SCAW Blog: Bangladesh, 2024: February 18

SCAW Blog: Kenya, 2024: February

February 17, 2024

Today was a travel and factory visit day for Team Kenya. We left the Masai Mara and traveled through the beautiful Kenyan countryside to our base in Nairobi. On arrival, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to tour one of the plastic factories that manufactures a portion of the bedkit contents.

Along with our Rotary representative, we were able to see where the cups, bowls, water bottle and other pieces of the bedkit are made. The team was able to see the start of the process which begins with bags of pellets. These pellets and assorted colors went into hoppers and were heated to melting. The plastic was then extruded from the equipment and cooled. Factory workers inspected each piece and then packed each for shipping. It was an interesting day and reassuring to see the care that was taken to produce the bedkit contents.

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Now, as our team members assist in handing out the bedkits, we have a much better awareness of the labor and care that went into each item in each one. Thank you to our Rotary partners in Kenya for working so hard to procure the best products for the children!

Team Kenya 2024

Rotary Club of Nairobi 🇰🇪 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Bangladesh, 2024: February 17

February 17, 2024

This morning, we travelled to distribute kits at a school run by the non-profit Jaago Foundation started in 2007 by a Bangladeshi, Korvi Rakshand, who was only 25 years of age at that time. It is dedicated to providing quality education and social development opportunities to children and communities.

The children were from the local farming community and the school is located in a very rural setting. We were told that for many they are the first generation in their family to attend school. They had school uniforms and are learning English. We heard many, "How are you? I am fine" and "Thank you". We really enjoyed the opportunity to meet these beautiful children and their teachers in this calm, peaceful setting.

We looked in their classrooms and saw their art work including drawings that depicted scenes from the Guerilla War in 1971 when 3 million died. The 26th of March became their Independence Day and the 16th of December is celebrated as Victory Day every year.

Before we left we watched the children leaving happily carrying their new bedkits to their waiting parents. It was another successful distribution.

Team Bangladesh, 2024

Rotary Club of Dhaka 🇧🇩 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Kenya, 2024: February 17

February 17, 2024

We embarked on our journey to Kenya with a mission to distribute 8000 bedkits to children in need. Today, we are overjoyed to announce that we have surpassed that goal by completing the delivery of another 1000 bedkits. Thanks to outstanding leadership and seamless teamwork with our Rotary partners, we navigated through any challenges with ease.

Despite the relentless heat, our dedication remained unwavering as we organized the bedkit distribution and worked tirelessly under the scorching sun. The children, displaying remarkable patience, greeted us with radiant smiles from ear to ear as they received their bedkits, making our every effort worthwhile!

Team Kenya 2024

Rotary Club of Nairobi 🇰🇪 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Kenya, 2024: February 16

February 16, 2024

Pre-distribution

Team Kenya arrived in Nairobi ready to begin our distribution of 8000 bedkits to Kenya‘s most deserving children. We were welcomed at the airport by our driver, Charles and his family.

The next day, the two teams met to get to know each other, review the itinerary for the next two weeks and look over the contents of this year’s bedkits. We were told that each $40 donation was stretched to manufacture and purchase an expanded array of items, in part due to the great negotiation skills of a few of the Rotary members.

One of the goals for 2024 was to visit more remote communities in Kenya outside of the inner city of Nairobi for some of our distributions. This involved long drives on bumpy roads, at times, cleverly navigated by our skilled driver, Charles.

Some days we traveled 3 to 5 hours to get to sites north of the equator and south to the territory of the Maasai peoples.

Yesterday, as we drove through the Maasai Mara National Park to get to our destination on the other side, we encountered a very interesting road block!

Team Kenya 2024

Rotary Club of Nairobi 🇰🇪 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Bangladesh, 2024: February 15

February 15, 2024

Today we had the unexpected pleasure of a distribution in another Santal tribal village. We didn’t find out about this until all the luggage was packed for our travel/rest day . . . too late to change into our Sleeping Children shirts. Onward we went.

The site was a great choice as it was near a church and this compound also included a medical clinic where about 40 people appear daily.

The setup was no problem but again the road did not accommodate the bedkit delivery truck. No problem for our partners. They hired a flatbed pulled by farm vehicles to shuttle the bedkits from the truck to the site.

