Chennai: Avadi

Today we travelled to a large high school where the Canadian team and our Rotary partners were assisted by a large number of grade 11 students from the host school.  Together we delivered another 591 bedkits  to impoverished and special needs children from the area surrounding Avadi.

Afterwards we were treated to a ten minute Hindu meditation chant by 45 young boys who, from age 5, have been taking training to be Hindu Brahmin priests.  In return they are given free education.

Next we travelled to a factory where all of the bedkits are assembled and packaged for shipment to the various distribution sites.

Finally we visited the Rotary Hospital of Ambattur where we toured the hospital and witnessed several patients undergoing therapy for cerebral palsy, eye surgery, and emergency medical treatments.  Our Rotary partners fund this hospital as one of their many charitable ventures.  They are very dedicated and busy people.

Tomorrow we head west by train to our next distribution.

Team Chennai 2014
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Chennai: Volunteer Helpers

Our Volunteers for the day!!

Team Chennai 2014
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Kolkata: Sonamukhi

After an evening spent on the road we started out on a beautiful morning for a small town in the agricultural heartland of West Bengal.  Here most of the farmers devote their time to producing coconut, date palms, rice, mustard seeds and potatoes.  We were warmly greeted by our hosts and proceeded quickly to start our busy day of distributing bedkits.  The need of the children in this region was immediately apparent to us.  We had a great day distributing 550 bed kits equally to both boys and girls, from tiny to tall and from shy to outgoing.  We certainly were the first foreigners that many of these children had ever seen.  One young man approached us with a huge smile on his face, looking to engage in a conversation.  He explained that it was his life dream to converse in English with a foreigner.  He went away as happy as one of the children receiving the bedkits.  As we left for our 4 hour drive back into the city and were miles past the distribution site, we continued to see bedkits joyfully carried on foot, bikes, carts and heads!  These bedkits were on the way to their new homes!

Team Kolkata 2014

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Kolkata: Day of Rest .... Kind of

Even though it was a rest day we were up bright and early to see the sights of Kolkata.

Our fist adventure was to the Jain Temple  where we were lucky enough to see a morning prayer in progress
This amazing temple was covered in multicolored pastel and mirrored mosaic tiles.

We then drove around downtown to see many impressive British colonial buildings. Highlighted by the writers building and the Victoria Memorial Indian Museum.

Following this we made a quick stop at new market a market for those who enjoy combat shopping, every merchant wanting to be our best friend ....Hahah

Next was what we all had been waiting for a visit to Mother Theresa's . We visited her tomb, her sparse room, and wandered over to the orphanage. The children were sleeping so we did not want to disturb them.

We headed back to the hotel for some well needed rest, although it does not sound like we did much ... We were in traffic for over 5 hours ... The traffic is crazy busy.

If you are following our Blog you might realize that there are laps in our writing. We have had some poor internet connections but are trying our hardest to keep you informed about our journey.

Kolkata 2014
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Kolkata: Kalanabagram

Up bright and early, on the road by 630. After a smooth journey, we arrived to a warm greeting by parents children and our Overseas Volunteer Partners. We were surprised to be entertained by the children with four regional dances that made us smile. Each had its own distinct flare that wowed us all.

 

550 children will be sleeping well tonight because of your generous donations; the children received the bedkits and we received the smiles. 

We have the chance to interview family members each day to insure the bedkit meets the needs of the child and family, and today's responses re-enforced the importance of the bedkit items.

The climate here is cooler the in Kolkata so certain items were appreciated more, especially the warm sweater and blanket. The parents shared how important the school supplies were for these children as they want their child to attend school for as long as possible.

After the distribution, we had the distinct pleasure of seeing the bedkits being used in an all girls dormitory where these young girls sleep on solid wood beds, with no mattress. Showing us that these bedkits will provide them with a comfortable sleep from now on. We saw them laughing and smiling and giggling as they disassembled the bed kit and put it straight to use, as we left they were cheering, smiling and waving.

