Monday, February 19
In my efforts at organizing and educating the teachers on
the use of the resource materials, it is necessary for them to have a cabinet.
Cabinet space is limited and as a result, things are crammed, cardboard boxes
are used for storage, and, ultimately, things are scattered and/or lost. I
agreed when I first arrived that I would purchase a metal locked cabinet. It
will be housed in the office of the Academic Teacher at Minnesota Academy.
However, I learned, there is only a cut out for a window and no glass in the
door of this room. So, getting this done has moved up on the To-Do list.
In the past TAFCOM has typically purchased wood shelving
and cabinets. Wood has become very expensive, due in part to efforts to stop
deforestation. Nie is involved with the Green Garden Women’s Group. They
receive funds from the UN Development Program to provide special stoves for
schools in the areas surrounding Mt Kilimanjaro. The goal is to reduce the
deforestation that is taking place because of the use of firewood/charcoal for
cooking. Anything that helps the environment makes my heart happy. I realize
that selling firewood and charcoal provide needed income for many here. However,
the government has initiated policies requiring a license to cut in certain
areas plus designated some areas as preserves where cutting is illegal.
Nie dropped off funds to Chausiku so she could pick up
her medications tomorrow. She has started her business selling vegetables and
is very grateful for the income and TAFCOM’s help for her and her granddaughter.
Tuesday, February 20
I began my day riding the school bus to Minnesota Academy
to observe grades 1 & 2 and to continue cataloging books and supplies.
There is always a gathering outside before classes start for announcements. I
noticed that Amina was not there. (She is the student I sponsor.) When I
inquired about her I was told she was in her classroom crying because of foot
pain. When Amina was very young (under 1 year old) she was involved in a house
fire. Her lower leg and foot were seriously burned. The pigment is gone and the
foot is tender and causes her pain. I went to see her and asked that she stop
by the house after school. Ibrahim, the Head Teacher (principal), was to call
her mother about having her see a doctor. Amina lives mostly with her aunt as
her mother’s work is in Arusha.
After school, Amina stopped by and Nie and I checked her
leg and foot. We had her wash her foot and put some Neosporin on it. I gave her
a pair of clean socks. There seems to be some almost-raw spots on her leg as
well as cracking of the skin on her foot. We asked her to follow a regular
washing routine, using the Neosporin and always wearing socks.
Wednesday, February 21
Clinic day at KCMC hospital was yesterday. Amina got some
oral medication for her foot pain and will also continue with the Neosporin.
Chausiku received her meds and TAFCOM is looking for a
sponsor to help with her ongoing medical needs.
Rukia came to the office as scheduled to discuss
enrolling Safina. I want to repeat for emphasis that 5 other schools rejected
this child and she will be 8 in June! Because Safina has had no schooling nor
understands any English, she will start in the younger pre-school which is
half-day and move up as she is assessed and progresses in English and subject
comprehension.
According to her mom, Safina can use her wheel chair or
sit on floor. She crawls at home and can sit for up to 3 hours. For the
bathroom she uses a potty chair. Rukia will have Safina in Pampers for school.
Mom has been teaching her at home and she knows her ABC’s. Safina will ride the
school bus and start school on Monday, 2/26.
Both Nie and Jonas spent time with Rukia. Before leaving
she shared that no one had ever given her encouragement like this!
Safina has her meds for the next month and will
participate daily in Physical Therapy. We need to find several sponsors for
Rafina as her needs are extensive. (Reply
if you want to know how to help.) We have received donations to cover most
of her school fees for this year, plus this month’s medication, and a few weeks
of Physical Therapy. Additional donations are being used to pay for the ramp,
and to purchase diapers and a potty chair for the school.
As if Rukia doesn’t have enough going on in her life, Nie
learned that she also has a 9-year-old son. Because of the personal and
financial hardships of the family, he has been living with his grandparents in
their village since 2016. TAFCOM is hoping that Rukia might be able to start a
small business while Safina is in school and then expand when her 3-year-old
starts pre-school next year.
Another interesting aspect of all this – when a person or
family member has a serious medical issue, they can go to the local government
office with verification from the hospital. The government issues an official
letter which legitimizes the condition and the letter is then used to “beg” for
money. (Let that one sink in!)
Thursday, February 22
Work started on Safina’s ramp today. We went to town for
several things and I found socks for Amina and some Nivea Lotion. She has been
stopping by after school and is following her cleaning regimen 2-3 times per
day. I enjoy visiting with Amina. She is a very sweet girl and is one of the
top in her class.
Friday, February 23
My plate is full – and not just with the delicious food
here! I continue to work on cataloging and labeling, plus lots of smaller
projects that add a lot of variety to my days. Fundraising is an ongoing
endeavor and the Clean Water Project has begun. Funds raised will be used to
install water lines and tanks for clean, safe drinking water (Donations of any
size are appreciated.). I enjoy not doing the same thing every day and nothing
ever feels routine. I continue my morning runs and am even making time for some
crochet.
Saturday, February 24
Nie and Jonas’ son, Jovin, now attends Tengeru boys
school in Arusha. (He is the equivalent of a high school freshman.) 600
students attend this all boys Catholic boarding school. He left for school in
early January and today is the first day the families are allowed to visit. I
know this has been very hard on Nie. She did manage two phone calls to one of
the teachers to make sure Jovin was ok and to see what we could bring for him.
The drive to Arusha is about an hour and a half. Jovin was all smiles as he
greeted us. He is almost as tall as his dad now. He is doing well; the
adjustment was not difficult for him; and he loves his school and classes. Joan
was too sweet. She was attached like Velcro to Jovin the whole visit and cried
when we left.
Sunday, February 25
Chill day – but not in terms of weather. It is still
mid-80’s every day! Rainy season should be here soon. I spent a lot of the day
reading about how to set up a library. A real cliff hanger that kept me on the
edge of my seat…Not!
Monday, February 26
Safina’s first day of school was a success! At the end of
the day I asked if her if she had a good day. The sparkle in her eyes and the
smile on her face brought tears of joy!! I am so grateful to TAFCOM for not
turning her away.
Tuesday, February 27
While in Rwanda we found these really cute heart-shaped
zippered pouches that unfold into a tote bag. Katherine, the tailoring teacher
is confident she can duplicate them so it was off to town to buy fabric. This
is very dangerous because I could easily blow my budget in any one of the
fabric stores. I love the patterns and the color combinations. I was able to
stop at 7 pieces! (I can still take orders for heart-shaped or square-shaped.)
Wednesday, February 28
We have not been able to find a larger size potty chair
for Safina. It was not until today that she needed to use the bathroom. Asha
carried her over to my room to use the toilet. It was a bit awkward but will
work as a temporary solution. I have been checking with her teachers each day
and they report that Safina is doing very well, she participates, catches on
quickly, and is doing very well with the other students. She seems genuinely
happy to be here.
It is not helpful losing 2 days because February only has
28 days. I cannot keep up with the work here, let alone this blog! It is a good
problem because boredom has never been part of my vocabulary. I apologize if
this seems a bit rushed because it was!!!
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