Uganda: Deep Contrasts
Kiboga, also a remote rural mountain area, was a three hour bus ride from Kampala.
Arriving at our site, everything was well prepared by our Inner Wheel site people. Like a well-oiled machine, it took less than 3 hours to distribute 585 bedkits.
Hot sunny skies prevailed as did sunny dispositions and warm hearts. This poor, remote community were so grateful for their bounty, it brought three parental interviewees to tears.
Our setting for lunch was the home of a Inner Wheel collaborative partner. The view from the yard where we shared our meal was breathtaking!
So many sites that take your breath and pull at your heart.
We continued on from there to our new hotel, happy to resettle and prepare for the next 6 distributions.
We continued on from there to our new hotel, happy to resettle and prepare for the next 6 distributions.
We're told that Uganda's rainy season is coming to an end...only one drizzly day so far. I know …..
By Janet Helmer
Team Uganda 2018
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By Janet Helmer
Team Uganda 2018
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Uganda: Rock Stars!
We left Kampala early on our the bus , prepared for the "jam" - early morning grid-lock traffic - for our long trip up into the small remote mountain village of Mende. Heavily rutted dirt roads, ravaged by the spring rains and a wrong turn brought us to the school site where children and parents had been anxiously awaiting our arrival.
They surrounded our bus making it difficult to disembark and maneuver through the crown to set up for our pictures. We were ROCK Stars with no paparazzi!
So many of these families have 3-4 children between the ages of 6-12, And although only one child per family is eligible to receive a bedkit, we know every child in family will benefit from the gift.
Janet Helmer
Team Uganda 2018
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They surrounded our bus making it difficult to disembark and maneuver through the crown to set up for our pictures. We were ROCK Stars with no paparazzi!
Heavy grey skies and distant thunder led to a constant drizzle but never enough to force us to stop or move inside. We presevered and 585 bed kits were given to 585 children who felt like they were the luckiest kids in Mende- very thankful, appreciative children and caregivers, as it needs to be remembered, many of these children are being raised by their grandparents. AIDS took many of their parents.
Such heartfelt gratifying work as a SCAW volunteer.
Janet Helmer
Team Uganda 2018
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Uganda: Lugasa
Our fourth day of distribution started with a three hour bus ride North East to Lugasa in Kayunga District. We were certainly rewarded by 585 smiling and brightly beaming faces along with all their parents clapping and throat singing as we entered the school yard. Our Inner Wheel group and local volunteers had already unloaded our delivery truck and arranged the bedkits in the front school yard and the children were lined up to change into their new outfits. We received numerous welcomes, thank-yous and bless yous, while waving to and shaking the hands of the many parents. A very moving experience for this first time volunteer.
The children were then changed into their new clothes which was met with a boisterous applause from everyone, upon their return to the school yard. Our SCAW group assembled our camera position and along with the Inner Wheel organized the process for the day. While the children were organized under shade we entertained the children with well-known children’s songs to have them clap, stomp and shout "Hurray" and mimic our actions. The children then provided their own versions with joyous voices, dancing and clapping hands much to our pleasure so much, we joined in.
Our Team Leader, Lois Wey then started with our discussion with the children, introducing SCAW from Canada and providing details for this event. We then individually showcased the specific products included in the bedkits which everyone was going to receive today. A thunderous round of applause was heard after every item was shown. Lois reminded the children to "STAY In SCHOOL”. We then proceeded to meet with the parents continuing with another resounding applause as we introduced the gifts.
The day was getting hot as we started pictures and the children performed with upmost patience and politeness during the long sequence to complete all group pictures and the final 100 single pictures completing the day around 2:30 pm. During the event one member of our group completed six interviews with parents receiving bedkits that day. When every bedkit had been delivered we were totally relieved and satisfied that our efforts had again been rewarded, knowing everyone had gone home with something to improve their quality of life.
We quickly picked up our equipment and headed to our bus for the ride home. A very joyful but tired group.
By Bill Helmer
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Uganda: A Visit With A Past Recipient!
