Many of the CCS volunteers are experiencing a let-down, as the uniqueness of their placements has given way to the harsh reality of daily existence for the people we are here to help.
At the primary school level we have noted a sudden drop in the number of girls attending in standard (grade) four, five and six. In this society, the education of girls is not as valued as education for boys. A family, needing money, would send their daughter (as young as 10 years old) out to work, forgoing any further education.
Corporal punishment is a norm in education and is an accepted form of disciple in the education act. Today, four young teenagers, each received four hard strikes (caning) on their back sides for not doing homework. The volunteer witnessing this was truly disturbed by these actions and when he spoke out against such cruelty, he was laughed at by teachers at the school.
Our adventure yesterday meant that some tasks were left undone at our placements leading many to wonder what daily life is like when there are no volunteers present.
This highlights the need for continued involvement and influence by developed nations who offer aid to less developed countries. Financial aid must to be channeled to people in need, to provide training, resources and basic necessities. Volunteers and trained professionals are needed to continue to support the people living here, by offering their time and talents to enhance the living conditions for all.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Kilasiya Waterfalls
The hike was long and treacherous. The trail of dirt, mud that at times was slippery and stone, was lined only occasionally with railings tied together by twine. This steep trail allowed for only single file passage through a jungle-like growth layered with vines, banana trees and a variety of flowering plants.
At the end of the trail a place of true beauty was to be found.
The water fell some 15 metres into a pool of pristine water. A sunlit mist cast by the falling water was accentuated the serenity of the scene. We paused as a group to take photos and enjoy this gift.
Another pool of calm water slighted down river from the Kilasiya Waterfalls offered a refreshing swim for these climb weary travelers.
Following this well appreciated dip, the climb back up the embankment to the main road was as strenuous as it was dangerous. The railings, all though they provided a sense of security did not offer true protection. Happily we all survived the climb and relaxed during the long return journey to home-base.
At the end of the trail a place of true beauty was to be found.
The water fell some 15 metres into a pool of pristine water. A sunlit mist cast by the falling water was accentuated the serenity of the scene. We paused as a group to take photos and enjoy this gift.
Another pool of calm water slighted down river from the Kilasiya Waterfalls offered a refreshing swim for these climb weary travelers.
Following this well appreciated dip, the climb back up the embankment to the main road was as strenuous as it was dangerous. The railings, all though they provided a sense of security did not offer true protection. Happily we all survived the climb and relaxed during the long return journey to home-base.
The Chagga Caves
The Chagga Caves
In the days of colonization and when the Maasai moved into Tanzania, the Chagga people lived in fear. They build an elaborate system of caves and tunnels to protect themselves and their livestock.
These tunnels at least five metres underground with narrow areas designed to attack any enemy who may have found the caves. A kitchen area was designed with special vents to draw smoke out of the living area and into a hidden location where it would not be seen. The kitchen fire provided the only light in the caves. The construction of these caves is an architectural wonder.
These caves are also inhabited now by bats, that added to the eeriness of the surroundings.
Chagga Tribe
We took Tuesday off from our placements to discover the Chagga tribe.
A guide from Cross Cultural solutions took us to a batik maker who demonstrated to us the process of creating his magnificent works.
We then stopped at a Baobab (pronounced bow-bow) tree and learned of how this tree plays a significant role in the lives of Chagga people. They use the tree as a place for meditation and ceremony, as a dwelling place for one or two families, and/or as a source of food and medicine.
The Chagga market was a bustling place where people gathered to sell anything from hardware, food, spices, clothes, shoes, fabric and items for the home. Like the Boma market, people travel on foot to bring their goods to market. Women carrying one or two bunches of bananas were a highlight. The Chagga people believe that if you take a photo, you are taking their spirit, so most people will not grant permission to have their photo taken.
Chagga people are also known for their iron work. Over hot coals fueled by a bellows system, workers shape iron into spears, knives, bells and other works of art.
Their doomed dwellings are made of branches with a grass roof. They are divided into two areas, one for people and their other for livestock. The Chagga are very protective of their cattle. There is an attic like area, designed for storage or to the smoke/dry certain foods.
