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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