Tanzania: "Asante Sama"
We have finished our fourth distribution day, and have now
presented 2,450 children with their precious bedkits. The fourth distribution began well, with the
overseas volunteers already there unloading the big pile of mattresses for the
day. The children and parents were also there
soon, dressed in their school uniforms or brightly coloured clothes, and we had
a chance to explain to them what would be happening. The day was hot, but full of reward.
Tanzania continues to be a feast for the senses. From the smell of spices on Zanzibar, to the
sight of seemingly limitless open markets, to the sound of 100 children singing
as they arrived on site for the distribution squeezed into the back of an open
truck, the varying smells of the city, or the sound of the volunteers laughing
kindly at our few phrases of broken Swahili.However, the sweetest sound has to be the whispered “Asante Sama” (thank you very much), as we gently place the new mattress on the head of a child who will be taking their treasure home. The response we have come to use is “Lala Salama” (sleep well).
Thank you to those who have donated to SCAW.
Jeff and Graham McDougall for Team Tanzania 2013
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Tanzania: Our day of rest!
Sundays are a day of rest for the SCAW team here in Tanzania...NOT! On
our days off our fearless leader, Ted has planned big and exciting
things to experience here in this beautiful country! We planned a side
trip to the island of Zanzibar, a twenty minute flight from the mainland
in a 12 seater prop plane. It was all about culture today, folks!
We began our tour with a relaxing breakfast buffet at Serena Hotel, and met up with our local guide for the day, Said Suleiman Mohammed, an herbalist and tour guide specialist for Zanzibar. He led us to a local spice farm and we enjoyed the lychee fruit from the tree, fresh sour sop, jack fruit, dorian and tried a vast array of spices as we learned how the traditional plants grow and how to use them to treat common ailments and diseases.
We shopped, met with a jeweler to learn about the properties of Tanzanite, a rare gemstone mined only in Tanzania and toured the Stone Town. With the incredible knowledge of dates, historical facts and practical knowledge about herbs and spices, our guide was outstanding in his profession. We were welcomed into a traditional home to experience a local meal, prepared over an open fire. We were asked to remove our shoes before sitting on the dinner mat, where we sampled rice pilaf topped with squid in a coconut sauce, shrimp, cassava, and bread fruit. On our way to the airport, we wandered through the fish market and took one last look at the exquisite doorways in the Stone Town. The day was a cultural experience that we will never forget!
Team Tanzania
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We began our tour with a relaxing breakfast buffet at Serena Hotel, and met up with our local guide for the day, Said Suleiman Mohammed, an herbalist and tour guide specialist for Zanzibar. He led us to a local spice farm and we enjoyed the lychee fruit from the tree, fresh sour sop, jack fruit, dorian and tried a vast array of spices as we learned how the traditional plants grow and how to use them to treat common ailments and diseases.
We shopped, met with a jeweler to learn about the properties of Tanzanite, a rare gemstone mined only in Tanzania and toured the Stone Town. With the incredible knowledge of dates, historical facts and practical knowledge about herbs and spices, our guide was outstanding in his profession. We were welcomed into a traditional home to experience a local meal, prepared over an open fire. We were asked to remove our shoes before sitting on the dinner mat, where we sampled rice pilaf topped with squid in a coconut sauce, shrimp, cassava, and bread fruit. On our way to the airport, we wandered through the fish market and took one last look at the exquisite doorways in the Stone Town. The day was a cultural experience that we will never forget!
Team Tanzania
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Tanzania: Inner City Distribution
Today the team completed a distribution at an inner city location at Mama Wandoa's church. It was a shorter day, with 350 kids receiving bed kits this morning. The day was full of surprises and many tears were shed, both in sadness and joy.
