Chennai: Andaman Islands
After flying 2 hours to the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal
yesterday, we did the first distribution today. Children came by bus
more than 60 kms or by boat with an hour's travel. The Rotarians of Port
Blair have accomplished the difficult task of identifying the most
deserving children in this area where the population is spread out in
towns and remote villages.
Of course the best part of our day is interacting with the children,
trying to put them at ease for the photograph and ensuring that the
experience is memorable for them.
With a happy face on their wrists
to confirm a photo has been taken, volunteers gave them each a snack and
carried the heavy bag of bedkit items up a long stairway to the waiting
teachers or parents.
The photos will hopefully show their enthusiasm.
Mumbai/Belgaum: Daily India
Daily India
The road twists and turns,
Fields of green are burned
by the hot sun in the morn.
Oxen pull the loaded carts,
or plough the red earth slowly.
Many hands with backs bent
pull, twist, dig, and plant move
along the fields every day.
The sun sets, the body rests –
as the many tired beings slump
in the open truck going home.
Nameste
Monika
Sergeant for Team Mumbai/Belgaum 2014
Post your comments here:Mumbai/Belgaum: 1,000 Bedkits In Belgaum
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| The Belgaum Rotary Club with the 1,000th bedkit |
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| The children of the Belgaum Rotary Club members - they were a big help during the 1000 bedkit distribution |
In the evening, the members of SCAW team
were guests of honour at the weekly Belgaum Rotary Club meeting. Trust Chairman
Dilip Chitnis praised the 26-years friendship between SCAW and their club and
provided the members with an historical overview of the 100% charity. Bill
Sergeant then spoke to the club to thank the Trust Committee and the members of
their Rotary Club for the steadfast support that they have provided. This was
followed by a delicious buffet dinner where the team had the opportunity to
talk with the Rotarians, their spouses and members of their family. It was a great
opportunity to renew friendships or make new ones with our very hospitable
hosts.
Mumbai/Belgaum: Rural Indian Transport
Along the way to distribution, we have seen the many ways that goods and
animal life are transported from place to place. As well as large
decorated trucks who urge us to honk, we see tractors, small trucks,
motorbikes, ox carts, and people walking along the road.Two elephants,one walking majestically down the road and the other riding in an open truck, calmly eating her supper.
Oxen are placed somehow in a tiny truck, head to tail,while their herdsman hangs on to the back, no room inside!
A couple of goats were given a ride on the back of a motorbike, and water buffalo are either yoked to carts, or led along.
Sugarcane and brushwood for fires are loaded onto trucks, carts, and bicycles. We see women walking down the road, having such erect posture with impossible loads balanced on their heads. They carry wood, washing, water, and all sorts of things.
Dogs and goats prance between the traffic, and we marvel at their talent for staying alive.
Life on the road is always vibrant , and never boring.
Margaret Crossling
Mumbai/Belgaum Team 2014
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Kenya: How Do You Measure Success?
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| Children with Bedkits |
Another
measure was the successful completion of the distribution of the final
952nd bedkit (a daily record for this trip); making a total of 5,000.
The
successful relationship between our overseas partner; the Rotary Club
of Nairobi culminated with a wonderful dinner last evening and finally
with a luncheon with the entire club. It was a great opportunity for
our team
leader, Bob Barclay, to do a SCAW presentation to inform the membership
about SCAW, of the activities for the last two weeks and to thank them
for their contributions.
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| Children at Orphanage |
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| Children at IDP Camp |
Team Kenya 2014
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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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