Today we handed out much needed 585 bedkits in a remote village in the Kayunga district. Our Inner Wheel ladies had arranged for us to stop and see a family that had received a bedkit 4 years ago. We entered the small dwelling and were shown the school writing on the wallboard as the 10 year old girl still attends the local school. She was glad to show us that she is still using the backpack she received as well as the sheet that is used as a covering for the doorway. Both of these items seemed to hold up very well. The house has only two rooms however seemed to be one of the few with a cement floor and brick walls.
This village is one of many that we journey to bringing the invaluable items that make living with very little just a bit more tolerable. Thank you to each donor for making a difference in the lives of many Uganda boys and girls.
Monika Sergeant
Team Uganda 2018
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This village is one of many that we journey to bringing the invaluable items that make living with very little just a bit more tolerable. Thank you to each donor for making a difference in the lives of many Uganda boys and girls.
Monika Sergeant
Team Uganda 2018
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Uganda: Nakifuma
It was another early day as we left Kampala shortly after 7AM. Our destination was Nakifuma, a village 38 km northeast of Kampala. Our distribution center was the tree-shaded lawns adjacent to the Roman Catholic church and school. The children and parents lined the driveway as, led by the tuneful ladies of the Inner Wheel, we sang and waved. We were heartened by their friendly greetings.
The children were quickly organized and got changed into their new uniforms. As they lined up waiting, we engaged them in a spirited game of "toss the beach ball." We then settled the children down just a little as they serenaded us with the Ugandan national anthem and other songs. The team members countered with Oh Canada which was received with great cheers.
The formal part of the proceedings completed, it was on to the distribution itself. Five hundred and eighty five children received their mattresses and bed kits. The time passed all too quickly and we had to bid farewell as the families trekked home, wash basins and supplies balanced atop their heads.
We were treated to a hearty lunch of chicken, beef, and cooked local veggies. Many thanks to Judith, especially, from our hearts (and our stomachs) for managing today's distribution and cooking the lunch. The ladies of Inner Wheel make multi-tasking look so easy!
In summary, everything came together today: a beautiful distribution site, helpful volunteers and, most importantly, the children and families who shared our day. Their warm makes everything worthwhile. Even the weather was on our side as the gentle afternoon rains held off until we were headed back to Kampala.
But the day was not quite finished. Before returning to the hotel, we stopped at Unique Uniforms, where the children's uniforms have been made for the past 11 years. Paul, the business's owner, talked about his story. An accountant by education, he found it difficult to find work. Fifteen years ago he purchased two pedal sewing machines which he used in the same room where he slept. Today he employs 163 people in his modern factory as the largest uniform producer in Uganda, exporting to several surrounding nations in east Africa. Paul expressed his gratitude to SCAW and recounted how we were instrumental in achieving recognition for his brand in Uganda and beyond. This is an example of how the generosity of our donors impacts many individuals beyond the children who receive our bed kits.
By Lawrence Hutchinson
Team Uganda 2018
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The children were quickly organized and got changed into their new uniforms. As they lined up waiting, we engaged them in a spirited game of "toss the beach ball." We then settled the children down just a little as they serenaded us with the Ugandan national anthem and other songs. The team members countered with Oh Canada which was received with great cheers.
The formal part of the proceedings completed, it was on to the distribution itself. Five hundred and eighty five children received their mattresses and bed kits. The time passed all too quickly and we had to bid farewell as the families trekked home, wash basins and supplies balanced atop their heads.
We were treated to a hearty lunch of chicken, beef, and cooked local veggies. Many thanks to Judith, especially, from our hearts (and our stomachs) for managing today's distribution and cooking the lunch. The ladies of Inner Wheel make multi-tasking look so easy!
In summary, everything came together today: a beautiful distribution site, helpful volunteers and, most importantly, the children and families who shared our day. Their warm makes everything worthwhile. Even the weather was on our side as the gentle afternoon rains held off until we were headed back to Kampala.
