2017 Trip – 24 July

Ameer Ali

HELLO FOLKS!

Last night two more members came to the group called Amy and Hannah they are to lovely people to talk to. They both work in a school (local) and Amy wants to train for the North East Marathon and ASKED ME TO HELP!

Today the group woke up early again (sorry if I wake up so early back at home) anyways I had another long shower this morning to get ready for another long day. Around about 10 to 8 the full group got many equipments to carry for 30 minutes in heat to reach a school (Meserani Juu) Peter mentioned that the school had naughty students in it so we had to be careful of our belongings. When we reached there the students kept following David so he said “I have a new duty group” (cant keep a straight face lol!)

Also we gave out pens and pencils but unfortunetly my camera died on me the other day and wont work. So im going to keep on charging it to see any progress. But after we visited the school we had to walk back to Snake Park for our lunch (sandwiches). An hour later we got on the truck to go to the market where I bought many things for you guys. I am having a wonderful time and cant wait to show you the pictures and I hope I can get my camera to work to get more!

Love You! X

 

Joe Readshaw

We woke up early again this morning at about half 6 because we visited another Primary School called Meserani Juu, but instead of driving we walked which took about 40 minutes. It was nice to walk though and see how far some people might have to walk, it really gives you a different view on how important these schools are. After visiting the school and handing out a few pens, pencils and shirts to the pupils we played some games and walked back to the SnakePark. Lunch was sandwiches again, of course I filled mine with everything I could, all of the food so far is amazing, don’t think I’ve left anything yet which is a change to home. Then we headed back to the Market in Arusha, I managed to buy another shirt and do a bit of bartering. Tonight for dinner is Shepherd’s Pie/Cottage Pie, of course it will be delicious! The days seem to be going much faster now so I am trying to make the most of the time we have left.

 

Rachel Smith

Today we walked to Meserani Juu primary school from the Snakepark (or what I’m calling home now). It was exhausting and you know my feelings towards any exercise at all but it was a slap in the face really because the little kids we met have to walk similar distances if not more to school and back everyday. The school was a bit more hectic than the other primary school we visited but the kids were still lovely. We handed out pens and prizes then got them all in a huge circle and played hokey cokey etc. A little girl was stuck to me for the rest of the time there, she was so cute and I give her a cheeky little hug before we left. After the school we went to the market in Arusha and with the help of Peter I managed to not get too ripped off. Good day, good times, good trip. Hope everything in boro is good. Miss y’all x

 

James Proud

Today we visited Meserani Juu Primary School, by foot this time, and the kids were… rambunctious. It amazes me that they walk that distance everyday if not further. We didn’t stay as long as we have at other schools but we managed to do the hokey cokey and heads, shoulders, knees, and toes which left them with a confused look on their face that made me laugh.

We also visited the market again, which I must admit I didn’t enjoy as much this time, as they were trying to charge way too much for things that I didn’t even like. Then if I left the shop to find a better price they would tell the next shop keeper about me to the point where a wooden giraffe went from 20000 shillings to 100000 shillings. But it was quite funny so I don’t really mind.

 

Sam Matthewman

Hi! It has been going well here. We were at another primary school this morning, where the students were not as disciplined or well behaved. After walking there, this was a trek but showed how the African children have to walk so far to get an education. The students played some games with us and we all handed out prizes, pens and pencils. This afternoon we got to go back to Arusha market which was great. I managed to get some great souvenirs and gifts. I have done some washing, although it was a struggle, I managed to even get my washing line up. I am doing really well and this experience is unique and life-changing so I am glad I am here. I hope you are all good at home and everything is going well.

Love Sam x

 

Anna Waddington

Jambo!

Today was another amazing day. We got up early because we had to trek to Meserani Juu. It didn’t take us long to walk there but it felt like forever because it was very cross country. I couldn’t manage to do it twice a day like the students have to. The school was a lot different to Meserani Chini; it was a lot more chaotic and unorganised. Prefects used sticks to control the younger students. The teachers were also really unorganised- it took the teacher’s ages to decide who the top three students in the class were so we could give prizes, whereas at Chini, they knew straight away. I also found that the kids were a lot less interested or amused by our games and stuff but again they loved seeing photographs on my camera. When we were walking back to the Snake Park it was absolutely boiling- it’s shocking to think these are the conditions little uns have to walk in every day. After dinner, we went back to the market- and don’t worry Luke I’ve got you an amazing present! We were allowed to be there longer today, it was so much fun, literally like living Only Fools and Horses with all the wheeling and dealing.

