Masking - Philippines, March 2023
This being the first in person SCAW distribution since the start of the pandemic, there were many issues and concerns, one of which was the determination of the need for masking.
It was decided that the travelling team would take its lead from the country of distribution and the local distribution centres.
Prior to boarding the aircraft we were advised to wear a mask at all times except when eating.
Arriving in the Philippines at the Manila airport we were required to register on line all our vaccine history, including dates and which vaccine we received.
Within the airport masks were prevalent on most, if not all, of the people. This was also the case with ground transportation and at the hotel and adjacent mall.
We were advised that daily reporting of active cases was occurring and that the numbers in Manila were much higher than the outlying provinces which explained the stricter adherence to masking in the densely populated areas.
We, especially the photographers, think that the smile, always sought for in picture taking, would be missed since many of us consider the mouth turned up to illicit a smile which we believe signals joy, happiness, appreciation etc . A mask covering the mouth reminds us that these emotions are also expressed in other ways such as twinkling eyes, touch, laughing, giggles, body movements and, with these children, remarkable hand gestures indicating love, appreciation and joy.
Joy is clearly evident in these photos!
We anticipate that those receiving pictures of children who have chosen to keep their masks on will be understanding and supportive of their choices for safety of self and others.
Distribution 5 - Philippines, March 2023
Today's distribution was in the home city of our host Dr. Ito Torres.
The morning distribution we gave out 350 bedkits and again after lunch we gave out another 350.
Beside the Kiwanis group we also had the Boy and Girl Scouts as our volunteers to help with unloading the bedkits and assisting the children when needed.
After the distribution we were shown the Kiwanis building and the library which they have set up on the main floor.
Tomorrow is a day of rest.
Fran
Distribution 4 - Philippines, March 2023
Today the distribution occurred at two quite different sites within the Manila area.
The first location was a church and 350 bedkits were distributed with the assistance, as always, of a fantastic team of over 40 Kiwanis members. The second site was an athletic facility and again 350 children were present, showing obvious gratification when they received their bedkits that included a mattress, sheet, pillow and pillow case, mosquito net, 2 pairs of shorts, 4 tee shirts, a raincoat, 3 notebooks, pencils and pens along with a back pack.
At each location we start the distribution with the two countries’ anthems and a prayer. Both of these sites surprised us with a performance. There was a cultural dance at the church and an amazing song in English plus a different cultural dance at the second location.
There was no doubt about the joy the children and their families felt in receiving the bedkits from the generous donors to SCAW, often adding hand gestures of appreciation which seems to be a common additional way of expressing oneself here in the Philippines.
Distribution 3 - Philippines, March 2023
Today was a mixed day of distributing 350 bedkits combined with travelling back to Manila from a few hours south of Manila. We had stayed overnight in a town close to the volcano that had a high risk of a massive eruption in 2020. The volcano risk and emergence of COVID in 2020 cancelled our 2020 distribution. Everybody including us and especially the kids welcomed our return.
The trip back to Manila had a bit of fun when we visited the oldest church in Asia, period costume dress up and a treat of Halo Halo.
There were some very happy kids.
Distribution 2 - Phillippines, March 22, 2023, Blog #4
Thank-you for the moments!!
The day began earlier than the others as we had a 2 hour drive ahead
of us. We arrived safely and were greeted by a gym full of 350 children
patiently waiting for us and the bedkits.
We usually begin by singing our national anthems and showing the
children the items in the bedkit. You can always feel the excitement in
the room.
We then took the local transportation to our new hotel and had a
lovely lunch overlooking a volcano.
In the afternoon we again held a distribution for 350 children and
were done in record time. We had the opportunity to meet the local mayor
and he thanked us all for bringing hope to the children.
Sue Orr
Distribution 1 - Phillippines, March 22, 2023, Blog #3
We were very excited to do our first SCAW in-person distribution since 2020 when the world shut down. The bedkits had been purchased, labels printed, and children chosen so everything had been on hold since then.
We started with a small distribution of 200 in the morning to get a feel for the routine, which worked out quite well , then drove to another location about an hour away for the second distribution of 350 bedkits.