A guide from Cross Cultural solutions took us to a batik maker who demonstrated to us the process of creating his magnificent works.
We then stopped at a Baobab (pronounced bow-bow) tree and learned of how this tree plays a significant role in the lives of Chagga people. They use the tree as a place for meditation and ceremony, as a dwelling place for one or two families, and/or as a source of food and medicine.
The Chagga market was a bustling place where people gathered to sell anything from hardware, food, spices, clothes, shoes, fabric and items for the home. Like the Boma market, people travel on foot to bring their goods to market. Women carrying one or two bunches of bananas were a highlight. The Chagga people believe that if you take a photo, you are taking their spirit, so most people will not grant permission to have their photo taken.
Chagga people are also known for their iron work. Over hot coals fueled by a bellows system, workers shape iron into spears, knives, bells and other works of art.
Their doomed dwellings are made of branches with a grass roof. They are divided into two areas, one for people and their other for livestock. The Chagga are very protective of their cattle. There is an attic like area, designed for storage or to the smoke/dry certain foods.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Tarangire Part II
Another early breakfast the park greeted us with a herd of over 1000 zebras and wildebeests crossing the road ahead of us. Animal after animal pranced, ran, walked, brayed and squawked as they past. The sound of hooves beating dry earth was a constant soft padding for over 10 minutes. The line of animals was as long as the eye could see in both directions, barring our passage to the remainder of the park. This allowed us ample time to appreciate the vastness of this migration.
This was followed a brief distance down the road by a herd of 23 elephants. Their approach as met with some trepidation as we realized that our vehicle was parked on their marked path. At the last moment the lead male elephant turned to bring the herd to the front of the vehicle. We were blessed to watch males, females, adults and babies stroll calmly and proudly before us.
Later we found four female lions intently watching their prey of zebras, wildebeests and impalas. We watched as they quietly moved into hunting positions, spread out across the area, and sat on their haunches waiting for the right moment to strike. Because had only four hours at the park we could not wait any longer and after 30 minutes of watching these cats prepare we left to explore the remainder of the park.
Our time in the National Parks have left many memories that will last a lifetime, not to mention the more that 500 photos.
Tarangire National Park
After lunch we drove to Tarangire National Park, which open wide open plains filled with zebras, wildebeests, elephants and lions. It is thrilling to see land teeming with wildlife as far as the eye can see. Visa after visa revealed 100’s of animals.
Our campsite for the evening was a rustic place called Zion Camp Park. The pit toilets were not popular with many of us. After dinner some of the workers at the site played drums and danced for us.
Our campsite for the evening was a rustic place called Zion Camp Park. The pit toilets were not popular with many of us. After dinner some of the workers at the site played drums and danced for us.
Manyara National Park
Up at 6:00 a.m. for breakfast, we left for our first safari by 7:00 a.m. Our van was specially equipped with a roof that lifted 3 feet above the vehicle giving us open air access to view the park. We were able to ride sitting or standing.
The adventure began with baboons, blue monkeys, spider monkeys and velvet monkeys entertained us with their hi-jinks. At one point, as we neared a family of baboons we witness mommy baboon quickly snatch her youngster from a nearby branch and whisk it away to a safe distance from humans.
We were also blessed to see lions, hippos, flamingos, a warthog, giraffes and a number of elephants. The baby elephant and his mother were the highlight of the morning.
Safari
Our Safari began with an overnight stop at the Jambo Campground near Lake Manyara. As an added treat we were invited to a Maasai Village. A chief, his fifteen wives and 55 children greeted us with Maasai song and dance. We were invited to join them in dance, which is essentially very high, rhythmic jumping.
After the dance we toured their homes. Each wife builds a house of sticks and cow dung. These round huts have three rooms: a front room for baby livestock, a larger bedroom with a twig bed covered in cow hide for the chief on the nights that he favours this wife and a third is a bed for the wife and her children. These houses last about four years and then the wife needs to build a new one. All of the houses are arranged in a circle. Livestock are penned in the centre by nettle fencing.