Team Kolkata 2014

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Chennai: National Girl Child Celebration Day

back row - Brian Sutherland, Bob Conway front row - Sally Jo Martin, Sue Small (team leader), Jean MacNabb, Judy Fowler

January 24 has been declared India's "National Girl Child Celebration Day". We really enjoyed today's experience as we met and gave bedkits to 650 children at a local girls high school.  A marching drum band greeted us on arrival and the day ended with song and dance performances by 4 different age groups in traditional dress. Their talents are many.

The senior students were wonderful volunteers, lining up the children, directing them to the bedkits and generally being happy and helpful. 

Rotary Club of Ambuttur had done much preparation for our distributions and that ensured the success of this first day. 

Tired and ready for bed we look forward to meeting another group of happy children tomorrow who will benefit from "the comfort of a good night's sleep".

Team Chennai 2014
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Mumbai 2014: A Welcoming Atmosphere in Mumbai/Bombay

The SCAW team has arrived safely in Mumbai. Anne MacDonald and Sandy Riches arrived a little early; they had the opportunity to explore the area for 3 days.

We were most appreciative that Neelesh Suchak, our Rotarian partner, called to check on our accommodations and comfort.  He came the next day with his wife Juhi for tea and to make certain we had all we needed. On Wednesday evening Neelesh sent a car to take us to the meeting of his group of Rotarians. In Bombay alone there are 133 Rotary Clubs. As the district governor was attending the meeting we were greeted by Rotarians in formal dress.  In this club 40% of the members are female. They greeted us wearing the most beautiful saris. Everyone was most welcoming and we enjoyed the company, conversation and fine food.  

This morning, the team gathered for a pre-distribution meeting with the Mumbai Rotarian organizers.  It was our first opportunity to see the bedkit contents and see the pride of the Rotarians who have been working over the last few months to finalize this. Later we enjoyed a lovely lunch together. We are excited to set off from Mumbai early tomorrow to begin our first distribution.

Sandy Riches for Team Mumbai 2014

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Chennai 2014: Touring

We started our day with a team meeting and discussed our roles for our first distribution tomorrow.

In the afternoon we spent a few hours touring Chennai with our enthusiastic Rotarian friend as the guide. Highlights of the tour included a visit to the tomb of St Thomas, the museum adjoining and the impressive basilica. Visiting the grounds of a Hindu temple was another point of interest.

We marvelled at the skill of our driver as he negotiated around auto rickshaws, cars, busses, motorized bikes, trucks and pedestrians.

A visit to the beach, one of the widest any of us had ever seen was a welcome change from the chaos of the busy streets.

So now it's off to bed to rest up for the excitement of tomorrow and the first group of bedkit recipients.

Team Chennai

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Kolkata: Mograhat

Another special day which reflects the SCAW team’s commitment to the kids of India.

We started off a bit on the wrong foot with an underestimation of the travel time and lots of traffic going south.  So what’s new for Kolkata!  Lots of traffic, humanity everywhere, sights to think about in terms of kids in India.

A warm welcome in Mograhat at the country place of the Cedar Point Rotary Club’s president.  Well laid out for a distribution with Rotarians and their spouses from the local club and Dum Dum ready to go.

What stood out to the team was our commitment to the kids.  First, part way through the distribution, there was a delay due to the provided lunches needing to be restocked.  Sidebar – it’s not every distribution where the OVP commits to providing a meal for each bedkit recipient and a parent/guardian.  Kolkata does, which means that over all distributions, 13,000 meals are provided – commitment to kids.  The break was filled by a delightful meal for us provided by the Rotarians and a bit of entertainment by us singing Oh Canada, playing with the children, and getting to know one another.

Second, we were informed mid-afternoon that 60 children were delayed and would we mind waiting for over an hour to deliver bedkits to these kids.  The response from the team was a resounding “yes” within about 2 seconds – commitment to kids.

Last, 20 of the bedkit recipients were from an orphanage, and we were invited to come to the orphanage after our long day of delivering 500 bedkits.  Again, we all said “yes” under the impression the orphanage was on the way back to Kolkata – commitment to kids.  It turned out that the best laid plans did not work out, but none the less – commitment to kids.

