Thank You, Atlanta Supporters!!
Walter organized a crew to break ground and prepare for the laying of the foundation of Pamba Zuko's building in Nyalenda slums. They began digging the foundation last week, while Tony and I were covered up with the TICH conference. We're beginning to return to business as usual at TICH, so yesterday Tony and I walk over to the construction site and take a couple of snaps.
Children call out “mzungu!” and people stare and congregate to see the white lady in their neighborhood. Two guys, drunk, call to me from across the stream, wanting their photo taken. They are feeling very good, as evidenced by their photo. Two older men, village elders, ask Tony for money simply because he is walking with me. Tony explains our programs will benefit children and widows and with this information the men are satisfied, allowing us to move on.
On our way back to TICH, we run into Walter, who is accompanied by a guy pushing a cartload of bricks. They're headed to the site to deposit the bricks. Walter is organizing his members for the next step in the construction process; the laying of the cement foundation. I'll take photos, I tell them, because the people in Atlanta who have donated funds to this project will enjoy seeing the progress. Walter is especially appreciative of the contributions coming from the US. The joy is evident on his face as we talk. His vision and dream is being realized, step by step. We all get a little silly and laugh and smile when we discuss the building and the widows and the children.
None of this would be possible without the support of the fantastic people at Experian and Steve Shelnut, who used to work at Experian but is now with Equifax. Steve gave a hugely generous donation which is now hard at work, buying brick and timber and roofing materials, so children can be educated and widows can learn ways to earn money.
Walter must hurry along, to catch up with the cart full of bricks and to organize the men for the construction party. He runs with a bounce and a smile.
Children call out “mzungu!” and people stare and congregate to see the white lady in their neighborhood. Two guys, drunk, call to me from across the stream, wanting their photo taken. They are feeling very good, as evidenced by their photo. Two older men, village elders, ask Tony for money simply because he is walking with me. Tony explains our programs will benefit children and widows and with this information the men are satisfied, allowing us to move on.
On our way back to TICH, we run into Walter, who is accompanied by a guy pushing a cartload of bricks. They're headed to the site to deposit the bricks. Walter is organizing his members for the next step in the construction process; the laying of the cement foundation. I'll take photos, I tell them, because the people in Atlanta who have donated funds to this project will enjoy seeing the progress. Walter is especially appreciative of the contributions coming from the US. The joy is evident on his face as we talk. His vision and dream is being realized, step by step. We all get a little silly and laugh and smile when we discuss the building and the widows and the children.
None of this would be possible without the support of the fantastic people at Experian and Steve Shelnut, who used to work at Experian but is now with Equifax. Steve gave a hugely generous donation which is now hard at work, buying brick and timber and roofing materials, so children can be educated and widows can learn ways to earn money.
Walter must hurry along, to catch up with the cart full of bricks and to organize the men for the construction party. He runs with a bounce and a smile.
posted by Cindi at 7:15 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home