Mumbai/Belgaum: The Dominance of the Sugar Cane Industry
During the past two days we travelled cross country to our
distribution centres through primarily agricultural areas. Although Harugeri,
Ugar, and Ramdurg are approximately 100 km. from Belgaum, time travelled cannot
be estimated by distance, as many of the roads are rugged and very narrow. Also
our tour bus was often slowed by road traffic including an abundance of trucks,
tractors, oxen carts, bicycles, motor bikes, pedestrians, as well as goat and
cattle herders.
This is the season for the sugar cane harvest, and many men
and women could be spotted in the fields laboriously cutting the stocks by
hand. Numerous trucks and tractors with their cabs garishly decorated hauled
the product to the factories. Oxen, with colourful horns, pulling carts were a
slower transportation method, Bicycles carried the green leaves ,and women
balanced piles of remnants on their heads-a valuable product for their cooking
fires. The residue from production is also utilized for fertilizer to replenish
the soil.
The main factory in Ugar which opened in 1939, has contributed to the
town’s significant expansion, and provides employment for many locals. During
the harvest season there is evidence of several itinerant workers as several encampments
were spotted.
We have been fortunate to view the country around Belgaum,
and appreciate the intensive labour practices utilized to harvest the crops,
and we recognize the contribution of the sugar cane industry to the local
economy .
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Mumbai/Belgaum: On the Road
We had a distribution today outside Belgaum, and left our accommodations by 8a.m.
and boarded our repaired van which we had last seen,broken,on one of
the mountain roads as we were heading from Goa,to our new distribution
centre, Belgaum.
It is a tidy little vehicle and we were happy to see it back at our disposal.
We were not too far into the countryside when our driver, Manju, pulled to the side of the road with one of the rear tires punctured! We stayed on board as he repaired the tire.
We had stopped in front of a farm house that was beautifully built of hewn stone -and various family members appeared on the lane way as we waited. First was a young girl who did her ablutions with no ado near our van. Then appeared the 2year old,walking on his own, with no apparent parental hovering. It is winter here in India (only 27degrees today), and he had the ubiquitous pointy wool hat with earflaps. And the earflaps were in position to keep the ears cozy warm, and maybe to prevent the youngster's ears from hanging too loosely from his head. He was a delight to watch as he wandered the lane in his own little world.
Meanwhile, passing to the side of our delayed vehicle was a series of possibly 25 women, in saris, carrying huge bundles of grasses -hay?- on their heads,all walking at a sedate pace, in flip flops or barefoot. No chit chatting. No lagging. Seemingly in no special hurry.
And in the farmyard was a lively number of chickens with their chicks and they too were going about their daily routine. A number of variously abled dogs and one old cat made an appearance.
Once repaired, the van,about an hour late, took us to the distribution where the youngsters delighted us with their enthusiasm over their new 'slumber' kits.
Another good day, on the road!
Mary-Jo Lang for Team Mumbai/Belgaum 2014
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It is a tidy little vehicle and we were happy to see it back at our disposal.
We were not too far into the countryside when our driver, Manju, pulled to the side of the road with one of the rear tires punctured! We stayed on board as he repaired the tire.
We had stopped in front of a farm house that was beautifully built of hewn stone -and various family members appeared on the lane way as we waited. First was a young girl who did her ablutions with no ado near our van. Then appeared the 2year old,walking on his own, with no apparent parental hovering. It is winter here in India (only 27degrees today), and he had the ubiquitous pointy wool hat with earflaps. And the earflaps were in position to keep the ears cozy warm, and maybe to prevent the youngster's ears from hanging too loosely from his head. He was a delight to watch as he wandered the lane in his own little world.
Meanwhile, passing to the side of our delayed vehicle was a series of possibly 25 women, in saris, carrying huge bundles of grasses -hay?- on their heads,all walking at a sedate pace, in flip flops or barefoot. No chit chatting. No lagging. Seemingly in no special hurry.
