Creating a Book and Toy Library for Lake Victoria Childrens Society, Ukerewe.

Hello again,

Before we left England to go to the island of Ukerewe, we knew that Alex Magaga, Chairman of Lake Victoria Childrens Society desperately wanted a Book and Toy Library at the centre.  We had been discussing the centres needs and the children just didn't have any books to look at. Fortunately  we had sent many books in the container which arrived in Ukerewe before us, so it was a resounding YES, let us equip a library!

There was a block of three rooms which Alex chose, and one was for a library, one a childrens rest room, and the other would be the office.  This is the 'before' photo.

The rooms were painted white inside, and new fluorescent lights were fitted.  The outside was also painted white and windows and doors painted blue.

A local carpenter made us two lovely bookcases ...

We had so many books and the ones more suited to older children were put on one side to go to the village schools ....   .....   .....

Although this photo shows Alex and myself sorting books, Brenda and I had been sorting through all the boxes sent from Filey for days.  In the photo below you can see in the background the room which will be an office, full of  boxes of clothes, shoes, books and toys which will be taken to the schools and under privileged families in the villages, later on during our stay.

We purchased locally, floor covering for both the library and rest room.  Below the shop we bought it from is rolling it up for us.

The finished book and toy library ... ... ...

In the rest room we purchased a mattress, and the carpenter made for us a storage unit which fitted under the mattress.  A small television and video player was put on a shelf out of harms way, and we left videos.  Colourful curtains were put in both rooms, and boxes of toys were also left in both rooms for the children to enjoy.

Patricia, with the help of Dorice finished the newly painted rooms off with a new outside 'logo'. 

The children at LVC are so keen to learn and they deserve much better than they had.  The teachers too now have access to books and toys with which to interact with their pupils.

 

We are so pleased to have helped with the education and to have enhanced the lives of these small children. 

 

Until the next time,

 

 

Best Wishes,

Diane and Derek  

Update on Lake Victoria Childrens Society, Ukerewe.

Hello again,

After being in contact with Alex Magaga (Chairman of L.V.C.) for months before we arrived, it was so good to actually be there and see for ourselves the premises and facilities which they had.  There were six of us who spent most of our time there.

Currently, there are 36 children being taught in the school and being fed.   The children are aged between three and six years.  Their lessons are in both English and Swahili.  At present there are nine families which can afford to pay for the care which the children receive, and this helps the other children who are from disadvantaged families or orphaned, and their education is free. What lovely children they are!  So respectful and happy, it was a delight to be with them.

We had discussions with regards to their requirements, and it was agreed to re-decorate the two classrooms, put in electric lights and a mural was painted on one of the classroom walls.   This was the 'before' picture of  one of the classroom.

L.V.C. rent various rooms from the Makene family and Everest, the owner was always available to lend a hand in whichever task we were undertaking.  His help was invaluable.

Whilst all the activity was going on, the children were schooled in the courtyard, and it was lovely to hear them singing and reciting.

The children loved to have their photos taken and when they were shown the 'picture', there was lots of laughter.

Before they went home, the children were given a mug of porridge at lunch time.  Nothing was ever left!

School tables had been sent in the container previously and both classrooms were equipped with one.  These tables came from a school in a village called Wold Newton in North Yorkshire, England.  It was good to know that they had found another home and were so well received.  Here the tables are having their stools put on again, as they travelled separately.

Patricia (the artistic member of our group) agreed to paint a mural on one of the classroom walls.  She was helped by Rehema and Dorice who live with the Makene family and as you can see, it was a very colourful and vibrant addition to the classroom.

Here is Pat with Rehema and Doirice and the wonderful work of art, which the children loved.

They also painted some decorations on the second classroom wall as well.

A television set and video machine with videos was also given to the school to help the children with their English language and the classrooms were turned into bright and pleasant areas for the children to have their lessons.  

More on L.V.C. next time.


Best wishes.

Diane and Derek

We have just arrived back from Ukerewe.

Hello to you all,

We have just returned to the U.K after a month in Ukerewe, Tanzania.   Six of us travelled together before the main group, and here we are arriving at Mwanza airport.

Steve and Patricia from Helmsley Rotary Club; Diane, Brenda and Robert who is the Rotary Club of Fileys'  new President.  Derek is our photographer, so out of the photo!

After an overnight stop in Mwanza, we boarded the ferry to Ukerewe where we were met by members of the Nansio Rotary Club - and what a welcome!  The people on Ukerewe are very friendly and hospitable with special African hand shakes and hugs where ever we went.

During our stay on the island we spent most of our time  at the Lake Victoria Childrens Society premises...    ...    ....   

and organized projects at the Tanzania Albino Society.

This gentleman is the Chairman of T.A.S.

On our way to LVC each day we walked through the local shopping areas and the vibrant market place with its own special sights and sounds.

We have lots of photos and stories to tell about our experiences at LVC, TAS, and getting out to the outlying villages where we distributed toys, sports equipment, shoes, books and educational equipment to the schools.

At a Health Centre we took baby clothes, feeding bottles and teats, medical goods and soap.

 With the help of Alex Magaga of LVC and his Village Ambassadors, we were able to visit underprivileged families where again, we distributed clothing, bedding and shoes and soap. We were always made to feel so welcome.

The month spent in Ukerewe was a wonderful experience and very emotional at times.    We can assure you that the goods made a big difference to the lives of the Ukerewe people who received them,  and  to us who were very privileged to be there we will never forget the hospitality and kindness we received.   We thoroughly enjoyed every minute we spent on the island with these lovely people.

We will be sharing our experiences with you in more detail in the forthcoming days and weeks.

Until then,

Best Wishes,

Diane and Derek.