I hope everything is okay at home, feels like I haven’t seen you in forever. Love to you all X Missing you Luke

 

Stephanie Julier

Jambo (that means hi)

Today was another amazing day we got up early again but we didn’t take the Mtatu’s today (thank god) instead we walked, it was very dusty. We reached a part of the walk where it had as deep incline but I didn’t fall thankfully! We then reached Meserani Juu which was more chaotic than the others as it was less disciplined. We play multiple games the funniest one was the Hokey cokey it was the biggest I’ve every seen. We then went round the classrooms giving out prizes to the top 3 but it was difficult as the teachers weren’t prepared (not ours though). On the way back we went to ‘The Hill Of Horror’ as David called it(but it’s an upside down hill). This is the steep incline I mentioned before. When we got home we went to the market again and I got another few good deals I’ll show when I get home. I’m not sure if I mentioned this before but I LOVE fanta pineapple. We went to the small zoo behind the bar today and saw all the snakes and crocodiles and turtles they have. There are so many different types of Cobras and Pythons and they come in all different sizes! Yesterday we almost saw a Southern African Python eat a chicken but It didn’t. Right now I’m sitting and talking with friends about anything and everything. I’m enjoying this trip so so much but I do miss you loads too! Love you all!! Xx

 

Polly Dowdle

This morning we walked about 3k to Meserani Juu on a dusty road which made my asthma flare up, but it was good to burn off the huge helpings of food I’ve been having. I had a bowl of chocolate cheerios, two pieces of toast and two sausages for breakfast alone this morning, so I wasn’t very hungry today. At Meserani Juu the children were more desperate than those at Meserani Chini primary as they had little uniform and no equipment. We played games with them such as the hokey cokey and clapping games to keep them entertained which they enjoyed. We also went to the Maasai Market again and I remembered you wanted me to buy a gold scarf so I got one with deep gold and rust colours with subtle animal prints. I also got a Tanzania football shirt for dad as I managed to get one cheaply (I got a medium because they were quite small shirts).

 

Ellie Coulton

Hello, today we went to a small primary school called Meserani Juu. We had to walk there and it was a very rough and dusty terrain. I was expecting the school to be in ciaos and the children to not be as respectful from the way Peter had described it. But when we arrived it was totally different. The children were cheerful and respectful the total opposite of what I was expecting. When we were there we handed out pens to all the children who where very shy and thankful, it was heart warming. Once it was break time all the children swarmed us and we played lots of games. I think that we played the biggest game of the hokey chokey ever, around 70 children got involved, it was amazing. After the hokey chokey we play ‘hey my name is Joe’ to which the children laughed at our silliness, it was very amusing. Once we were finished at the school we had to treck back to camp and we had to cross the big hill that was very steep. I talked with David the whole way back and even though he is technically a teacher I consider him as a close friend. After we went to the market again but this time I didn’t get ripped off I bought a few things but that’s a surprise for when I come home. Once we were back we had Shepard’s pie for tea it was great like most of the food here- im totally going to gain weight the total opposite of what I was expecting.

Well I have to go now I miss you all, love you lots x Ellie

 

Daniel Jones

Today the plans changed as instead of two schools we only went to one Meserani Juu. We had to walk to the school which wasn’t to bad as it wasn’t a long walk. we handed out pens like we did in Meserani Chini and some people did interviews after handing out pens it was there break so they came out and we done stuff with them for a while once they went back in we handed out prizes to the best students. After we walked back had lunch and then went to the market again where I got one thing and managed to not get ripped off as I had someone else with me. We then stopped off at a shop and bought some water and headed back to camp. I’m really enjoying it hear and I hope your having a great time as well.

 

Eeman Dad

The burrito was amazing! Best meal ever…

Initially, the plan for today was to visit two primary schools Meserani Juu and Lesiraa. We planned to walk to both, however due to timings this wasn’t possible. So we visited Meserani Juu instead. The walk was supposed to be short but it felt like we had been walking for a lifetime. But this is a walk that students at Meserani Juu have to embark on everyday. When we arrived, we weren’t greeted by the same welcoming arrival as was seen at Meserani Chini. The children crowded round, confused and intrigued. Lauren, Elodie and I were sent to interview potential sponsored students, whilst everybody else visited each “standard” handing out pens and pencils. It was a shock to hear the hardships that many children had been through and as a result certified their future – fathers had passed away and thus mothers couldn’t afford to provide a secondary school education for their children. Terry, who helped translate for us, was also brought to tears as the students began to open up to him about their past. It was then break, we all improvised “old nursery rhymes” – head, shoulders, knees and toes. The children found “hokey kokey” to be hilarious, as we all ran in and out of the circle. Before break ended, the children tried to teach us a clapping game, which wasn’t very successful and ended in them continuously laughing. We left with a slightly confused impression of Meserani Juu. The rest of the day was spent at Arusha market, which ended in a successful bartering session!