And in the farmyard was a lively number of chickens with their chicks and they too were going about their daily routine. A number of variously abled dogs and one old cat made an appearance.
Once repaired, the van,about an hour late, took us to the distribution where the youngsters delighted us with their enthusiasm over their new 'slumber' kits.
Another good day, on the road!
Mary-Jo Lang for Team Mumbai/Belgaum 2014
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Mumbai/Belgaum: Travelling
Another day of travelling through the green and fertile lands of Belgaum region as we made our way to the distribution area of Ramdurg. It began early in the morning amidst the rush of travellers all going their ways to work, be it to the fields for the sugar cane harvest, or loading up vegetables on the trucks for market, or the ever present trucks laden with rocks, steel, or sugar cane loads, balanced perfectly on an old bicycle, being driven by little old men. This was the scene we were in, when our driver stopped, along the narrow road, due to a tire puncture. Such a surprise, but no worries, Manjunath had it repaired in a short time, and we were once again on our way.
We had time to sit and watch a village literally wake up, the children out playing in the road, the parents feeding animals, and so life goes on, in amazing India.
Monika Sergeant for Team Mumbai/Belgaum 2014
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We had time to sit and watch a village literally wake up, the children out playing in the road, the parents feeding animals, and so life goes on, in amazing India.
Monika Sergeant for Team Mumbai/Belgaum 2014
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Mumbai/Belgaum: Our Travels for Today
Today we drove from Belgaum to Ramdurg about 95 km away. For most of this trip we were on secondary roads competing with the tractors and wagons carrying sugar cane to the mills. This is the busy season for this.
The roads are shared with all manner of beings and vehicles . Here a woman carries a heavy bundle of dried cane along the highway in bare feet. She along with the six others that came before her walk very quickly…almost a jog. No need for yoga or the gym.
We
were stopped for a few minutes outside this settlement while the driver
fixed a flat tire. We were enjoying watching the children,
dogs, chickens and goats. These little guys started waving to us. The
taller boy in the all yellow top has only stumps for arms.
The oxen are used for transport along with other duties. Here the horns are often painted orange or blue.
A shrine down by the river which is almost dry this time of year. During the wet season this would be like an island
A fort on the way which was used by the British but dates back a thousand years. There are no signs with information.
It seams like it has a variety of architecture
There are a variety of shapes and sizes used for water collection. This is one of the few wheelbarrows I have seen. The woman usually carry the containers on their head.
This is a view of some of the lush fields on our way.
The area we covered is primarily farm land. Some of it is very fertile but in other cases there is little but rock and cactus.
Our distribution today brought people from 30 km away. There certainly is a great need for the contents of the kit.
Parents are very grateful and value the school supplies that are included. It is every parents dream to have their children
be healthy and have a promising future. The bed kits are certainly helping these families.
Yesterday when I spoke with parents through an interpreter, one mother was widowed when her daughter was 2 …7 years ago. She was left with nothing. She works as a domestic in the town of Ugar where she earns a week what a latte might cost you.
A
father I spoke with broke down in tears because he feels he should be
providing for his three children but that is not possible.
We are so fortunate to have been born in Canada at this time.
Mumbai/Belgaum: Bird watching in India
As we travel through the countryside to our distribution sites, the terrain changes from the rocky Western Ghats to the lush valleys given over to intensive farming. Sugar-cane harvesting is happening right now, and we have seen hundreds of wagons loaded down, being led by gaily-decorated tractors.
One of the Rotarians in Belgaum, Niranjan Sant, is a world renowned ornithologist and photographer who has lent us several bird books. We are enjoying trying to identify those we have seen. They include Brahmany Kite, three types of Kingfisher (one of which is rare!), Flamingoes, a flying group of Storks, plus a bright green parrot.
So, not only is it a pleasure to meet the children, we get the chance to do some bird watching too.
