Monday 15 July 2013

Saturday – a few more voices


Lexi reflects on the week:
Working with these children all week has been incredible. Even though our group of 6 – 10 year olds could be a bit challenging at times, I loved every minute of it. As our age group were younger you were just starting to see how their upbringing is effecting them in social and class room environments, for example we had some very angry boys, and Yaebsera a very attention seeking, upset little girl who had to have everything and would scream if she didnt.
These children didnt really understand what was going on around them which was refreshing. Some of these children didnt even know what Women at Risk was, and at 6,7,8 years old they didnt know that there life was any different to anybody elses. It was just so lovely to watch them be children and colour for hours.
After a great week with the kids, visting a lady's house who had come out of the other side of this horrible cycle it was time to do a late night drive around Addis Ababa's answer to the red light district. I felt really nervous but wanted to get a full picture of the work that women at risk do. The first road we visted had so many women all wrapped up, as it is cold over night. Then we were told these are the women waiting for men to come and do 'a dealing'. I think it surprised us more that they were completely covered up with scarfs and long drapey clothes. Really shocking seeing the difference in the 'class' of prostitutes and the difference in what they wear. Lower 'class' ladys were covered up, girls who made more money had less clothing on and more make up! The biggest shock to me and many of the other people in the bus was that of the age of some of these little girls looking for this kind of work. 13 and 14 year old girls not much older than some of the people on our trip, or that we had taught in the schools. I have seen the whole cycle of the work woman at risk do, and am very proud to say I have and will continue to support them.

Lexi


Georgia's reflections on part 1 of today:
This morning we went to visit AHISDO, the sister partner of CRED alongside WAR. This project is based in the poorest of poor areas and it's main aim is to provide the education of children through sponsorship, a luncheon club for the elderly and a community centre for all.  We were firstly treated to an array of traditional Ethiopian dancing by some of the young people who attend the community centre.Gymnastics was next on the agenda and then we all joined in ith the dancing which for me was great because as those of you that know me  know I love's to dance! The community feeling was fanstastic and the elderly people were treated with great respect. We shared a traditional coffee ceremony and the sharing of a large loaf of bread with them. Once again to witness the amazing work that these people do and their personal commitment is awe inspiring. All of this good work goes on thanks to  the CRED foundation and you at home as this project is partly funded by Comic Relief.

This afternoon we are getting the chance to do some shopping at the craft shops, and then this evening we are all going out for a traditional Ethiopian meal, complete with a cultural dance show, to celebrate an incredible week.

Georgia x














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