Pune: Final Days
As published by the Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment.
Click graphic to see it in a larger size.
Dear Friends,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome the SCAW team led by Debbie along with her team comprising of Sieg, Anne, Suzanne, Beth, Irene and Elaine, who are amongst us this evening, to celebrate with us the distribution of 5000 Kits this year. On behalf of the Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment, I thank SCAW for giving us this opportunity to give joy and happiness to children in and around Pune by distributing Sleeping Kits to them, year after year.
The Project this year commenced with the packing of the kits on 29th January and 5th February, followed by the distribution at seven centres namely, Rasta Peth on 7th Feb., Ghargaon on the 10th, Hiwargaon on the 11th, Abitkhind on the 12th, Belapur on the 13th, Loni on the 14th and Lingdeo on 15th February.
I hereby make special reference of Mr.Ghule and Mr. Mujawar and thank both of them and their respective team of teachers and other staff members for giving us full support and assistance and for standing by our side during the entire Project. They helped us identify the beneficiaries and ensured that at all times we had sufficient volunteers to help us pack and distribute the Kits in their respective areas. The warm welcome that was given to us at each distribution center will also remain with us forever.
Friends, I take this opportunity to applaud the fantastic work done by Chairperson PP Aloysius, Rtn. Pankaj and President Nominee Sameer in planning, implementing and executing this Project along with PP Vilas, President Elect Fanash, Rtn.Rajesh, PP Nisar etc. PP Aloysius and his team have worked extremely hard for the past several months, first identifying the beneficiaries, thereafter visiting the schools for verification, ordering the supplies, arranging for the warehouses and other transport facilities, scheduling the packing and distributions of the Kits and taking care of all other necessary details.
I also thank the Rotary Club of Poona North for joining us and contributing towards the distribution of Kits in Loni and the Rotary Club of Poona Downtown for contributing towards the distribution of Kits in Lingdeo. I also acknowledge the contribution of the members of our Club and the Annes on the various days of packing and distribution.
Click graphic to see it in a larger size.
Dear Friends,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome the SCAW team led by Debbie along with her team comprising of Sieg, Anne, Suzanne, Beth, Irene and Elaine, who are amongst us this evening, to celebrate with us the distribution of 5000 Kits this year. On behalf of the Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment, I thank SCAW for giving us this opportunity to give joy and happiness to children in and around Pune by distributing Sleeping Kits to them, year after year.
The Project this year commenced with the packing of the kits on 29th January and 5th February, followed by the distribution at seven centres namely, Rasta Peth on 7th Feb., Ghargaon on the 10th, Hiwargaon on the 11th, Abitkhind on the 12th, Belapur on the 13th, Loni on the 14th and Lingdeo on 15th February.
I hereby make special reference of Mr.Ghule and Mr. Mujawar and thank both of them and their respective team of teachers and other staff members for giving us full support and assistance and for standing by our side during the entire Project. They helped us identify the beneficiaries and ensured that at all times we had sufficient volunteers to help us pack and distribute the Kits in their respective areas. The warm welcome that was given to us at each distribution center will also remain with us forever.
Friends, I take this opportunity to applaud the fantastic work done by Chairperson PP Aloysius, Rtn. Pankaj and President Nominee Sameer in planning, implementing and executing this Project along with PP Vilas, President Elect Fanash, Rtn.Rajesh, PP Nisar etc. PP Aloysius and his team have worked extremely hard for the past several months, first identifying the beneficiaries, thereafter visiting the schools for verification, ordering the supplies, arranging for the warehouses and other transport facilities, scheduling the packing and distributions of the Kits and taking care of all other necessary details.
I also thank the Rotary Club of Poona North for joining us and contributing towards the distribution of Kits in Loni and the Rotary Club of Poona Downtown for contributing towards the distribution of Kits in Lingdeo. I also acknowledge the contribution of the members of our Club and the Annes on the various days of packing and distribution.
Belgaum: Nipani
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| Andrea Tynan interviewing a parent with the help of an interpreter. |
“Every mother loves her child”
Today was our Nipani distribution – only the second one for this Rotary Club. My task today was to do the interviews of the mothers. This is a very valuable tool for SCAW to evaluate the merits of the bedkit from the recipient’s perspective.