After completion we visited two houses belonging to people in the village. The houses are constructed of mud with walls a foot thick. This makes a warm home for winter and a comfortable cool home for summer. There’s an interior courtyard where the cooking is done, the chickens roam and, in one case, a cow had her own space.

Later today we stopped at the imposing Rangpur Museum. This was originally built in the early 20th century for the royal family who were emigrating from the Punjab. The owner was a jeweller by profession. After Partition the building was taken over by the government of Bangladesh.

We were amused to find that we had to pay a foreigner's entrance fee of 400 Takas but locals pay only 30 Takas and Indian tourists pay 200 Takas!!

Inside we weren't allowed to take photos but we saw some stained glass windows, carved columns and 15th century black stone scriptures engraved in Arabic and Persian as well as many terra cotta pieces found during archeological digs.

The gardens also had some colourful flowers.

We left, having enjoyed our brief but interesting visit, to resume our journey back in time for supper. Thus ended another successful day with only 2250 bedkits remaining to be distributed.

Team Bangladesh, 2024

Rotary Club of Dhaka 🇧🇩 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Bangladesh, 2024: February 14

February 14, 2024

It is technically the winter season here in Bangladesh and everywhere is dusty and dry. The monsoons will arrive in about 4 months and then we are told the landscape will become a lush and verdant green with new growth.

Temperatures now are a comfortable 26 degrees during the day and cooling down to around 16 at night. Most days start with some morning haze and then turn sunny and warm. Consequently, we are able to see and enjoy some flowers in bloom here now that we would normally grow during the summer in Canada, including marigolds, roses and dahlias. They give us occasional splashes of colour as we travel along the roads and country lanes en route to our distribution sites each day.

Team Bangladesh, 2024

Rotary Club of Dhaka 🇧🇩 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Bangladesh, 2024: February 13

February 13, 2024

Today’s distribution was quite close to where we are staying. It was only a short drive onto a narrow street to the distribution site, a girl's school. We got set up for photos and then the adventure started.

The delivery truck had a dead battery which was eventually resolved by a couple of young people with a battery and jumper cables. The truck was now on the way to us. When it went to turn onto the street there was a stack of bricks in the road. Even though the bricks were moved the corner was too tight, so the truck had to go in the other direction. Another stack of bricks had to be moved. Then there were low wires - electrical, phone and cable - all to be lifted with bamboo poles to enable the truck to pass. They were working their way toward us when they took down an electrical line to a house. The rather upset homeowner had them fix the wire before the truck moved on. We felt great joy when they arrived at the distribution site after a two-hour adventure.

A great distribution followed the unloading of the bed kits and we soon saw the happy smiles of the children.

After arriving back from a successful distribution, our Rotary partners suggested we might like to visit a mosque. We loved the idea and quickly changed into long pants and head coverings and we were on our way. Half an hour later we arrived to Kusumba Mosque, a serene setting along the river. It has been called “the black gem” because of the black stone. It was built from 1558-59. It is recognized as a heritage site and is one of the oldest mosques.

The stone steps were used to access the court of justice which is still used today and the intricately hand carved patterns make it a very unique place to worship.

It was a perfect way to end a busy day.

Team Bangladesh, 2024

Rotary Club of Dhaka 🇧🇩 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Bangladesh, 2024: February 11

February 12, 2024

A Day in the Life of a Bangladesh Distribution

Bedkits are unloaded and we are ready to start!

Denis and Joy arranging the children for their photo.

Jackie keeping track of the children while Judy marks their thumbs.

The children receive a snack bag from a volunteer.

Diane and Kim give each child the gift of a good night’s sleep.

The papparazzi
Team Bangladesh, 2024
Rotary Club of Dhaka 🇧🇩 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Bangladesh, 2024: February 10

February 11, 2024

Today during our travels to our distribution we spotted many boats of similar design on posts and upon questioning we learned the following. In Bangladesh, a country with more than 700 rivers, it’s hardly surprising that the symbol of the dominant political party, the Awami League, is a boat - in this case, a traditional river craft with a high prow - the nouka. As in other developing countries, political symbols are important, especially in rural areas where literacy levels are lower than in the cities. Although urban areas are growing, two thirds of the population still live in rural areas. Voters may not be able to read a newspaper or a political poster, but they will recognize the party symbol.

