My story
I have been supporting World Villages for Children in their education work since 1999. Whilst I was employed I made a regular donation via payroll giving and now that I am retired I am glad to be one of their dedicated group of Guardian Angels.
I first started thinking about travelling to the Tanzania programmes last year in discussion with Nicola, the UK Manager. We talked about my work as a cricket coach and I was particularly interested about whether and how this sport might be of interest to the boys and girls at the school in Tanzania. As the planning progressed I was excited to make the trip and to see first hand the work of the Sisters and learn more about the detail of the lives of the children.
We were in Tanzania between 23 and 29 March and visited all the programmes there – the Kiluvya Day Care and Training Centre, the Kisarawe Girls’ School and the new boys’ school in Dodoma. I am so very glad that I made the trip. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my lifetime.
Highlights from the trip
To see so many beautiful children lifted out of poverty by such love and kindness and such a wide ranging and quality education is wonderful.
The highlights of the trip for me were:
- experiencing the warmth of the welcome we received – and to joining in the dancing on occasions!
- engaging groups of boys and girls and encouraging them to discover their gifts and talents, to do their best in their studies and other activities and to be good neighbours and friends to the less fortunate as they go through their lives
- teaching cricket to groups of boys and girls – enjoying physical activity is good for you and if you find you have a physical skill this can build self esteem
- witnessing the absolute joy and gratitude of the children for the opportunity afforded them by attending such a fabulous school.
I went on one of the community visits to the homes from which some of the children have come to Boystown School. I found this very moving – to see the level of poverty and yet the acceptance and joy of people whose lives are a daily struggle to survive. The difference that one child’s education can make in circumstances of extreme poverty is huge and this difference is multiplied across the generations.
The quality of the programmes
The other thing to comment on is the quality of education and the environment that exists within the schools. Firstly, the children are loved, clothed and their medical needs are met and they are fed with three nutritious meals a day. Then the learning – both academic and vocational – is excellent. The practical skills training – sowing, baking and electronics for example, are such useful things within any domestic setting. It was a real eye opener to see the children’s engagement and ability in these areas.
The other important part of the practical skills classrooms was the children’s ability to articulate what they were learning and their understanding of the subject. Their positive attitude, maturity and confidence was a pleasure to witness.
The work I have seen here is truly remarkable and I am looking forward to helping the charity more and feeding back about my experience to some of my communities – especially the church over the coming weeks.
