Unfortunately, gift giving by WaterCan study tour participants is
generally discouraged while in Africa. Although it may seem harmless to give small
items to children (like school supplies, flags, etc.), it could easily attract
a large crowd and perhaps even cause conflict and bad feelings among those who
do not receive anything. However, during
the 2011 WaterCan study tour soccer balls were given out to schools with great
success.
After chatting with one of last years study tour participants, Andrew
Wilson of Manotick, I have decided to also bring soccer balls for this years’
tour. My job of collecting the soccer
balls was easy thanks to the generosity of the Ottawa South United Soccer
Association who donated two large (hockey sized) bags of soccer balls and also
two team sets of jerseys and shorts.
Students from Kars
Public School and St. Francis
de Sales (Smiths Falls) have kindly signed several of the soccer balls as a
special gesture for the African kids. I
hope to visit the two schools when I return and tell the students about my
trip. I am also hoping some of the
teachers follow me on my blog and share some of my experiences with their
classes.
Madame Sulphure's Grade 2 Class (Kars Public School) with two 'signed' soccer balls
Great blog Brian - I will follow with tremendous interest. Glad you were able to coordinate to bring soccer balls and gear. Have a fantastic trip!
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff Brian good luck in Uganda ;)
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing to read the Canada/Uganda comparison and it will be interesting to see how some of that comes through in your experiences over the next 10 days. Thanks for sharing! Safe travels and we look forward to following along with you.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you Brian. Love the pictures of Ashley's class with the soccer balls...I'm guessing it was Pyjama Day at KPS?! Hope you get to see the smiling faces of those who will receive the gifts you are bringing. Godspeed. (Andrew, Carolyn, Bronwyn, Chloe and Ben.)
ReplyDelete