Umoja School Forever in our Hearts

We arrive at the school that our hearts, determination
and sweat went into. Raising money for the rain-water
harvesting tanks over the last couple years and finally
seeing the impact it has - an emotional day for all.

We were greeted with flowers and open arms.

Students waited and were just as curious about us as we
were of them. A wonderful presentation that
pulled at our hearts every moment.

Our visit was a big deal and so rice was made for all. We were
giving a big heap of rice to eat with our fingers.
Above the teachers are scooping it out for their students.
Below a KE student loving every bite!

Not only did we provide two rain-water harvesting tanks, but a
drinking station, hand washing station, education on hygien
and private pit latrine (out-house/washroom) for the girls to use.

The water tanks - still drying!

Waiting in line to be photographed.

The parachute, we purchased two one for each of the elementary
schools we will go visit. We also brought 5 large hockey bags
of school supplies, and sports equipment, donations we collected.
The children and adults had a blast - it was amazing!

I decided to bring a couple photo albums filled with
Canadian landscape and animals. Also photos of my family.
It was nice to show the students and teachers a part of my life.
Ahhh, a photo of my baba.
She was on my mind during my travels.

All of us with longer hair had a new style every few minutes.
Feeling little fingers either touch or hair, reach out to hold our
hands, words cannot express.

This little girl captured the performance with
my point and shoot camera.

Very proud of his work, I am so impressed with how quickly
they learnt how to use it, play back the photos. They loved
seeing themselves, it was fascinating to them.

You will notice many portrait shots - I couldn't help it.
They wanted to model and quickly see what they looked like.
I learnt later that mirrors are a luxury and many
only see themselves in a reflection of muddy water.
I have been collecting and cropping photos since my return.
They will be printed and shipped to
Karatu to be given to each student. A gift they will love.