We were able to assist a very sick boy in need of medical attention and marveled at the strength of his mom as she hoisted her 11 year old son onto her back to carry him home with his new bedkit. We interviewed three joyous parents and children to get their feedback and suggestions on the bed kit they received today and hear how it will have an impact on their lives and family. We greatly relished the joy of many children and their parents as we sent them off with their backpacks on and mattresses balanced on their head!
We had a very special treat in the afternoon, we were invited to attend a wedding at Mama's church! The wedding party and family arrived at the church dancing in a parade led by a band of drum, trumpet and trombone players. The guests were lined up outside watching and we all followed the procession into the church. There were five choirs that sang and the drums and trumpet continually added emphasis to the exuberant cheers of the guests as they let their joy be made known all throughout the ceremony. Although we couldn't understand the language, weddings are beautiful in every language and we greatly enjoyed it.
What a blessing and honour it was for us to be able to experience this joyous occasion.
We were able to assist a very sick boy in need of medical attention and marveled at the strength of his mom as she hoisted her 11 year old son onto her back to carry him home with his new bedkit. We interviewed three joyous parents and children to get their feedback and suggestions on the bed kit they received today and hear how it will have an impact on their lives and family. We greatly relished the joy of many children and their parents as we sent them off with their backpacks on and mattresses balanced on their head!We had a very special treat in the afternoon, we were invited to attend a wedding at Mama's church! The wedding party and family arrived at the church dancing in a parade led by a band of drum, trumpet and trombone players. The guests were lined up outside watching and we all followed the procession into the church. There were five choirs that sang and the drums and trumpet continually added emphasis to the exuberant cheers of the guests as they let their joy be made known all throughout the ceremony. Although we couldn't understand the language, weddings are beautiful in every language and we greatly enjoyed it.
What a blessing and honour it was for us to be able to experience this joyous occasion.
Team Tanzania
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Tanzania: Majohe
Our distribution today in video!
The team completed Day 2 of our distributions at Majohe and are enroute back to our hotel. After completing the distribution, we visited the homes of two families whose children received a bedkit today. These families live in a remote rural area, and rely on growing a small cash crop for subsistence food and to try to earn a little extra if anything is left over. A mother, when asked about water for the family, said calmly she walked fifteen minutes to get water and then home again with a jug of water on her head. How many times a day she had to do this to support five children, we did not ask!
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| Visiting a bedkit recipient's home from Tanzania 2013 |
Following the family visits, we proceeded to the factory that produces the mattresses for the children. The company, Unoplast, has supplied mattresses for the bedkits for ten years, since inception of SCAW's involvement in Tanzania. The General Manager spoke to us of the importance to him of being involved in this charitable endeavour helping the needy children of Tanzania.
Pictures from today!
TanzaniaL Dubai!!
The entire team has met up in Dubai and we are looking forward to the flight to Tanzania.
Our computer geniuses hard at work in Dubai:
Team Tanzania 2013
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| The Tanzania Team from left to right: Graham McDougall, Jeff McDougall, Ted Swanston, Leslie Banner, Jennifer Travis, and Lori Albrecht |
Team Tanzania 2013
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Tanzania: Post your comments here:
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Uganda: Mission Accomplished!
As
we rode our bus to our final distribution we were all amazed at how
quickly the time had gone by. It was not that long ago that the team
met at the Toronto airport, eagerly anticipating our adventure together
and not quite sure what lay ahead. Upon arriving in Kampala and
meeting the ladies of the Innerwheel we soon became a strong team,
working together for the benefit of 6000 children in Uganda. Through
each distribution and each passing day the team became closer and
friendships grew with our Overseas Volunteer Partners, the Innerwheel of
Kampala.
Each of the Canadian team has a closing thought as our time in Uganda
draws to a close.