To us, the boat also symbolized smooth sailing as this distribution was our best one yet. We worked like a well-oiled machine. The dedicated hard-working volunteers were an integral part of the day and of course the rewards were the smiles of the beautiful children.

Team Bangladesh, 2024

Rotary Club of Dhaka 🇧🇩 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Bangladesh, 2024: February 9

February 9, 2024

We have had long hours on the road and a power/wifi outage so below are some snapshots of the last couple of days.

The weather is perfect! The temperature is around the low to mid 20s and there is no humidity.

The team split into two teams of four to cover two distribution sites. Yes . . . you guessed it . . . that led to some rivalry as to which was the better team! We each travelled about two hours and distributed in the neighbourhood of 330 bedkits. Believe it or not, we landed back at our guest-house within 10 minutes of each other so we decided it was a draw.

Mothers keeping a close eye on their little ones

We were on the road by mid-afternoon, heading to the second segment of the distribution. A three hour journey took almost five hours because our van was wedged under a bridge with transport trucks for a good hour while oncoming traffic had the right of way due to construction. The upside is we were able to sing along to the Bengali version of Jamaica Farewell.

We are looking forward to an early start in the morning and meeting 650 more sweet children. They are eager to engage with us and practice their English.

Team Bangladesh 2024

Rotary Club of Dhaka 🇧🇩 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Bangladesh, 2024: February 7

February 7, 2024

Our journey today took us through many small bustling villages surrounded by farmland. The people work so hard planting and harvesting rice in field after field of rice paddies. What back-breaking work this must be. Bananas, dates, coconuts, oranges, melons and salad greens are among the types of produce seen growing in the fields and on the trees. Small bicycle rickshaws and wagons carry huge loads of bamboo and grain and firewood. Bricks are hand made and drying in the sun.

We arrived to a warm welcome, greeted by many Rotarians and a keen group of boy and girl scouts, many of whom volunteered to work alongside us for the day. The children and parents were sheltered under a huge colourful canopy while they waited for the photos to be taken.

When 650 children had been given the gift of a good night’s sleep, the school principal and local Rotarians served us a delicious lunch of rice, chicken, mutton and sautéed vegetables. Now we are ready for a good night’s sleep as well!

Team Bangladesh 2024

Rotary Club of Dhaka 🇧🇩 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Bangladesh, 2024: February 6

February 6, 2024

Today we had a bright and early start with breakfast and a team meeting prior to our pre-distribution meeting at noon with our Rotary partners.

What a joy to see how carefully $40 has been invested and spent on the bedkit items. Rotary was proud to explain their laddered investment approach and how the interest earned enabled them to acquire more items for the bedkits.

Finally we are packed and ready to hit the road for our first distribution destination. En route we were treated to lovely flute music by Amida.

Following a five hour drive our teams settled into our rooms, grabbed a quick bite and started on the prep for tomorrow.

The team evaluating bedkits and practicing set-up for tomorrow.

We can hardly wait to meet the first 650 children and have been practicing our limited Bengali and hand puppet antics. The one word we all know is,"Hasho!" (Smile)

Team Bangladesh 2024

Rotary Club of Dhaka 🇧🇩 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Bangladesh, 2024: February 5

February 5, 2024

We logged over 20 hours of flying but we arrived safely to a warm welcome by the Rotary Club of Dhaka.

We're overdue for a good night's sleep and since it's now about 3 a.m. that’s exactly what we're about to do.

We are exhausted but exhilarated and raring to get started on those 8,000 bedkits.

Stay tuned . . .

Linda Webb

Rotary Club of Dhaka 🇧🇩 and SCAW 🇨🇦

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SCAW Blog: Bangladesh, 2024: February 2, 2024

February 2, 2024

Exciting update from Bangladesh!

The Rotary Club of Dhaka is gearing up for our upcoming bedkit project, and we're thrilled to share a sneak peek of the essentials each child will receive. Months of dedicated preparation have gone into this, and for a $40 donation, you're making a big impact! With our model of working with local partners, your contribution not only guarantees suitable items but also goes a long way in supporting the local economy.

