Sri Lanka: Second Last Day Of Distributions!

Our second last day of distribution lead us to two locations, where we were traditionally greeted and welcomed. The receiving of flowers and/or betel leaves gives one a sense of not only be welcomed but that we are honoured guests and a hand of friendship is being extended to us. The crowd of children and parents who align the parade route as we proceed into the distribution location are clearly filled with wonder and expectation. If for no other reason, the trip to Sri Lanka , just to see the wonderful smiling and gentle children, is worth all the time and effort. 

Although both of our locations did not have the greatest of backgrounds for our photos, they were both well organized and things moved fairly smoothly. Our second location at CEF CHILDREN EDUCATION CENTRE, was quite a surprise. It is facility for training preschool (they refer to it as kindergarten) teachers. It is quite unusual as it is a centre run by a Buddhist Monk, who receives most of his support from donors in Japan. He is also unique in that he is a member of the local Rotary Club and has just completed a term as District Governor. It was here that we were treated to a delicious lunch including rice, dahl, chicken, vegetables and fruit. The best of all was distributing 225 bedkits to smiling, appreciative and needy children.

Sri Lanka 2018
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Tanzania: Raymond James' First Sunday!

This morning we were up bright and early to join Mama and Wendy for a 7 am church service. We enjoyed the beautiful voices of multiple choirs and the children who sang to us before they went off to Sunday school. We were introduced to congregation as special guests of Mama.

We visited with the children in Sunday school and then went over to Mamas house to look at the bed kit contents, mattresses and the sewing facility where they make the children’s clothes and backpacks.

We returned back to the hotel and did a bed kit evaluation/ quality control.
The rest of the day we prepared for tomorrow’s first day of distribution.  We are all very excited. 

Goodnight!
Diane Groot
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Sri Lanka: Gratitude!

More than halfway through our distributions, Day 7 marked 12 distributions and over 4000 bedkits handed out to very deserving children.  When arriving at each distribution site, we have been received graciously and welcomed by each Sri Lankan community.  We have been honoured by beautiful welcoming customs including being given bouquets of flowers or a necklace of fresh flowers placed around our necks, being handed leaves representing honour and worship, and receiving presentations from school bands and dancers in beautiful costumes.  During many of the distributions there is a short presentation where the members of SCAW, school officials and rotary members will light a large oil lamp to signify the opening of the celebration. In each case, I feel so fortunate and humbled to be shown such grace and gratitude and will fondly recall the kindness in Sri Lanka.

Team Sri Lanka 2018
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Tanzania: The Raymond James Volunteers Have Arrived!

Left to Right: Teresa Raidl, Thomas Riadl, Annie Lau,  Warren Wagstaff, Diane Groot, Darren Coleman, Susan Coleman, Dominique Vincent

After 24 hours and 3 flights we arrived safely in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania where we were greeted by Benjamin, Wendy and Mama Wandoa. A short drive lead us to our comfortable accommodation and much needed sleep. Next morning we met with Helen, the leader of team one Tanzania. Her enthusiasm was obvious and got our team very excited about what was to come. The entire team was looking forward to the two days before our distribution to acclimatize to the new time zone. The first day was being spent getting used to her new surroundings. Shopping for food and water and exchanging for Tanzanian schillings. A little shopping at some roadside markets. The Tinga Tinga market and Mwenge market was full of paintings and new friends. It was surprising how popular we were! We headed back to the hotel for more rest as tomorrow we will be spending the day with Mama and seeing more of the sights of this amazing place. 

Team Tanzania 2018
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Sri Lanka: Two Interesting Distributions!

Our team had an interesting distribution today.  Our first one had space constraints, but due to the hard work of the SCAW team, we managed to ensure that all the children received their bedkits.  Go Team!!!

Our second distribution was quite smooth and we certainly appreciated the Shoe Company's quick shoe sizing for the children.

Our treat after the distributions was a wonderful meal at Rotarian Ravi's home.  We met his wife Dilhara and daughter Thanukshi.  

Thanukshi's convocation is today at Colombo University.  She is graduating with an International Business degree.  Congrats, and thanks for the lovely meal. Very much appreciated by the team.

 

Team Sri Lanka 2018

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Sri Lanka: Contrasts!

Our second distribution day provided contrast in locations and in feel.  We had a 500 kit distribution in the morning and found ourselves in a small photo location with an outdoor stone wall as a backdrop and minimum space for the children to change, be organized and proceed through the various stages required before receiving their kit.

The afternoon distribution of 200 kits took place on a lush green mountainside with staggeringly beautiful views and plenty of space for our team and the children.  Yet both distributions were rewarding and successful despite their differences.  

We also enjoyed connecting with many children and parents as we visited the home of one of the families who had received a kit.  We were truly honoured to have been invited so warmly into their home and appreciate their willingness to share their lives with a group of strangers.  The small community all came out to see us and we were accompanied back to our van by an enthusiastic group of young boys.