But the day was not quite finished. Before returning to the hotel, we stopped at Unique Uniforms, where the children's uniforms have been made for the past 11 years. Paul, the business's owner, talked about his story. An accountant by education, he found it difficult to find work. Fifteen years ago he purchased two pedal sewing machines which he used in the same room where he slept. Today he employs 163 people in his modern factory as the largest uniform producer in Uganda, exporting to several surrounding nations in east Africa. Paul expressed his gratitude to SCAW and recounted how we were instrumental in achieving recognition for his brand in Uganda and beyond. This is an example of how the generosity of our donors impacts many individuals beyond the children who receive our bed kits.
By Lawrence Hutchinson
Team Uganda 2018
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Uganda: Off To A Rain Free Start!
Our prayers on the bus beseeching a break from the rains proved fruitful. The skies threatened but 585 children received their bed kits without a soaking. The colourful new outfits provided the children were outshone only by their bright faces and captivating smiles. When our job was completed, the SCAW volunteers and Inner Wheel ladies tucked into a home cooked meal arranged by the latter and prepared by the ladies of the village.
On the way back to Kampala, we stopped once more at Crest Foam. This time Leo, Ben and others of the management team provided a detailed tour of the premises, an explanation of the manufacturing process, and a brief overview of the company's dynamic history and progressive philosophy. Thanks to the many friendly folks at Crest Foam for their hospitality, professionalism and caring attitude.
A debt of gratitude is owed to the Inner Wheel group and other local volunteers who helped make the day a success. As the kickoff to the 2018 Uganda distribution, the team couldn't have asked for more.
By Lawrence Hutchinson
Team Uganda 2018
Uganda: Ready To Go!
Lois, Lawrence, Janet, Bill, Monika, Margo and I have safely arrived in Kampala Uganda. After a long flight we were cheerfully greeted by our Overseas Partners of the Inner Wheel. Together we are all looking forward to our Uganda 2018 distribution. We will be distributing 7,000 bedkits and we are excited to get going.
Today was orientation. We had 2 meetings to meet and mingle with the women we will be working with. It is important to point out how much work they have already done. All of this happens behind the scenes and leads to a successful and organized distribution days.
As a committee the women select the neediest children, locally source the items in the bedkits, choose the distribution sites and arrange for the packaging and delivery. The women also packaged the 7,000 bedkits over 4 days. This year the mattress manufacturer has offered to store and deliver the kits.
We know we are in good hands working with The Inner Wheel. They are great partners and help to ensure that these most needed items are delivered to the children and that the days will be fun and memorable for these precious children.
Kerry Harman
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Togo: Signing Off Togo Saying "Un Grand Merci" To All!
It is hard to believe that Team Togo 2018 has completed 12 days of distributions already. It seems like we just got here and now we are saying farewell to our Togolese Overseas Volunteer Partners (OVP).
Today’s distribution in “30 Aout”, near Kpalime, took only 75 minutes to complete. That included special time playing with the children, listening to them sing their Togolese songs, and then having them clap rhythmically to the harmonica music of the dueling Culbertsons.
When the last bedkit picture was taken, all of the volunteers joined the children for a picture of the 6,000th bedkit and the recipients. It was a moment to celebrate. Our OVP team leader then arranged for us to visit the homes of four of the bedkit recipients; two from this year and two from previous years. The children, some of whom were orphaned and living with their siblings and their grandmother, proudly showed us the ‘SCAW’ mattress and mosquito net that they used where they slept. One of them then showed us his cardboard box desk where he used the ‘Academy’ math set, note books, pencils and some other items to do his homework with. His grandmother was justifiably proud of him. All of the items that he received two years ago are still in good condition because they are so valuable to him.
We had time to pack before our OVP volunteers started to arrive for the farewell party. What heartfelt joy and comradeship. They brought traditional Togolese food, which was enjoyed by all present after speeches by Laurent Dekalikan and Bill Sergeant, who thanked everyone for the making the distributions a huge success through their hard work and dedication. We then sang our respective National Anthems and joined the OVPs in a joyous dance, conga style, while our hosts sang a traditional Togolese song. It was an experience that will not soon be forgotten.