Margaret Crossling
Team Mumbai/Belgaum
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One of the Rotarians in Belgaum, Niranjan Sant, is a world renowned ornithologist and photographer who has lent us several bird books. We are enjoying trying to identify those we have seen. They include Brahmany Kite, three types of Kingfisher (one of which is rare!), Flamingoes, a flying group of Storks, plus a bright green parrot.
So, not only is it a pleasure to meet the children, we get the chance to do some bird watching too.
Margaret Crossling
Team Mumbai/Belgaum
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Kenya: More to Report
The Kenya team has been "Out of Nairobi."
It's been a few days since we've had access to wifi. We've distributed 1300 bedkits to some very excited and appreciative children. Following our distribution to Gilgil, we had the opportunity to visit an orphanage; several of the orphans were bedkit recipients. We received news that the most recent addition to the orphanage came about, in part, due to our distribution. A woman brought a 3-year-old boy to the site hoping that he could have a bedkit. His mother had just passed away and his father, who was already caring for 2 older children, wasn't able to care for him. Fortunately, the orphanage took him in.
We were entertained by the kids who sang and danced for us. The team members joined in for a salsa lesson: Bob won the award for "not getting a single step right," Ken won for "endurance," Wanda for "most serious," Jean Pierre for "most clumsy," Brenda for "best hip action," and Evan for "faking it."
We then had the opportunity to visit an IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp to meet two of the recipients from the 2012 SCAW distribution. While the conditions were very primitive, the bedkit contents were being put to good use. The social worker who joined us provided some background on how these IDPs came to be here and just how much of a difference the bedkits make to their lives.
Pictures to follow
Team Kenya 2014
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It's been a few days since we've had access to wifi. We've distributed 1300 bedkits to some very excited and appreciative children. Following our distribution to Gilgil, we had the opportunity to visit an orphanage; several of the orphans were bedkit recipients. We received news that the most recent addition to the orphanage came about, in part, due to our distribution. A woman brought a 3-year-old boy to the site hoping that he could have a bedkit. His mother had just passed away and his father, who was already caring for 2 older children, wasn't able to care for him. Fortunately, the orphanage took him in.
We were entertained by the kids who sang and danced for us. The team members joined in for a salsa lesson: Bob won the award for "not getting a single step right," Ken won for "endurance," Wanda for "most serious," Jean Pierre for "most clumsy," Brenda for "best hip action," and Evan for "faking it."
We then had the opportunity to visit an IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp to meet two of the recipients from the 2012 SCAW distribution. While the conditions were very primitive, the bedkit contents were being put to good use. The social worker who joined us provided some background on how these IDPs came to be here and just how much of a difference the bedkits make to their lives.
Pictures to follow
Team Kenya 2014
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Mumbai/Belgaum: Thanks for a Chance at a Better Life!
My task during today’s distribution at Nipani was to interview three parents whose children were aged 6 to 12 and would be receiving a bedkit. It was an emotional time for both of us when I interviewed one young mother of three children, who does not know her own age as she was orphaned when her parents died when she was young. Through an interpreter, she told me that her husband had “expired” two months ago and now she was supporting her family by working cleaning houses and taking in laundry to do for other people. She is a survivor – doing her best to allow her children to remain in school so that they will have a chance at a better life.
This year’s bedkit is of excellent quality with 27 different items in it from a sleeping mat, flip flops, clothing and even a pair of nail clippers. All of the items were deemed as being very useful and necessary by the parents, who were interviewed, to make their children’s lives comfy and conducive to learning.
On behalf of all of the parents and the children, a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of the donors for supporting SCAW and giving the children a chance for a better life!
Monika Sergeant for the Belgaum Team 2014
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This year’s bedkit is of excellent quality with 27 different items in it from a sleeping mat, flip flops, clothing and even a pair of nail clippers. All of the items were deemed as being very useful and necessary by the parents, who were interviewed, to make their children’s lives comfy and conducive to learning.
On behalf of all of the parents and the children, a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of the donors for supporting SCAW and giving the children a chance for a better life!
