Togo: Our Good Friday
Despite being cloudy all day, the sunny smiles on the faces of the children, brightened the day.
For the 500 children of Agbessia, Togo and surrounding area, today was a 'Great' Friday.
Today is Good Friday. As we were driving home from our distribution we observed many church processions along the roadway. Some with large crowds others with just a few villagers. This picture was taken in Keve, a town north of Lome. It is of a Good Friday procession of over 300 people, walking from the local park along a major highway to the church. The police were directing traffic, thank goodness.
This girl received a bedkit today. She walked about 1 km back to her mother's fruit and vegetable stand after the distribution. Not only were they selling avocados, palm nuts, and bananas. but also the biggest snails that we have ever seen.
Helene loved visiting the Artisanal Atelier in Abgessia after today's distribution. It is home to dozens of Togolese artisans who make pottery, carve wood, paint pictures, make designer fabrics and musical instruments. Helene bought a Togolese 'Coro' (similar to a really fancy banjo) at the Artisan's Atelier. The maker of the instrument sold it directly to her and explained how her son should play it.
Team Togo on a unique tree after today's distribution.
Team Togo 2017
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Togo: A New Area for the Team!
We drove straight north from Lome today on one of its main roads to reach our distribution. When we turned east, we were on a newly paved highway, making very good time. Unfortunately, the road has not been paved all the way yet, so later we bounced along a dirt trail beside the road bed that had been prepared for the new extension until we reached the school where the children were gathered. The road construction is being funded by China, which the locals appreciate.
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The Togo country side is a wonderful green with thick vegetation where the land has not been cleared for the planting of crops such as corn or with plantations of plantain. There were some special sites today as we saw many thousands of bats flying in a forested area near the new road, a number of ox carts, and lizard – sights considered normal by our OVP co-workers.
Our driver pointed out the collections of mud huts with the thatched roofs in the forests along the roads. He informed us that these 'villages' belonged to the Togolese who came down from the northern part of the country to find work in construction or in agriculture. They then return home in the rainy season.
The SCAW team has completed its fourth distribution successfully with the assistance of our very capable Overseas Volunteer Partners. Will be doing one again tomorrow, Good Friday, before taking the weekend off to relax as well as doing some of the things that the team members want to do, including celebrating Easter.
From Sunny Togo - your SCAW team.
Togo: The People, Places, Sights and Sounds of Togo!
Team Togo is enjoying the people, places, sights and sounds of this beautiful country. The children are amazing and very appreciative of the opportunity to receive a bedkit. At today's distribution we were greeted by 10 students performing a traditional Togolese dance to the beat of the accompanying drums.
In this picture from the start of yesterday's distribution, all of the children lined up patiently waiting to come forward to have their picture taken. The 2nd is a picture of the children walking home from the today's distribution site. The picture was taken about a kilometre away from the site and we saw the furthest ones about 3 kms away as they turned off the road to walk down a path through the jungle to their village. The happy waves and smiles that we received from them as we passed them on the road have made being here so much more worthwhile.
The next picture is of 10 foot tall ant hill in one of the villages that we visited near the distribution site. There are lots of ant hills around like it, and one even had a tree growing out of it.
There is a picture with our team at a waterfall near the place where we did the distributions today. We drove up the hillside and then walked down into a glen near the falls and had our lunch there. It was so cool and refreshing near the fall while we were shaded from the sun. Once we climbed the steps back up to the van, the heat hit us like a ton of bricks. We sure do go through lots of drinking water in order not to be over powered by the heat and humidity.
The final picture is of an open air weaving shop where five young people were hand weaving scarves with traditional Togolese patterns in them. The one young man's hands and feet were moving so fast, that we could see the pattern emerging as he fed the shuttles through the loom. Some members of the team bought scarves to take home as souvenirs of the trip. The young people were glad to have made some money today.
We are off to a new area tomorrow, but are looking forward to the trip and working with our Overseas Volunteer Partners.
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Togo: Our Donors!
Je descends du véhicule pour notre deuxième jour de distribution. Devant moi il y a 500 enfants qui nous regardent avec anticipation, habillés des nouveaux t-shirts bien colorés.
As we get out of our vehicle in Kopégan, on our second day of distribution we see standing patiently in front of us 500 excited children.
Nous, les bénévoles sommes venus au Togo pour représenter nos donateurs qui ont été si généreux. Ces enfants se lèvent entre 4 et 5 heures du matin pour balayer le sol et chercher de l'eau du ruisseau avant de se rendre à l'école. Dans le kit se trouve un matelas et une moustiquaire qui leur permettront de dormir plus confortablement plutôt que sur le sol d'argile. Aussi, ils sont fiers de leurs nouveaux vêtements, les cahiers et toutes les choses scolaires dans le nouveau sac à dos.
