 |
 |
| From Tanzania 2012 |
As we approached the site, the children ran up to the van with much excitement. Mama Wandoa met each of us with an incredibly warm embrace, as her local volunteers were unloading the materials from the trucks.
The children got called to class while the mothers (and some fathers) watched from the side. Once we picked our photo spot and began to set up the bedkit and signs, some older students came out with "hockey stick shaped" machetes to cut the grass in the area of the photo.
Before the distribution began, Mama Wandoa and Ted explained the Sleeping Children organization and our mission, as well as describing the items in the bedkit to the parents. The mothers were extremely appreciative - clapping and cheering after each item was introduced, again a very overwhelming moment.
After the speech, the children began to line up - dressed in their bedkit t-shirt, with their "kanga" tied over their shoulder. Last year the children wore their kanga around their waist, but Mama suggested this new way would make everyone feel more comfortable. Another change from last year, was the addition of socks to the bedkits, a request from parents in the past.
The children were appreciative, often looking very bashful and full of excitement. At the end of this hot, and sunny, mid-30's day, which is considered to be winter according to the seasons in Tanzania, we left Kwembe knowing that 700 children will have a bed to sleep on tonight.
Until tomorrow - kwa heri!
Team Tanzania 2012
Leave comments here.
