Hajja Salesjana September October 2017

9 When we arrived in Sorsa we were greeted by a crowd of around hundred singing children. We were taken to the school and shown around. There were two classrooms, 2 small offices, a toilet and a kitchen with 3 ovens to provide the children with one hot meal at least while they are at school. Worth noting that very often, this will be their only meal during the day as poverty is so rampant. A lot of preparations due for the following day’s celebrations were underway. During the afternoon we prepared bread for around 1000 people that were expected to attend for the inauguration of the school and in the evening we were visited by the Bishop Giovanni Migliorati, who was going to lead the inauguration. Sunday 17th January 2016 was a very special day indeed so we packed the food and set off early for Sorsa. We joined the local people for the celebration of mass in their very small church, and afterwards walked together to the nearby school. There was a lot of singing and dancing all around us. Joy abounded. We were also presented with a local scarf as a token of appreciation and right afterwards the ribbon was cut and the plaque uncovered. The Charles ‘Buddy’ Piccinino Kindergarten School in Sorsa was officially opened! More dancing, singing and acrobatics by some of the children followed. Later we helped in distributing the food to all the people, and we were invited to eat lunch with the locals and we also had some time to play some spontaneous simple games with the children. Back in Arramo, during the afternoon we visited some very poor families in the area. We also helped the Sisters to distribute food and medicine to these families. It was truly an unforgettable experience! Going into these bare houses in the forest and seeing that they had only some shelving, one small stove, a pot, a kettle and some banana leaves for bedding was indeed an eye opening experience. It was admittedly quite a shocking experience for me, as it made me realise even more how lucky I am to have easy access to food, money, luxury, education and so many opportunities. The following day was our last day in Arramo. In the morning we were busy helping in a monthly child care clinic. Every month, people from all over the area (from near aswell as from 2 or 3 hour drive away) flock into the clinic with their babies and sick children so that they receive the treatment they require. In one room we were taking the details and weighing the babies whilst providing the mother or carer with a bottle of baby’s formula milk. Alas each baby was underweight and suffering from malnutrition, weighing only between 3-5kg. We also helped in jotting down the history of various cases of skin condition, malnutrition and injuries of patients who were waiting to be seen by one of the nuns who is also a nurse. We just don’t comprehend enough how blessed we are! Quest for the Roof of Africa ( 7 ) by Claire Falzon We are pleased to bring to you the adventure of a lifetime Claire Falzon, a Physiotherapist, a Salesian Animator and SPYSmember, has recently embarked upon for a very noble cause. We will share with you her inspiring story bit by bit. Enjoy the climb to the breathtaking summit.