Toms first few days..

Habari Wote 

 

First few days

 

I have been back so often that I am beginning to lose count of how many times I have travelled to Tanzania to work on the Sunrise of Life Street Children projects. Needless to say every time I return it is a new, yet familiar and empowering experience. The first full day at the centre, Kristen and I had to go to Usa River, a small town close to the centre, that has internet, grocery stores, banks and other such exquisite things. On our way to the Tank, which is a landmark close to the centre, two pikipiki drivers (Motorcycle drivers) stopped to pick us up. At that moment it felt like I had never left. “Mambo Tom” the pikipiki driver said, and “Karibu Tena”. The driver remembered well that I don’t like taking the 30-minute walk down to the main road, and that my westernized view of time continues to itch. I happily hopped on the pikipiki and Kristen did not complain about getting on the other pikipiki, although I am sure she would not hesitate to walk down to the road. We made our way down to the road and hailed a dalla dalla (local transport), or were we hailed by a dalla dalla, that one always confuses me. Regardless we made sure we would not be over charged before getting on the fullest dalladalla that we could find as the full ones never stop as often, and go faster…  …and faster is always better right? We were in Usa River shortly after, had a bite to eat at the local restaurant and made our way to the internet. It was no surprise that the Internet was temporarily down, and we had to wait 15 minutes before it worked. We got what we needed from the grocery store and headed back to the centre. 

 

Life at the centre is much busier than it was a year ago. Last time I was in Tanzania there were around 30 children at the centre. Over the past year this number has increased to an amazing 54 children. Almost twice as many children, means twice as many beds, twice as many blankets, twice as much food, and most importantly, twice as much happiness. The little boys dormitory has undergone much needed renovations, and many new bunks have been made or are on order. There is a new girls dormitory and the centre now has room for 14 girls and counting.  Every day the children wake up at 5am to ensure they can complete their daily chores before they head to school, some to primary, others to secondary, and others to English Medium…. 

 

This blog post is abruptly coming to an end, but please wait in suspense for the next post! Who knows, you might learn even more about the children, the residential centre, the drop in centre ( :D) and so much more!! 

 

With Love

 

-Tom