 |
| Bailey plays soccer with another boy while a game of duck, duck, goose
goes on. The game of duck, duck, goose was changed a little to accommodate the language barrier. It was turned into blue, blue, green but the children loved it just the same. |
The morning was spent at the Hotel resting. Food here in Mozambique has
more than disagreed with my stomach and has been an ongoing challenge. I
am starting to dial into what might be causing the sickness and
avoiding those foods whenever possible. When working in the fields at
Ebenezer it is more important than ever to stay hydrated and snack
periodically to keep my body from crashing from exhaustion. I was
thankful to rest Wednesday morning and still have the opportunity to
meet up with the group and visit an orphanage in Nampula.
It was International Children’s Day which turns out to be a huge holiday here in Mozambique. When we arrived at the orphanage balloons were hanging all around and the group welcomed us with smiles. We were introduced to some of the women that oversee the organization and made a tour of the area. It was a gated orphanage and some of the buildings were in disrepair, but served as a safe haven for the children. However, there are big plans in place to make improvements whenever the funding becomes available.
After the tour the children welcomed us with a fashion show and dances. Costumes were designed that went along with drum music and flow of rhythm. There was one young lady that sang solo and had a voice that filled the walls of the orphanage. Many of the children in the orphanage looked after one another. The rooms for the boys and girls are arranged so that four or five younger children are with an older child that is considered the “parent”. The “parent” helps to ensure that the younger ones bath and take care of them if needed. The responsibilities are shared among everyone.
It was International Children’s Day which turns out to be a huge holiday here in Mozambique. When we arrived at the orphanage balloons were hanging all around and the group welcomed us with smiles. We were introduced to some of the women that oversee the organization and made a tour of the area. It was a gated orphanage and some of the buildings were in disrepair, but served as a safe haven for the children. However, there are big plans in place to make improvements whenever the funding becomes available.
After the tour the children welcomed us with a fashion show and dances. Costumes were designed that went along with drum music and flow of rhythm. There was one young lady that sang solo and had a voice that filled the walls of the orphanage. Many of the children in the orphanage looked after one another. The rooms for the boys and girls are arranged so that four or five younger children are with an older child that is considered the “parent”. The “parent” helps to ensure that the younger ones bath and take care of them if needed. The responsibilities are shared among everyone.
 |
| The older children showing one of the younger girl’s affection as the fashion show takes place. The care that is shown among the children is inspiring. |
It was impactful to play games with the children and celebrate a day
just for them. One of the leaders of the orphanage had a translator
explain what different children thought their rights were. Some of the
rights stated included: education, to laugh, have enough food, and have a
name. An older boy said that to him, International Children’s Day meant
that for one day out of the year the children are free from suffering.
 |
| Above the children say goodbye with balloons being thrown in the air. |
While we were playing the game of blue, blue, green a worker at the
orphanage described some of the stories of how the children lost their
parents. The stories were heartbreaking and it took some time to process
what was being said. It was learned that some of the mothers were
albino, which is a genetic alteration that turns the skin a lighter
color. By some in Mozambique and across Africa this is an unwanted trait
resulting in their murders and their organs were then sold to
“witchdoctors”. In addition, AIDS epidemics along with malaria
infections are large contributors to loss of lives.
As difficult as it was to believe these stories it is a reality of life here in Nampula. The children still had overflowing amounts of hope and smiled larger than life. Their chairs had backs and seats made of plywood, but it was if this one day they had no worries what so ever. It was a blessing to learn the children’s names, play games, and share a few hours of joy. We left a bounty of toys for the leaders of the orphanage to divide amongst the children at a later time.
As difficult as it was to believe these stories it is a reality of life here in Nampula. The children still had overflowing amounts of hope and smiled larger than life. Their chairs had backs and seats made of plywood, but it was if this one day they had no worries what so ever. It was a blessing to learn the children’s names, play games, and share a few hours of joy. We left a bounty of toys for the leaders of the orphanage to divide amongst the children at a later time.
--
Read more from Olivia at https://mozambiquefarming.wordpress.com/
To find out more about the
faculty-led Community Development in Mozambique summer program, visit http://studyabroad.uark.edu/mozambique
