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Yesterday the team enjoyed a well deserved rest day after 12 straight days of bedkit distributions. It was a day for a leisurely breakfast, a swim, a nice walk in downtown Kampala and some shopping for local crafts. The day ended with a delicious evening meal at a patio restaurant. Also a day to have some laundry done!
Today is ‘Martyr’s Day’ in Uganda. Homage is paid to the memory of 20 young men who chose to die in the late 1800’s rather than denying their religious beliefs. Throngs of people walk to the historic site at this time every year to remember the sacrifices made by their ancestors. A number of us went to a church service this morning to experience the culture of this special day.
This afternoon we joined with the executive of the Inner Wheel Club of Kampala to formally debrief our shared experience of 12 distributions that provided bedkits to 7000 joyous children. Everyone agreed that it had been an amazing journey with excellent outcomes. At each rural centre we were welcomed by excited throngs of children and their parents who greeted us with dancing and songs. The Inner Wheel members and the SCAW team from Canada worked hand-in-hand to ensure that 7000 children received their precious bedkit and that a photograph was taken of each happy child. This debriefing session enabled us to jointly assess the whole distribution experience and to make suggestions for the future.
Afterwards our overseas partners, the women of the Inner Wheel, treated us to a celebratory dinner hosted at the home of this year’s SCAW Chair, Winifred Biraaro. We laughed, hugged, sang, danced and enjoyed a delicious buffet meal prepared by Winnie’s daughters. What a grand way to end this year’s SCAW distribution - celebrating as a unified team who had achieved so much over the past two weeks.
It has been a privilege to serve as the Team Leader for Team Uganda 2018. Working together with the amazing women of the Inner Wheel was delightful. Our joint team was strong, dedicated, flexible, energetic and wiling to do anything to make the project successful. Thank you to the thousands of donors who made it possible to improve the lives of so many children. 100% of your money was utilized to provide Ugandan children with the gift of a better night’s sleep and school supplies to support a brighter future.
Team Uganda is now signing off….
Lois Wey
Team Uganda 2018Post your comments here:
We got on the bus early arriving at Korongo
Anglican Public school by 8:30am. The Inner Wheel team had been there
since sunrise preparing for the distribution. Beside the school was a large
Anglican Church - one of 17 in the area under the priest who acted as this writer’s translator for the recipient interviews. He walks beside the hardship
and struggles of his parishioners.
In just a few hours we had given our LAST Bedkit.
We did it !!!!
12 distributions in
12 days
7000 bedkits distributed
7000 grateful families
7 tired SCAW Uganda team members
11 tired Inner Wheel Ladies
18 hearts full of love and gratitude for the opportunity to bring such important gifts to these needy children on behalf of our many generous donors
Donors are the lifeblood of SCAW. Thank you!
Their generosity supported our ability to increase the number of bedkits in the distribution this year in Uganda . When you see the children who were unable to be bedkit recipients, you know how vital this annual distribution is in Uganda.
We are now on the bus which has been our home for 12 days, making the four hour trip back to Kampala.
Tired, sleepy and content with a job well done.
Janet Helmer
SCAW Uganda 2018 team member
Refreshed and ready for a new day we
headed a short distance to our distribution site in Kyabigambire. We were met
by cries of ‘yayayayayaya’ a sound of appreciation by the women of the area, we
shook hands and felt very welcomed by their community. The children were all
dressed and ready in their colourful clothes from the SCAW distribution. The
children had been waiting patiently then slowly moved towards us in a wave of
colour. When we started blowing bubbles they laughed the carefree laugh of a
child as they tried to hold the bubble in their hands, like how I will hold
this trip as a memory, a fragile thing that is there and then it is just a
beautiful memory. All set and ready to go we sang some songs with the children.
We concluded the singing with the children singing the ‘National Anthem of
Uganda’ followed by us singing ‘Oh Canada!’ Many times I have sang this song
but I will remember this time specifically as we sang as a group of seven
Canadians seeing the watchful eyes of these innocent Ugandan children. We went
back to the front where we were entertained by the women dancing to the sound
of the drums. The distribution went well, a light rain fell. Afterwards we sat
under the stool shade of a large Mango tree with members of the inner wheel as
we concluded our visit to this community. We watched as children with bedkits
and family members dispersed from the area.
Tonight the recipients will
replace their papyrus mat with a new foam mattress, the mosquito netting will
cover their bed tonight and protect them from malaria. The
children will use their new lunch bucket tomorrow to pack up
their matoke or rice and vegetables for lunch. The sandals provided in the kit
will be treasured. The children will examine the math kit and be excited to
think they have 12 exercise books to use for their lessons. The others items
will also be very useful to them, including a blanket, 2 sheets, a wash basin,
boxers, a water bottle and a backpack.
We waved good bye and set off down
the road, so thankful for the wonderful organizing of our Inner Wheel friends,
as things are going very smoothly. The children will have a good night’s sleep
for many nights and even though we know that there are many more who need our
help, we head home knowing what we did ‘for the Children.’
By Margo Leonard
Team Uganda 2018Post your comments here:
Every
day we have so much to appreciate. We had our closest distribution site so far.
It was a short half hour drive to Kitoba.