COVID has changed a few of the normal routines for picture taking, such as : not having the children change into the SCAW outfits, and the children were wearing masks so getting them to smile for their picture was not necessary.
Fran Wilson
Rest Day - Phillippines, March 2023, Blog #2
Today was scheduled as a day of rest with tomorrow being the first day of the distribution.
Despite the long journey to arrive here we all agreed we were somewhat disappointed that we were not starting the distribution today and meeting the wonderful Philippine children and our host Kiwanis Club partners.
Our car was not available to us as the vehicle designated to us was not permitted on the road. This is a measure government is using to assist in controlling traffic in this densely populated city.
Kindness was offered to us by coordinator Millette whose vehicle was allowed on the road after 10 am.
She chauffeured us to the Greenhills Market Place where we enjoyed a delightful morning of browsing, and for some of us shopping, followed by a delicious lunch and time to socialize and learn more about the Philippine culture and the products the Philippines are known for. The market had many many kiosks selling their renowned pearls.
Our afternoon was spent organizing for our first distribution tomorrow. As you can appreciate, review was essential in light of the Covid hiatus. We are fortunate to have Sue and Jim’s past experience here as well as their expertise in leadership.
We anticipate a day tomorrow of many smiles on faces as the children receive their bedkits which we will see despite the precaution of masking.
Arrival - Phillippines, March 2023, Blog #1
After arriving midday yesterday, today was our first full day to settle in. It was a “free day” but totally filled in quickly. It started out with our driver taking us to a US War Memorial for the Pacific Second World War relative to the Philippines. There were a few miscues before finding the right one but it was worth the effort and almost overwhelming - the size with the number of crosses of fallen soldiers. It is a touching circular structure with all the names included, rooms with geographic illustrations highlighting the activity around the Philippines.
Dr. Ito then took us, his personal attendant and driver out to lunch. As expected, he nailed it with a great place just next door to the hotel. After that, he kindly took us on a great tour of the highlights of the city. I think we all really appreciated his kindness and giving us so much of his time.
One more day to settle in and then I sense all of us are excited to start the bedkit distribution process again after a three year hiatus. A few pictures of lunch and the Memorial.
Cheers,
Jim
Tanzania Is Planning Ahead
Here is an update from Mama Wendoa and the Upendo Information and Counselling Centre, our OVPs in Tanzania.
“We are getting ready for 2023 distribution. Upendo Information and Counselling Centre an OVP from Tanzania, has started preparations for the July 2023 Distribution.
Materials for uniforms and for the school/carrier bag.
First and foremost we want to thank our donors and SCAW for the generosity of their support.
This year donors, SCAW and Upendo will see 6000 children go home smiling with their bedkits which will comprise of sleeping items which are a foam mattress, a treated mosquito net, a bed sheet, a t-shirt and a piece of wrapper (kanga) which will give the child a sound sleep, making them more ready for the next school day. Another happy moment will be them going to school wearing a new uniform. Donors have made it possible for a child to have a new white short sleeve school shirt, a pair of new shorts for boys and a new skirt for girls. They will also have a new school bag to carry their new exercise books, pens and pencils, eraser and sharpener, all these items given to them by donors in the bedkit.
Wrappers (Kanga)
As you can see in these few photos, Upendo has made it possible for the small cottage to stitch some of the bedkit items for the 6000 children.
Our July 2023 distribution will also be supported by SCAW Volunteers from Canada whom we have missed for more than 3 years due to COVID 19 pandemic. We are excited to have the team back again with us in Tanzania. KARIBU."
Sri Lanka, November, 2022, Blog #2
Here is the second update from Sri Lanka, written by our partners, the Rotary Club of Kelaniya. “Sleeping made comfortable to a group of Children in Sri Lanka – Day 2”.
“A good night’s sleep is a luxury today and facilitating same for a child is a noble gesture that gathers merit. On 26th Saturday 500 children from Pamunugama area, in Sri Lanka got the opportunity of experiencing the warmth and concern of the well-wishers, when they received bedkits donated by individuals and institutions in Canada, under the internationally acclaimed programme, spearheaded by Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), thus ensuring themselves of a comfortable night’s sleep.