Signing off for now, Team Kolkata …

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Chennai 2014: First Day

Arrived at the hotel very early in the morning and after a few hours sleep we inspected a typical bedkit that we will be distributing in the coming days.  The items in the bedkits are specifically chosen for each individual country or area of distribution.  SCAW volunteers and our  friends from the Rotary Club of Ambattur check the suppliers and the items in the kits to ensure that your donations are well spent.  We also check with the parents of various children receiving the bedkits to make sure that the items will all be put to good use.
Keep in touch to learn what we accomplish in our distributions to 6,000 children.

Team Chennai 2014
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Kolkata: Asanol

We had a lengthy 300km drive to our next distribution.

Getting to know the flow of traffic, rules and the hierarchy of the roads

It is wedding and anniversary season now, shared a few celebrations . Boro didi (Deb) had the pleasure of being a stand in wife with one of the fellow Rotarians

We experienced a Moon light adventure locating our hotel. Thank goodness for cell phones.

Our Overseas Volunteer Organization's partnered with a neighboring rotary club to have a distribution in their community of Asanol.

We had the opportunity to entertain the children before staring the distribution  hoola hooping, bubble blowing , tossing balloons around and learning how to use the poi balls.

Watching the realization of when the children understands that this gift of a bed kit and all it holds is for them, was heart warming.

At days end we are on the road again back to Kolkata.
 

Team Kolkata 2014
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Kolkata: Newbies

First day impressions by the first timers:

We have 4 new SCAW volunteers on our team; here is a quick over view of the first day through our eyes

Excitement: We are so very excited to be involved with an organization like SCAW and finally put our paper explanations into action.

Anxious: Not knowing what to expect. Wanting to be a good team member. And make the day run as smooth as possible.

Teamwork: As the day moved onwards we started to function as a team and things fell into place

Having 2 newbies giving out the first 50 and the other 2 finishing off the distribution seeing the expression on the child's face was priceless.

 Not only seeing the the children's faces but the parents face impacted us as  well. Their appreciation of the gift we are giving their child, was evident  as was the love they have for their children. Many thanks was giving to all.

Sharing all these new experiences with everyone that made this day possible out SCAW team, our Rotary partners, our bus driver, the parents and most importantly the children will be a memory we will keep close to our hearts for years to come.

Team Kolkata 2014
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Kolkata 2014: Welcome welcome welcome - namaskar

Welcome welcome welcome - namaskar

Arriving in Kolkata we have experienced nothing but warm welcomes from our rotarian partners. Presented with traditional greetings of colourful flowers we were trilled, anointed with oil, and met at the airport with a welcome which exceeded any expectations we might have had.

Arriving at our accommodation, another warm welcome .. Everyone is happy to have us arrive in Kolkata ...

Another welcome at our pre distribution meeting .. Our overseas partners are proud of their 16 th year of SCAW distributions ..their dedication to SCAW continues to grow tremendously year after year.

We have been welcomed like old friends although four members are newbies .. Their embrace was loving and caring .. It is evident that we are all here for the children.
We await in anticipation for our first distribution of 100 bed kits tomorrow. We feel most fortunate to distribute bedkits in this Kolkata.

Kym Sywak .

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Kolkata 2014: The Team Has Arrived!!

Six of seven Kolkata scaw members have now arrived, distribution start tomorrow. Looking forward to delivering bed kits to the wonderful children of India.

Linda for Team Kolkata 2014
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Nicaragua: Adios!!

4,000 bedkits are now successfully delivered in Nicaragua and the SCAW Team had our Post-Distribtion meeting with our Rotary Partners this morning to review the activities of the past 13 days.  Our distribution would not be successful without the hard work of hundreds of volunteers behind the scenes. In this last blog for Nicaragua, we pay tribute to two groups of people who have worked with us since the SCAW Team arrived in Nicaragua on November 18th.