"The adventure exceeded my expectations. The Innerwheel became best friends and the team became family. " - Joan Hatcher
"It was an awesome first trip to Africa. I never imagined the Innerwheel did so much work behind the scenes." Shiela Toner
"I truly feel we have brought some hope and enjoyment to many families in Uganda" John MacDonald
"Each
of the seven distributions I have been privileged to be part of in
Uganda have left me feeling closer to the wonderful women of the
Innerwheel of Kampala and the children of Uganda." Leslie Banner
"At
each distribution site I was very moved by the greetings we received
from the children. It was very special at a couple of the sites to hear
the children sing their national anthem and to sing our own national
anthem in response." Patrick Toner
"Yesterday
I was reading that the people of Uganda are considered to be the
friendliest in Africa. Along with being the Pearl of Africa I have
discovered that this is true. Uganda is indeed a country that is rich
in one resource in particular - their people. Their welcoming smiles,
determination and resilience are
testimony to this. I feel privileged to have met so many Ugandans and
my life is richer because of this." Beth Poad
"I
am very sad to see my time in Uganda come to a close. I have met some
amazing people, the ladies of the Innerwheel, the staff at our special
Guest house where we spent the majority of our nights, our bus driver,
the volunteers at each of the distribution sites and the wonderful
parents, grandparents and children who welcomed us with smiles, waves,
songs and cheers at each of our twelve distribution sites. I hope that
the 6000 children who received bedkits are having a good night's
sleep!!!! " - Jan Gayman
I will close this blog with a couple of pictures of our last three children we photographed today.
It's a wrap.
Uganda: Kibanda
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| The children singing from Uganda 2013 |
We young women and men of Uganda.
Are marching along the path of Education
Singing and dancing with joy together
Uniting for a better Uganda
It was inspiring to hear the many voices of the children singing this patriotic song together.
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| The drummers from Uganda 2013 |
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| Women dancing from Uganda 2013 |
Many of the children at this distribution site had to travel
a considerable distance. As we were
finishing the bedkit distribution we realized we were 50 children short. We were told they were on their way and about
15 minutes later they came running up the lane to the site. They had come approximately 10 kilometers and
had left quite early that morning. We
were relieved that they were able to receive their bedkit.
Our location for this distribution was a primary
school. We were able to view some of the
classrooms. Charts hung around the rooms consisted of basic number concept
matching and vowel sounds just like we would see in a Canadian primary
grade. Resources in the classroom were
in very short supply.
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| School work from Uganda 2013 |
After our lunch, as we drove out the narrow dirt road from
the distribution site we passed several groups of bedkit recipients waiting for
a ride home. When they saw our bus
smiles and waves erupted.
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| Waiting for a ride home from Uganda 2013 |
As this was our second last distribution, a feeling of sadness has started to take hold of the Ugandan Canadian team and our OVPs [Overseas Volunteer Partner] the ladies of the Innerwheel.
Team Uganda 2013
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Uganda: Kampala
We
woke up to another beautiful morning in Kampala, the team as usual met
for breakfast and discussed our upcoming distribution day. We spent
three hours along a bumpy road which became increasingly narrower and
bumpier as well as covered with muddy water from a recent downpour.
After arriving at the site that was chosen by the Inner Wheel of Kampala, we proceeded to set up the bedkit while the area was secured where the pictures were to be taken. This was another great site as we have been used to for our entire picture taking for the distribution of 6000 bedkits.
Parents
and children had gathered from over 50 different communities and
travelled in many instances great distances to receive this gift from
Canada made possible by our donors. The Inner Wheel as our Overseas
Volunteer Partner had ensured that these were the neediest children in
the district.
This
year we have experienced many beautiful backdrops where we have taken
the photos such as schoolhouses, a mountain view, small patches of maize
gardens and matooke fields. Today we selected a large ant hill as the
background to the photo of 500 children. These hills can be up to 12
feet high and the Ugandans will harvest the ants from them in the rainy
season (March, April and November) and fry and eat them as a delicacy
and share this treat with their neighbours. This provides some of the
much-needed protein in their diet. The red colour evident in the ant
hill picture reflects the colour of the soil in Uganda. the ant hill
soil provides part of the materials used to make homes, including a
rudimentary siding of clay as a beginning cover for the homes and later
on are the basis for making bricks which cover many homes in villages
throughout the area we travelled in to complete the distributions.
