We are currently on the 18th hour of flight since leaving Lilongwe, which has given ample time to deliberate over the last 3 weeks. We have gotten to know each other very well, and developed a strong team. As Tom has said “Great trip, great team, great teamwork accomplished”.

We made a physical imprint on a small community in a small, struggling country. Chatting with people in the airports on layovers and fellow captives on our flight regarding our trip has helped me realize the magnitude of what we did, and the impact we made. Clearly we did not solve any of Malawi’s numerous challenges ahead (such as HIV/Aids, malnutrition of the population, lack of cash crop for export, poor farming soil for satisfying the needs of the current population, the drying up of Lake Chilewa, as well as sanitation and health issues); however, our actions have moved the country forward by way of their education program for one small community.

This was not the first year Rotary has come to Mbidi School on a sweat equity trip. Over the years, there has definitely been a noticeable improvement in Malawi with the construction of new buildings.

Donations raised have gone towards materials for building and payment for local employees to build the two classrooms, a teachers work area, and library. We also put in skylights to brighten the classrooms and provided mats for the children to sit on while in class. There will be 12 more chairs at the school shortly, fruit trees planted, and the school will soon be on the World Food Program, which will provide a meal a day to the students. All of these acts improved the standard of the school and hopefully the attendance of the children. The library will improve knowledge, and expand the horizons of the children—“a meaningful contribution” as Brian Westlake put it.

For the ladies of Kachere, we provided 24 orphan children with school uniforms, toys, crayons and scribblers, knitting and tailoring training, hats and fabric for sewing clothing. This should increase the income for Kachere—the most giving individuals I have ever met.

We came down and saw how these people live day-by-day, learning about these challenges the country faces. I believe what my part in the future is will be to pass on the information that I have learned and encourage others to participate in trips like this. “Our work here is not done, there is certainly more to do, and the country needs our help, whether it be financial or otherwise” (Brian Edwards).

Going on this trip has given us all a greater appreciation of our lives in Canada. I can speak for the group, as well, when I say we have a huge appreciation for the work Chris Snyder and Emmanuel International do to organize this trip, looking after us and making it interesting. This trip could not have happened without them.

Malawi Sweat Equity 2013 Blog, over and out.

Yesterday was the last day to get all our work done at the Mbidi School. Mission complete!

After the last coats of paint and varnish had been applied, the last nail had been hammered and the last door hinges had been screwed in, the team left the school, ready for the handover ceremony tomorrow. The students earlier that day had cleaned up the school grounds by way of burning all the shavings and other pieces of waste around the school—not something the Rotary group was accustomed to seeing around a schoolyard. The school area was really smoky for about 10 minutes while the fires were at their peaks.

Paul and Doreen had brought over 800 toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes that we distributed to each of the classes along with presenting the importance of dental hygiene.

The District Manager of Education came to Annie’s Lodge last night to speak with us about the challenges Zomba faces in terms of educating its youth, and the progress the city has been making over the last few years. He was a very good presenter, and did not avoid any of the difficult questions we had asked him. The facts and statistics he presented on the reality of the education system in Zomba district were disheartening (for example, every grade has an annual 5% drop out rate, and only 31% of the graduating class of primary school are selected to carry on in secondary education because of the lack of secondary schools) but it was good to hear that they are recognizing the issues and putting effort into improving the situation.

The handover ceremony this morning went well. Dignitaries such as local chiefs and government figures made appearances. Sports teams from another school walked 5km to Mbidi to compete in soccer and netball. Netball is much like basketball without dribbling (and a couple of rules that your humble blogger was unable to understand). The school spirit was palpable, as the students would run onto the field on every goal cheering and chanting on their team. We donated sports jerseys to the members of all 4 teams, and prizes for both at the end of their matches. We also gave the teachers of Mbidi gift bags.

The students wrote us 3 heartfelt poems and presented them. They gave me the sheets of paper that they had written their poems on:

Nice Journey

Nice Journey Chris
Nice Journey Shirley
Hardworking spirit is what you have taught us
Then nice journey
Nice Journey Tom
Nice Journey Michael
Dedication is your friend
Then nice Journey
Nice Journey Frances
Nice Journey Rhonda
Your presence changed environment Brian
Then nice Journey
Andrew, Brian, Paul, Al, Jeff, Doreen, & Paul Jones
Cannot go without our thanks
NICE JOURNEY ALL!

Remember us When in Canada

It’s not the beginning
And it’s not the ending
I mean what you have done
Remember us when in Canada

Two blocks now to enjoy
That’s your products
Remember us when in Canada

Greet everyone in Canada
As it is as far as heaven
That we cannot reach
Remember us when in Canada

You really changed the environment
The environment of Mbidi
Remember us when in Canada

Weather Focus at Mbidi

When I look at every one
I see smile faces
Thus weather focus at Mbidi

When I look far right
A new, beautiful block stands
Comprises library, staff room and head teacher’s office
Thus weather focus here

New block, smile faces
All are saying something
Thus weather focus here at Mbidi

The Rotary team also got up infront of everyone and put on a show. The creative minds of Jeff and Paul came up with a song for the children that we sang in a round. It goes to the beat of Row, Row, Row Your Boat. It was a hit!

Ro-ro-rotary
Working as a team,
We bring our tools,
We build a school,
Fulfilling children’s dreams.

Frances Hoffman

The team is on the homestretch with only 3 days of work left including today, pressing to complete. We worked rather efficiently, as the 6 doors are totally complete and the netball field has been carefully measured and marked with a hoe, the walls are all painted and baseboards being done, the blackboard paint has been applied and all the windows are complete, murals are finished, and teachers desks have been varnished in two coats with sanding in between. It was a full day of work.

A group of us went to the neighbouring community earlier in the morning to learn about the community’s water wells and health and sanitation. It was surprising for a number of reasons, one being that the community has yet to connect keeping water clean and preventing illness, or even performing the death defying act of washing your hands after going to the washroom. The committee members meet once a week to educate the community members on the value and benefits of clean water. They visit every house in the village, as well, to ensure that the village members adhere to their suggestions (such as covering the water when they carry it home, using the chlorine they provide for drinking water, and having hand washing stations outside the latrinesThe well requires quarterly visits, whereby soft parts ie valves and soft parts are replaced. It is approximately $25 dollars a year (equivalent to a month’s salary for a labourer in Africa) to maintain.

Once every three months someone from the government Ministry of Water does 3 tests: ph test, water yield, and bacteria count. These tests determine whether the well is functioning properly or not. ). They also collect money to maintain the pump and well (there are two water wells for the village of 493 people, 107 house holds and 93 latrines). Before creating a well, one must have a certain amount to open a bank account dedicated to maintenance of the well for future fixes.

We are now at Paul and Helen’s house enjoying Roast Beef dinner with a couple glasses of wine and some wonderful company.