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| Marg Goodchild is shown with the last child to receive a bedkit in the 400 bedkit distribution in Nipani. This brings the Belgaum total to 1,300 with 3,200 to go. |
I randomly chose four mothers to interview – each one as gracious as the next. I tried, through the interpreter, to help the mother feel relaxed and impress upon her the importance of her input regarding the bedkit, telling her that SCAW wishes to make the bedkit as useful as possible for the recipient and his or her family.
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| In the Belgaum distribution, the girls' dresses and frocks and the boys' shirts and short pants are made by Ramesh (far left) and his family company. It takes them 6 months to fulfill the SCAW order placed by the Rotary Club of Belgaum. But that’s not all! Ramesh is present at each distribution site to check to ensure that each child receives the correct size of clothing and to handle any quality issues. Thanks, Ramesh, for going “above and beyond the call of duty” for our bedkit recipients. From Belgaum 2012 Photo Album |
One question on the questionnaire is, “How did they get to the distribution today?” This mother told me that she and five other mothers from her village rented a vehicle to get them to the distribution site because the bus service is unreliable and that they did not want to miss the distribution.
These women were farm labourers who gave up their day’s pay of 40 Rupees ($0.80) to come and collect their gift of the bedkit for a better future for their child.
Andrea Tynan,
Team Belgaum 2012
Click any photo to see more in the Belgaum 2012 Photo Album. Then click on SLIDESHOW at upper left to see them all in large size.
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Belgaum: Valentines Day
Happy Valentines Day from Team Belgaum!
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| From Belgaum 2012 |
We saw many fields of sugar cane, which appears to be the major crop produced in the area. Interspersed amidst that crop was sorghum, barley, corn, wheat, cotton, palm trees, and grapes. The intensity of the farming and the care given to the land was amazing.
Larry Kell,
Team Belgaum 2012
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| From Belgaum 2012 |
The children looked absolutely beautiful as they came out of the building in their new outfits to pose for a picture. Then, the smiles on their faces when they realized that big bag was the rest of their bedkit and belonged to them, was a wonderful sight to see!
Anne Kell,
Team Belgaum 2012
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| From Belgaum 2012 |
This is one of the new patterns and these young ladies have trouble hiding their smiles!
Our dress and boys' wear manufacturer actually comes to each distribution area to make sure that each child receives the correct size of garment to wear in the pictures taken for donors!
It all results in very happy children, and big smiles from parents and guardians.
Thanks to our Rotary Partners, The Rotary Club of Belgaum, for listening to last year’s team!
Duncan Macgregor,
Team Belgaum 2012
Click any photo to see more in the Belgaum 2012 Photo Album. Then click on SLIDESHOW at upper left to see them all in large size.
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Chennai: Andaman Islands
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| From Chennai 2012 |
At the airport we celebrated John Page's birthday and Valentines Day of course. The Rotary Club surprised us with a delicious chocolate cake. (See John Page, Rajesh, and Ravi Shankar in photo).
We arrived in Port Blair at 9 am, to a comfortable 26 degrees.
We travelled from the airport to the distribution site, surrounded by lush palm trees and teak plantations. We also passed a working elephant, he was unloading a truck load of lumber. (In the photo is the elephant trainer and Aniya Nandy).
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| From Chennai 2012 |
We had lots of supportive parents waiting for their children outside the gate. We can't believe tomorrow is our last distribution. The Islands are beautiful and we are looking forward to it.
Theodora and Aniya Nandy
Team Chennai 2012
Click either photo to see more in the Chennai 2012 Photo Album. Then click on SLIDESHOW at upper left to see them all in large size.
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Pune: Thank you
The gratitude of the children and their caregivers was amazing -- from verbal "namastes" ("Thank you") to greetings of marching bands and dancing, flowers and a spicy lunch, and many many photos to commemorate the day, their gratitude was evident every step of the way.
The teachers were a key part of organizing these displays of gratitude, and they made our day a memorable one.