In this distribution were two Rotary Clubs in Sri Lanka, The Rotary Club of Kelaniya partnering with the Rotary club of Pamunugama, distributing 500 bedkits to children drawn from five schools in Pamunugama area including a group of children from a differently abled home. All the children were seen overwhelmed with joy in receiving their colorful bedkits along with some school items.
The magnanimous gesture of generous donors, funding bedkits, organised by SCAW has been carried out in Sri Lanka for over 25 years and is seen as a unique programme that connects donors and recipients. The great moment, with kids receiving their kits, is captured through the lens of photographers, and presented to donors, which creates much valued satisfaction and long memories to the generous donors. Long Live SCAW!!”.
Sri Lanka, November, 2022
Here is the update from Sri Lanka, written by our partners, the Rotary Club of Kelaniya. “In an initiative to ensure one additional child in the world sleeps in comfort, the internationally acclaimed programme, spearheaded by Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) in collaboration with their overseas volunteer partner, the Rotary Club of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka, successfully accomplished its first phase of distribution on 19th November, 2022”.
Entrance to the distribution site in Sri Lanka
From our partners: “This was possible, thanks to the magnanimous gesture of generous donors in Canada funding for bedkits, organised by Sleeping Children Around the World. Deserving children between ages 6 and 12, from six schools in the area of Wattala received 300 valuable gifts of a bedkit (sleeping kit with school items) at this distribution. The local distribution was organized by Rotary Club of Kelaniya together with the Inner Wheel Club of Wattala on behalf of SCAW. It was very satisfying to see the under privileged children receiving this gift, post the Covid pandemic, especially at a point where Sri Lanka is experiencing a severe economic down turn.
Rotarians, Inner Wheelers and their immediate families grouped together, mingling with a multi-ethnic group of children from all communities, assembled in a temple to add a smile on the faces of these children. The children graciously accepted their gifts whilst sharing words of appreciation and gratitude with Thank You cards and songs”.
Children heading home with their bedkits - ready for a good night’s sleep.
Uganda 2022 Distribution Final Day: Mission accomplished!
It’s complete! The ladies from The Inner Wheel of Kampala have successfully finished the final distribution of 500 bedkits to children in northern Uganda. That brings the total to 4,000 children who will now have the opportunity for a good sleep, the safety of a mosquito net, and aids to their education.
Singing, dancing, and fun with the children were part of each day’s activities. There was some rain, but mostly good weather which helped the distributions run smoothly.
Our sincere thanks go to the team from the Inner Wheel of Kampala who made the distribution possible. As well as all the organizing, they also took on the responsibilities that are usually done by the SCAW team. We give them our gratitude.
The Inner Wheel team commented on the extreme need of the children in this part of Uganda, and the gift of bedkits to these children has been greatly appreciated by their families.
As always, the ladies captured photos and videos to share the experience with us.
The chair addresses parents and children:
The volunteers manning the tally table are ready to work:
The ladies at work:
The Inner Wheel president making sure that the tallying table flows well:
Our member Deborah. She has proved to be the the best in handling the children.
The children's smiles are covered, but she shows her smile.
A view of the distribution site and the photo ladies in action:
An especially meaningful moment: two special bedkits were distributed in honour of two members of The Inner Wheel who died from COVID-19, Winnie and Ann. May their souls rest in peace.
The SCAW chair couldn't imagine bringing a smile to 4,000 children and leaving without making herself smile. So she also got herself a kit of labels.
😀
Videos capture moments from the day:
NOTE: Photos and videos contained in the blog are used with permission.
Uganda 2022 Distribution Day 5: A day in pictures and video
NOTE:
Permission was obtained to use photos contained in the blog
Uganda 2022 Distribution Day 4: Rain? No problem for patient families and committed volunteers
The Inner Wheel of Kampala was at two distribution sites today, and saw a total of 1,000 children. There was a heavy downpour in the afternoon, so school classrooms were used to organize the children and take their photos. Fortunately, the roads around the site remained in good condition.
