Joy and sadness this month.

Much sadness, as Mama Norah passed away, having struggled with cancer the past two years. A shock to all of us as she was planning to come back to Arusha at the end of September after three months rest at her family home (out near Karatu). Many of our staff attended her funeral, along with Elibariki and Fatuma representing our children. Her pain, suffering and fear is now over, but she will be much missed, and our prayers now turn to her husband and children. She will be remembered as a quiet peaceful and hard worker, respected and loved by everyone.

Much joy, as Fatuma was made Head Girl at her school! And, Joshua finished his primary school education! National exams were early this year, to ensure November is quiet for Presidential elections. Joshua’s school put on a graduation ceremony with dancing and drama (Joshua was one of the singers) – all the graduating students had a new suit to wear (which we parents had to stump up for!).

Our children know their rights, and complained that at their new school the teachers were giving corporal punishment (illegal in Tanzania). Wendy and Faith met with the headmaster and deputy headmaster, who were amazed (and somewhat miffed) that our kids know the law (children’s rights are a big issue here, and new laws were passed in 2009 in accordance with UN Rights for Children, and endorsed publicly by the Tanzania president). The ‘old school’ prefers the truth to be hidden so children remain ignorant and accept punishments and behaviour from adults that are inappropriate and illegal. Hopefully we have made our point, and the school and SWTz can work together to teach our children in a positive way. Sadly, there is still much abuse in schools, especially in the more rural areas.

Other highlights:

• Birthdays in September: Careen (12); Arnold (9); Hamis (15); Rebecca (18); Vincent (8); Mwajuma (11).

• Wendy returned from the US, and Rebecca sighed with relief and took a day off!

• We had to upgrade the solar system at the house as the batteries that came with the house packed up! We now have a super duper AC-DC inverter that also recharges the batteries from the generator when needed. The sunny season is here and we have plenty of power every day!

• Rebecca and Wendy continued their Rotary Club work, with the opening of toilets at Mungano Secondary School. Wendy project-managed the building work. The school has over 800 students, and until now only a couple of old pit-toilets! Now there is a girls block, a boys block, and the teachers have their own toilets now too!