This rural area suffers from extremes of weather: wet monsoons and dry, hot summers challenge the villagers lives. The weather, combined with the extreme poverty of the area, makes even attending school a challenge.
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| From Pune 2012 |
Thank you, donors, from the grateful children and for allowing us to be here on your behalf!
Team Pune 2012
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Belgaum: Athani, India
First Distribution
To paraphrase an old adage, 'alls well that starts well.' The sun was shining and 400 smiling children greeted us as we entered the school where the Athani distribution was to take place. Although the children spoke little or no English they readily joined in with rhythmic clapping when we sang some songs for them or Duncan entertained them with his kazoo.The local volunteers and the OVO volunteers, led by Niranjan Sant, laid out the distribution site in a logical manner that allowed them to hand out the proper size sweaters, footwear, shirts/shorts or dresses/chudidars to each child after they had their picture taken.
As with many of the SCAW distributions, the children are so over-awed by the process and the number of adults, that they rarely smile until they are walking away with their bedkit. We took the opportunity to go outside to see them once they and their parent or guardian had a chance to open the bedkit and see the treasures that they had received. The children came running up to us with the biggest smiles to shake our hands in thanks; with some saying "namastay" or "blessings to you." It was heartwarming to witness this.
It was a long day by the time we made the three-hour journey back to our hotel in Belgaum. Thanks to the OVOs and local volunteers -- the huge efforts that they made to obtain the bedkits and have everything ready for us -- it made for an excellent start to what we hope will be another successful SCAW distribution.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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Chennai: Fog
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| From Chennai 2012 |
We are now booked to leave early tomorrow morning at 3 a.m. Yikes!
Hopefully, our last two distributions can be completed. We are thinking positive thoughts and today we are enjoying a free day to rest and site see.
Chennai Team 2012
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Pune: 714 Smiles
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| From Pune 2012 |
Today's village was high on a hilltop, with rocky terrain, dry grass, and very little arable land. Life is a challenge for the people in this village.
But today was a day of joy -- a day of song and dance, bullock rides, and meals shared together. Today was a day of 714 smiles for the camera, 714 happy children walking home with bedkit in hand. A very rewarding day!
Photos will likely follow tomorrow.
Hope you are having a good weekend,
Debbie Will-Dryden
forTeam Pune 2012
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Belgaum: We have arrived
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| From Belgaum 2012 |
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| From Belgaum 2012 |
That evening, we met with the Belgaum Rotarians for the our pre-distribution meeting. We met all of the key players including the chairman who organized this year’s distribution. They have put a lot of hard work and planning into making this distribution successful.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
Click either photo to see more in the Belgaum 2012 Photo Album. Then click on SLIDESHOW at upper left to see them all in large size.
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Chennai: Three days on the road
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| From Chennai 2012 |
We survived two over-night train trips, where we slept in curtained four- and two-bunked compartments, or at least tried to sleep!
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| From Chennai 2012 |
Thursday was distribution day in Shevaroy Hills and Friday we toured four factories that made bedkit items: the mosquito nets, sheets, t-shirts, and ground sheets.
What a memorable three days.
Chennai Team 2012
Click either photo to see more in the Chennai 2012 Photo Album. Then click on SLIDESHOW at upper left to see them all in large size.
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Pune: A Unique Experience
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| From Pune 2012 |
On arrival, we were transported on a cart pulled by decorated bullocks into the centre of the village flanked by the local people -- a unique experience for all of us.
The Rotary Club extended a very warm welcome to us that included the traditional blessings: roses, pooja, lighting of the lamps, and songs and dances by the children.
With the help of the Rotary Club members from Pune and numerous volunteers, the distribution proceeded smoothly. Today 686 children received a bedkit and tonight will "shan't zopa" (sleep well).
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| From Pune 2012 |
Team Pune 2012
Click either photo to see more in the Pune 2012 Photo Album. Then click on SLIDESHOW at upper left to see them all in large size.
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Belgaum: Mumbai
After another wholesome breakfast of puma and skeena, we were met at the hotel by Amin and his godfather, the Rev Desmond, an Anglican Priest from London, England, who has known Amin since he was a boy of four. Rev Desmond had also been blessed by Mother Theresa after he was crippled in the Birmingham bombings in the 70s and was able to walk again.