Chiefs are allowed to have as many wives as they have cattle. For example this chief had 15 wives thus he had at least 150 cattle.
Maasai believe that vegetables and fruit are for cattle, thus they do not eat these. Instead there diet consists solely of milk, cow’s blood and some beef.
These people were very welcoming and happy to invite us to peek into their daily lives.
As we were leaving darkness was falling. We played a game with the flashlight having the younger children chased it and step on it. The laughter and competition was endearing.
This was a most informative evening.
After the dance we toured their homes. Each wife builds a house of sticks and cow dung. These round huts have three rooms: a front room for baby livestock, a larger bedroom with a twig bed covered in cow hide for the chief on the nights that he favours this wife and a third is a bed for the wife and her children. These houses last about four years and then the wife needs to build a new one. All of the houses are arranged in a circle. Livestock are penned in the centre by nettle fencing.
Chiefs are allowed to have as many wives as they have cattle. For example this chief had 15 wives thus he had at least 150 cattle.
Maasai believe that vegetables and fruit are for cattle, thus they do not eat these. Instead there diet consists solely of milk, cow’s blood and some beef.
These people were very welcoming and happy to invite us to peek into their daily lives.
As we were leaving darkness was falling. We played a game with the flashlight having the younger children chased it and step on it. The laughter and competition was endearing.
This was a most informative evening.
Photo Op
One the way home from Hai District High School, Dad was stopped by a few young girls who asked to have their photo take with a “Mzungu” – a white person. Of course he obliged.
Tanzanian Time
Daylight stretches almost 13 hours each day from about 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Time in Tanzania is based on daylight. School begins at 2:00, that is 2 hours after daylight. School ends at 9:00 or 9 hours after daylight, leaving about four hours after school to play, do homework, chores etc.
Days of the week are counted from Saturday. Thus the Monday is the third day of the Tanzanian week, so it is called "Jumatatu" or day three.
Days of the week are counted from Saturday. Thus the Monday is the third day of the Tanzanian week, so it is called "Jumatatu" or day three.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Traditional Tanzanian Clothing
We learned about traditional Tanzanian dress at one of our information sessions. Many women here wear Khangas...a cotton cloth with a message. Some of these messages are of love, sympathy, faith or wisdom. We are told when buying Khangas to be careful because occasionally the messages are not nice.
Khangas are often worn as skirts with the message strategically placed to the back. Some women wear their Khanga as a shawl, as a head covering, or rolled and placed on the head as a soft place to carry goods. We witnessed a woman carry an entire bunch of bananas to our home-base on her head.
Here is picture of Paula wearing a Khanga in manner that she could also carry maize to market or a child.
Men traditionally wear suits.
We also learned of the traditional dress of the Maasai tribe. Both men and women dress alike in skirts, shawls and sandals. The cloth the Maasai use is usually in very bright colours especially oranges, reds and purples. This tribe lives in very traditional ways.
While it was great trying on these traditional items, it was also comforting to return to western clothing. Most of these traditional clothing items are wrapped or tied in place. It would seem very easy to have them accidentally pulled off.
Market Day
This was market day in Boma. Donkeys transported goods to market from as far away as 20 kilometres. They rested and brayed on side streets awaiting the long journey home. A vibrant, colourful and noisy place the market hold about 100 make-shift stall.
People are everywhere selling everything from vegetables (carrots, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, etc), spices, dried fish, used shoes, clothes old and new and fabric.
Bartering is expected in the market.
It was a great experience to walk through and find the occasional bargain.
47 Divided by 15
Forty-seven children shared fifteen desks and seven books in the classroom where I taught English.
At the school for fewer than 15 minutes, I was given my first assignment. In a room with rough cement walls and dirt floors, the children and I read in English and answered questions. Although the children were very co-operative with this lesson, their ability to interpret what we read will give me work for the next three weeks.
The children are dressed in school uniforms of white shirt, green/blue/yellow/black sweaters (Tanzanian colours); the boys wearing trousers and girls blue skirts. Some uniforms are falling apart: sweaters are unraveling, zippers broken or hems are worn. Although all children wore shoes, most footwear is falling apart giving air to toes covered by worn socks.
