Orphanage for Peace

We finished work a little early so that we could visit a local orphanage. We had been to one of the International Book stores the day before to buy some gifts - books, paints, pencils, colouring books, glue, scissors and some balls.
Fifteen minutes along winding bumpy lanes saw us arrive at a bamboo fence with a narrow entrance. The buses pulled up and we were greeted by milling children who wanted to say hello, show off their english and desperately needed some human contact. They held our hands, hugged our legs, and smaller children wanted to be picked up and held.

After some initial games and introductions, we were seated in front of a huge stage and treated to some traditional dancing and singing. This is now on You-Tube The Welcome Dance The children were very good, they learn dancing and singing at the school and obviously enjoyed entertaining us. Four of the team were invited onto the stage to learn the 'coconut' dance - the children roared with laughter at our attempts to clap the coconuts in time and in sequence. And now have a look on You-Tube: Team Performance
The rest of the team came up on stage - a real test of a ricketty stage, made with many old planks and simple supports. We danced with the children, some of us were better than others, but we were all pretty bad! It was hot on the stage, with dozens of kids and the team. We then presented our gifts and the official part of our visit was over.

Eric had arranged some games with balloons that we had blown up at lunch time, musical chairs and bottle filling.

All too quickly the visit was over and it was time to leave - we said our good byes and thanked everyone for sharing their school and orphanage with us.
The orphanage also acts as a school for local poor children, so some of the children go home - about 30 live there in very basic conditions. They are currently supported by a Japanese group, but not a lot of money is coming through at the moment, due to the tsunami appeals in their own country.