PAINTING THE NOSES OF AFRICAN CHILDREN

First Day at School: by Libby Duncan Team 2 set off at 0730 to travel 40 kms. along a narrow, dusty, rutted road. We were bounced around in a Land Rover – very sore derrieres.

We all split up after a tour of the school: 9 classrooms, 3 latrines, 1675 students, 8 teachers. Initially we were all speechless at the sights that greeted us. The teachers’ living quarters were simply appalling.

Leo and Chuck were involved with reburbishing the well. Anne and Marg organized 700 books in the 5’ x 10’ room. Everyone else picked up where Team 1 left off: painting the walls of the nine classrooms. Each of these concrete classrooms (18’ x 27’) accommodated 300 children sitting on the concrete floor.

The children were definitely the highlight of the day – so much joy and laughter pouring forth. They were fascinated by all of us: giggling girls, shy young ones, beaming smiles, bright eyes, bare feet or shoes that didn’t fit, curious, polite, engaging and open. They simply adored having their pictures taken and burst into peals of laughter when shown the digital image. Their enthusiasm and delight was contagious. Many of us wanted to wrap our arms around them and share a hug. When I put a spot of paint on the tip of the nose of a young girl, hysterical laughter went on for 20 minutes.

Lunch was under a mango tree and was comprised of rice, cooked cabbage and a goat who apparently had seen the sunrise.

I am feeling very tired tonight but know better why I am here. My emotions are many and difficult to put into words. There is no simple answer to the poverty and the extreme problems in Africa. Am I making a difference? Maybe only a small one here but a huge one inside me.