Another bright and early day for our dedicated group. We left the hotel by 6:30am but stalled in typical Dar traffic. Finally we were on our way!
We arrived at the school to waves and smiles from children and parents.
Our traffic delays prevented us from playing with the children first, as we usually do. They love chasing the bubbles and seeing themselves in our photos so we hope we have more time with them tomorrow.
We thanked the older school boys for helping set up and gave them each a small gift. We also interviewed parents to gain insight into the health and welfare of their families and how we may improve the quality of the bedkits in the future. What a great way to learn about the lives of the families.
After the interviews we got down to the job of handing out bed kits. There were two children that had symptoms of malaria and had to be taken to the hospital so we quickly took their pictures and gave them their kits and mats. Seeing these children in such poor health, weak and lethargic, really brought home the need for the bedkits.
We moved quickly through the remaining 498 children after which we presented the teachers with gifts. The soccer balls always bring howls of delight, but in talking to the English teacher, we learned that English textbooks would also be appreciated. He has a class of 100 students and only two textbooks to share among them.
Next was a side trip to visit Mama Wandoa’s farm. Over the last few years she has been building a church on her property and her congregation has grown from 3 to 30! She has six acres of farmland and harvests mango, pineapple, and cashews. She always dreams to do more and she continues to inspire us and I’m sure countless others.
The final stop of the day was at a Salvation Army run center for children with disabilities and Albinism. It was well kept and the children were well cared for. They go to school and learn other skills such as computers, sewing and gardening. These skills help to support them in the longer term.
A full and enlightening day. Thank you Mama and Benjamin for guiding us.
Until tomorrow!
Raymond James' Team in Tanzania 2018
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