Monika Sergeant for the Belgaum Team 2014
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Mumbai/Belgaum: First Distribution in Belgaum!!
Today was our first distribution in Belgaum and it went well, with lots
of lovely and happy children in receipt of your many acts of kindness.When we showed the assembled children what they were going to be taking home with them, they were giddy with glee...the little ones near the front who could see everything as it was unwrapped were at first stunned to silence and then just over the moon happy.
One of the Belgaum Rotarians runs a Textile business and the quality of the cotton in the boys' and girls' outfits was superb. And instead of lovely dresses as for the younger girls, for the older girls there was a typical Indian outfit of salwar kameez with dupatta. It was a brilliant choice and the young ladies seemed to brim with pride,
A fine way to start a week!
Mary-Jo Lang for Team Mumbai/Belgaum 2014
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Mumbai/Belgaum: Our Fist Visit to the families of previous bedkit recipients
This morning we had a most delightful few hours, visiting
three families and meeting many villagers in the small town outside Belgaum. As
a first time participant of the distributions, I was delighted to see how
appreciated the bedkits are to the child and their family. The first home was crowded with our group and
the extended family gathered to meet us. In all the homes the contents of the
bedkit were well cared for and the quality was very good. The backpack was well
used but still used daily. When we walked to the next home, children gathered on
their bicycles or simply walked along with us. This village was a farming
community and the children pointed out with pride the tractors, goats, school
and church and temple. We were delighted to meet so many smiling children and
see how much a gift of a bedkit can bring.
Thank you to all the people whose donations make this possible.
Sandy Riches for Team Mumbai/Belgaum 2014
Kenya: Update:
Team Leader, Bob Barclay, called to assure everyone that the Team is well.
They have completed six distributions and are enjoying working with the Rotary Club of Nairobi.
They will have internet access tomorrow and will catch up on blogs.
Team Kenya 2014
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They have completed six distributions and are enjoying working with the Rotary Club of Nairobi.
They will have internet access tomorrow and will catch up on blogs.
Team Kenya 2014
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Mumbai/Belgaum: Amin—An Inspiration
Amin is an amazing young man. A grateful recipient of a SCAW
bedkit, he was most obliging and pleased to serve as our Mumbai tour guide. He skillfully
manipulated his way through the congested city, highlighting many areas not
covered in a regular tour. With his wide smile, warm disposition,
and many experiences, we gained insights into the contrasts of this
intriguing city.
Anne Mac Donald for Team Mumbai/Belgaum 2014
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As a street child, Amin was rescued by an orphanage, and
later became a driver for a wonderful gentleman who mentored and guided him.
Amin’s motivation, energy, determination, hard work, and desire to bring about
positive change have enabled him to purchase his own vehicle and start a tour
business. He was persuaded to chronicle his challenging experiences in a book,
and he is now driven to use the proceeds of sales to begin a coffee shop which
will provide orphan children an opportunity to showcase their talents. We were
most fortunate to be accommodated by Amin, and appreciated his caring nature,
warm heart, and positive energy; we wish him success in his endeavours.
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Chennai: Factory Visits
Today we visited four different cottage industry locations where SCAW
mosquito nets, T-shirts bedsheets, and groundsheets were made. Over 200
families are involved in making items for SCAW bed kits. Each location
was very different but there was a feeling of accomplishment and pride
in each facility.
Team Chennai 2014
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Team Chennai 2014
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Chennai: Yercaud Visits
Today we had another first we were invited into homes in Yercaud,
where two of yesterday's bed kit recipients live. En route to our first
home, we were greeted by many mothers
and small children. The two boys that were bedkit recipients are good friends and enjoyed showing us their homes. At Dhasur's home which was the first house we visited, we were able to speak with the father. Only four of us could enter the house at one time. The house was built of stucco and a tin roof and was only ten feet by ten feet. Inside there was a raised concrete floor for sleeping. all the cooking utensils were stored at one end and there was a small cooking fire inside on the floor. The family had two adults and six children and the wife was expecting their seventh child. Sue demonstrated the way the mosquito net should be used.
