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.........