The ladies from The Inner Wheel report there is lots of dancing to welcome them at the distribution sites. The families wait eagerly, but patiently for their children to receive their bedkits.Lots of volunteers are available to assist the Inner Wheel members and the children.
3,000 children now have the opportunity for a better sleep.
Arrival in torrential rain:
And the rains kept coming...
In spite of the rain, children and their families waited patiently:
The rain was too much -- even the birds had to run for shelter where we were taking pictures!
The rains finally stopped...
The young man is saying bye for tonight. Let me also sleep.
NOTE:
Permission was obtained to use photos contained in the blog
Uganda Distribution Day 3: Bright colours, dedicated volunteers
Another 500 children received their bedkits today. There was slight drizzle at the distribution site, but everyone kept dry under the trees.
The children await their turn...
Then carry away their bedkits...
The dedicated volunteers work tirelessly and always with a smile...
In the afternoon, the team from the Inner Wheel of Kampala visited the home of one of the bedkit recipients. The thatched hut is home to a grandmother and several grandchildren. The bedkit items were gratefully received and will be shared amongst the children.
Tomorrow, the team will give the gift of a good sleep to another 1,000 children.
NOTE:
Permission was obtained to use photos contained in the blog
Uganda Distribution Day 1: Off and Running
It has begun! The team from the
Inner Wheel of Kampala
travelled to northern Uganda on Saturday and distributed 500 bedkits to the waiting children and their grateful families. An ‘advance team’ had arrived the day before to set up the site and await the arrival of the bedkits.
The team left Kampala at 6:00am, aiming for a 2:00pm arrival at the site. They got there at 1:48, after driving straight through with only one pit stop.
The rain in the morning was followed by clear skies in the afternoon while the distribution was taking place. The skies opened up again after the last bedkit was distributed.
Pit stop en route to distribution site
. Can anything fail under such team?
Anxious parents:
Bedkits all assembled and ready to distribute to the children.
The ladies of T
he Inner Wheel are at the starting line...
And they’re off on their joyful mission:
Day 1 over, and the ladies of The Inner Wheel are s
till smiling:
Homes of some of the beneficiaries:
The Inner Wheel team can rest well tonight knowing 500 children have the opportunity of a good sleep.
NOTE:
Permission was obtained to use photos contained in the blog
Uganda Remote Distribution August 2022: The Wheels Are Turning...
The Inner Wheel of Kampala is getting ready to start distributing 4,000 bedkits to children in Uganda. They’re busy packing the bedkit items in preparation for a start later this week. The Inner Wheel team has worked hard to pull together all the aspects of the distribution. The children have been waiting for 2½ years to receive their bedkits, so it’s easy to imagine the joy they and their families will experience.
Today’s Virtual Meeting …
The zoom meeting was scheduled for 9:00pm Kampala time. Despite a long day of packing bedkits, the Inner Wheel ladies were inspiringly upbeat and cheerful.
All bedkit components were delivered on time and the Ladies of the Inner Wheel are busy packing the bedkits. Packing 4,000 bedkits and loading on the trucks is a 4 day project for these amazing women!
Not even that mountain of bedkits can dampen their spirits!
They plan to complete the packing by Thursday and will be on the bus heading to the children bright and early Friday morning. Stay tuned!
NOTE: Permission was obtained to use photos contained in the blog
Tanzania, 2022: Promises Kept to Our Donors 🇹🇿
During our post-distribution meeting on Zoom, we were impressed with our Overseas Partners’ on-going commitment to our Sleeping Children Core Values and the promises they are keeping to our donors.
Lala salama,
Peggy Morrison
Tanzania, July 2022: Bright ☀️ and Early on Monday Morning: Another 1000 Bedkits Distributed in Kisiwani
Mama, of course, is supervising all of the volunteers and her eagle eye does not miss a thing. Here is her grandson, Nathan, sitting by her side tracking the labels.
With Mama as their role model, we too understand completely why this distribution is progressing so well.
Peggy Morrison
Team Tanzania 2022
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