Mondays in Hamburg
are children’s clinic days. Normally very boring for toddlers
who have travelled far to get there and for whom there is nothing
much organised.
Monday September 25th,
2006 was different.On this Monday we opened
a new play area for kids and gave out the dollies made through the
‘One Doll One Child Campaign’. To learn more about the
Doll Drive click here.
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months before, in July, the International Friends launched a campaign
to give the children of Hamburg and the neighbouring villages a gift
of their very own: a special friend.
During those two months
a huge number of Friends gave money to fund ‘one doll for
one child’ and over two hundred dollies had been made under
the supervision of Jackie and Florence. Now, it was our joyous task
to give these dollies out to the clinic children.
The
people of Hamburg celebrate life’s changing events in the
very own inimitable way.
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As
Jan and I drove to the Treatment Centre, the car bulging with dollies, the
music and singing were in full swing. We were greeted by Mrs Zita,
head nurse of the Treatment Centre, and Eunice, our HIV councillor. We were
enveloped in a blanket of happy women, all singing and dancing.
The excitement
and anticipation were stoked by our struggling from the car with
boxes of dollies then settled with prayers said to welcome us.
Next came the
speeches – they do like the formality of a speech or two!
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This is always a poignant time. But today, looking around and seeing
the mums and grannies with their sick children and hearing the thanks
and praise bestowed upon us and all who had made this day possible,
was heart rending.
The children
sat listening impassively, with watchful eyes in grave faces as
Carol Hofmeyr, in her role as the doctor of the Treatment Centre and rural
areas said ‘The Treatment Centre building and play area is for any
child affected by AIDS in any way. Grannies, Mums, this building
is yours to come freely whenever you feel worried or afraid. This
is your sanctuary.’
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big moment finally arrived. The children accepted their gifts seriously,
looking at the brightly coloured fluffy mop-haired dollies with some
awe. Each doll had been individually made by the village dolly makers,
and had been embroidered with the nominated name of the donor –
usually that of their own child or grandchild.
The children’s play area ward was a gift from
the Support group 25/40 based in America. The ward had been transformed
from a dark dingy area to a brightly painted room fully equipped
with primary coloured tables and chairs, and toy boxes filled with
paper and pens.
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Jackie Jezewski
added 11.11.06 |
To
create a party scene we hung balloons and streamers, and soon the
room was transformed, filled with the happy sound of children playing
and laughing.
The highlight
for them was the ‘photographic session’ with their new
dolly friend, hugging it very tightly so’s not to lose it.
They posed cautiously at first, then when shown the picture “More,
more,” was their response, and we caught on camera the sheer
delight and happiness of these children.
Next stop on
the dolly run were the villages of Bodiam and Intilini.
More happy kids!
The campaign
will continue to run until after Christmas. If you would like to
give a doll for Christmas please contact us. |
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