Team Sri Lanka
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Tanzania: Mission Accomplished!

What an accomplishment! 6000 happy children will sleep a little better and be able to cope well at school.  We had a very hot and dusty last day at a very large school at Boko.  We were privileged to visit the home of one of the bedkit recipients. What a difficult life for a young single mother with 2 children in a one-room house. This gentle welcoming woman earns a living by breaking rocks with a hammer. 

Last night we celebrated with Mama Wandoa and her family. We surprised her with balloons and gifts and birthday cake and ice cream. She was overwhelmed with all the cards and letters from SCAW friends and with the binder full of labels from bed kits donated in her honour. It was such a delight to give back to a woman who gives so much to others.

Our team is now journeying on. Two are heading back to Canada, two are going on safari for a few days and our intrepid leader and her husband are going to climb Kilimanjaro! We wish them a safe and successful climb!

It has again been my pleasure to be part of such a wonderful team and to spread the word about SCAW. 

Team Tanzania
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Sri Lanka: A Busy Day!

Today the Sri Lanka team was busy with two distributions around Colombo.  At our first distribution, we were welcomed with freshly handmade flower leis as a token of the students' gratitude.  The second distribution was planned by the rotary group in the area and they visited 6 local schools where 50 of the most needy kids were chosen from each school.

 

There were many students with disabilities and we were able to learn valuable information from the interviews conducted.

Team Sri Lanka 2018
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Tanzania: Hitting The Books!

Today we did our distribution at 2 schools that were side by side and close to the Indian Ocean. 

When we arrived we noticed many students sitting on the grass in the courtyard seemingly doing homework. The students were sitting singly with lots of separation between them. Our driver, David, explained that they were doing an exam and had to do it outside as the classrooms were too small and the students would be too close together. 

After greeting the children at this school we walked next door to the other school arriving just in time for the morning assembly and singing of the Tanzanian national anthem. This was followed by drumming and dancing by the children. 

After the dancing, we greeted the parents and explained why we were there and what was in the bedkits that the children would be receiving. The parents were very impressed and thankful. 

Then we got to work and delivered 750 bedkits all made possible by your generous support. 

For the children 

Jim H. for

Team Tanzania 2018
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Tanzania: A Tale Of Two Schools!

Today we were  about one hour travelling time to get to a school in the community of Yombo Vituka . There were two schools side by side so we gave bedkits to 375 children in each school.

The school day started, as with many other distribution sites with the children in assembly. One child rang the bell which was an old wheel hub suspended from a tree and the children ran to line up in the appropriate lines. Three lines of children would begin singing, running on the spot and then were dismissed on the run to their classes. Then the next three rows would repeat the process until all the children were in their classes.

This is the team ready for action before the distribution began.

It was a great day.  The team was 100% efficient and 750 children will sleep wonderfully well tonight!

Team Tanzania 2018
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Tanzania: Another Rewarding Day!

Today Team Tanzania delivered another 750 bedkits to a school in Dar es Salaam here in Tanzania.  

As with all the schools we visited, they start with an outdoor assembly where they sing their national anthem and other events that rally the students. Always a pleasure to watch.  

During distribution, I had the opportunity to interview three mothers and their children.  They told us very sincerely their deep appreciation for what we are providing their children. God Bless us was a frequent refrain.  

After distribution we visited the Salvation Army home for children with various disabilities where they give them a home, education and fellowship.  They try and prepare them for the outside world upon graduation with skills to sustain them. There are 20 children there and interestingly 32 of them are albino children that were saved from mostly rural areas that regarded these children as a curse.  Many of them would not have survived.  It was on one hand heartbreakingly to see the various disabilities yet good to see them happily playing together.   

For the Children, 
Ron Shaw for Team Tanzania 2018
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Sri Lanka: A Video From Our First Distribution!

Team Sri Lanka 2018
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Tanzania: Distribution 4!

Today was an amazing day! What a team we have! In the village of Kilimahewa there are 2 schools very close to each other. Only one was suited to our set-up, with ideal conditions for the photo shoot and security for our team, children and parents. Our incredible team of overseas volunteers dressed and transported by foot, 500 children from one school to another in record time. The other 250 children from the home school joined the queue and all were prepped, photographed and given their bed kits with smiles all around. These parents and children are so delightful and appreciative of the gifts from all our generous donors. It is often so difficult to know that not all the needy children can be helped but so heartwarming to know that 750 more children will sleep a little more soundly tonight. 

Team Tanzania 2018
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Sri Lanka: 1st Distribution In Pictures!

What a great distribution to start our trip on! As a first time 17 year old SCAW team member it was a wonderful experience connecting with and entertaining the kids while they waited patiently to get their picture taken. The process of giving a child a bedkit was a sight to behold and a remarkable operation to participate in due to the diligence and hard work of the Rotary Club members. 

