Week 2

I have been in Zanzibar for almost 2 weeks now and we have made progress in all of our projected activities. Above is a picture of only one of our wells we just completed. The pure sweet well water delivered to the villagers is something we can all be proud of 'Thank you and God bless the Donors chant the women!

Specifically we have achieved the following:

• Bought mattresses and bedding accessories for Futari (aged 100+) and her daughter Wanyo (aged 80). The family had been sleeping on a wooden bench and covered themselves with palm leaves for the past 50 years. They were so excited about the mattresses, pillow cases and sheets they told me that they have never slept so comfortably all their lives!

• Provided groceries to 50 very poor and needy families. As always, the families were extremely happy and grateful and spent hours praying for the donors.

• Provided milk and cookies to nursery school children and fed 220 very poor children

• Purchased and packed almost 500 sacks of Ramadhan groceries for distribution. This is the highlight of the activities at this time as 100% of the population fasts during the holy month and they don’t always have adequate food when the sun goes down. The groceries will be delivered to them next week.

All schools in Zanzibar close during the month of Ramadhan. However at Makunduchi secondary school, form IV (grade 12) students hold a one month long camp where they study during the day and evenings in preparation for their final exams in October.

We have committed to use some of the donated funds to provide them Mandazi and Uuji for iftaar (meal to break fast with) and rice cooked in coconut for Sehri (early morning meal) throughout the holy month. This has only been made possible only due to donors’ generosity and compassion.