Our
second house in which a family of ten lived was a short distance away.
In this house we entered the first of three rooms and this is where the
fire wood was stored. In another room which was
8by10 there was a three quarter bed and a couch. The mother and father
and five of the children slept in this room. The other three children
slept nearby with their grandmother. The next room was a kitchen area
about ten by ten, with a sink and stove. The family had a small business
making food to sell. The wife sells the food at her place of work. The
husband works as a labourer when there is work. The son, Parveer, who
received the bed kit was very excited to be interviewed. He had been
allowed to come home from school to visit with us. He showed us where he
would use the mattress and the father showed a good understanding of
the mosquito net. We left both homes with a very strong feeling the the
bed kits would help improve the lives of these children.Team Chennai 2014
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Chennai: Yercaud Distribution
To arrive in Yercaud for the distribution, we survived 20 hair pin
turns to an elevation of 4700 feet. This was the first time on this trip
that's we encountered cooler weather which meant we had to wear
jackets. Because we were in a large open area, the Rotarians erected
large artistically designed
canopies to protect the children and the volunteers. The Rotarians
arranged to have children brought in from 43 seperate schools and the
government shut down the regular bus system in order to provide free
transportation to the children. The distribution went very well except when a large cow decided to enter the area where the bedkits were, but was escorted away by one of the Rotarians! We enjoyed a great lunch with the Rotarians to the accompaniment of some great country and western music....such as "It's a Fine Time to leave me Lucille".
Later that evening we attended the local Rotary club meeting and received a plaque commemorating this years distribution in Yercaud.
Team Chennai 2014
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Chennai: Thruvallur
What a wonderful day we had with 440 children who patiently waited for
the line up heading to the camera area. Getting good smiles was our goal
but often the best were just after the click of the camera. Sue noticed
one smaller boy gazing down at the bedkit items as she adjusted the
focus. You could almost feel his amazement at the sight of the school
bag, notebooks, clothing, pillow, raincoat, mosquito net, blanket,
towels and sheets - All for him! By the time he carried the rolled up
bedkit to his home and shared the contents with his family, you can be
sure that this day will always bring special memories.
The school courtyard was a perfect location for our work and we again
had excellent student volunteers to help guide the children around to
the various stations. At one side there was a long trough with taps for
hand washing and I spotted a monkey come down from a nearby tree to the
trough. He (she) actually turned the tap for a drink but I was too slow
with my camera to record it. Apparently the monkeys regularly do that.
After all, thirst is universal.
There is another area for drinking water that was donated by the class of 1988 and installed just last year.
We
are learning a lot about local customs. One of the boys had yellow
markings on the points of his shirt collar. After inquiring about that,
we learned that when a Hindu person receives new clothing, it is marked
with tumeric or saffron.
As travelling volunteers we are fortunate indeed to share in so many enriching experiences.
So
it's time to prepare for tomorrow's distribution followed by a
"felicitation" party with our host Rotarians. Stay tuned for our next
blog.
Team Chennai 2014
Mumbai/Belgaum: Visit to Recipients' Homes
We passed the morning visiting 3 homes in Belgaum area where the children
received bed kits last year. The children and parents talked to us of
the effect the gift had had on the child and on the whole family. And
we saw how well used the items were -the book case used but still in
good condition, bedding similar, and the netting used and available for
years to come. We could tell that the local Rotarians had done a fine
job in procuring well made bed kit contents -a job they are already
working on for the 2015 distributions!
Rotarians Dilip Chitnis and Amit Sathye and a local educator accompanied us on our visits -and, of course,translated!
Team Mumbai/Belgaum 2014
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Rotarians Dilip Chitnis and Amit Sathye and a local educator accompanied us on our visits -and, of course,translated!
Team Mumbai/Belgaum 2014
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Kolkata: Happiness and Sadness
Kolkata 2014. Last day
Excited and happy that we have now complete 6500 bed kits and 6500 children will now have a good nights sleep along with many other useful items that came along in those bedkits.
