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.
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