My job today was to line up the children before they got their picture taken. We played with bubbles and gave many high fives. Counting to ten was even a form of entertainment! 700 kids from 62 local schools were chosen today to receive bedkits donated so graciously by you, the donor. I was lucky enough be part of this incredible procedure. 

A huge thank you also goes out to the students and staff of the host school. Even though they themselves were not receiving a bedkit their help was integral to the success of distribution today. We look forward to distributing more bedkits tomorrow! 

Sri Lanka 2018
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Sri Lanka: Preparing For Our First Distribution!

Today the team traveled by van to our new location and to prepare for our first distribution. The journey proved to be very interesting and full of new sights! We spotted a water monitor, monkeys and even ended up in the middle of a parade. After our long ride we took time to stop at the distribution site. We are excited about tomorrow and are so thankful for our rotary partners! 

Team Sri Lanka 2018
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Tanzania: A Wonderful Sunday!

Attending Mama Wandoah’s church at 7:00am!! The team enjoyed the music, the singing and being part of a wonderful service with Mama, Wendy and Benjamin. Wendy was to my right and she provided an excellent translation of the preacher’s words from Swahili to English. I did try to sing some of the hymns in Swahili but will definitely need to practise lots more.

The children were beautiful and sang a song about Jesus for us. They were all very well behaved and had huge smiles. The little one in pink stole our hearts.

Mama’s church is in the middle of its construction and we are happy to donate to this very worthy cause. There is a huge campaign to get all of the families involved as they hope to finish the church soon. It is a spectacular place to gather as we felt very welcome.

We could not leave before visiting the nursery to sing with the 100 children: “If you are happy....” and to teach them the hand jive. Everyone was wearing their Sunday best clothes.

Back to work tomorrow for our fourth distribution. Our team is congenial, hard working and loads of fun. A great group of volunteers.

For the children
Team Tanzania 2018
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Tanzania: Our Day Off!

The SCAW team had a well-deserved day off today. Our cultural adventures included a visit to the Mwenge Carvers Market where local carvers work with ebony and other woods to make beautiful African carvings. The Tinga Tinga Arts Cooperative supports a large number of artists who paint a unique artistic style of art. At the Village Museum we learned about the historical roots of the Tanzanian people and how they lived, and we enjoyed some energetic music and dancing.  Our team is learning a lot about the Tanzanian culture and enthusiastically embracing the local food. 

We even got a chance to stick our feet into the Indian Ocean at Coco Beach, a local beach destination. And at dinner we enjoyed a spectacular panoramic view of the Indian Ocean before heading back to our accommodation.

Team Tanzania 2018
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Sri Lanka: Behind The Scenes Of Bedkit Production!

Today our team had the opportunity to travel with our overseas partners to meet the people, places and faces behind the production of the bedkits.  Donor’s contributions not only provide the children of Sri Lanka with necessary and important items; they also serve local industry and provide jobs to the people of Sri Lanka.  

Textile cottage industry worker

3 generation family involved with SCAW

In preparation for this distribution, locals worked together to organize, develop, produce, compile and coordinate the 24 items to be provided in each of the 6000 bedkits that SCAW will be distributing.  We are truly thankful for the generosity of the donors and the hard-work that our partners and Sri Lankan workers contributed to put together the bedkits. It takes many hands and caring hearts to change lives.

rotary group and team in front of the family business who makes pillows

Supplies

family business who makes backpacks

Team Sri Lanka 2018

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Tanzania: Tsongola

Traffic was lighter this morning as we made our way to Tsongola about one hour from our residence. We were able to set up with the help of the young volunteers from the school who took the mattresses from the truck and tied all 750 with twine.

A mother and the recipient of a bedkit were interviewed to see what was important to them in the bedkit and what if any suggestions they could make.

The excitement of the day was the 100,000 bedkit donated today in Tanzania. Congratulations to Mama Wanda,  Benjamin and Wendy our partners in Tanzania for a job well done!

Team Tanzania 2018
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Sri Lanka: Getting Ready!

We successfully and safely arrived in Sri Lanka last night! We happily got settled into our wonderful hotel, although sleep was scarce to been seen for most of us. Breakfast, accompanied by some nice walks along the beach were a wonderful way to start the trip. 

We had a productive team meeting for most of the morning and enjoyed a nice lunch in the hotel restaurant. Afterwards, during yet another walk along the beach, Richard and myself aided some local fishermen in getting their boat up on the shore.What an awesome way to interact with the locals! Soon after, a van came and picked us all up to go do some sightseeing. 

The aforementioned sightseeing included a tour of a Buddhist temple, local supermarket, church, canal, fish market and we excitedly caught our first glimpse of some Sri Lankan kids. Now we are getting ready and looking forward to distributing 6000 bedkits to the precious children of Sri Lanka.   

Julia Albrecht

Team Sri Lanka 2018
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