At the end of every distribution the Inner Wheel of Kampala and the Canadian Sleeping Children team we are hosted by members of the community. A picture of a typical lunch is included.
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| A pineapple tree from Uganda 2013 |
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| The bumpy road from Uganda 2013 |
After arriving at the site that was chosen by the Inner Wheel of Kampala, we proceeded to set up the bedkit while the area was secured where the pictures were to be taken. This was another great site as we have been used to for our entire picture taking for the distribution of 6000 bedkits.
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| Transportation home from Uganda 2013 |
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| The Ant Hill from Uganda 2013 |
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| Brick Making from Uganda 2013 |
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| House from Uganda 2013 |
At the end of every distribution the Inner Wheel of Kampala and the Canadian Sleeping Children team we are hosted by members of the community. A picture of a typical lunch is included.
Uganda: Bulera
Today we were back on the road to continue
our bedkit distribution after a day in Kampala. The day began with an early departure having
said goodbye to Beth. The traffic seemed
very heavy the day after a holiday as we worked our way the 107 km to
Bulero. The road out of town was less
congested but the many speeds humps forced us to move at a very reduced pace. Bulera was reached after travelling into the
highlands. Huge areas have been
cultivated with tea. We passed several
trucks loaded with workers and bags of freshly cut tea.
As usual the distribution was well
organized by the Inner Wheel Team. The
children sang the Ugandan National Anthem to open the distribution. Our Team proudly responded with a hearty rendition
of “Oh Canada”. The backdrop for our
photos of the children was the new school.
Although it is relatively new, it consisted only of a brick shell with
an uneven dirt floor. Windows were
openings to let the light and fresh air in.
It was a minimum teaching space for the children. 
We were able to visit homes of two of the
days’ recipients who lived only a short distance from the distribution
site. The living conditions confirmed
for us that many of the neediest were receiving bedkits today. We left the site in the late afternoon with a
large bag of fruits and vegetables given to the ladies of the Inner Wheel as a
“thank you”.
The drive back to Kampala was very
slow. Traffic to the city was at a
standstill. This gave us the opportunity
to see the city at night. The sidewalks
with jammed with people heading home.
Many were selling their good by kerosene lamps. There were few streetlights to help the
people make their way safely home.
Uganda: Martyr's Day
Today is Martyr's Day in Uganda. This is a day to honor the Christian
priests who were killed in thek 1800's in Uganda. Each year, up to a
million people walk from all over the country into Kampala to honor
those martyrs. We were able to see many of these determined walkers
enroute to the city as we made our bus trips out to the country over the
past week.
Because of this national Holiday, our Uganda Sleeping Children Team had a
"rest day". This brings up visions of sleeping in and lounging
around a patio but our day couldn't have been further from that. Before
dawn, I could hear suitcases and bags banging around as Team members
sorted clothes for a trip to the local Orphanage. John manually pumped
up several soccer balls to bring along. We loaded into a van and off we
went. The Orphanage and the children were very happy to see us as we
unloaded clothing and toys which team members had brought along for this
purpose. Many children were held and cuddled as the Team worked our
way through the facility. As we were about to leave, a new child was
brought to the home by Ugandan police. This little boy had been found
in one of the many taxi "parking stations" that are situated throughout
this large city. It once again brought home the plight of the children
of Uganda to which Sleeping Children is here to bring a smile and a good
nights sleep.
