Ng'Ombe

What an amazing trip even the third time around ... even more amazing. I have spent most of my time in Ng'ombe with Nina and Elizabeth and am brought to tears often with the wonderful work they are doing. Three years ago on my first visit to Ng'Ombe the children were able to do very little and there were about 40 of them. We met in the home of one of the ladies of the community in a room that has no floor, no windows, no water, no electricity and where Nina had no materials except one chalk board. Nina's school now consists of a building with three rooms (two for a care taker to live in and secure the building) and a large front room that serves as the classroom with one large window, a level floor, desks that have all been repaired and the possibility of electricity when the billing is figured out. Additionally there is a front porch that now serves as their kitchen.



Nina actually has a grand wooden desk with three chairs and a wooden bookcase along with the bookcases we built for her of cinder blocks last year. However, now she has also earned her Certificate and is an even more amazing teacher. Her room in now filled with educational charts that she uses and had made for the children. Everything has a purpose and reason for being there and they are all things she has made, she is quite an artist. Her children are at a level far beyond those she had three years ago and I have had to up my lessons to challenge the children. I have been told by the folks at SWAAZ that she is their "BEST" teacher and I have no doubt this is true. I whispered this to her and she also proudly shared that her children do not go to the First Grade, but instead to the Second when they leave her. I spoke with her about advancing to the "Diploma" program and she as thrilled and told me how "grateful" she would be. We will support her with this and I personally am determined to take her further as she also told me how committed she was to the children in Ng'Ombe and SWAAZ. I will be putting together an article for the CWB site on Nina soon.

We have begun the work on the perimeter wall and even managed to work through the dispute on the boundary which stopped the work for several days. We do not have surveyed plots, but instead one owner to the next using mango trees as points of property line, so you will begin to understand the challenges. However, with Tom Murphy's work and SWAAZ things are settled and work resumed which is most exciting. I am not sure how much we will actually see in terms of it being done, but we will certainly have photos of ditches for you all.

I would also like to share the possibilty of actually seeing Juliette this summer, the young girl I met and was only able to come for one day three years ago. I am hoping to connect with her for I have heard that she is now doing well in Gov't school and we would like to support her. This is really very exciting and I hope to share more with you soon about this wonderful young girl to include pictures. Cross your fingers!!!

Tomorrow is our last day in Ng'Ombe this year and it will be very sad as well as very exciting for we have been able to arrange for all the childeren to have a Health Screening. This will include screening and medications for ring worm, a parasite - Schistosomiasis determined by a urine sample, an eye exam, measles vacine and medications to include bronchitis, pneumonia, maleria all done by a clinical assistant, "Physicians Assistant". Additionally they will be given Vitamin A to boost their immunity.

Additionally, we will be getting crochetted bags for First Parish, we have 'silly bands' for each of the children and have left many things throughout the week for Nina that she is absolutely thrilled with. Say a prayer and know that you, each and everyone one are part of a great thing for many children and many are smiling and thanking you.

Blessings, Ruth

PS I of course have more to share in terms of afternoon visits to the Peace Corp. USAIDS, community graduations, church with Bernadette, walks before dark and on the list goes. However, we do have pictures of all.