Amin took us to the Gates of India and the Taj Hotel, that was partially destroyed during the terrorist attacks in 2008. The Taj has been restored to its former glory. From there we went to the Sanjit Ghandi National Park where we explored the Buddhist caves from the 12th century and the exquisite carvings and cave paintings that are still visible today. Our next treat was our lunch stop at the Uphaar Indian restaurant where we tried Indian crepes: with spinach and potato, with grated cheese, and with cheese and potato. We also tried a special Indian soup and a slice of Indian ice cream.
After lunch we drove through Mumbai’s largest slum and Amin showed us a 6 km road that used to be covered with one- and two-storey slum dwellings that were bulldozed away and the street paved in its place. The tenants were supposed to have relocated and money paid but Amin said that nothing ever came of it, only more ‘monkey business’ or corruption.
At 1530 hrs, Morali Iyer’s drivers picked us up at the YMCA International House and took us to the Municipal Airport for our Kingfisher Airlines flight to Hubli. After a short delay, we landed in Hubli at 2100 hrs. We were picked up by Dilip’s driver Manjunet in a brand new 20 pax bus. Dilip had been so kind as to provide us with fruit, sandwiches, and cold drinks, which we really appreciated on the 95-minute drive to the city of Belgaum. When we arrived at our hotel, we were met by Dilip S. Chitnis, Sanjay Kulkami, and Jeevan Khatav, the key members of the OVO [Overseas Voluntary Organization] Rotary Club of Belgaum. They ensured that we were warmly welcomed and settled into our hotel rooms before they left for home at midnight.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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Amin took us to the Gates of India and the Taj Hotel, that was partially destroyed during the terrorist attacks in 2008. The Taj has been restored to its former glory. From there we went to the Sanjit Ghandi National Park where we explored the Buddhist caves from the 12th century and the exquisite carvings and cave paintings that are still visible today. Our next treat was our lunch stop at the Uphaar Indian restaurant where we tried Indian crepes: with spinach and potato, with grated cheese, and with cheese and potato. We also tried a special Indian soup and a slice of Indian ice cream.
After lunch we drove through Mumbai’s largest slum and Amin showed us a 6 km road that used to be covered with one- and two-storey slum dwellings that were bulldozed away and the street paved in its place. The tenants were supposed to have relocated and money paid but Amin said that nothing ever came of it, only more ‘monkey business’ or corruption.
At 1530 hrs, Morali Iyer’s drivers picked us up at the YMCA International House and took us to the Municipal Airport for our Kingfisher Airlines flight to Hubli. After a short delay, we landed in Hubli at 2100 hrs. We were picked up by Dilip’s driver Manjunet in a brand new 20 pax bus. Dilip had been so kind as to provide us with fruit, sandwiches, and cold drinks, which we really appreciated on the 95-minute drive to the city of Belgaum. When we arrived at our hotel, we were met by Dilip S. Chitnis, Sanjay Kulkami, and Jeevan Khatav, the key members of the OVO [Overseas Voluntary Organization] Rotary Club of Belgaum. They ensured that we were warmly welcomed and settled into our hotel rooms before they left for home at midnight.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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Pune: Ghargaon
After a three-hour van ride, being entertained by our partner Rotary Club of Pune Cantonement, we arrived at our distribution centre, Ghargaon.
We were greeted with a band, folk dances, and welcome speeches by the kids and were showered with roses. We looked out to a sea of parents as the day was well-attended by mothers and fathers alike.
Everything ran smoothly and we finished our 653 bedkits in three hours. We were served a traditional Indian feast made at the school in huge pots and enjoyed by all.
We are grateful for all the support from the Rotary Club members and the many volunteer helpers.
Tomorrow is another full day, driving three hours out to rural India.
Thank you! (and now we are off to bed!)
Debbie
for Team Pune 2012
Click to leave your comments.
We were greeted with a band, folk dances, and welcome speeches by the kids and were showered with roses. We looked out to a sea of parents as the day was well-attended by mothers and fathers alike.
