The day begins with a freshness in the air from yesterday's rain. The red mud is still stuck in my shoes as a reminder of the rich soil of this land. With lunches packed we are ready to head out for a full day of school visitation in the rural communities.
All in all our travels take us to 6 schools. Through dirt roads and some roads that seemed to be paths rather than gateways for vehicles, we were able to see more of this beautiful country. All day long hundreds of children lined the roads or came running from their homes, always with a smile and shouting, "How are yoooouuuuu?" The answers to our return question as we slowly crawled through these rural pathways was the sweet sound of "I am fine". The giggles as they posed for photos and then swarmed around me often 3-4 children deep to look at the picture on my camera made me feel like a celebrity.
We started at a school that had wood and mud walls but was filled with classrooms of chalkboards with English sentences and diagrams of anatomy. Private school or government school, the education that these children receive is nothing short of impressive. I would be proud for my boys to learn from these dedicated teachers and administrators. Each school had a different story but all of them shared that education was the key for a better life for these young minds. What a treat to personally meet so many of the children whose photos have filled my computer screen. With hugs and handshakes and bows each were grateful for the support that KIDA gives them.
The stories pile up in my head but in particular a few that come to mind.
Meeting Shakila, who's story we shared in our year end letter. Her smile spreading from ear to ear warmed my heart.
Meeting Samuel, who was a KIDA kid and has now graduated from University and is teaching at the very school he was taught just a short time ago.
Meeting Justine's mother and family. Justine's mother is HIV positive and makes baskets from recycled material (much to Debbie's joy) that she sells to buy food for the family. We were greeted with a warm hug and thanks for what KIDA and FORF does for her family.
Meeting Amos, a graduate from vocational school, who left his job for a bit to show us his home, his wife (who was busy planting beans in their yard), his young son and to introduce us to his mother, also HIV positive for many years. He invited us into his humble home and shared a piece of his life with us.
The day was not all filled with joy. These children are with KIDA OVC because they are living without parents or in extremely vulnerable situations. My heart ached each time I heard the phrase "child run home". We met a young 15 year old boy whose mother left the home and whose father struggles with mental illness. He is caring for his two young sisters alone. In perfect English he shared that on Saturdays he should be studying but he and his sisters must go find work in order to have food for the week.
The number of homes in which a child is the sole caretaker is devastating. KIDA helps 105 of these young ones but the need is almost overwhelming. But for the ones we are able to help the difference is real. And despite their circumstances the answer is always "I am fine!"