From our window I can see the dried corn fields parched from the drought. The occasional wild dog or chicken wonders through the yard. I remind myself, I am here, teaching in a classroom in Africa. It is similar to what I had imagined, but more…
At the school for fewer than 15 minutes, I was given my first assignment. In a room with rough cement walls and dirt floors, the children and I read in English and answered questions. Although the children were very co-operative with this lesson, their ability to interpret what we read will give me work for the next three weeks.
The children are dressed in school uniforms of white shirt, green/blue/yellow/black sweaters (Tanzanian colours); the boys wearing trousers and girls blue skirts. Some uniforms are falling apart: sweaters are unraveling, zippers broken or hems are worn. Although all children wore shoes, most footwear is falling apart giving air to toes covered by worn socks.
From our window I can see the dried corn fields parched from the drought. The occasional wild dog or chicken wonders through the yard. I remind myself, I am here, teaching in a classroom in Africa. It is similar to what I had imagined, but more…
Under Night Skies
Night comes early in Boma, under the watch of Kili, the skies here, near the equator are dark around 7:00 p.m. Wild dogs chase through the neighbourhood, barking throughout the night. People gather outside to talk and share well beyond night fall. Voices carry well here. Curfew, said to be 11 p.m., is not widely enforce.
Members of the Muslim community sing of their praises to Allah regularly at 5:00 a.m.
This morning there is extra noise: a mournful, almost wailing sound.
When asked about this over breakfast we were politely told, “Hakuma Matata” (Swahili for ‘no worries’)
Members of the Muslim community sing of their praises to Allah regularly at 5:00 a.m.
This morning there is extra noise: a mournful, almost wailing sound.
When asked about this over breakfast we were politely told, “Hakuma Matata” (Swahili for ‘no worries’)
Kili Showed Herself
As we returned to Boma, from our trip to Moshi, the mountain came out. Shrouded in cloud for our first two days, Kilimanjaro showed us the towering glory of the “Roof Top of Africa”. The mountain stands alone against a flat landscape; its height placing it in the clouds most days.
When we returned the mountain was bathed in the pink of a setting sun. The shops of Boma in the foreground are snapshot of daily life here.
As it turns out the lure of Kili is great, it seems we may forgo a weekend excursion to Zanzibar in favour of a short trip part way of the mountain.
Moshi Trip
Our trip to Moshi was one of excitement and trepidation.
Our first stop was at the bank and currency exchange which gave us money to shop…or more accurately to become fodder for insistent street vendors.
Peter and Ali went to a local market. Vendors offered a variety of goods including items in ebony and tanzanite, African cloth and Kilimanjaro souvenirs. After making their first purchase they were immediately surrounded by sellers eager to make a deal. Their aggression was frightening. It was a relief to board our van to return to the quiet of Boma.
Our first stop was at the bank and currency exchange which gave us money to shop…or more accurately to become fodder for insistent street vendors.
Peter and Ali went to a local market. Vendors offered a variety of goods including items in ebony and tanzanite, African cloth and Kilimanjaro souvenirs. After making their first purchase they were immediately surrounded by sellers eager to make a deal. Their aggression was frightening. It was a relief to board our van to return to the quiet of Boma.
Monday, July 20, 2009
"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live"
Flora Whittmore
How fitting that this was written on a prepackaged food item that we received on the trip to Kilimanjaro.
We opened a new door today. A morning walk through Boma Ng'ombe gave a glimpse into the life we are going to be part of for the next three weeks. The air and land is very dry. Wind whips sand into your unprotected eyes. The usual summer rains did not come to Boma this year and we are in dry season. Crops are parched. Corn, once healthy is now yellow and unyielding.
Poor as their conditions may appear the people are happy, friendly and very polite. Most people are eager to speak to us though our knowledge of Swahili limits conversation. Children eagerly approach us to study these new faces.
Our program leaders had a full day of discovery planned for us. We learned a little about the people, the language and the culture in Boma. We also learned more about the other volunteers.