Tonight we are going to share some memories of the past week with early
departing Team member - Beth Poad. Beth has been an inspirational and
fun member of our group as we have gotten to know each other
better. Beth is a diligent worker and we will miss her the rest of this
week on our distributions. We are rested, mentally refreshed and very
eager to board the bus in the morning for our next distribution. Joan on behalf of the amazing Uganda Team 2013
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Uganda: The Importance of School
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| Preparing the site from Uganda 2013 |
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| The score! From Uganda 2013 |
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| On the way home from school from Uganda 2013 |
They realize the
importance of an education and are extremely happy to be there so it is a small
wonder that the loudest cheers when they see the bedkits are for the school
supplies and uniforms.
Editor's Note: These are two pictures from yesterday. Yesterday`s blog has the full story.
Editor's Note: These are two pictures from yesterday. Yesterday`s blog has the full story.
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| View of Tanzania from Uganda 2013 |
Uganda: Nazaleeti
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| The water and mud on the way to Rakai from Uganda 2013 |
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| The Welcoming Children from Uganda 2013 |
As the sky continued to clear we were able to move the children and the bedkits outside and were able to complete our distribution in the fresh air. We found an excellent spot for our set up with the hills in the background. The many shades of green were stunning and created a perfect backdrop for our pictures.
The children today had beautiful smiles and once again our
team worked together seamlessly along with the ladies of the Inner Wheel of
Kampala to complete the distribution successfully without a hitch.
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| On the way home from Uganda 2013 |
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| On the way home from Uganda 2013 |
Our bus made one more stop before leaving the district, at a burial site for almost 2000 Rwandans who were part of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Almost 2000 bodies had floated down the river to Uganda where they were buried in these mass graves. Once a year the Rwandans make a pilgrimage to visit this gravesite. The site is maintained as a tribute to those buried there and is a joint venture between Rwanda and Uganda. It was a sobering experience to see this beautifully kept site.
Uganda: The Gift
At each distribution the Uganda team shows the parents and the children who will receive the bedkit the contents that
are in each kit. One of the incredible Ladies of the Inner Wheel, our
Overseas Volunteer Partners translates for the large group of parents,
grandparents, guardian, caregivers and friends. We introduce ourselves and the bedkit to great cheers and yelps and dances of joy.
The biggest cheers go up for the school bag, the 12 exercise books and
the compass and protractor sets. The water bottle and basin are cheered
as is the mosquito net. We explain that it is treated and can prevent
diseases like malaria which continues to plaque Uganda and the adults
nod their heads in agreement. The mat, blanket, sheet, shoes and
additional tee shirt are also cheered.
The cheers today in Mity-ebili when we arrived were overwhelming as was the beautiful singing of the children singing a welcoming song for us. Their "wel-a-come song" touched each of us as the children waved their arms as we moved among the lines to greet the children. They were waiting patiently for us to arrive, then changed into their new clothes to get ready for their pictures to be taken. Even though we talk to the children about what is happening and the gift they will be receiving shortly, they do not seem to truly understand until they recieve the bedkit and then the smiles are then enormous. Today we raced against an oncoming storm to complete the distribution before the skies opened up.
Watching the children leave with their bedkits is a joy to watch and as we leave the site we often see children and their caregivers along the road. The waves and smiles we receive give us the understanding of the power of the gift of the bedkit that Sleeping Children Around the World is able to give to children in Uganda through the generosity of our donors.
Team Uganda 2013
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Uganda: Parents
There are many opportunities to interact with parents through out the course of the distributions . When we first arrive parents are eagerly awaiting us and we spend several minutes mingling and greeting them. Their smiling faces show their excitement and they are all anxious to shake our hands and show their gratitude.
One of the most fulfilling things that we do is to interview the parents, It is an opportunity to ask about their family life as well as solicit feedback about the contents of the bedkit. We meet with them informally and with the aid of an interpreter they often shyly tell their stories.
Many tell a similar story about the hardships caused by Aids , malaria, malnutrition and the trials of being a single parent when abandoned or through the death of a spouse. Grandparents in particular have a difficult life as many have no income and are the sole caregivers due to the ravages of Aids. Many of them are elderly, frail and lack the energy to cope with a young family of several children.
