Children's Village Blog
Thank You Ceremony at Meali Primary School

Thank You Ceremony at Meali Primary School
From India Howell, Director:

Dear All,
Yesterday was one of those days where you feel like you are really helping people, who appreciate your efforts, and want a “hand up” not a “hand out”. Peter and I were invited to a ceremony at Meali Primary School (one of the three primary schools in our ward.) We assumed that they were going to “dedicate” the new pit latrines. Through a grant from Arlene Joe and friends, we had provided the materials and the parents had provided the labor, to build the first sanitation facility the school had for use in many years. (The original pit latrines had been out of commission for about 5 years. So there were no facilities for any of the students while they were in school.)

Meali Primary School serves a population that is made up of the poorest of the poor. It feels even more so because the area is so dry and treeless. However, the parents are genuinely concerned about their kids and their education. For years they had tried to raise money for a pit latrine (cost of approximately $4,000 for materials) but just didn’t have the resources to make it happen. In addition, only a handful of the students had proper uniforms because the parents simply couldn’t afford uniforms when they can barely afford food for their children. And then of course there was the matter of text books and school supplies. Again the parents were not able to provide for these.

Enter Rift Valley Children’s Fund, our Tanzanian nog (nongovernmental organization) and our very generous donors. Through three separate grants this year we were able to provide: the materials for the pit latrine, a complete uniform for every student, English text books for the whole school and school supplies.

So, Peter and I arrived at the school both worrying about all the work waiting on our desks and thinking this would be lots of wasted time from our day. Oh how wrong we were. The whole school had gathered as well as the entire school committee and dozens of parents. We all jammed into a classroom where the kids started singing songs they had written to say thank you for all the help we had given to the school. Bet you never thought someone could write a song about a pit latrine that would bring tears to your eyes! They even wrote a “comedy” play which they performed for us! Oh the kids – so earnest, so dear and so full of promise.

Then the School Committee Chairman, the Village Chairman and the Head Teacher (Headmaster) all spoke and thanked us again and again. And then the grand finale! The parents had gotten together to provide gifts! A beautiful necklace for Sue Rohrer, whose organization Children for Tanzania provided the school uniforms; a gorgeous batik cloth for Arlene Joe and Jo Ousterhout who provided the funds for the pit latrines and text books. AND a live goat for me! Yes, that’s right a goat. This is perhaps the most precious gift anyone can give in this country as it translates into food. That said it was a bit shocking when they brought it into the jam packed classroom and handed me the rope! Immediately the goat went under the table and I started to wrestle him out, threatening to upset the flower arrangement and sodas on the table! In the end – the incident provided a good laugh for the whole group.

But what was most important for me was to meet the village leaders and parents. It was so clear that these people have not given up hope! And that they will continue to work hard to make their school better. They are not looking for handouts or an easy ride. Just a boost here and there. This is the Tanzania I love so much and these are the people who we are helping. These people are ready and willing to do the work to help themselves. I know that in the months to come memories of the day will support me through the challenges and frustrations which define many of our days here.

Cheers!
India