Belgaum: Harugari and Ugar

From Belgaum 2011

Another successful day for the SCAW team and the organizing committee with two distributions in two new locations. Our first location of 150 bedkits was Harugari where we were warmly greeted by parents and children and the organizing committee.

During the distribution I had the opportunity to talk with some of the parents with the help of an interpreter. I was humbled by their stories, their hardships, and their dedication to provide for their children as best they can. Several of the women were the sole support for the family. They work in the fields or as homemakers in several homes and live in conditions we cannot imagine. Each parent I interviewed said the family all sleeps in one small room on the floor. The bedkit is so important to them for what it adds to their lives. Each item is valued. They were thankful their child was chosen to receive the bedkit but noted many other children were also in need.

From Belgaum 2011

A highlight of the day came at the end of the distribution when all the children, parents, and SCAW team had the opportunity to mingle and say "Good-bye." What a sight, watching children, parents, and their bedkits leave the site and head down the road: walking, on bikes, or piled into trucks.

Following this distribution, we headed to Ugar where we were treated to lunch before the distribution of another 150 bedkits. This distribution was effectively organized by the Ugar Women's Association.

In each distribution, I am struck by the dedication of the volunteers in all our distributions who put in long hours over several months planning the details of the distribution. They are dedicated in their efforts to improve the lives of the people in their community.

As always, smiles on the children continue to be the reward for a long journey and a long hot day!

Jeff Bamford
for Team Belgaum, 2011

More blogging at Chic Savvy Travels, A Backpacker's Guide for Grown-ups

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