In spite of all the obstacles encountered in their lives the Ugandan caregivers that we meet maintain a sense of hope for the next generation and are grateful for the gifts the SCAW Team brings to their children as they realize the value of education and importance of a good night's sleep.
Team Uganda 2013
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Uganda: Kasawo
This morning we left Jinja after two nights on our way to
Kasawo for our fourth distribution. We
had about a 90 minute drive and of course, the last half got a little bumpy and
dusty. We hardly noticed the drive and
the bumps since we were treated to the singing talents of our Inner Wheel
ladies! It was so inspiring we couldn’t
help but join in. 
On our way we saw the typical Ugandan home. This is where many of the children that received a bedkit live. Before the distribution we had an opportunity
to meet and interact with the children before they were ready for their
pictures. The Team was able to spend
some memorable time laughing and taking pictures with the very excited
children. Today they were clapping and
singing while they waited to receive their bedkit. As
they were shown what they were going to receive today, the cheers were
especially loud for the school books and math set. We are finding that this is the most popular
item to show them before the distribution.
As Pat lined the children up for their pictures, I was ready
and waiting to hand them their mattress and the rest of the bedkit. They were so excited when they finally
reached the time of day when they could hold their bedkit and proudly carry it
to their parents. It was such a
privilege to watch them show their family what they had received.
As the distribution ended and the Team was loading the bus
for the bumpy ride back to the home base in Kampala, we again had the
opportunity to interact with the children as they preparing to leave for their
long trip home to their families. We had
a great time with one of the last trucks loading the children and families (and
all the bedkits) into a very small space.
It was interesting to watch as they used every available space to make
sure that everyone had a place. The
Team had a lot of fun with the very relaxed and talkative children who had received
a bedkit. The weather cooperated and we
all had an awesome day.
Uganda: Kajuki
Day
three of the Ugandan distribution took us from the city of Jinja (The
Source of the Nile) 85 kilometres to the town of Kajuki. Most team
members were awakened early around 5:00 a.m.
with a heavy downpour and continuous lightening. Our travel up country
was on a reasonable road for the first hour. The road quickly changed
to our roughest ride of our distributions so far. This rural road
showed signs of heavy rain fall overnight however at several places
people were washing their bikes in the puddles. Earlier dust masks were
distributed but as a result of the heavy rain they were unnecessary. 
As we approached the distribution site our bus drew unusual attention from both adults and children.
Our
VOPs (Volunteer Overseas Partners), The Innerwheel of Kamapala, had the distribution site and
the children well organized ahead of our arrival. Despite the intense
heat the distribution moved along at a steady pace. The parents and
children were very appreciative of the special gift of the bed kit.
This was demonstrated by the childrens' sincere thank you, spoken in
English, accompanied by a polite bow. The women caregivers broke out in
their distinctive expression of thank you when their child reached them
with their new bedkit, "Kalulu".
Jan and John for Team Uganda 2013
Uganda: Kowolo
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| The Team From Uganda 2013 |
Our
second distribution was at Kowolo, on the way to Jinja which is the
source of the Nile River. We had many extremely helpful volunteers
assisting us with many jobs such as lining the children up, organizing
the bedkits for the Scaw volunteers and helping the children return to
their parents with their new special gift. It was very useful having
these volunteers since it helped the distribution go quickly and
smoothly which was particularly useful since we were racing ahead of the
coming rain storm. When we realized how far these children had
traveled to reach the distribution site, many of them walking seven
miles or more, it was imperative to have them receive their bedkit and
be on their way before the rain came. It was a sight to behold to see
them walking along the path below us clutching their new bed
kit and dressed in their colourful new clothes. 
After the rain storm, our OVP, the Innerwheel of Kampala, shared with the Canadian Team one of the most spectacular sights of Uganda, The Source of the Nile.
Team Uganda 2013
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