Today we travelled south through a shady forested national park; as we descended we encountered a few rough areas of road construction. The topography and vegetation were in sharp contrast to the more arid and flatter terrain of the past few days, where sugar cane and rice fields were prevalent.
The distribution was in the small village of Dandeli where cows wandered freely in the streets.
Our partner today was the NGO EKAL ABHIYAN, and volunteers were mainly members and family.
There are several remote rural villages in this area, and many parents of the recipients work in the fields, laboriously assisting with the harvesting of sugar cane.
Some children in these areas are unable to attend school, and the EKAL volunteers, guided by their principle “If children are not coming to school, education has to reach at their doorstep.” provide evening lessons to some individuals.
The 800 bedkit recipients greet us with great enthusiasm, and are very happy and excited as they await their photos in their new clothes.
Many are a bit nervous about the process as they proceed through the various stations, and they are in awe of the various bedkit items that they receive.
Our pleasant and friendly SCAW team members, with their positive warm gestures and words encourage each individual; they greatly appreciate the heartwarming experience.
The EKAL leader and volunteers are very well organized and efficient, and we look forward to working harmoniously with them tomorrow.
Total bedkit distribution to date for Team Belgaum is 2,800!
Anne Mac Donald for
Team Belgaum 2019Post your comments here:
