Where are all the kids?
As we drove around in the ambulance today looking in all the usual places for the children, they were nowhere to be found.
The staff informed me that this is common when there is an event taking place in the city. In order to 'hide' the existence of street children, the police round them up, often using violence and drive them out of the city. The children are then dumped somewhere on their own often miles from anywhere. I cannot even begin to imagine how terrifying this must be for them.
As if their situation is not bad enough they are then subjected to this inhumane treatment. As I write this I don't think I have ever felt so angry........
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Jetske wrote:
13 May 2008 at 12:49 Hi Susan,I'm glad you arrived safely and have been able to help out on the ambulance. I recognize all the things you write about, for a few minutes I'm back there. Thank you for that.
You write about how the chilren influence your life and how they probably don't realize this. I know the feeling of never being able to do enough for them in return, but I think one of the best things you can do for them is showing they are worth something. Which is exaclty what you do, you see them, you encourage them to eat their bread, talk to them and try to be a friend. Just giving them love and attention. I believe the rest will follow from that.
I am very happy to know you are there taking care of them, I miss them a lot and it's good to know some one is helping out.
Please say hi to all the kids and also to the staff (most of them called me Nonkululeko), I think about them every day.
Sala kahle,
Jetske
Donna wrote:
14 May 2008 at 12:17 Hi SusanIt's shocking to read about the children being treated like rubbish - cleared up and 'tidied ' away to protect the face of the city.
Just by being there and writing this blog you are helping us all to understand how bad it is. I think we become hardened to it all watching tv reports. Hearing it from someone you know has a totally different effect. It pulls you up short and makes you examine your own life and the things you thought were important - trivia really compared to the challenges facing the children you are meeting.
Take good care
Love
Donna
x
Name: Susan Connolly
Volunteered at Umthombo from 28 April 2008 to 24 May 2008.
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