Kwa heri Mwanza

On Tuesday Abby and I took Cha-Cha, Angela and Zainabi to the private hospital because we suspected that their constant coughing was a sign of TB. The doctor ran several tests on them and told us all three of them had malaria, a chest infection and worms but not TB. We were completely amazed that the children were so sick - they hadn't complained and it was only because we heard them coughing we thought they should go to the doctor. Joseph told us that the orphanage staff had suspected they (and several other children) were ill but couldn't focus on health care until they had enough money to feed the children. At the private hospital registration, consultation with the doctor, four lab tests for each child and all their medications (3-5 per child) came to a total of about US$30. It continues to amaze me that so little money can do so much here, and really makes you wonder why those that can afford it aren't doing more to help.



Yesterday was our last day in Mwanza. Abby and I took the horrendous falling apart dalla-dalla to Buswelu just outside of town and when it failed to start after it's first stop we decided to get out and take another one. The fare collector completely ripped us off, but after several minutes of arguing we gave up and let him keep the extra 'muzungu' fare, we were thankful to be away from the decrepit vehicle. We jumped on another and ended up walking from the main road to Hisani (the orphanage I volunteered with last year). Despite taking at least half an hour to get there, we noticed the dalla-dalla we got out of didn't pass us at all - very satisfying to know we made the right choice :)



When we arrived at Hisani all the kids came running out shouting my name - I was so suprised they all remembered me after so long! I handed out photos to the children which they were very happy to receive: most of the kids don't have any pictures of themselves or their families. Hisani now has links with Volunteer Africa and the difference in the orphanage was really amazing: the children had tiled floors, proper beds, loads of room and even a computer with internet connection! It was great to see them all doing so well.


Mwanza, taken on Lake Victoria

After lunch we headed back to Fonelisco and said good bye to all the children - they made us promise we would be back and this year I'm sure I will be!