2015 Trip – 28 July

 

Matthew Naylor

Visited Meserani Chini today which was truly desperate which opened my eyes to how much work is still needed to be done, although they had blackboards and desks they had no doors no windows and no posters anywhere the classrooms are bare. We need to change this. However like every other school we visited the children were amazing. We went to the market this afternoon and I got some good bargains so I can make a little homage to Africa in my room. Missing home but not long till I see everyone: D x

 

Lizzie Nicholson

Hiya everyone! Today was sad because it was our last primary school in Tanzania. We travelled by Matatu again which I hate with a passion! They are the most uncomfortable things ever and for some reason I always end up sitting in the most uncomfortable seat haha. But oh well J. We arrived at Mesarani Chini Primary School to a performance where all the children were demonstrating Maasai dancing. It was brilliant how they all worked together and part of me admired them greatly yet part of me was slightly jealous because I wish things like that happened back in England. However, after seeing the classrooms, no words could describe how horrified I felt. The walls were bare, they had bars for windows, and they didn’t even have doors. To make things even worse they only have 6 classrooms for 7 year groups meaning that standard 2 (year 2) had to walk to school at 4 and leave much later. It was awful. After giving out pens and pencils, I stayed in a standard 1 class. We spent at least half an hour just singing with them and counting in English and Kiswahili. That was so great. Their smiles are so contagious you just can’t help falling in love with them. After driving off from 100s of waves and goodbyes we drove back to the snake park. This afternoon we went back to Arusha to visit the market. I needed to go desperately because I have bought literally nothing! I love going to the market because everything is so colourful and busy yet me being me, I feel so guilty walking past them knowing that they are desperate for any type of purchase. It really opens your eyes to how unstable everyone is here and how they are on their own, if they have no money, no one can help. However, the communities here are so supportive of each other it reflects quite poorly on us back home. Everyone knows everyone and if someone needs something, the community does its best. However, nothing can make up for the lack of support from the government. Tonight is our last night at Snake Park and I am devastated. This place is magical! I walked over to the clinic this afternoon and the nurse told me that the little girl who had been there over 5 weeks with an infected snake bite had been allowed to go home. I feel so much better knowing that she is ok. It is amazing the work that they do here and I wish them all the luck and support in the world. Today has been the first day where I have started to feel a bit homesick. I love you all and I will see you on Saturday. Not long to go now at all! By the way, thanks Mam for the email. Peter showed me it last night along with my results and I cried hahah. I don’t want to leave but at the same time I can’t wait to see everyone! Love you all!! Xxxxx

 

Aaron Jardine

Hi everyone, today was our last full day in Tanzania, we went to Meserani chini this morning which was fantastic, as soon as we arrived there were children singing and dancing which was magical. Then we went into different classes to meet the pupils, each pupil was very happy to see us which was great, we then gave them a pen/pencil and to see their smiles of such a small gift made me have a huge smile. W    e then left and came back to snakepark where we then headed off to Arusha for some last minute shopping which I managed to grab a fair few bargains, however, Jacob on the other handed couldn’t quite get the gist of bartering haha. Tomorrow we head back to Kenya which is a long drive, the time we have spent in Tanzania has been sensational and I can’t thank you enough mum and dad for allowing me to come once again, not just to Tanzania but for all the safari’s as well, I really do appreciate it. Dad have a good time at work and I will see you when you get home, starting to miss you all just a little bit but not long left now, I hope Freddie is fine, give him a big hug from me please. Love you all X

 

Lewis Jefferson

This morning I finally had a hot shower so it was a good start to the day, then we set off to our last school in Tanzania called Meserani Chini. As soon as we arrived at the school we heard singing and chanting from a group of school children some of which I recognized from sports day. We gave out some prizes again; only simple things like a t-shirt or a pen that lights up and a cheap football, but the smiles on their faces and how honored they were, was unheard of! Every one of those kids reacted like it was Christmas for a week! They were so happy and it just goes to show how little they have and how much they appreciate everything. Their attitude to learning and their politeness was incredible and it made me appreciate everything so much more because they have virtually nothing and are still constantly smiling. I didn’t want to leave I was having so fun; listening to them sing and teaching them mzungu songs, it was truly inspiring! We chilled back at camp/home for a bit then went to the market. I bought some things but it was really hard to find things for everyone so sorry if you’re disappointed. Back home for the night for the last time (hopefully not ever) and we’re just about to have tea. We’re not done yet but I really have had the best time ever. This place is magical and I will be so devastated if I can’t come back one day. Bye for now guys, I love and miss you all so much.