In closing, Team Togo 2018 want to say ‘un grand merci’ to all of our donors and especially to our Overseas Volunteer Partners who worked long and hard during each the distributions, sometimes being on the road at midnight in order to have the mattresses and bedkits at the distribution site.
Bill Sergeant
Team Togo 2018
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Togo: Au Revoir et Merci Togo!
Today was such a bittersweet day for me as we handed out our last bedkit—#6,000! I read all of the smiles, laughter, anticipation and appreciation on the kid’s faces as they received their bedkits today and it is sad to think that we will not be surrounded by these beautiful African children tomorrow as some are on flights home and some on our way to Ghana tomorrow morning.
For the Children.
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Togo: A Special Escort
Most of our distributions have been in the central region of Togo, a 2-3 hour drive north of the capital city of Lomé. Once we turned off the main road this morning, the people we passed seemed reserved compared to other drives, with only one person waving to our van. Trepidation set in. But as we neared a school that was the site of a SCAW distribution last year, we saw children along the road wearing last year’s t-shirt and skirts or shorts. Their smiles and waves were heartwarming, reminding us all of the value of a bedkit to each child. One boy even ran alongside our van until we got to the school. A very special escort!
The truck that transports the bedkits was delayed again. While we waited, our team went to work entertaining the children. Barb and I blew bubbles, Ian and Stuart repeated their harmonica routine then started a soccer match which Ricki videotaped, Bill and Barb taught the children to throw and catch a Frisbee, and Julie photographed the children and showed them their image.
At first some of the children were too timid to blow the bubbles but eventually they all made an attempt. I tried to make sure they all had a turn. I felt like the Pied Piper, surrounded by the youngest children who followed me (or the bubbles) wherever I went. A man tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to go over to the tree that was shading some of the parents. The parents wanted a turn as well, and the women giggled and tried to pop the bubbles just like the children. Even a small toddler on her mother’s back gave bubbles a try.
I had the privilege of photographing all 500 children. All those smiling playful children turned serious when it was their turn to smile for the camera. We had to coax the smiles out of the first few, but by the time it was the older children’s’ turn, their giggles preceded the photo. Maybe we were all a bit giddy from the heat, but it sure was fun to capture their wonderful smiles.
On the drive back to the main road, we saw lots of children carrying their bedkit home. Every one of them stopped and waved, their smiles as wide as could be. Quite a change from our morning reception. Another 500 children will be having a better sleep tonight, hopefully with a smile of their face
Julie for Team Togo 2018
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Togo: Warming Up The Crowd
Our arrival at our eleventh distribution today at Dzozokondi started like all others with our entertainment offensive. This is not meant to be construed as "offensive entertainment". Rather it represents our collective efforts to warm up the crowd of attendees while we were setting up the bedkit and photo shoot logistics. As the distribution progresses, I dare say our act is becoming more refined and more appreciated.
We normally start by launching balloons into the throngs of children on the periphery of the distribution to separate them from the area where the recipients are being lined up for the photos and bedkit handouts. We have bags of balloons at the ready which when blown up and released bring great delight to the children so excited to chase them around. Deep into the distribution, we often hear bangs as the balloons meet their end. Next we turn our attention to the lineups of bedkit recipients. Throughout our work, our volunteer partners have had the children singing and dancing as they wait in line. Ian and I like to think we complement this effort by launching into our dueling harmonicas routine - mostly centred on our rendition of Freres Jacques. The children of this French speaking country usually chime in immediately on this tune - often in harmony and occasionally in rounds. Listening to 500 marvelous voices drowning out our harmonicas is a daily treat that I look forward to. When all else fails, we deploy our last weapon - our little hand puppet Princess FouFou (named after the Togalese staple dish of mashed yam). Who knows where she came from when she jumped into my luggage in Canada. But she has worked hard to captivate the crowd - particularly the very small children. (Tomorrow at our last distribution, I plan to find a new home for FouFou in Togo.) With all of this happening up front, our team works hard to set up the photo shoot site logistics and arrange for the children to receive their bedkits.
All in a days work for the children - "Dormez vous" in peace tonight.