We're grateful for our partnership and the opportunity to make a positive difference together.

SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2023: November 15

November 16, 2023

Bedkit #7,000 with Rotary Club of Kelaniya, SCAW Team, and local volunteers.

We have reached the most bittersweet moment of all SCAW bedkit distributions . . . a moment when we celebrate a project well done . . . yet feel sad that it is over.

Team Sri Lanka 2023

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2023: November 15

November 15, 2023

. . . And then the day came when bedkit number 7000 was handed out and there were no more kits to give out in the 2023 distribution.

Today was a long day for us. We handed out 1100 bedkits in two different schools. Both schools greeted us upon arrival with wonderful marching bands followed by speeches, as we have been accustomed to. Later, after having given out the bedkits, we were given tea and tasty Sri Lankan treats.

It has rained every day we have been in Sri Lanka; sometimes the rain has come down in buckets. However the weather gods have also been kind to us and our distributions have really not been bothered by the rainy season.

Today was also a special day for us as we handed out the 50 bedkits Chris and Gail had donated on the occasion of their golden wedding anniversary.

That finishes the Sri Lanka distribution 2023. We are going to miss all the smiling faces we have been met with every day ❤️.

Team Sri Lanka 2023

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2023: November 14

November 14, 2023

Although this is one of our last days, we are still starting each morning in high spirits. However, our one hour trip to the site became two hours as we searched locally for the school where 600 bedkits and children waited. Navigating the myriad of small streets was even a challenge for the driver.

We received a warm welcome with flowers and marching band, a regular occurrence.

Then as we gathered we each lit a welcome lamp which is customary for such gatherings.

Here we were also treated to a wonderful dance in the traditional manner that was both beautiful and inspiring.

At this location Jill and Pamela did interviews with the parents helped by a translator. This interview as well as other questions covered contents of the bedkits, any school issues and distances travelled from home to the distribution.

We knew before arriving in Sri Lanka that the Ceylon of our younger selves was the most beautiful island on earth but we found the people of the country in every way match this expectation.

We did a home visit and could see first-hand how welcome the bedkit is. Thanks so much to the donors.

Team Sri Lanka 2023

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2023: November 13

November 14, 2023

Below is a collage of the various stages the children attend as they head towards their bedkit!

The registration table where the children’s names are checked against the recipient list.

Recipient list (one of many!)

The all-important photo-site, where today’s memory is captured for the generous SCAW donor.

Marking thumbs as the child heads towards their bedkit.

Handing the bedkit to one happy child!

And finally . . . heading home . . . !

Team Sri Lanka 2023

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2023: November 10

November 14, 2023

For other distributions we’ve had adults and a smattering of teens to help out. However, over the last two days we had the absolute pleasure of having wonderful teen volunteers to assist.

This school is in a beautiful mountain area about an hour or so outside of Kandy.

The school is built on a hill creating interesting logistical challenges for small children. Children climb up 8 or 9 stairs and walk another 15 -20 feet before they are greeted by SCAW team members holding out the gift of new bedkits.

Luckily we had many hard-working teens who carry the kits and encourage the young ones to keep moving forward towards their new shoes.

Next, with their own teen helper, the children walk up a hill to meet with their delighted parents.

The teens then run down the hill to get in line to help the next child and they repeat the whole process.

While this is going on in front of us, behind us are the fantastic volunteer boys doing another great job.

Earlier we had a lively discussion with the boy volunteers on what the “girls” (indicating me) bedkit looks like and then an explanation of the “boys“ bedkit (pointing to the blue mosquito net and then to themselves).

The volunteers run up & down the stairs to get the kits & bring them to another table so we can pass them on to the children.

Meanwhile in a large room at the top of the stairs two gentlemen from the school are putting the bedkits together, placing them on a table at the top of the stairs for the boys to bring down.

During all this of passing the kits out, every now and then I’m yelling out “boys” “girls” to keep the kits coming and the flow flowing.

This is truly a priceless event to be a part of.

Team Sri Lanka 2023

Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 and SCAW 🇨🇦