We, the SCAW volunteers are here in Togo to represent our wonderful donors who have been so generous. These children get up between 4 and 5 o'clock in the morning to sweep the dirt floors and fetch water from the nearest stream before walking to school. This year, included in the bedkit are a mattress and a mosquito net which will allow them to sleep more comfortably than on the clay earth. The children are so proud of their new clothes, exercise books and their new backpacks.
Ce kit est un grand cadeau qui améliorera leur vie à partir d'aujourd'hui.
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As we get out of our vehicle in Kopégan, on our second day of distribution we see standing patiently in front of us 500 excited children.
Nous, les bénévoles sommes venus au Togo pour représenter nos donateurs qui ont été si généreux. Ces enfants se lèvent entre 4 et 5 heures du matin pour balayer le sol et chercher de l'eau du ruisseau avant de se rendre à l'école. Dans le kit se trouve un matelas et une moustiquaire qui leur permettront de dormir plus confortablement plutôt que sur le sol d'argile. Aussi, ils sont fiers de leurs nouveaux vêtements, les cahiers et toutes les choses scolaires dans le nouveau sac à dos.
We, the SCAW volunteers are here in Togo to represent our wonderful donors who have been so generous. These children get up between 4 and 5 o'clock in the morning to sweep the dirt floors and fetch water from the nearest stream before walking to school. This year, included in the bedkit are a mattress and a mosquito net which will allow them to sleep more comfortably than on the clay earth. The children are so proud of their new clothes, exercise books and their new backpacks.
Ce kit est un grand cadeau qui améliorera leur vie à partir d'aujourd'hui.
This kit is a great present that will enrich their lives from this day on.
Thank you donors!
Hélène pour Equipe Togo, 2017
Hélène for SCAW Togo 2017
Togo: First Distribution
After an early breakfast, we headed our for our first distribution - 140 km north. Along the way, we passed Togo's highest mountain peak, some impressive termite hills and a teak plantation.
We arrived at Atchanvé where we were greeted warmly by the students of four local schools. The distribution of 500 bedkits went smoothly with the help of our phenomenal overseas volunteers.
Team Togo 2017
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We arrived at Atchanvé where we were greeted warmly by the students of four local schools. The distribution of 500 bedkits went smoothly with the help of our phenomenal overseas volunteers.
Team Togo 2017
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Togo: Our First 24 Hours
We awoke early Sunday morning to the rhythmic beating of drums as a Palm Sunday procession marched by our residence.
We walked through the colourful local market with our cook; stocking up our food supply for the coming week.
We spent the afternoon with our overseas partner doing our predistribution meeting; reviewing the bedkit contents and discussing our schedule.
Early to bed tonight looking forward to out first distribution early Monday morning.
Team Togo 2017
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Togo: Pre-Distribution Meeting
The SCAW Travelling Volunteers met with Laurent and Gladys Dekalikan, our OVPs (Overseas Volunteer Partners), for the Togo pre-distribution meeting on Sunday afternoon. They have everything so well organized for our distributions, for which we are truly grateful. We are looking forward to the 10 distributions over the next two weeks.
Team Togo 2017
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| Meeting with OVPs |
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| Shopping at the Market |
Team Togo 2017
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Togo: Ready To Go!!
SCAW's Team Togo are in the starting blocks and looking forward to meeting our Overseas Volunteer Partners from Action Enfance et Developpement. After months of preparation, Bill, Jean Pierre, Wanda, Joy, Hélène and Brenda are ready to deliver 5,000 bedkits to the children of Togo along with some much needed first aid and hygiene kits. More to follow in the coming days.
Bill Sergeant, Team Leader
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Philippines: Final Day
Today we completed the last distribution of bedkits. It was so bittersweet to take the last photo and hand out the final kit.
All 16 distributions went very smoothly thanks to the organization and support of the SCAW Philippines team. They have not only been there for us in every distribution... They have hosted and entertained us throughout and have provided us with a unique Philippines experience. Salamat po!
Also thanks to everyone at home in Canada who donated bedkits, clothing, toothbrushes and toothpaste and many other items for us to pass along where needed.
Lastly thanks to all the children who made this so worthwhile. From loud cheers upon our arrival at each site, many song and dance performances, shy thank yous, and a multitude of smiles , it will all be cherished and remembered.
Team Philippines 2017
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All 16 distributions went very smoothly thanks to the organization and support of the SCAW Philippines team. They have not only been there for us in every distribution... They have hosted and entertained us throughout and have provided us with a unique Philippines experience. Salamat po!
Also thanks to everyone at home in Canada who donated bedkits, clothing, toothbrushes and toothpaste and many other items for us to pass along where needed.
