. There were even solo dances.
Soon the teachers came to get us to join in the dancing, as the crowd clapped and cheered. It was such an enthousiastic, genuine, warm welcome!
The teachers then introduced themselves, thanked us, and told us what a difference the provision of bedkits makes to these families.
The children showed great enthusiam during the whole time despite the intense heat.
Afterwards, the principal invited us on a tour of the nine-room school. Three of the classrooms were open-air, with leaky thatched roofing. She explained that during the six-month rainy season, many parents will not send their children to school because they must all crowd into the other protected classrooms -- for a student population of 380!
This principal's passion for teaching and for her students really impressed us and also marked our day.
Team Togo 2011
Post comments here.
As we drove into a narrow laneway, it opened into a school yard where an amazing experience awaited us!
 |
| From Togo 2011 |
Soon the teachers came to get us to join in the dancing, as the crowd clapped and cheered. It was such an enthousiastic, genuine, warm welcome!
The teachers then introduced themselves, thanked us, and told us what a difference the provision of bedkits makes to these families.
The children showed great enthusiam during the whole time despite the intense heat.
 |
| From Togo 2011 |
Afterwards, the principal invited us on a tour of the nine-room school. Three of the classrooms were open-air, with leaky thatched roofing. She explained that during the six-month rainy season, many parents will not send their children to school because they must all crowd into the other protected classrooms -- for a student population of 380!
This principal's passion for teaching and for her students really impressed us and also marked our day.
Team Togo 2011
Post comments here.
Togo: Avetonou, 500 Happy Children
We arrived today in Avetonou to four classrooms of smiling happy children all dressed and ready for pictures.
The cheers were deafening to our ears. The distributions went like clockwork due to the organized help the of the AED-Togo (Action Enfance et Développement - Togo) team.
The first-timers caught on fast. The children flowed through the pictures with ease in 30°C temperature. We were able to finish in good time so we could watch the bedkits float off on the children's heads and into their cars -- fifteen in one car.
Five hundred happy children will have many good nights' sleeps ahead of them.
We are off to a great start.
Team Togo 2011
Post comments here.
The cheers were deafening to our ears. The distributions went like clockwork due to the organized help the of the AED-Togo (Action Enfance et Développement - Togo) team.
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| From Togo 2011 |
The first-timers caught on fast. The children flowed through the pictures with ease in 30°C temperature. We were able to finish in good time so we could watch the bedkits float off on the children's heads and into their cars -- fifteen in one car.
Five hundred happy children will have many good nights' sleeps ahead of them.
We are off to a great start.
Team Togo 2011
Post comments here.
Togo: The team is arriving
Four of the six-member Togo Team arrived Friday night safe and sound.
We were greeted by our AED support team with lots of hugs and hand shakes to welcome Sleeping Children back to Togo. Everyone is healthy, rested, and well fed.
This morning we went to site where the bedkits are stored. Everything looks organized and ready to go. Bedkits are great. The clothing is colourful and the matresses are a good size, thick, clean, and comfortable.
We are ready to go for Monday.
Signing off until then.
Team Togo 2011
Post comments here.
We were greeted by our AED support team with lots of hugs and hand shakes to welcome Sleeping Children back to Togo. Everyone is healthy, rested, and well fed.
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| From Togo 2011 |
This morning we went to site where the bedkits are stored. Everything looks organized and ready to go. Bedkits are great. The clothing is colourful and the matresses are a good size, thick, clean, and comfortable.
We are ready to go for Monday.
Signing off until then.
Team Togo 2011
Post comments here.
Togo: Leave your comments here
As a courtesy, please add your name at the end of your post.
Philippines: Farewell to the Philippines
It is hard to believe that we have distributed 6,000 bedkits at 19 different sites over the last 11 days. Each distribution went smoothly thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Dr. Ito Torres and his SCAW Philippines team as well as the local overseas volunteers at each site.
After our last distribution at Tatalon, a Barangay near Quezon City, we met with Dr. Ito Torres and his team to discuss this year's distributions and to pass on our thanks for their dedication and support to SCAW and the children that it helps. (Picture below.)
Most of the SCAW Philippines team have been involved with the charity for decades and look forward to continuing their association in the future. Even when the distributions were finished, their hospitality and support continued, confirming the strong bonds that have developed between this year's SCAW travelling team and our SCAW Philippines counterparts.
They are a real blessing and cannot be thanked enough.
The SCAW Team - Philippines 2011
Post your comments here.
Including the 6,000 bedkits delivered
in the Philippines this year, our total is
now 1,151,130 bedkits since
Sleeping Children began in 1970.
in the Philippines this year, our total is
now 1,151,130 bedkits since
Sleeping Children began in 1970.
After our last distribution at Tatalon, a Barangay near Quezon City, we met with Dr. Ito Torres and his team to discuss this year's distributions and to pass on our thanks for their dedication and support to SCAW and the children that it helps. (Picture below.)
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| From Philippines 2011 |
Most of the SCAW Philippines team have been involved with the charity for decades and look forward to continuing their association in the future. Even when the distributions were finished, their hospitality and support continued, confirming the strong bonds that have developed between this year's SCAW travelling team and our SCAW Philippines counterparts.
They are a real blessing and cannot be thanked enough.
The SCAW Team - Philippines 2011
Post your comments here.
Philippines: Flip flops
One of the treasured items in the bedkits is the flip flops. We take footwear for granted but not here in the Philippines.
Children who come to the distribution sites generally have on flip flops, but often they appear to belong to someone else. They can look oversized or undersized on little feet. When we looked at the children closely, we saw broken sandals on feet with oozing sores, sandals worn by children who had swollen feet in which "something" was embedded, sandals on feet that were so scabbed it was hard to imagine they didn't hurt. Those who came barefoot, tried to hide their feet as though ashamed of not having what the other children had.
Is it possible, flip flops give them pride, self-esteem and a sense of belonging? Flip flops protect them from hard, sharp stones, and litter on the streets and also serve as a cushion when seated to buffer them from the hard ground.
I brought a pair of my daughter's flip flops and gave them to a child who arrived without any footwear. They were too large for her but I knew they would be useful for someone else in the family since the child had new ones in her bedkit. As she left the site, the child kept looking over her shoulder as if expecting someone to stop her to take them back.
Hopefully those flip flops will give someone in the family comfort.
Donna Chantler
for Team Philippines 2011
Post your comments here.
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| From Philippines 2011 |
Is it possible, flip flops give them pride, self-esteem and a sense of belonging? Flip flops protect them from hard, sharp stones, and litter on the streets and also serve as a cushion when seated to buffer them from the hard ground.
I brought a pair of my daughter's flip flops and gave them to a child who arrived without any footwear. They were too large for her but I knew they would be useful for someone else in the family since the child had new ones in her bedkit. As she left the site, the child kept looking over her shoulder as if expecting someone to stop her to take them back.
Hopefully those flip flops will give someone in the family comfort.
Donna Chantler
for Team Philippines 2011
Post your comments here.
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
Post your comments here.
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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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
Post your comments here.
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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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
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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
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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.