As this new door opens we are hopeful that we can help make a difference as we know this new door will make a difference for us.
Africa by Night
The sun sets early near the equator. We landed at 8:30 p.m. local time in pitch blackness.
After some searching for luggage that was not to be found, we left the airport to meet the drivers from Cross Cultural Solutions.
As we pulled out of the Airport parking lot many of us remarked that the grounds that we could see reminded us of "The Lion King". We traveled all that distance to step into a movie lot.
All of the people at Cross Cultural were courteous and very helpful. They gave us a quick tour. We met other CCS'ers and happily fell into our bunkbeds for a well deserved night's sleep.
After some searching for luggage that was not to be found, we left the airport to meet the drivers from Cross Cultural Solutions.
As we pulled out of the Airport parking lot many of us remarked that the grounds that we could see reminded us of "The Lion King". We traveled all that distance to step into a movie lot.
All of the people at Cross Cultural were courteous and very helpful. They gave us a quick tour. We met other CCS'ers and happily fell into our bunkbeds for a well deserved night's sleep.
Travel Tribulations
Our trip began or almost not.
The first leg of our journey was Toronto to Detroit. The plane was delayed in Detroit. We were called to a service counter and told that this delay would mean our connections would be lost. The airline Northwest tried to find other flights for us, but accommodating a group of 7 proved to be difficult.
After trying to find flights we were informed that the plane had indeed left Detroit but the turn around time would still leave us missing our connecting flight. We chose to board the Detroit plane. The Toronto supervisor, Sharron, for Northwest boarded the plane when it landed in an attempt to aid in clean-up and get the plane off the ground and back to Detroit sooner. There was no guarantee that we would make our connecting flight, but at least we were closer than if we had remained in Toronto.
As when we landed in Detroit other passengers, having heard on board about our dilemma allowed us to leave the plane first.
That same Toronto Northwest supervisor, Sharon, had informed the people in Detroit of our plight. As we entered the terminal people pointed us quickly in the right direction and to our next plane. No sooner had we landed comfortably in our seats did the plane leave for Amsterdam.
The reminder of the journey was uneventful, barring the lost luggage. Yes, all of our luggage, six pieces in all, were not to be found at the airport in Kilimanjaro. Only one KLM flight lands daily at Kili airport. Four of our pieces arrived today. We hope to see the rest tomorrow.
The first leg of our journey was Toronto to Detroit. The plane was delayed in Detroit. We were called to a service counter and told that this delay would mean our connections would be lost. The airline Northwest tried to find other flights for us, but accommodating a group of 7 proved to be difficult.
After trying to find flights we were informed that the plane had indeed left Detroit but the turn around time would still leave us missing our connecting flight. We chose to board the Detroit plane. The Toronto supervisor, Sharron, for Northwest boarded the plane when it landed in an attempt to aid in clean-up and get the plane off the ground and back to Detroit sooner. There was no guarantee that we would make our connecting flight, but at least we were closer than if we had remained in Toronto.
As when we landed in Detroit other passengers, having heard on board about our dilemma allowed us to leave the plane first.
That same Toronto Northwest supervisor, Sharon, had informed the people in Detroit of our plight. As we entered the terminal people pointed us quickly in the right direction and to our next plane. No sooner had we landed comfortably in our seats did the plane leave for Amsterdam.
The reminder of the journey was uneventful, barring the lost luggage. Yes, all of our luggage, six pieces in all, were not to be found at the airport in Kilimanjaro. Only one KLM flight lands daily at Kili airport. Four of our pieces arrived today. We hope to see the rest tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Anticipation Grows
We will be staying in the village of Boma Ng'ombe, in the Hai District between Arusha and Moshi, near Mount Kilimanjaro, in the Northern part of Tanzania. Boma Ng'ombe boasts a population of 20,000. It is home to the Chagga, Maasai and Pare tribes.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa, measuring 5,963 metres. It is 330 kilometers south of the equator.
Our hosts, Cross Cultural Solutions has provided us with a great deal of support and information about our upcoming venture. They will provide our meals, accommodations, transportation to our work sites daily, and offer cultural activities for volunteers to learn more about the area we are working in.
