After four days of being out of Internet range, we are happy to update on our most recent two distributions. On Thursday afternoon, we travelled for three hours to Makindu, Kenya, where we prepared for distributions on Friday and Monday of 750 bedkits each day.
Makindu is a small village approximately 170 kilometers southeast of Nairobi and is on the main trucking route between Nairobi and Mombassa. Hundreds of trucks drive along this highway every day and many stop overnight at one of the rooming houses on the road in Makindu. Congested traffic can be a nightmare.
At certain points along the way, there are speed bumps in the road. As the traffic slows the locals have set up stands to sell fruits and vegetables such as watermelons, onions, tomatoes, and handmade baskets. Farming is evident. We noted the red-dirt fields being tilled with oxen-led farm equipment and cattle and goats being herded along the shoulder of the busy highway.
Makindu is a poor, rural area with a hot dry climate. The lack of rainfall affects the quality of the crops and the health of the livestock and the people. We were told that food and water shortages are one of the biggest threats in this community. Diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and parasites are common.
These bedkit distributions were held on the grounds of the Makindu Sikh Temple and hospital where there was ample space for 750 children, their teachers, volunteers, and the SCAW team to organize the activities of the day. The children came from the surrounding rural areas. They were either bussed in with their teachers, rode bicycles, or walked. Apparently several of the children walked long distances of between four and eight kilometres.
Upon our arrival, the horde of people waiting for us was exciting. Hundreds of parents -- mostly women -- gathered outside the gates, many with an infant in their arms, to await their children with their new bedkits. We were struck by the array of colourful traditional African dresses and head wraps worn by many of the mothers. They were anxious to talk to us and have candid photos taken. Like the children, they were delighted to see themselves in the digital camera screens. A few of the mothers were asked and agreed to be interviewed later in the day about their impressions of the bedkit contents. They told us how much they appreciate these gifts for their children and how the mosquito nets, especially, will make a difference in their lives. Many of the children currently sleep on the floor or, if they have a bed, they share it with other siblings.
We were told that the children, aged 6-12 years had begun to arrive at 7:30 a.m. We found them all dressed in their new brightly coloured shorts and t-shirts, being led in song by their teachers, hands clapping. On occasion we noticed some children who appeared older than twelve; however it was explained to us that if they miss years of school they may not leave primary school until age 16 or older. Parents told us that the cost of the mandatory school uniform can be a barrier to them sending a child to school.
In addition to some of the members of the Sikh community, volunteers included Rotarians, teachers, principals, and other members of the broader community. One young Rotarian, Nixon, came to assist us for the third time and was very helpful in organizing and communicating with the children. Because of these people who gave so generously of their time, both distributions ran smoothly and quickly.
Many of the children did not speak English or were shy in talking to us, so the volunteers who spoke their mother tongue or Swahili were instrumental in explaining things and encouraging smiles for the camera.
At the end of the two days, 1500 children in this rural community went home with a smile and a new bedkit and hopefully will “
lala salama” (loosely translated, “sleep well”) tonight.
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