Stuart for Team Togo 2018
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We normally start by launching balloons into the throngs of children on the periphery of the distribution to separate them from the area where the recipients are being lined up for the photos and bedkit handouts. We have bags of balloons at the ready which when blown up and released bring great delight to the children so excited to chase them around. Deep into the distribution, we often hear bangs as the balloons meet their end. Next we turn our attention to the lineups of bedkit recipients. Throughout our work, our volunteer partners have had the children singing and dancing as they wait in line. Ian and I like to think we complement this effort by launching into our dueling harmonicas routine - mostly centred on our rendition of Freres Jacques. The children of this French speaking country usually chime in immediately on this tune - often in harmony and occasionally in rounds. Listening to 500 marvelous voices drowning out our harmonicas is a daily treat that I look forward to. When all else fails, we deploy our last weapon - our little hand puppet Princess FouFou (named after the Togalese staple dish of mashed yam). Who knows where she came from when she jumped into my luggage in Canada. But she has worked hard to captivate the crowd - particularly the very small children. (Tomorrow at our last distribution, I plan to find a new home for FouFou in Togo.) With all of this happening up front, our team works hard to set up the photo shoot site logistics and arrange for the children to receive their bedkits.
All in a days work for the children - "Dormez vous" in peace tonight.
Stuart for Team Togo 2018
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Togo: Togo Smiles!
Today I was handing out mattresses and I saw the most smiles ever. By the time
the children got to me - the last station - and saw the colourful mattresses
they were receiving, the smiles were huge - and the 'Merci beaucoups'
plentiful. I couldn't believe how excited they were as I placed that mattress
on their heads. There were a few disabled/blind children today and I had tears
in my eyes as they went by. Unfortunately there was no time to take pictures as
I was so busy but certainly today was the best day so far for me.
Barb for
Team Togo 2018
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the children got to me - the last station - and saw the colourful mattresses
they were receiving, the smiles were huge - and the 'Merci beaucoups'
plentiful. I couldn't believe how excited they were as I placed that mattress
on their heads. There were a few disabled/blind children today and I had tears
in my eyes as they went by. Unfortunately there was no time to take pictures as
I was so busy but certainly today was the best day so far for me.
Barb for
Team Togo 2018
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Togo: A Sideways Day!
We had a normal start to the day and then it went sideways. As we were sitting down to breakfast, Messah, one of our OVPs, said that Laurent had called and said to delay our departure by half an hour. We were told that this was because the truck carrying the mattresses and bedkits was delayed on the road to Kpalime. We all thought that it was a mechanical issue, only to learn when we got to Yokele for the distribution that it was because the President was going to be using the main NNW road to Kpalime and that all heavy goods trucks were banned from using it.
As such, we used the time to entertain the children with music, singing, blowing bubbles, tossing a Frisbee back and forth with them, and even playing soccer. There was no doubt that the Togolese teems from the local area were not affected by the heat and humidity as much as much Ian Culbertson was when he was playing soccer with them.
The AED truck with our bedkits and mattresses finally arrived at the sites to cheers from the recipients and from the members of our Travelling Volunteers and the OVPs [Overseas Volunteer Partners]. We all pitched in again to unload the truck and bag the mattresses so that they could be presented to the children.
We had started taking pictures of the children while the unloading was going on and had the children stay in one of the classrooms form until the kits were ready to be handout. Once they were, the team was able to hand the kits out to the children with their broad smiles and grins. Despite the delay, it was another great distribution as can be seen in this team photo as the 5,000th bedkit was handed out.
On the way back to our residence in Lome, we stopped at the Centre de Formation de Haute Couture – Heritier Eternal, which the tailor shop where the skirts and short for the 6,000 bedkits were sewn. The owner and master sewer welcomed us and the apprentice students sang and danced traditional Togolese songs. It was great to see where the clothes were made, but even better to experience the culture.
It the evening, we hosted our OVP team partners at “Les Nuits des Orients” restaurant in Lome. The food was delicious and it gave us an opportunity to know our partners better. They have done so much work to make this set of distributions a success.
Team Togo 2018
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Togo: A Distribution Unlike The Others!