Lastly thanks to all the children who made this so worthwhile. From loud cheers upon our arrival at each site, many song and dance performances, shy thank yous, and a multitude of smiles , it will all be cherished and remembered.
Team Philippines 2017
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Philippines: Past Recipients!
As we arrived at our distribution site we were enthusiastically greeted by a father whose son had received a bedkit two years ago. He had expected to see the SCAW volunteer who he had met that year in order to thank him again. We were able to interview him and record this video where he expressed his appreciation for Richard and SCAW and his thankfulness for the items his son had received. This was very important to him as he decided to miss work in order to come and see us.
Meeting these two individuals and hearing what they had to say energized us for our distribution that was just about to begin. As we continued to distribute 300 bedkits to the waiting children we were reassured that we were making a difference in their lives. Tomorrow is our last distribution day. We will face it with mixed emotions, happy to have made a difference in the lives of 5000 children and sad to see this amazing experience come to an end.
Team Philippines 2017
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Meeting these two individuals and hearing what they had to say energized us for our distribution that was just about to begin. As we continued to distribute 300 bedkits to the waiting children we were reassured that we were making a difference in their lives. Tomorrow is our last distribution day. We will face it with mixed emotions, happy to have made a difference in the lives of 5000 children and sad to see this amazing experience come to an end.
Team Philippines 2017
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Philippines: Importance of a Bedkit!
Children and parent(s) travel from local communities either by walking, recycle, or jeepneys to receive their gift from the SCAW donor. When visiting homes, conducting interviews and seeing the beautiful smiles on all the children’s faces it is obvious that this precious gift is very important to the child and family.
We were fortunate this morning to meet two past recipients who had received bedkits 15 years ago. We had many questions to ask them about where they are living, school and daily life as well as the importance of the bedkit that they had received. We were pleased to hear that both young men are attending university. They told us that they remembered the sleeping mat, school supplies, and to our surprise that one of the young men is still using the mosquito net to this day.
The importance of the bedkiit was again demonstrated at today’s distribution. Children from five indigenous tribes travelled from the mountain region with many walking or riding in trucks for several hours.
In their small mountain homes they have no electricity or running water. Water is trucked in and is purchased at 2 pesos a pail. The average family uses 12 -15 pails a day. These recipients have many hardships. For example these tribes often have to rebuild their homes on a yearly basis because the homes are washed away down the mountainside during the rainy season.
Receiving a bedkit today was a very important event for each child and family.
The entire Canadian and Philippine SCAW team was treated to a ceremonial dance performance.
Team Philippines 2017
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Philippines: Mothers and Babies
During the distributions one of the most enlightening jobs is the interview process. We decided for the last 2 days to talk with mothers who have young babies. One of our first mothers had twins and six months later conceived again resulting in triplets. She only has enough breast milk and is buying formula for the triplets. This means she only has enough money for herself, her husband and mother to eat every other day. From other mothers we learned their biggest struggle is also supplying food for their babies and family.
The majority breastfed for at least 2 years due to lack of food. A positive thing we discovered is that in this province the current governor has implemented free prenatal care, vitamins and hospital deliveries. They are heading in a positive direction as there is nothing after birth as of yet. After the interviews concluded each mother left with a package of clothing donated by friends and family from home.
Team Philippines 2017
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The majority breastfed for at least 2 years due to lack of food. A positive thing we discovered is that in this province the current governor has implemented free prenatal care, vitamins and hospital deliveries. They are heading in a positive direction as there is nothing after birth as of yet. After the interviews concluded each mother left with a package of clothing donated by friends and family from home.
Team Philippines 2017
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Philippines: On The Road Again!
After a day's rest in Manila, we are on the road again. This time we are headed north for a few days. Our first stop today was a distribution in Malhacan about 50 km north of Manila. After lunch we drove for about another hour doing a distribution at Mabalacat. The van was packed as we are away for a few days. Pat found a spot at the back and arranged the luggage into a chaise lounge and was gone before we hardly turned the first corner.
Hat's off to our great support team.
Our driver, Lando, guides us through the countryside and Manila with unbelievable driving skills. He slides through seemingly hopeless traffic jams with ease. He goes above the call of duty to help us load and unload. Our day usually starts at 8:00 but he is at the hotel waiting by 7:00 AM. After he drops us off he then has to drive back home. He also has been with us every day including our days off to shuffle us around.
Our OVP support person Jess is always there in many ways. Today he met us at the hotel with cheese filled rice doughnuts for breakfast. He also brought some honey and peanut butter. I could go on for a long time of all the things he does for us but the one we get the most laughs is his saying "We are halfway there as we pull into our destination".
