CATCHING UP WITH TUNGULI Oct 2019
22 Sep 2019 • Other News
CATCHING UP WITH TUNGULI
It was a great pleasure to welcome John and Margaret Green and David Plummer from Mission Morogoro, to update on the year’s progress in Tunguli and to pray with them forTunguli village and also for adults and children everywhere at the start of the new academic year.
HYGIENE AND FOOTBALL
One of several success stories is the completion of a tenth covered well and pump which will transform the lives of women who have spent most of their waking hours, collecting and carrying contaminated water beck to their villages; one now describes herself as feeling ‘civilized’. Engineered by Tanzanian clean water and hygiene organisation SAWA and funded by Mission Morogoro, planning and construction involves the local community who acquire knowledge and understanding of construction and maintenance. It can be the case, that African villages are presented with a new facility, but are completely powerless to fix breakdowns.In addition, SAWA promotes the benefits of good hygiene, particularly regarding hand washing.Recent MM visitors (self-funded as usual) witnessed the spread of this message through the universally popular sport of football!A SAWA tournament for Tunguli and surrounding hamlets covering a five kilometre area was set up.Fourteen teams took part, the final being watched by 5,000.In spite of a rather rough pitch on a gentle slope, play was impressive and the sponsorship message of good hygiene crystal clear; the winners were a group of motorbike taxi drivers who share a rank. They were thrilled to receive Arsenal football strip and a replica FA cup. Five large suitcases of team strip had been donated by the charity ‘Kit Aid’ and there are signs of an equivalent competition for girls.
LATRINES FOR VILLAGE AND HAMLETS
An adult polio victim, who uses his arms to pull his body along the ground is delighted to have a newly constructed latrine; his greatest fear had been of a falling into a latrine pit.SAWA has demonstrated construction of latrines in each village and hamlet, specifically teaching building methods and maintenance. Access to latrines is now widespread, together with the simple tippy-tappy handwashing facility; community health has improved dramatically.
IVOR’S AMBULANCE – DONATED THROUGH HANBURY
Other heart-warming news is of Tito, the driver of the ambulance donated in memory of Redditch business man ‘Ivor’ is loving his job and hoping for training in first aid;his job supports his wife and two children.The ambulance was called out three times during MM’s recent visit; a new mother, unconscious with post-natal high blood, recovered after speedy transfer to Berega Hospital.
SEWING AND KNITTING
Tricia Mortimer presented sewing graduation certificates to six women who had trained on the manual machines sent out by us all in the tractor container. Babies were seen leaving hospital wearing hats and cardigans supplied by Bowbrook knitters; typical birth weights are l5lbs or less and the knitwear offers life-saving warmth during the cold nights. Buttoned cardigans and bright colours are the order of the day for these healthy babies, but please ask Margaret Green about size, design and demand as travel dates and suitcase capacity need to be considered.
CHANGE FOR TUNGULI – please keep saving!
Thanks to everyone from all across the group, for saving 1p and 2p coins for MM; over £600 has been raised so far.A cheque for one hundred pounds was presented along with other generous donations. Margaret sold charming knitted toys and Christmas decorations which may be featured on the cover of this magazine.Please ring 01789 400 213 to purchase – we should be able to offer more in church.