Our 9th distribution day was unlike any other! The truck bringing the bedkits to the distribution site broke down en route during the night. We delayed our departure two hours and were greeted at the site by Le Club Fraternité Maman, a women’s club devoted to bettering life for women in Togo. They treated us with wonderful singing and dancing. Once they finished, the children entertained us with rousing songs as well.
Once we knew that the truck was repaired and on its way to the site, we set up for pictures.
After the truck arrived, more than 25 people helped to unload the knapsacks and mattresses, including some of the ladies from the women’s organization as well as older children from the distribution site. Assembly lines were spontaneously formed and everyone pitched in to get this distribution underway.
Today’s distribution showed us what can be accomplished when many people, sometimes complete strangers, give willingly to help reach a common goal. Today we had another memorable distribution and 500 children will have a better sleep tonight!
Ricki Miles
Team Togo 2018
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Togo: And Today On the Eight Day!
After our 8th distribution, this one in the central plateau region a few kilometres from one of the schools that we did a distribution at last year, we took the time on our way back to Lome to visit a “Support Education Togo” or SET school that our OVP helped build this past year in Bedjeme.
We did a distribution at the school in April 2017, and it only had three brick classrooms at that time, the rest being open air classrooms with a thatched roof. There were 400 students at the school then. Last July, Action Enfance et Developpement (AED) Togo and SET contracted to have three new classrooms built. The project was completed in only three (3) months. The new classrooms currently hold 180 students, but they hope to raise that number to 240 students in fall with the addition of another teacher. We talked with the two principals of the school and some of the teachers. They are very thankful for the new school building because it means so much for the villagers and their children in this very remote area of Togo.
We also saw some of last year’s bedkit recipients near the school. They were working in the fields helping their families with planting the new corn crops and yam crops – all being done by hand. The children were easily recognizable because their distinctive SCAW clothing that we gave them last year. We did not have the opportunity to see inside the mud and thatched homes that they live, but we will be visiting more recipients tomorrow as well as the tailor who makes the skirts and shorts for the children who receive a bedkit.
For the children,
Bill SergeantTeam Togo 2018
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Togo: Day 7 - Part 2!
Team Togo 2018 finished its 7th distribution today in a small village well north of Lome. The Travelling Team and the OVP volunteers work very well together and the coordination between the two groups is fantastic. We have become the proverbial "well oiled machine".
We made it back to Lome at 1515 hrs despite the torrential downpour that we went through at the half way point of our return journey. Thank goodness that it did not rain at the distribution or back in Lome. The rain was so heavy that the water pooled quickly and became streams and rivers along each side of the road in a matter of minutes. We had to slow right down as we travelled for safety's sake. Thank goodness the storm ceased just as quickly as it started.
When we got back to Casa Blanca, our cook had prepared a typical Togolese supper for us. It consisted of mutton in a peanut sauce, chicken in a tomato sauce, Togolese spinach with hot green peppers, fufu (mashed yams) and corn puree. We also had fresh mangos and pineapple for dessert. It was quite the experience and we ate it with our fingers (right hand only). What a treat - an unexpected bonus for all of us on this trip. The picture does not do justice to the experience - one that we will never forget.
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Togo: A Day In The Life Of A SCAW Travelling Volunteer!
It is already the day for distribution 7 and so we are gathered in the van for a 7 am start, after having our usual breakfast of croissants and baguettes and delicious pineapple and mangoes. We sure will miss that when we return home. We have a long way to go and the earlier start helps to avoid the heavy traffic as we head out of Lome.
It is fascinating to watch the people - on foot, on motorcycles, and in cars and trucks, many loaded down with all kinds of things, from produce, to furniture, to goats on the roof.
We reach our destination - safely and in good time due to Mensah's excellent driving.
The site looks a little chaotic, but quickly the teachers organize the excited children, who are already dressed in their bright SCAW t-shirts. They wave and clap as we drive in and we have the setup down to a science now. Ian and Stuart get out the harmonicas and soon the crowd of children are singing and clapping with big smiles on their faces. We also get the bubbles and the balloons going while they wait for the distribution to start.
