Latest News - Team TanzaniaTEAM TANZANIA 2009 ARE DEPARTING DODOMA ON NOV 6, FOR A WELL EARNED CHANCE TO VISIT THE NATIONAL PARKS OF NORTHERN TANZANIA Information regarding a presentation evening, likely early in the New Year, will be provided upon their return.
November 5
The day began with hard work digging the second pit of the two-tiered septic system. The day ended very differently from the previous work days now that it was time to say "goodbye". It was an emotional time for all and there were many tears shed as we parted with our African friends that we worked with and got to know so well. Kwaheri....
November 4
The team began the day with another quick start and by lunchtime managed to complete the digging of the first of two-tiered septic system. There was much joy in that. Behind the walls were the remaining team members doing finishing work around the door frames.
The last of the home visits were also uplifting as the families were delighted to see us. There were even a few tears shed as hands shook in the traditional African farewell style.
Some additional pictures are now available in the Photo Gallery. Click on the album named 'TT09'
Galilaya Orphan Centre - 5 November 2009
November 3
After having surveyed the pit dug the previous day, the work began quickly for the team. Already 5' in depth another 5 was needed and in no time they were at it. Hot temperatures and no wind made for 2 tough days and 2 more are expected. The remaining members were busy finishing up the door frames, having to mix sand and cement for grout to secure the woodwork to the bricks. While taking care to stay clear, the team watched as the remaining sheets of sharp pieces of tin were secured to the roof. As yesterday, more home visits took place and in spite of the living conditions the members came away inspired with the strength of the human spirit.
November 2
The team arrived at the site overjoyed at the extent of the roofing
done the previous day (Sunday) by our local helpers. Then, wasting no
time, work began with digging for the new septic system. An 8x12x10'
deep site was marked and like a beehive the team began to hand-excavate the hard clay-like dirt. It took lots of manpower and coordination to reach nearly 5 feet in depth by the end of the day.
With our makeshift assembly line, buckets of dirt were "slung and
flung" as our voices sang to the rhythm. Meanwhile, the remaining team members were busy installing door frames. At day's end the team headed home to regroup for the first of the home visits.
November 1
At about 9 am the team went to the Kizota church and were welcomed as special guests. The team had a chance to sing the
Tanzanian National Anthem along with the congregation and then to sing O Canada, Siyahamba, and I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing. Blyth provided a message and the service continued on for another 2 hours after that with another message, prayers, announcements, and singing and dancing.
October 31--
The Team finished laying the sand and levelling it in the main room, and the roofers began putting the corrugated roof on. Only a half-day was spent at the Galilaya site, with the remainder of the day being spent at Kizota. Gavin and Vivian led the children in crafts and games, with help from other members of the team and much help from Ben Kulwa, and then the team met with the minister of the church and later looked in on the practice sessions of the children's choir and the adult choir.
Friday October 30
The team began their day preparing to plumb the four latrines, apply the final seal to the trusses, and level the main hall with new sand.
A lot to accomplish in one day, but the team worked very hard and there was much satisfaction at the end of it.
Thursday Oct 29
Today only the men went to the Galilaya work site--the women went to the market to purchase items to be distributed during the home visits next week (rice, beans and cooking oil). At the work site Gavin and Ed continued with the sealing of the trusses--assisted by Erich later on.
Construction of the West end roof rafters also continued, and the forms were removed from the concrete footings poured yesterday.
Wednesday October 28--
Today the team arrived at the site to finish sealing the trusses in situ, and to hand-mix and pour concrete support footings--three to be exact--and one large column. Needless to say, we were happy to finish the day's work. Later there was some singing practice before supper in preparation for Sunday's service at Kizota.
Tuesday October 27--
We went to the construction site at 8:15 and continued digging footings areas, preparing forms for concrete buttress columns, and continued bracing and oiling the roof trusses. The pick-and-shovel digging work and the truss bracing were physically quite demanding, but thankfully the continuous breeze moderated the African heat.
Monday October 26--
The team began their day at Nkuhungu Medical Dispensary to see the building and how it functions within the community. After being greeted by the staff members, we toured throughout the facility. The clinical lab technician demonstrated test equipment, the store room revealed donated and purchased items, the reception/waiting area was receiving patients, and the Reproductive and Child Health care area is prepared with some of the necessary equipment and is almost ready to open. We introduced ourselves to the children attending the adjacent Nkuhungu school and engaged them in outdoor tag-games. We were also treated to African hospitality with morning tea and with thankful speeches. We spent the rest of the day at the Galilaya construction site digging latrine trenches and strapping roof strusses together.
October 25
Dressed in our Sunday best we were driven into the poorest district of Dodoma-Chang'ombe-to arrive at the now existing Galilaya Orphan Centre. After being greeted by members of the congregation, we were led inside to partake in a lively service of singing and dancing. We were quickly drawn into the African rhythm of the service and swayed and clapped hands alongside the congregational members. Following a sermon by Pastor Lai, we all exited to a large open area where Gavin led the children in organized games. There was much laughter as children ranging in ages from 4—14 delighted in the fun. Many hearts were touched by the sheer joy. Exhausted from the action we all headed back to the church where we were honoured by a sumptuous lunch, and because we were seated facing the congregation we watched the little ones eat their meal. Our visit ended with a sharing of the gifts and a sealing of our bond of commitment. During this time Rick and Blyth had travelled on to Nkuhungu and they participated in the church service there-another very lively service filled with singing and dancing.
Day Three
The day began slowly but under a cool overcast sky. The African workers came only to complete the roof trusses and so the women of the group did not hve to carry sand in preparation for mixing cement for the floors. Instead they went back to MAF to unpack the rest of the hockey bags and make gift packs for distribution, while the men stayed to help with the trusses. The highlight of the day was the raising of the first roof truss, and during the rest of the day all 7 trusses were erected on the roof in temporary positions ready to be moved and secured more permanently. Rick again visited Nkuhungu and was given a first-hand participation in patient treatment. Later in the day Rick, Erich and Blyth visited the St. Gemma Health Centre and spoke at length with Sister Doctor Gemma.
Day Two
Team members began their work day under a beautiful Tanzanian sky, working along side their new friends: trusses were built, floors were levelled in many of the rooms with sand being added, and boards were sealed for roof support.
Day One
After long flights and a very long bus ride, we settled into our accommodations late last night and prepared ourselves for our first day of work.
At 9 am this morning we went by van out to the work site. At first it was a time of becoming acquainted with the building and the Galilaya site, and talking about the details of the work between Erich, Godson, and the local foreman. Then after removing the tools from the hockey bags and setting up a secure area for personal belongings, we began the main activities of the day with some building of ladders by the construction team of Eddie, Barry and Bernie. The rest of the day was spent strapping 2x4s all along the top of the concrete structure, cleaning the floors of all the very heavy concrete debris, and levelling the rough surfaces as best as possible. The African women provided us with a morning tea break and then later in the day some lunch.
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