The first group of people are the members of The Rotary Club of Managua.  Our Rotarian Partners looked after the purchasing and warehousing of the bedkit items.  They ensured that sites were selected and volunteers were in place to help at distributions.  They coordinated the selection of the children and were extremely hospitable to members of our team.  We say a HUGE THANKS to this wonderful group of Rotarians (pictured L to R are: Rodrigo Salomon, Violeta Barreto, Francisco Ortega, and Abelardo Sanchez). In simple terms, they made it happen!

The second group of four quickly became members of our distribution team.  Three were interpreters (Marcos, Dorling, & Mario - paid for by Rotary) who travelled with us to each site and communicated when we often had difficulties with Spanish.  The fourth was our driver (Hector) who ensured we arrived safely wherever we went, day and night.  All four ended up working shoulder to shoulder with us as we delivered the bedkits and we sure appreciated having them with us.

As we prepare to leave Nicaragua tomorrow, we say MUCHO GRACIAS to our partners (and now our friends) in Nicaragua. With their great help and support, the SCAW Team kept Murray's Dream alive in Nicaragua.

Adios!

Team Nicaragua.
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Nicaragua: Muchas Gracias

Today another 400 bed kits were distributed to children in the Riguero area of Managua.  That brings our final total to 4,000 bed kits and a completed distribution.

The puppets and bubbles were out today, and the first little girl I saw in line for her bedkit gave me a big hug, and chattered to me in quick Spanish.  I couldn't understand her, but could tell from the expression on her face she was excited.

It's been a busy two weeks, but our team is having a hard time believing it's all done.  4,000 children are sleeping better tonight because of our donors, our Overseas Volunteer Partners, and local volunteers.

Muchas gracias

 
Team Nicaragua 2013
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Nicaragua: Boaco

This morning (very early this morning in fact) found our merry team on the road again to the hill town of Boaco, about 80km NE of our home base Managua. Boaco (population 49,000) is predominantly an agricultural town with coffee and dairy being the prime products. Our host site for the distribution was the Agricultural Co-operative Tierra Nueva - set in a lush grove of organic coffee plants, banana tress and pepper bushes. This well laid out facility coupled with the enthusiastic support of a strong volunteer youth team from the Catholic University of Nicaragua made this the most efficient distribution to date.  However, as energetic as we all seemed to be inside the distribution facilty, the same could not be said for the hundreds of children receiving the bed kits. Many had travelled many miles from surrounding villages to the site. We met one woman who had walked for over two hours on climbing roads with a 6 year old and a toddler to get to Boaco. And on top of all of this, our distribution was on a Saturday meaning that the children had to get up extra early on a day off whereas distributions scheduled during the week have often meant free time off school.

So our team, always wanting perky faces for our donor's photographs, found it particularly challenging to muster smiles over yawns. As a result, we had to bring out our full arsenal of smile-enducing weaponry. Nothing like a good old Canadian dollar store for a plentiful supply of balloons, bubbles and kazoos. Our two hand puppets - Ottavio the Otter and Tortuga the Turtle worked double-overtime. Silly glasses, hairbands replete with springing bunnies and Santas were also called into action (By the way, for all you Leaf fans out there, Santa in Nicaragua dresses in blue and white!). Duncan performed an admirable slate of sleight of hand magic tricks to try and enduce the children from their slumber. As a result, I feel that the general, endearing impression many of these children must have of Canadians is that while they are very generous as donors,  some of them are just, plain weird.

Nevertheless, all in a good cause, we soldiered on and at the end of the day 411 bed kits were happily loaded into buses, trucks, donkey carts and bicycles and sent off to their new homes in Boaco and surrounding villages. Tomorrow is our last distribution - here in Managua. It is hard to believe we are almost finished our work here. I believe we will all truly miss that magic, daily connection that we get when we look into the eyes of a child as they receive their bedkits and backpacks. I believe I speak for all of our team in expressing our gratitude to SCAW and its wonderful donors for giving us this opportunity to be of service.

Stuart Culbertson for Team Nicaragua
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