Sister Elizabeth, a nun who dedicates herself to the poor people, was a kind and gentle soul. We met her today and the children she brought from an orphanage. After many of us had the pleasure of having a conversation with her, we decided that some of our extra goodies would be well received with the children from the orphanage so we put together a little goodie bag of extras for them.
It was our pleasure as a team to accompany the last 7 children - one child per SCAW volunteer hand in hand to individually present them with their bedkits along with a special Canadian pencil, shook their parents hands and took a photo or two. A sweet way to end a great day.
In the evening, our Rotarian hosts had a farewell send off dinner. Many
of us dressed in traditional clothing, after putting in an emergency
call to some of the rotary women , some of us even got dressed
..properly... in a saree. Each SCAW volunteer was presented with a
farewell gift that was chosen especially just for them. The SCAW team
then gave a short entertainment section for the Rotarians with a song,
presentations on famous Canadians and a game of "who invented what ".
We are happy to have completed, but sad to have said good bye to our new friends, our beloved driver, the Rotarians, the wives of the Rotarian's and Deba ( hiiii deba ) - team joke ...
Safe travels homeward bound.
Kolkata 2014
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Excited and happy that we have now complete 6500 bed kits and 6500 children will now have a good nights sleep along with many other useful items that came along in those bedkits.
Sister Elizabeth, a nun who dedicates herself to the poor people, was a kind and gentle soul. We met her today and the children she brought from an orphanage. After many of us had the pleasure of having a conversation with her, we decided that some of our extra goodies would be well received with the children from the orphanage so we put together a little goodie bag of extras for them.
It was our pleasure as a team to accompany the last 7 children - one child per SCAW volunteer hand in hand to individually present them with their bedkits along with a special Canadian pencil, shook their parents hands and took a photo or two. A sweet way to end a great day.
We are happy to have completed, but sad to have said good bye to our new friends, our beloved driver, the Rotarians, the wives of the Rotarian's and Deba ( hiiii deba ) - team joke ...
Safe travels homeward bound.
Kolkata 2014
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Mumbai/Belgaum: We have arrived in Belgaum!
We have arrived here with great adventure accompanying our ride thru the
mountains -breakdown of the van mid way in dead zone for contact with
the world! ....but eventually we were saved and arrived here to be
greeted by a bevy of Rotarians and a most fabulous al fresco dinner-and
we are all happy and ready for a distribution here today!
Mary-Jo Lang for Team Mumbai/Belgaum 2014
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Mary-Jo Lang for Team Mumbai/Belgaum 2014
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Kolkata: Barrackpore
Today we
thankfully had a short drive to one of our last distributions of the trip. We drove through some of the outskirts of the
city on our way to Barrackpore, a community filled with military barracks just
outside Kolkata. We arrived early at the
site and enjoyed spending some time walking around the area getting to know the
community. Our location today was on the
banks of the beautiful Ganga river and offered an amazing backdrop for the day. We spent some time waiting for the distribution
to begin by entertaining the kids with some more bubbles and teammate Wendy
brought out her hula hoop. Even more
than the kids, it was some of the women volunteering at the site who burst into
infectious laughter as they tried the hoop.
We enjoyed some
great time spent with the children receiving the bedkits today as it was a
smaller distribution than we have become used to. The extra time spent on giving out the
bedkits meant that we were able to really see the gratitude visible in the
faces of both the children and their parents/guardians. Many of the team members were touched to
receive blessings from the children; another beautiful expression of their
thankfulness that your donations have made possible.After the distribution we were able to take a tour of the Ghandi Museum where our distribution took place. We were able to see some beautiful murals and photos depicting important events in Gandhi’s leadership of the non-violent Indian independence movement. This museum was a great way to finish off our day reminding us of the long history of this wonderful people.
Finally, we finished off the day with the last few details to get ready for our final distribution tomorrow.
Team Kolkata 2014
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