We were
met by a sea of smiling faces and joyful singing. The mattresses and bedkits
were ready to be taken to their new homes where they will be treasured. Our
photographers scouted around while the rest of us blew bubbles and greeted the
parents and children.
A unique
background was chosen. With everyone at their posts, the Inner Wheel ladies
made the wheels turn well. With the background music playing Happy Birthday, we
started our distribution. I was fortunate to see every face of these amazing
children as they sat for their photos, tall, short, colourful outfits of
yellow, green, blue and red. Some children had shoes, others did not, sometimes
adding a small necklace, curious eyes, frightened eyes, shy, timid smiles,
giggles behind hands, downcast eyes, and a heartfelt curtesy from the girls as
they accepted their kits.
As the distribution nears its end, we
watch as families leave, thanking us again as they start perhaps the several
kilometres walk home in the heat of the day. The sun provided the warmth of the
day, but the children provided the warmth in our hearts as we packed up our
belongings. After another successful distribution with so much help from our
Inner Wheel friends, we loaded the bus and thanked the volunteers from the
community, in particular Margaret Atuhairwe, who was the liaison for the Hoima
area distributions. Each time as we drive away from a site, the area nearly
empty of people, we leave of bit of our hearts here.
We are happy that we
are able to help 585 children a day.
By Margo
Leonard
Team Uganda 2018Post your comments here:
Today we departed for our bus journey, far removed from the paved road. Our very capable driver, Hassan, is expert at steering down the 'clay' road, filled with many ruts and holes, some the size of small craters. Our bus is filled with 28 cheerful people. The lush green fields of Western Uganda provide families with abundant fruits and vegetables, such as mangoes, pineapples, papayas, cassava, potatoes, beans, and avocados. It is a bountiful land, filled with beautiful colours, reflected in their National Flag of black, yellow and red.
We saw 2 family dwellings. One child in each of the families received a bedkit today.
By Monika Sergeant
Team Uganda 2018
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Travelling into the lush mountain area of Hoima district to Kitoonya public school.Our morning journey takes us off the main road, down a dusty, winding and bumpy road. The road is narrow with lush vegetation on both sides surrounded by mountains of the Rwenzori Range. We all marvel and admire the "Pearl of Africa" landscape with the blue sly and blazing sun starting the day.
We turn a bend arriving at Kitoonya Public School with parents and children lining the driveway waving, chanting and dancing on our arrival.We disembark to a sea of colours surrounding and welcoming us. Our kits have already arrived and assembled and ready for our distribution. A jubilation follows with everyone clapping, chanting and dancing to show their gratefulness for this wonderful day in this remote location. Blowing soap bubbles with the children, dancing within the crowd, along with singing, allows us to share in the celebration.
Then the distribution team is ready and all the children are attired in their red, yellow, green dresses for girls and blue shorts with red, blue and green tees, what a sight as they line up. Two hours later all 585 kits have been distributed - a job well done by everyone. Now it is time to pack up the bus and head back to rest.
Well the Inner Wheel Group had another surprise for us on the way home, to complete our day. A home visit to one of the individuals receiving our kit that day. We arrived at the home of a young 24 year old woman with two children and four other step children from her new husband. We arrive at the humble abode hesitant to disturb this family with everyone attending but wanting to view their humble lifestyle We are truly taken back by the meagre necessities.
The mother was cooking supper on an open fire with a blackened steel pot. Supper consisted of sweet potato and pinto beans which she grew in her yard. ,She had walked her daughter who received the kit, three km to the distribution, while the other children were at home with an older child. The girl receiving the kit was still dressed in her yellow outfit while the other children were dressed in very sparse essentials. The house was constructed of mud brick and some cement with dirt floors. The small dwelling was divided into a bedroom for the parents, a bedroom for the six children, and a storage/living room. Outside was a cooking hut, as well as a small area protected by bamboo stalks that was used as a bathing centre. A rudimentary outhouse was also on the property (a dug hole in the ground). We left with a lot of respect for this 24 year old mother who was doing the best she could at such such a young age with the limited resources available.We are all very thankful for what we have and where we live.
By Bill Helmer
Team Uganda 2018
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While we did not have many miles to travel today our bus did have to fight its way up a very slippery mud road in the rain. We were concerned about our bedkit delivery truck but we were delighted to see the truck there and unpacked as we arrived. It must have been all the Inner Wheel women singing on the bus that got us there on time.
After the children were changed into their new clothes we were ready to begin. All went well as the rain passed before we started and in fact it became a hot and humid day. We tried to keep the children in the shade as much as possible as the Uganda sun was hot. At the end of the day 583 children received their gift to help them have safe and healthy sleep.
We were fortunate enough to have a meeting with a local General Practitioner to hear more about local health issues. Dr Alex Gahanza spoke with us for over 1.5 hours. He highlighted the many health issues that are directly related to mosquitoes, poor nutrition and hygiene. These parents are facing multiple challenges including food, school fees and medical attention. He congratulated SCAW on assisting with helping to reduce systemic problems like malaria. With guidance the parents can properly help to protect their young ones.
Our team is working well together and with the Inner Wheel we are touching many lives for the better. We thank our donors for your continued support.
Kerry Harman
Team Uganda 2018
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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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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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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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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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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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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
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
Team Uganda 2018Post your comments here:
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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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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.
Team Togo 2018Post your comments here:
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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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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