Everything ran smoothly and we finished our 653 bedkits in three hours. We were served a traditional Indian feast made at the school in huge pots and enjoyed by all.
We are grateful for all the support from the Rotary Club members and the many volunteer helpers.
Tomorrow is another full day, driving three hours out to rural India.
Thank you! (and now we are off to bed!)
Debbie
for Team Pune 2012
Click to leave your comments.
Belgaum: Friday in Mumbai
The YMCA International House served a typical Indian breakfast which we savoured, especially the hot coffee that the waiter attentively poured for us. At 1000 hrs, Amin picked us up at the YMCA IH. Amin had received a bedkit many years ago when he was a homeless street child in Mumbai. Today he runs an orphanage in Mumbai and has paid for the schooling of seven street children in private schools here. He has written a book about his life as a street child and how he raised himself out of poverty. He is hoping to have the book published shortly in Paris and use the proceeds to fulfil a dreaming of his to open a coffee shop library called, “Bombay to Barcelona Coffee Shop.”
Amin drove us to the centre of Mumbai, or Bombay as he likes to still refer to it. He told us about the history of the city and proudly stated that this is one city whether all religions and people get along in relative harmony. He took us to the Mahatma Ghandi House Museum after driving through the Katami Pura district. The museum is a superb tribute to one of the world’s great statesmen. The way it was laid out allowed visitors to learn about his life and contributions to India quickly. On the way out, some tourists were almost struck by coconuts that city crews were cutting down from the trees in front of the museum.
From there, Amin took us to Victoria Station, one of the busiest train stations in Mumbai and India. It was amazing to see each train discharge its jam-packed passengers with just as many people waiting to board the train that left less than five minutes later. From there we walked to the expansive Crawford’s Market where we witnessed a young worker injure his right foot when he tripped and the handle of the two wheeled, wooden hand cart, that was full to capacity with cases of Nutella, crashed down on his foot. We shuddered to think that he may be out of work without compensation if he cannot pull that cart.
We walked over to the Mandaldas Textile Market where they sold gorgeous materials for ladies dresses and saris. We were also served a very delicious ginger-cardamom tea that was laced with sugar by the chai walla. We then sampled a local delicacy called a vadapau burger from the best street vendor in Mumbai. It was a spicy potato and leek ball served in a burger bun and cost only 12 Rupees ($0.24). What a meal!
That afternoon Amin took us to his old stomping grounds in the Mandalas Hills; which is the home to many of the rich families of Bombay. There we saw the Banganga tank, which was built in the year 1280 and is 135 m long and 52m wide. It is a scared bathing area and is similar to the Ganges River in significance for the Hindus. We learned about the Hindu religion when viewing the many temples that surrounded the Banganga. We also saw dozens of people washing and drying clothes by hand in the many basins there. We also learned how to hang clothes without using clothes pins. Rather, they used twisted ropes and tucked the collars and sleeves in between the ropes. Around the corner we visited the hanging gardens and saw a topiary elephant. We also met a street vendor who was selling gorgeous peacock fans for between 100 and 350 Rupees. She would not take no for answer until someone bought one. Thanks, Marg. We also learned about the Farsi religion and saw the place where their dead go to rest. It was a real education.
In the evening, we had the pleasure of some cab rides through the chaos of the Mumbai traffic; complete with brama bull carts, a goat chasing a man, thousands of horns honking, and people perilously crossing the roads – all without anyone having an accident. We visiteded the Kala Ghoda Festival with its many stalls selling local crafts and the two stages with local dancers and high wire performers. All in all and wonderful way to end our first day in the land of magic.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
Click to leave your comments.
Amin drove us to the centre of Mumbai, or Bombay as he likes to still refer to it. He told us about the history of the city and proudly stated that this is one city whether all religions and people get along in relative harmony. He took us to the Mahatma Ghandi House Museum after driving through the Katami Pura district. The museum is a superb tribute to one of the world’s great statesmen. The way it was laid out allowed visitors to learn about his life and contributions to India quickly. On the way out, some tourists were almost struck by coconuts that city crews were cutting down from the trees in front of the museum.