Our volunteer placement will provide us with the opportunity to work with children and youth in this area. We hope that through this experience we can enrich their lives, as we know this experience will enrich our own.
With only days to go before our trip, the level of anticipation is growing.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa, measuring 5,963 metres. It is 330 kilometers south of the equator.
Our hosts, Cross Cultural Solutions has provided us with a great deal of support and information about our upcoming venture. They will provide our meals, accommodations, transportation to our work sites daily, and offer cultural activities for volunteers to learn more about the area we are working in.
Our volunteer placement will provide us with the opportunity to work with children and youth in this area. We hope that through this experience we can enrich their lives, as we know this experience will enrich our own.
With only days to go before our trip, the level of anticipation is growing.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
A LIttle About Us
We are the Stankiewicz family. Soon we will be traveling to Tanzania to a town called Boma Ng'ombe near Mount Kilimanjaro. We will be working with Cross Cultural Solutions volunteering in various capacities in the community.
As a family, we've traveled to every province in Canada, and driven to Florida many times. We all love traveling. Africa is the next step in our adventures. We are all very excited for this trip.
Peter (Sr.) is a teacher at a local high school. When he is not at school, or taking care of the kids, he enjoys golfing and going for bike rides. He is looking forward to visiting and learning about a new culture.
Brenda is a public health nurse, but generally prefers to work with Children. She teaches figure skating and coaches soccer to young children. She also volunteers as a Sunday school teacher. She loves the honesty and smiles of the children.
Peter is an avid skateboarder and photographer. After four years of graphic design at George Brown college, he has decided it's time for a little traveling around the world.
Katrina is planning to attend the University of Toronto in the fall, and will be taking forensic science. She is currently working as a cashier at a grocery store. She enjoys figure skating, reading, playing guitar and playing piano. She is interested in learning about a different part of this world.
Elizabeth prefers to be called Libby. She enjoys figure skating, gymnastics and playing and coaching soccer. She is the responsible for suggesting this volunteer vacation. Originally she had wanted to go to Africa to volunteer on her own, but her parents felt that she was too young to go alone, so we're going as a family.
Ali is the youngest of our five children. She is going to miss her pet bunny, Crumbles, who she loves with all her heart. When she is not cuddling her bunny, she likes reading, playing soccer and figure skating. She is looking forward to working with children at her placement.
We are eager to go to Tanzania, to see a different part of the world and to work with people from a different culture. We are thrilled that you have decided to join us on our journey.
As a family, we've traveled to every province in Canada, and driven to Florida many times. We all love traveling. Africa is the next step in our adventures. We are all very excited for this trip.
Peter (Sr.) is a teacher at a local high school. When he is not at school, or taking care of the kids, he enjoys golfing and going for bike rides. He is looking forward to visiting and learning about a new culture.
Brenda is a public health nurse, but generally prefers to work with Children. She teaches figure skating and coaches soccer to young children. She also volunteers as a Sunday school teacher. She loves the honesty and smiles of the children.
Peter is an avid skateboarder and photographer. After four years of graphic design at George Brown college, he has decided it's time for a little traveling around the world.
Katrina is planning to attend the University of Toronto in the fall, and will be taking forensic science. She is currently working as a cashier at a grocery store. She enjoys figure skating, reading, playing guitar and playing piano. She is interested in learning about a different part of this world.
Elizabeth prefers to be called Libby. She enjoys figure skating, gymnastics and playing and coaching soccer. She is the responsible for suggesting this volunteer vacation. Originally she had wanted to go to Africa to volunteer on her own, but her parents felt that she was too young to go alone, so we're going as a family.
Ali is the youngest of our five children. She is going to miss her pet bunny, Crumbles, who she loves with all her heart. When she is not cuddling her bunny, she likes reading, playing soccer and figure skating. She is looking forward to working with children at her placement.
We are eager to go to Tanzania, to see a different part of the world and to work with people from a different culture. We are thrilled that you have decided to join us on our journey.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)