 

Felicity Holden

We went to Meserani Chini primary school today and it was lovely to see how happy and lovely the kids were. They sang and danced for us and we taught them little things like the hokey cokey and twinkle twinkle. But the thing that shocked me was that none of the walls in the school had any type of pictures or posters on them which made me feel sad for the kids as they had no visual learning which might be the better form of learning. We then went shopping in Arusha and I really enjoyed going around and bartering for the best price. Hope everyone is alright, love you lots, kisses xxxxxxx

 

Jordan Mace

Today, we went to a primary school called Meserani Chini and it was breath taking to see how happy the children are to see us and to receive gifts like a pencil or a pen. The children sang for us and we taught them a few songs and dances. The thing that caught my eye and made me really think how lucky I am is when I seen some on the children’s uniform half ripped and nothing on the walls inside the classrooms. Every time I see the school children just makes me want to sponsor a child more and more just so I know I am generally doing something to benefit a child’s life so they have the chance to be educated. Also a chance for them to have a very good life and try to do want they want to do as a job if they work hard just like I have the chance as long as I work hard. Also this is our last night in the Meserani Snake Park and it makes me sad to say that I might never get to come back here because It’s an amazing place and everyone here is just so nice to us. I will never forget the Meserani Snake Park as it has brought me so much laughter and so many good memories that I will always remember. Also I will never forget the owners of the Snake Park because they are seriously the nicest people you could ever meet and I’m so lucky that I got the chance to meet them. Anyways, I love and miss everyone at home and my girlfriend so much and I really can’t wait to see you all. Bye, see you all soon J

 

Kieran Potter

Today we visited a primary school called Meserani Chini. It was an absolutely amazing experience to see the children’s smiles when we handed them a pen or a pencil. They were so grateful to receive gifts from us, and what made it even better was that they were still extremely happy in their school even though their walls were empty, they had no glass windows, and they had no doors and no source of light. And they were also short of classrooms which meant that kids could only come in for one half of the day and then to go home to change for another group of children to come in. we then went back to the Arusha market to do some gift shopping which was just the same as our last visit. Overall I have loved my time here and I’m going to miss the Snake Park so much. It is such a beautiful place and the owners are some of the loveliest people you could ever meet. I’m going to miss them so much. And thank you so much for the email, glad everyone is okay and I bet Anfield is huge now. I love and miss everyone at home and I hope you are all well. I can’t wait to see you all. See you soon. X

 

Rhys Williams

Today we went to see the children at Meserani Chini School. A few things shocked me when I got there. The school itself was out in the middle of nowhere with no easy way to get there. Furthermore I found that it took some of the students over an hour to get to school each day. The school itself was practically empty. There were some desks and a blackboard but apart from that there was nothing. However, even though they did not have much in the way of resources, the children were amazing in their presentations and were just so happy to see us. As soon as we arrived the older students started a traditional maasai dance and after that finished the whole school came together to sing the school song.

            Out of the primary schools we visited Chini is the worst off because it is in the middle of nowhere and surrounded by traditional maasai families that sell off their daughters as wives and want their boys to look after the herds. I actually interviewed a few of the class 7’s (primary schools last year) to try to find students who really need a sponsor, however, the story that hit me the most was a story of a man who really wanted to educate his children and sent his eldest daughter to secondary by giving animals from his herd to the school but ran out of animals by the time she reached form 4. Now Emanuel (the boy being interviewed) has no chance of getting in to the secondary schools so there is no way of him becoming a doctor. It’s the fact that the family has tried and fallen short which really annoys me because we have people back at home who will be forced to go to school and just will not try what so ever to do anything because they know we have benefits back at home. It is ridiculous.

            After we left the school we had a quick trip to Arusha market and then went back to camp. I had a quick look around the maasai museum which was interesting and then milled around the campsite where we had stretching and dance classes which were hilarious but I still cannot dance.

            I will be coming home but I must say that this has been truly amazing.   

 

Joe Garrens

Today is our last day at Meserani Snake Park and it sad to think that after today I will never be back here. The experience that I have had at this place has been unforgettable. This morning I struggled to wake up and ended up missing a shower, which meant that me and Danny went in this afternoon but the water was literally boltic. Anyway this morning we visited Meserani Chini which is one of the worse schools that we visit as it hasn’t got much at all. The students performed their school song and a dance for us which was amazing. Once they had finished we went to the classes where we gave out pens and pencils and then we went in to talk to the children. I went in to the standard 1 class which has the youngest children in the school and they were so cute. We performed many different songs with them like if you’re happy and you know it, and twinkle twinkle. After we left the school we went to Arusha market which was our last chance to but things for the market. Although you told me not to of course I bought people stuff, it was extremely difficult to decide what to get. I am now sat writing my diary and about to go through my back and get everything sorted and then have dance lessons wish me luck. Thank you so much for the email, it was nice to here from you all and I knew Kaitlyn would be in my bed haha. I’ve thought about you all day Ellie don’t think I’ve forgot haha we’ll go for a meal when I get back. I love and miss you all, not long at all now!!