 

Abigail Pentney

Hi!

We went to Meserani Juu primary school today and it was crazy. We were warned to watch our bags because they are undisciplined and desperate. When they all came out for break they grabbed my hands and wouldn’t let go. They were better behaved than I expected and we all sang songs with them. There wasn’t even a teacher in every classroom and they were a bit disorganized when we asked who the top three kids in each class were. There were about fifty kids in one classroom but the kids were really grateful for the pens and pencils.

After lunch, we went to the market again and we took Angie round with us to try and get the best deals even though she is mzungu too!

I’ve eaten so much food while I’ve been here! Hope you’re indulging on holiday and enjoying yourselves in the sun. I’m having a great time. Love you all lots,

Abi xxx

 

Georgia Linton

Hey bro’s!

Hope your all good and missing me as much as I miss you!

Today we went to a primary school called Meserani Juu which was very interesting because it’s not very disciplined and the children don’t even go to lesson. The teachers weren’t very good as they just seemed uninterested in the kids and the kids in the school were very poor, the clothes were ripped and they were filthy. It felt as though your hands were being torn off your arms because they all just wanted to hold my hand and the girls were pushing each other and hitting each other to get to me. It was stressful but a good experience. Everything is always a good experience. When we go to schools we had prizes to give to the kids for who is the top 3 in the class and the teachers didn’t have a clue at first who were which was shocking. The prizes that we had one of the teachers took one which was a water bottle for herself so we had to ask her for it back! We also walked to the school which was 5 miles and it made me think those poor kids who have to walk that maybe 4 times a day there and back and I complain about getting buses to college.

After lunch we went to the market in Arusha and a sponsored girl called Janet came to see Peter for something and he give her, her bus money for the trip back but she was going to Arusha herself so she got on our bus but what a gorgeous girl she was, she was dancing and trying to sing our songs. It was lovely seeing her with us and we had to sort out money for the market in front of her but I couldn’t help but think she needs that more than us and she would so anything for it, just really makes me think things like that. We finally dropped her off and Peter told us all that her both parents died of aids and in the middle of leaving secondary going on to do a vocational course she got pregnant and the father left her so she’s now bringing us a little girl on her own with no mam or dad to support her and when I heard that my heart just sunk. I am always at loss with words; I don’t ever know what to say.

Once we got the market it was fun but very stressful as they’re all dragging you in to their shop and begging you and the prices they set are ridiculous so you have to barter and bring them down which is all fun and games. I got a couple of things.

I’ve really got in to the swing of everything now and it’s by far being the most eye opening experience and most amazing one so far and there’s still so much to do. I’m so thankful to have been given this opportunity as I know not many people are given this.

I love everyone with all my heart and as much I am enjoying my time in Africa I am missing you all. G xx

 

Josef Ramsay

Jambo everyone!

Yesterday we went to Moita boys school, I was paired with 3 boys. There was a form 4, form 1 and a form 2 with me. I was amazed what brilliant English these lads spoke and how interested and sociable they were. we had a similar day planned as we did with Kipok girls school. The boys took me on a tour of the school to show me around there favourite classes, dormitories and eating area. It is still hard to see the complete difference between England and Africa, the conditions that these children are in is awful but they are that happy to be in education they don’t even see it. We had a meal with them and played another game but unfortunately I only came third this time. We also helped the boys write there letters, well I helped the youngest as the other two were that good they did it themselves, the youngest was sponsored by a very popular person in the Meserani project, James. At the end of the day the boys finished off by performing a massai dance and letting us join in.

Today we walked about 4km to a school called Meserani Juu which is probably classed as one of the least disciplined schools that the Meserani project supports. We went round the classes and spoke to the kids giving them pens and pencils to every student. I helped interview the form 7 students in the school so that we were able to see what kids backgrounds, age, position etc. is for possible sponsorship. We had all of the kids dancing and playing games with us in there break and then after we give out prizes to the top students before another 4km walk back to camp. In the afternoon we went back to Arusha market were we had another go at bartering for things we wanted. I did fairly well but got frustrated trying to help other people but got the job done. Even though I have been to these places before they feel like a new experience every time as its always changing here.