My job today is to interview 3 parents of children after they have received their bedkits. We ask them about their family life, their sleeping habits, and if they have any suggestions for items for future distributions.
Most of the children sleep on the ground with no mosquito nets and so they are excited to see the mosquito nets in the bedkits. Suggestions for things they would like to see include a hat, a container for water, and closed toe shoes. Suggestions for a bed or a bicycle get a big laugh. Most families walk to the distribution but today two came by motorcycle, one from 22 Km. away.
Things go quickly and we are back on the road shortly after noon to have lunch in the van - Bill's delicious avocado sandwiches.
We run into a torrential rainstorm on the way home but in Lome, it has not rained.
So we're home by 3:30 - for showers, to write reports and check the pictures.
Another successful day. Another 500 bedkits distributed and we are now up to 3500.
Only 2500 to go.
Barb Simpson
Team Togo 2018
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Togo: Journeys to the Damonou Distribution
The sun rises hot in Togo. We left early this morning for our distribution in Damonu 130km north of Lome. If felt a bit grumbly - a combination of our early rise and a somewhat unsettled stomach. But off we went. Two hours later we arrived at the distribution site and my petty concerns about my own circumstances quickly gave way to what I discovered of others.
A team from our volunteer partner group had loaded 500 bedkits into their truck in Lome and departed at midnight - arriving in Damonu for 5:00 a.m. to ensure the site could be set up for our arrival. During the distribution, I interviewed an older man and woman who had left their mountain villages at 6:00 a.m. and walked 15km with their children over high terrain to arrive at the distribution site. Then they had to wait anywhere up to two hours until their children received their bedkits before they could turn around for the long walk home.
Such is the value of the bedkits our donors generously provide that both local volunteer participants and recipients undertake such notable efforts to ensure they get to those who need them throughout Togo
Stuart Culbertson
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Togo: The Football Story!
Today we're back out for another distribution, this time near the border with Benin. After another great breakfast from our cook Bill, we're packed in the van and watching in awe as our driver dexterously weaves between potholes, goats, and a small army of fearless motorcyclists. Driving here is a fine art.
We arrive at our distribution site and are met by a gathering of 500 Togolese schoolkids singing away. I am continually amazed by how ingrained music is in day-to-day life, and I breathe in as the voices of this 500-person gospel choir echoes through the air.
Only on day three and we've already fell into a good rhythm to set up for the day, one that usually sees me and my dad engage in a harmonica duel in front of the kids. A few balloons, bubbles, and puppets later and we're ready to go.
I'm on backpack handout today, and I do my best to make eye contact with every child that comes my way. With the help of one of our local volunteers, I also start to learn some of the local language. Before long I'm able to say hello, how are you, and you're welcome as the kids pass by, and I am rewarded for making this small effort by watching so many surprised children breaking into giant grins.
As the distribution enters its last 100 kids, I feel the pull of the football game that is quickly unfolding at the nearby pitch. I undutifily abandon my post; our team here is phenomenally cohesive and my nearest teammate agrees to work double time while I vanish to partake in the national pastime.
The gathering of kids seem surprised as I join them in a game of what I can only describe as get the ball, turn, and shoot. Suddenly, as if in a West African version of Field of Dreams, local school kids begin to emerge out of the nearby woodlands in steady numbers. Before long there are about 100 kids running and laughing on the pitch. I feel so honoured to be able to join their game, and I feel the warmth of camaraderie with a group of kids who's lives are so different than my own. I also feel the warmth of the 37-degree sun on my pale Scottish skin, and I am soon imagining how the Scottish nationals would fare in a friendly in Togo. I teach the kids how to properly celebrate after a goal, which is, naturally, to run around the field with your arms out like the wings of an airplane. I remind myself to find out how to shout 'goal' in the local language, and as I net one myself I realize I'm likely the recipient of Canada's only international goal in this part of the world.
As we leave the distribution site I am elated that not only have we once again managed to disperse 500 bedkits to families in dire need, but I have some new football friends on the other side of the world. I get the feeling I won't ever forget this day.
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