This morning I had a bit of a discouraging experience at the Safe Haven. Yesterday I assigned all eight boys to write a composition. I brainstormed with them and put a note on the bulletin board to remind them of their "homework." They have all written compositions for me before.
Four boys wrote a composition. Two said they had been too busy, and two could not find their notebooks.
Adam and I talked about it a lot on the walk to town (we have taken to walking, mostly, when we are in town, instead of using the minibus. We still take the minibus to and from Likuni.). I feel very frustrated, but what can I do? I have been with the boys for about six weeks. I am leaving in two.
There is consolation--these boys used to live on the street, eating garbage and engaging in substance abuse. They could not speak English before living at the safe haven. Now they are in a safe, clean home, where they get a couple meals a day and (some sort of) education.
But things need to keep moving forward.-Rachel
Joanna, Magali, Rachel, and Adam at Salima beach. Joanna and Magali are our friends from the Crisis Nursery. They work for the NGO Raising Malawi.
Girl at the Safe Haven.
Rachel and the Safe Haven Gang.
An early view of the road from Likuni to town.
