Friday, April 30, 2010

Blog 5 - Grandmothers Against Poverty and AIDS

GAPA is a very special project sponsored by Stephen Lewis. This organization provides support for grandmothers who are raising their young grandchildren after the death of their sons and daughters. There were about 40 grandmothers at the centre when we visited this week. The centre is located in a large slum township called Khyalitchea where thousands of people live in small tin shacks in various states of disrepair. Driving into this area is an assault on all one's senses. Food cooking on open flames along the street, sheep heads hanging ready to cook, vegetable and fruit stands, people walking everywhere, children playing with old tires and make-shift balls made from plasitc bags, stray dogs everywhere, garbage piled up, clothing hanging to dry, broken appliances abandoned etc.
GAPA provides a little oasis where grandmothers come to grieve and learn life skills. They are taught about nutrition and childcare. They sew and make crafts to sell. Their grandchildren are cared for in a daycare. Every year we bring bags of donated books, toys, games and educational supplies. The grandmothers greet us with singing, drumming, dancing, prayers and this year, a hot meal. It was Freedom Day, so special food was arranged for the grandmothers. We were lucky enough to be included. The director of this program is a very energetic, spirited woman by the name of Vivienne. She is the woman I have struggled to get admitted to the Brock Adult Education program. I am going to pay for her internet service so that she can work from home where she will be safer in the evening. Philip Wright provided a used laptop that she is so grateful to receive in order to complete her courses on-line. After our lunch, several grannies stood and told their stories of dispair, hunger, sadness and pain. Many of us were in tears and shaken to our core.
    Then Vivienne took us to visit three young girls who are orphans - age 12, 15, 18. They live in a two room shack with no running water, no stove, no fridge, no table or chair and no door to close or lock. Luckily the grannies are keeping an eye on them. The 15 year old is finishing her last year of high school. The big threat for these girls is pregnancy. They are very vulnerable. With some donation money I had, I bought a new stove and fridge yesterday that is being delivered to them today. Next Tuesday we will visit again and bring groceries, some clothes and a door. Hopefully my husband can rig up a lock. I hate to think how many other young children struggle without parents. However, I am keeping my focus on the ones we can manage to help a little.
   These people are resilient, joyful and proud, in spite of all their challenges. I go away with a lot to think about and reconcile. I am touched and humbled. Words are hard to find right now.

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