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Philippines: Precious Gifts
As SCAW travelling volunteers it is our responsibility to present each child with the gift of a bedkit. In return we receive special gifts from these beautiful Filipino children. We thought you, our followers, would enjoy receiving these gifts as well. The precious gifts we receive are shown in the pictures below. Please enjoy these amazing smiles!!!!!
Team Philippines 2017
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Philippines: Happy Birthday!
Team Philippines 2017 have become one with their overseas partners. For 4 days now they have worked side by side to distribute bedkits so when an opportunity for a small celebration was presented, everyone was happy to take a well deserved break . The occasion was Team member Jan Gayman's 65th birthday and it became an all day event. The children at the first distribution site today honoured her with a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday and a delicious locally made coconut pie. They performed a dance and invited the SCAW team to participate. We quickly discovered that the 8 year olds were much better dancers!
Later in the day we met at a local home for some karaoke and snacks. Our final event was a huge dinner complete with a roasted pig at the home of a local Kiwanis member. For Jan this was definitely a birthday to remember and the rest of us are feeling very fortunate to have been able to join in the festivities. Thank you to our overseas partners and especially Dr. Ito for making this such a wonderful day!
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Philippines: Tagaytay
Today we packed up and left Manilla, travelling south to the Tagaytay district for two distributions with a total of 650 bedkits. Our first distribution was at Silang which is a school run by nuns. They grow an assortment of organic vegetables and raise goats, ducks and chickens to feed nutritious meals to their students. Our team led a sing-along which both the children and adults enjoyed.
Dr Ito heads the SCAW Philippine team. Today he was recognized with a donation of 50 bedkits at the Indang distribution. Both his team and the Canadian SCAW team work together closely to ensure that all distributions run smoothly.
Team Philippines 2017
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Our team has many jobs that we do for each distribution including interviewing some child recipients and his/her parent. Parents are asked about family life and sleeping habits. We have learned that many families sleep in one room on a concrete floor or a thin mat. During the rainy season, families often are forced to sleep on their rooftops. This information has shown us how important a bedkit can help an entire family.
Dr Ito heads the SCAW Philippine team. Today he was recognized with a donation of 50 bedkits at the Indang distribution. Both his team and the Canadian SCAW team work together closely to ensure that all distributions run smoothly.
Team Philippines 2017
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Philippines: Bulacan
Today we were greeted by music from the school children as we entered the distribution site. Then we were entertained by a flower dance from the children. We were so touched by the children singing Oh Canada to us.
After the distribution was completed we toured 3 of the local houses of the children who received the bedkits. The joy on the children's faces and the welcome greetings of their families only confirmed that we had made a difference in their lives today as much as they had in ours. The next stop was to a local Philippine plant who had produced the back pack, an item in each bedkit. We were reassured that the working conditions in this plant appeared to meet the SCAW requirements. A rewarding time was spent by all.
Elaine and Kathy for Team Philippines 2017
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After the distribution was completed we toured 3 of the local houses of the children who received the bedkits. The joy on the children's faces and the welcome greetings of their families only confirmed that we had made a difference in their lives today as much as they had in ours. The next stop was to a local Philippine plant who had produced the back pack, an item in each bedkit. We were reassured that the working conditions in this plant appeared to meet the SCAW requirements. A rewarding time was spent by all.
Elaine and Kathy for Team Philippines 2017
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Philippines: Off To Work!
After a relaxing day's rest from travelling , away we go. Our first task was a visit to the "warehouse" where the bed kits are assembled and stored. From this location the bed kits are also dispatched each day for a distribution.
Seemed a little strange as we disembarked from the van at the warehouse being in a residential area. The warehouse was Dr. Ito's house. The 5000 bed kits were all assembled at his house and filled almost every room of the house.
We were then fortunate to assemble the last 100 bed kits before we were off to
a distribution for the afternoon.
Our afternoon was a distribution of 300 bedkits at Vista Verde. It went very smoothly.
Before we returned home we visited one of the villages of recipients of today's distribution.
It was exciting to see the kids returning home with smiles on their faces eager to unpack the
kit.
Team Philippines 2017
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Philippines: The Team Has Arrived!
After a long journey, starting in Toronto, the seven members of
team Philippines have arrived safely, luggage and all. We were excited to meet
Jess from SCAW Philippines who was there to greet us. As you can see we
do not look too worse for wear after travelling for over 24 hours and
experiencing a 12 hour time change. Tomorrow will be a day of rest
and recuperation to prepare for Monday, a day of factory visits, meeting
with our overseas partners (SCAW Philippines), followed by our first
distribution, Monday afternoon. Be sure to follow our blog.
Lots more to come.
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Team Philippines 2017
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