Working within Tigri today. 3:50 in the afternoon "Live" from the computers in the community centre. I think most of the keys workkk.
Doctors surgery this morning drew queues. "Field Visit late morning. Very moving. Met a mother (about 20 years old) with a three month old girl, born in the slum. Baby has a medical card and is up to date with injections, and is growing at the right rate. These are the main areas Asha concentrate on with children to improve the levels of infant mortality and health generally.
A 75 Yr old Grandfather having to look after grandchildren of 12 and 7 becasue the parents died. The neighbours all help with buying food. Asha made sure he got his state pension of R1000 pm ( around GBP14) and top up his income each month with food to the value of R500. More than enough to live on, but not much more.
The slum has piped water, a luxury. Houses ( a generous term) often two small rooms for whole family, cooking will be outside in the lane (often three / four feet wide, or less) or in the front room. Motorbikes and cycles regularly go along the lanes. We visited three small businesses, a tailor, electrician, and shopkeeper, all financed by the micro finance scheme with loans of between 15,000 and 40,000 Rupees (70 = GBP1). They have to pay back by monthly instalments over up to five years. This then generates trading within the area. Several women have also started costume jewellery businesses where they sell to neighbours and others in the slums.
We also visited some of the homes of the college (University in the UK) students . The family pay what they are able, and Asha tops up funding, between R3000 and R8000 is needed for fees, dependant on college. Education means young men and women can be independant in the future. Particularly important for the young women.
The girls are teaching behaviour this afternoon. How to behave in interviews, and with others. Much Laughter, Julie is trying hard not to get a job. Be afraid, very afraid.
More soon.
Nigel.
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hey, awesome stories!!!! be sure to get some photos of rodger yelping at the stray dogs for me! i can just picture it!..very funny!!!! have you managed high tea yet?
ReplyDeletewe are good, packing fast and all going well. chris and tash visiting for lunch today!!! keep us posted love hearing the news!!!! xxxxxxxxx
Hi Dad, sounds exciting..lots of new experiences. i would say take lots of photos but no doubt u are doing that! Any physios out there?
ReplyDeleteHave put the bins out, only forgot to feed the chickens once but they r still alive! had a nice dinner with grandma! she invited me to go rollerblading with her!!?! lol. Sarah text to say they are having a good time in South Africa!
Thanks for the texts, hope your are having fun!
jo x