Mel/ViviTanzania

Melanie Price and Vivienne Eka

This trip was again, in two parts

Mary and Jonathan Notman have been looking after orphaned children in Dae-es-Salaam, Tanzania, for more then 8 years. Firstly we took supplies to the orphanage in Bhuti, a district of Dar-es- Salaam.. Mary wanted to show us the land, where they are building a new home for the children of Bhati, and a school for the local poor village children, who don t attend school, because they can’t afford it. Vivienne and I visited the home in Bhuati, and we gave them some small toys, and left some education supplies.

The lovely little children danced a traditional dance for us, and we sung together, it was such a precious time, that we shall never forget. The home is simple, but it is run with love, and in a family atmosphere, which is important for the children’s sense of belonging and stability.

The rented house, in Bhati, is too small now for the 17 children living there, and there is little space for them to play. The small children still slept on the floor, even though they had beds to sleep in. They slept like that because that’s how they were used to sleeping, before, when they lived out in the villages. All the children are true orphans, and 50% have aids. Some are more advanced then others, but I couldn’t tell which ones, and I didn’t need to know. I didn’t want to treat the ones with aids any more differently then the ones who were clear. One little girl called Zenib, was found next to her dead Mother. She had been starving, so she ate the droppings from the chicken that was running around. She is 4 years old.

Twin boys have just come in and they are so boisterous, but beautiful. Some of the little girls have been abused, but now that’s all over. Bhuti Children’s Home is a sanctuary and a Haven for these precious little ones, who now have a hope and a future.

The second part of our trip, took us 1000kms, to the SE coast of Lake Naisa/Malawi. The area is called Keyella, and the village is Ngonga. Here Mary and Jonathan, have cleared the jungle area, and built a School and a Volunteers house, for voluntary workers. The volunteer teacher comes from Austria She lives there alone, her name is Judith.

There are 135 children attending the primary school. Ages range from 5 to 11. There are 4 local teachers, helping Judith teach the children. The children come from the very poor local village families, who otherwise could not afford to send their children to school.

We gave out educational packs to the teachers We also took, and distributed, mosquito nets, so every Childs family, who attended the school, could have one.

We gave out games equipment, to the school footballs, bats, skipping ropes, and bean bags, etc, etc. I was able to take an English class, at the school, Ngonga Primary School, Watto wetto, (Our Children ). Opportunity came for me to teach English at an adult class as well. The students came from the next village. They rode on their bikes through the muddy jungle to attend. I finally was able to meet 8 year old Appupello. He is a little boy that we have been sponsoring for 5 years. Appupello has a tumour on his neck. It has been operated on 2 occasions, but still it keeps growing, up into his brain, and down into his chest. He is very special, and loves school. He has a brother called Abraham, and his Mother came and cried with thanks, when she saw us. Appupello and his brother were so happy when we presented him with Sports Jackets, provided by A Ray of Hope. We gave them writing books and pens, and toys and sweets. We left vital medical supplies for the children, and 100s of vitamins

Appupello beamed with sheer delight, and then burst into a song and dances, regardless of his stiff swollen neck. We were all so happy, and that’s what its ALL about. This village has 80% Aids, they were 3 funerals every day. People live to about 54 years

Lets help them live longer and help them enjoy life, just as we do.........

Our thanks as always, to British Airways for their continual support.

Melanie and Vivienne