From there, Amin took us to Victoria Station, one of the busiest train stations in Mumbai and India. It was amazing to see each train discharge its jam-packed passengers with just as many people waiting to board the train that left less than five minutes later. From there we walked to the expansive Crawford’s Market where we witnessed a young worker injure his right foot when he tripped and the handle of the two wheeled, wooden hand cart, that was full to capacity with cases of Nutella, crashed down on his foot. We shuddered to think that he may be out of work without compensation if he cannot pull that cart.
We walked over to the Mandaldas Textile Market where they sold gorgeous materials for ladies dresses and saris. We were also served a very delicious ginger-cardamom tea that was laced with sugar by the chai walla. We then sampled a local delicacy called a vadapau burger from the best street vendor in Mumbai. It was a spicy potato and leek ball served in a burger bun and cost only 12 Rupees ($0.24). What a meal!
That afternoon Amin took us to his old stomping grounds in the Mandalas Hills; which is the home to many of the rich families of Bombay. There we saw the Banganga tank, which was built in the year 1280 and is 135 m long and 52m wide. It is a scared bathing area and is similar to the Ganges River in significance for the Hindus. We learned about the Hindu religion when viewing the many temples that surrounded the Banganga. We also saw dozens of people washing and drying clothes by hand in the many basins there. We also learned how to hang clothes without using clothes pins. Rather, they used twisted ropes and tucked the collars and sleeves in between the ropes. Around the corner we visited the hanging gardens and saw a topiary elephant. We also met a street vendor who was selling gorgeous peacock fans for between 100 and 350 Rupees. She would not take no for answer until someone bought one. Thanks, Marg. We also learned about the Farsi religion and saw the place where their dead go to rest. It was a real education.
In the evening, we had the pleasure of some cab rides through the chaos of the Mumbai traffic; complete with brama bull carts, a goat chasing a man, thousands of horns honking, and people perilously crossing the roads – all without anyone having an accident. We visiteded the Kala Ghoda Festival with its many stalls selling local crafts and the two stages with local dancers and high wire performers. All in all and wonderful way to end our first day in the land of magic.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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Belgaum: The team has landed
The Belgaum Team has landed safely in Mumbai (to bed at 2:00 a.m.!).
We will spend two days touring in Mumbai and getting our "sea legs" before heading south to Belgaum.
We are getting excited to see our Friends in The Rotary Club of Belgaum (our Overseas Volunteer Organization) and, of course, 4,500 children who will receive bedkits thanks to our donors and our Rotary friends.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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We will spend two days touring in Mumbai and getting our "sea legs" before heading south to Belgaum.
We are getting excited to see our Friends in The Rotary Club of Belgaum (our Overseas Volunteer Organization) and, of course, 4,500 children who will receive bedkits thanks to our donors and our Rotary friends.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
Click to leave your comments.
Belgaum: On Our Way To India
It was a good omen, the sun shone brightly in a blue Toronto sky as our SCAW team met at Pearson International Airport for our trip to Belgaum, India. The team consisted of Duncan Macgregor (Team leader), Andrea Tynan, Marg Goodwood, Larry & Anne Kell, and Bill Sergeant. The overnight flight to Amsterdam went smoothly and after a couple hours on the ground there, we were airborne again winging our way to Mumbai.
We arrived in Mumbai an hour earlier than scheduled, which was needed since it took a while to get everyone’s luggage. We were met at the airport by Morali Iyer and Morgan with two vans to transport us and our luggage to the YMCA International House. During our trip through this city of 21 million people there were many things that struck us: the smog, dust, and smell caused by the diesel exhaust and the small wood-burning fires. The fires were used by groups of people on the side of the roads to cook their dinners or keep warm, and some looked like they were just enjoying the comfort that an open fire gives a person as they stare deep into its flames. We noticed one group of about twenty ladies, some sitting and some sleeping, on the side of one road preparing spices and other products for the next morning’s market. Considering the time of the morning, 1:45 a.m., there were a lot of people about and the limited traffic gave us a chance to study the local rules of the road. Red lights were a suggestion; and the vehicle’s horn and momentum seemed to determined who had priority at intersections or when obstacles had to be circumnavigated. Thank goodness we were being driven to the hotel by an expert driver.
The YMCA International House, where we are staying for two nights, was most welcoming. The rooms were clean and comfortable, which was a welcome site after being on the road for the past 24 hours. The staff were friendly and accommodating despite the hour of our arrival.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
Click to leave your comments.
We arrived in Mumbai an hour earlier than scheduled, which was needed since it took a while to get everyone’s luggage. We were met at the airport by Morali Iyer and Morgan with two vans to transport us and our luggage to the YMCA International House. During our trip through this city of 21 million people there were many things that struck us: the smog, dust, and smell caused by the diesel exhaust and the small wood-burning fires. The fires were used by groups of people on the side of the roads to cook their dinners or keep warm, and some looked like they were just enjoying the comfort that an open fire gives a person as they stare deep into its flames. We noticed one group of about twenty ladies, some sitting and some sleeping, on the side of one road preparing spices and other products for the next morning’s market. Considering the time of the morning, 1:45 a.m., there were a lot of people about and the limited traffic gave us a chance to study the local rules of the road. Red lights were a suggestion; and the vehicle’s horn and momentum seemed to determined who had priority at intersections or when obstacles had to be circumnavigated. Thank goodness we were being driven to the hotel by an expert driver.
The YMCA International House, where we are staying for two nights, was most welcoming. The rooms were clean and comfortable, which was a welcome site after being on the road for the past 24 hours. The staff were friendly and accommodating despite the hour of our arrival.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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Belgaum: Team ready to go
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| From Belgaum 2012 |
The Belgaum Team shown here at the airport -- (Left to right): Margaret Goodchild, Andrea Tynan, Duncan Macgregor (Team Leader), Bill Sergeant, Larry Kell, Anne Kell -- has cleared security and is patiently waiting in Toronto for our flight to Amsterdam and then Mumbai.
We will arrive in Mumbai in the early morning hours of Friday, February 10th.
Until then, sleep well!
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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Pune: First Distribution
Yesterday was our first distribution at a local school in the heart of the city of Pune, India.
The students live primarily in the slums of the region. Life is hard for these children, living within the cycle of extreme poverty.
The teachers at the school do their best, providing the children with meals and an education, hoping to give the children more opportunities for their future.
We were happy to have this opportunity to work so locally and have the Rotarians make the connection to children within their immediate community.
Due to the disruption of municipal elections, today is a rest day. The Pune Rotarians have arranged for the Canadian team to tour the city and surrounding area.
Team Pune 2012
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| Pune 2012 |
You can also submit your email address and then you will be notified each time there is a new Live Report.Click the graphic at right to see all the photos in the Pune 2012 Photo Album. When you're there, click on SLIDESHOW at upper left to see all the photos in a larger size.
Chennai: Nellore
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| From Chennai 2012 |
We were welcomed at Zella Perishad #5 School by a 6-piece drum band who led us down a tree lined courtyard, while students and helpers festooned us with garlands and sprinkled flower petals over our heads and at our feet. What a beautiful entry!
After that, we conducted a perfect distribution of 500 bedkits.
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| From Chennai 2012 |
Many Thanks.
John Page
for Team Chennai 2012
Click either photo to see more in the Chennai 2012 Photo Album. Then click on SLIDESHOW at upper left to see them all in large size.
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Chennai: Kilpauk
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| From Chennai 2012 |
Sunday is considered to be a day of rest when you are able to spend time with your family, so the streets were comparatively quiet and calm. We arrived at the Sindhi Model SR, SEC School, where the students, teachers, and parents gathered in the outdoor auditorium.
The school's courtyard is surrounded by large trees and plants and they have two basketball nets.
With the help of the Ambattur Rotary Club we were able to quickly set up and begin. While the children were being organized in their lines, we were able to get to know the children's names, and got some insight on their future aspirations.
When asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" a popular response was an engineer, a doctor, and a teacher.
We distributed 423 bedkits today and received a big smile in return with each one.
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| From Chennai 2012 |
Team Chennai 2012
Click either photo to see more in the Chennai 2012 Photo Album. Then click on SLIDESHOW at upper left to see them all in large size.
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