I am so grateful to be back here and feel privileged to have the life I do back home. I love this amazing place and devastated that soon it will have to end. Tomorrow we are going to another secondary school with 9 sponsored students and then going to a disabled persons home. Ill keep you updated…

Lots of love

Joe (big Joe) (real Joe)

 

Jack Beckley

We went to Meserani Juu today and the school was different to the others that we’d visited, before we went we were warned that it was subject to very poor behaviour standards but when we got there all of the children were well behaved and the only problem was the lack of organization in the school. After our walk back on which we were complimented for walking fast like true Massai, we went to the market again to get ripped off, again. All my presents sorted now though so that’s one less thing to worry about. One of the men at the stalls liked me so much that he wanted my email address so that we could be friends when I got back and all because I went back to see him after I promised him I’d buy something from him. Missing you lots, love, Jack

 

Isobel Mason-Nixon

Hi everyone, I hope you are enjoying your holidays and aren’t getting too tanned because sadly I am not L I am missing you all like crazy and just cant wait to be home with everyone. So today we started the day by going to Meserani Ju primary school which I found quite intimidating as none the kids were crowding and staring at us instead of getting involved in the dances. We interviewed the top 6 children in form seven to see who will be the next to get sponsored and one of them wanted to be president when he is older which I was quite surprised about but good on him. We then visited the market again this afternoon which I love it is so funny. You walk through and everyone is trying to get you to go into their shop and you have to barter the prices to try and get them lower. If it doesn’t work you walk away and they call you back so you buy it. I was buying a Masaii blanket and people were trying to charge me 50,000 shillings so we kept walking and David had been to a women called Judy who he managed to get them for 10,000 but she wasn’t budging from 11,000 but we kept arguing even though it is literally like 30p. We even put on sad faces and pretended to have no more money so I got it in the end. I am absolutely loving my time and am so grateful for everyone who helped me get here. As soon as I get back I want to sponsor another kid and would even like to come out on the adult trip when I am older it is absolutely amazing!!

I love you all so so much and cannot wait to see you and tell you all about it. Also I would like to put my order in for a parmo the day I get back please.

Love, Izzy xxx

 

Lauren Dalton

Yesterday was special as I got to meet our family’s sponsor, Daniel, and Moita Boys’ Secondary Boarding School. He was quite shy but very sweet, and he wouldn’t let go of my hand all day which was lovely. I was also grouped with another pupil called Saiguran, and as he was a bit older he was better at English, and he helped me and Daniel to converse. They were both really studious kids, and I’d love to be able to help Daniel through his A-Levels and even university if he gets the grades.

Today we spent the morning at Meserani Juu primary school, giving out equipment and prizes to the kids. They were extremely excitable and chaotic but still adorable, and I was with a group of pupils that wanted me to count to 10 in about 5 different languages (and they found it hilarious when I couldn’t pronounce the Maasai words!). Also, I was part of a group of us that interviewed students to be sponsored, and their backgrounds were really upsetting, and they had big obstacles to overcome. It’s still hard to get my head around the fact that the things we take for granted can be intangible for others, but at the same time it’s heartwarming to see how they just get on with their lives and throw themselves into everything they do.

This afternoon, we went around the market some more, and it was stressful but hilarious. I didn’t buy much, but we have more chances to practice our haggling and get some bargains.

I’m sleeping well, eating even better, making new friends and having the time of my life, but I’m still missing you all loads and I’m looking forward to coming home to see you.

Love, Lauren xxx

 

Olivia Sharrocks

Hi all back home today we went to Meserani Juu primary school where we gave a pen to each child then spent some time with them. We sang songs with them and done a giant Mexican wave in a huge circle in the school yard. After that I taught a few of the children a clapping song which them seemed to really enjoy then they showed me one that they knew and I didn’t which was really goof as I learnt something new. Then we came back on the afternoon had lunch back at camp and then went to a market where I got a traditional blanket to sleep in. It was really good as we could get another chance to practice haggling and get some better deals as we knew how to do it this time.

I hope you are still having a good time in America and bought me some nice things from my list and Dad Happy birthday and sorry I can’t be there with you love you all lots and miss you liv xx

 

Rebecca Henderson

Yesterday we went to Moita Boys Secondary School, and I was partnered up with 3 boys which was quite stressful. They were very nice and asked a lot of questions which made it more interesting and fun. We played the same games as we did at the girl’s school and we helped with their letters but they all got on with it very easily. Today we went to Meserani Juu primary school which was very unorganized but the children were still nice, just a bit more intimidating. In the afternoon we went to a market again and I spent too much money. I’m struggling to think of all the gifts to get people especially when I have to spend most of my time there battering over a couple items but it is very funny. Missing everyone and sending lots of love xxxx