 

Daniel Appleton

This morning we went to Meserani Chini Primary school. This was our last school visit in Tanzania and it was definitely interesting. We got there and the children were all chanting in circles but they were really unusual chants and it was quite disturbing when they started heavy breathing. A group of us went in to a classroom to socialise and we were trying to teach the school children different songs and nursery rhymes but we just got looked at like we were stupid. It was definitely fun for us though. We then went to the market and I got the last of my presents and I’m pretty sure I got ripped off in the process. Now we’re back in the snake park for our last night. I’m definitely going to miss it here because we have been here for so long and it’s like our home in Africa. After possibly the coldest shower of my life and packing my bag for tomorrow I got a visit for my sponsored girl, Jane. She was still extremely shy but she has wrote a reply to our letter that has been translated to English. It’s not much but I can tell from it that she is happy and thankful that we are sponsoring her. I’ve given her one of the bracelets I bought so she remembers me and our family who are the ones sponsoring her. Hopefully it will remind her to keep revising and pass her exams so we can sponsor her through secondary school. I really think she will do well and make us proud. I’m definitely upset that the last time I will see her was today but a good excuse to come back would be to see how well she is doing in a few years time. We’re just having another chill night so I’m trying to prepare myself for our long travel day tomorrow. Even though I’m really enjoying my trip I’m still missing home and I look forward to seeing you all soon.

 

Abi Pentney

We went to Meserani Chini School this morning. It was weird when we walked up and the whole massai community were there; they sang some traditional songs and the school song and we did our national anthem. They were all so ecstatic to be given a pencil or a pen and they waved them around in the air. The classrooms were in a bad condition with only wooden desks, chairs and a chalkboard. It really got to me that most of these children, who in England would be automatically given a secondary education, would not have that opportunity. Most of the girls were to be married off by their fathers as soon as they ended primary school. After our visit where we gave them some supplies and prizes, we went to the market and I practised my bartering skills again. Tomorrow we are leaving the snake park for good and I’m a bit gutted because it is amazing here- I hope I might be able to have this opportunity again one day and I’ve been motivated to raise more money and get even more involved in the Meserani Project. Thank you so much for handing me over to Peter and co for these three weeks and helping me along financially haha as I have had the time of my life and my perspective has been changed drastically. I’m still looking forward to the giraffe sanctuary and the meal on the last night and I’m trying to keep some clothes clean so I don’t smell too much when you see me! I bet you’re living the dream in Majorca- as you should in the best six weeks of the year. I don’t want this trip to come to an end but I am extremely excited to see everybody and you do realise who and what is really important too you while being on this trip (family!) I love you all lots and I shall see you very soon x

 

Josh Cooper

After a good nights sleep, we woke up today fairly early again. This morning, we visited our final school in Tanzania, called Meserani Chini Primary School. When we first arrived, we saw that the children were stood in a large group, dancing and chanting and just having fun, whilst the younger children were also in their own group singing, which put a big smile on my face. Once the teachers had joined us on the yard, the children stood together to sing their school’s song, which was beautiful. After they’d finished singing, we decided to sing our national anthem for them, which was a great success! We then proceeded to hand out prizes for the number one students in each class, and also provided the school with pens, pencils and a football. They were so excited to speak to us and receive their gifts, which always makes me feel happy and greatful. A couple of our group also were required to interview ten students, who could potentially be sponsored by the Meserani Project in the future. Reading the answers that the potential sponsors had given were very eye- opening. To read that some of the girls fail their exams because they know that they will be married off straight after school to older men is extremely painful to understand. This makes me know exactly why the Meserani Project is very popular amongst people back home, as they can read and try to understand about how the lives and education of young children are snatched away from them. My understanding of how bad some of the children’s situations are has developed and I want to thank Peter, Lisa, David and Grace for allowing our group to enter the lives of the Meserani children and for helping us to truly realise why the children from schools in Meserani need help. This is our final day in the Meserani Snake Park (aka home) and I will never forget this place. BJ and Ma (The owners) are truly amazing people and I’d like to wish them good luck.  I would also like to wish Lothe good luck as he is attempting to gain a place on the Meserani Council and would achieve great things for the schools of Meserani. Not long left to go now, and I’m still having a fantastic time. We have a long journey back to Nairobi, where we will be staying in Indaba Camp for the final two nights ahead. See you all soon! Lots of love and thanks for writing to me too, it’s great to hear that your taking interest in my entries! Lots of love x