Sweat Equity and Community Service

As is our previous experience new and exciting opportunities just seem to happen. This week a number of emotional and very worthwhile things have “popped up” that have enriched our experience and hopefully have improved the life of members in the communities in which we have been working.

The first  one to be  mentioned was a reunion with Felista. Felista is a 14 year old girl whose legs were immobilized by Polio. She lives 3-4 km from school and without the wheelchair she has to haul herself around on her knees in the dust and dirt of the school yard. Last year a couple of the SE team arranged to buy her a new 3 wheeled hand powered bike. This was a life changing experience for her. Felista could now become independent. When we arrived this year we re-met her but noted that she was having difficulty moving her chair because all three tires and tubes were tattered and torn. Arrangements were made to have the defective tires and tubes replaced and a new padded seat put on her bike. Johnny from Africycle generously supplied the expertise in getting the bike back in working order. It warmed our hearts to see her very shy smile as she peddled away. She can now resume her social friendships in her community

Another opportunity arose as a result of our decision to upgrade the teacher houses. One must realize that small things can make a great difference in a situation where there are only 11 teachers for more than 2000 students – yes – that’s right there are no extra digits. Not only that but the houses are extremely different from North American standards. So while some of us painted the houses the teachers wives were taken to the market to buy material for new curtains. They returned singing and laughing – not only for the new material, but because of the opportunity to go to Zomba market. This doesn’t happen very often.

Others of our team have had the chance to go out on Home Based Care – a unique experience to visit home bound sick patients in an environment radically different from Canadian communities. This is a truly eye opening experience as you travel with community volunteers who themselves are all HIV positive but on ARVs and commit themselves to caring for others in their community

All in all this experience is a unique opportunity to gain a true appreciation of how fortunate we are in Canada. Thanks to all the clubs and individuals who support the volunteers who pay their own fare and take their own time to provide this Rotary Service. (Submitted by Tom Sears)