The Small Things Garden – On Vision and Life: A Reflection on My Timein Nkoaranga. By Zsuzsa Mitro

Here we have a wonderfully personal guest blog by one of our volunteers, Zsuzsa, who just recently completed her time with us in Nkoaranga. She tells us of her garden project that she spent time and effort in perusing whilst she was in Tanzania, and of her vision for the future of her project. Thank you, Zsuzsa for your hard work and inspiring words!

My volunteer experience with The Small Things Orphanage in Nkoaranga was at its most challenging phase just about a month ago, around the third-to-last weeks of April… When I am writing this text, however, all I have is gratitude and appreciation for the lessons I learned. Some time has passed, and I have been able to reflect on these lessons. The month I spent with TST is almost beyond-words rich as a life event for me. And before I settle with my focus in this note, which is: vision, I must express my complete respect and admiration for those who are immersed in the work, revolving around beautiful and remarkable kids, for extended amounts of time in Nkoaranga - and beyond.

When I decided that I wanted to be involved in volunteer work with The Small Things, I had plenty of help with imagining what to expect. The organization has a very accessible website: it is easy to navigate and find useful information. Once I established contact with staff, I had only positive experience in getting my any and allquestions answered promptly and in detail. The volunteer coordinator, Emma Hemsley, and of course Bekka Ross Russel, TST’s director on the ground did a wonderful job on preparing me for my time with the organization. Andfinally, I embarked on the whole ‘adventure’ because I know a returning volunteer. Sarah Zack is practically my neighbor in Vermont, US. Her insight and encouragement turned out to be crucial, and absolutely wonderful in my making the commitment to volunteer.

Working hard in the garden

I remember that during one of our first conversations with Sarah back in December 2013, I had doubt over the fact whether one month was going to be enough volunteering time – but that was all I could do. For anyone seriously interested in signing up to help, the time commitment is indeed a serious matter to consider. And to make the best decision, for everyone’s benefit, you need to have a vision, and keep asking questions until you clearly see what is realistic, and what is possible for you.

Work in an orphanage was not something I had ever tried. But I wanted to be around children who needed me – and lots of them! The more love and care was needed from me, the better! I carefully assessed the factors of age groups among the kids, different needs related to that, and the time commitment needed. I understood, well before I signed on, that the work was going to be demanding, challenging and require my all. But I was ready to give exactly that. At the same time, I had to be honest about thepart of my vision that tended to issues of self-care. Make no mistake about it: work at the orphanage is hard. But it is often in such circumstances that immense personal growth happens. That was a very attractive aspect.

So was going to Africa - a first time for me. And Tanzania, and specifically the Northern region, where I was going, has so much to offer! Mountain hikes, safaris, getting to know a different culture, ways of local life, and language – imagination goes wild with the possibilities of what to do with any spare time! A month, however, is a very short period. What was possible for me, for recreation? The picture got clearer when I found out the orphanage had a garden! In Vermont, I have done work with volunteers in a gardening project that inspired my consideration of implementing at least some of what I learned with Willing Hands in East Thetford on site in Nkoaranga. And gardening is a wonderfully regenerative activity.

Even before I left, I wanted to discuss this detail with Bekka and Emma, and again: all I got was their positive, supportive ‘go ahead!’ responses.  After I arrived and settled into a regular routine with mostly early morning6-9 AM, and 5-8 PM evening shifts four times a week, I wanted to get started in the garden. Everything was falling into place beautifully. The garden did need help - and a vision! -, which I already had. Local helpers quickly got involved too, and I even found a fellow volunteer, who showed a lot of genuine interest in growing food for the kids. Sidsel Henriksen, from Denmark, is also a fantastic photographer. We planned a visual documentation of our TST gardening project.

An hour or two in the garden after demanding, unconditionally caring work around the mamas and the kids at the orphanage worked wonders. The first day we started preparing the beds for planting with Baba Nikki and Kaka John, two men in charge of anything food- and gardening related, my Swahili also took off. What we could not figure out in language, we demonstrated in showing each other. Smiles, content, and great physical workout were but a few immediate rewards I can mention. And although I was not going to be there and witness the growth and enjoy the fruit of our labor some weeks later, I am glad I thought of starting this project on the side of my volunteer work, right next to the orphanage.

There was one more dream, one more strong wish I had when I envisioned my stay in Northern Tanzania in April. Nkoaranga is in the vicinity of some gorgeous mountains, the envy of all hikers. Besides Kilimanjaro, MtMeru is right above the village, enticing the courageous for a true adventure. It is a shorter hike than the six-day commitment Kili takes, which is why I wanted to climb Meru. Three days at the end of my trip, on the last week, I thought, was a reasonable goal and vision. And it almost happened...  But in the end, life overruled everything. Or rather, death did; the loss of two baby girls, an extreme and unusual event at the orphanage!, with funerals to attend and drawing closer as a community at TST kept me back from completing this dream.

I am not sad, though. Sidsel and I chose a tree to commemorate Lulu and Hope’s memory, and it is now planted in the garden. This tree is also a testimony to our reverence for life, constant change, growth, connection, and commitment. If other volunteers, future, or returning ones come to Nkoaranga, it is my genuine hope and wish that they become inspired to help the garden project along, and find true joy and peace of mind and heart there. Only good things can come out of a place that is loved and well taken care of, just as a child who is given those things will be all the richer, and better person in life. May the garden bring joy to all involved! I hope to return to see it thrive.

Kids are thriving at Dinka school

We have exciting news from Tanzania, because the kids at the pilot house have just started their second term at school, with the help of our amazing sponsors!

One of the new classrooms at Dinka school

Despite the positive reports we initially received about Amani (the school the kids attended during the first term), we noticed that the children were not progressing as fast as they could be and worryingly also received reports that teachers were using physical discipline in some cases.  Due to this, we decided to look into options of other schools which we could move the children to.  Fortunately, after careful searching and numerous second opinions, we have settled on a great alternative which we are all very happy about.  We are all confident that this change will be in the children's best interests.  The school is called Dinka school (check out their website) and when our team visited they were truly blown away: small classes with computers in every classroom, use of the NECTA and Tanzanian curriculum; drama; music' extra-curriculars... it's really incredible, and so we decided to see if it would be possible for the kids to start there.

We were delighted when they were accepted, and here they all are on their first day!  They have started already in order that they are fully adjusted and used to the school before the new year starts in earnest in September.

The kids looking bright on their first day at Dinka School

At our board meeting today, our executive director Bekka was telling us how well the kids have all settled in, and how great it is to see all of their personalities develop as they come out of their shells.  Apparently, Pray is talking in really fluent English, Anna is always smiling, and our latest addition, Agape, was excited both to go home at the weekend to her mother, and also to come back again for the school week, which is exactly how it should be!  So, really wonderful news there - thank you so much to everyone for making it happen! We are all really excited to see how the kids manage their next term at school, and will be keeping you all updated on it.

Eman and Queen working on the jigsaw that she received (with letter!)

We have been so thankful for the engagement of our sponsors so far!  You have really shown such a level of interest and care in the kids, which is lovely to see.  We have had letters, emails and messages showing how much you care, and we hope that everyone has enjoyed looking through their sponsor packs.  Everyone at the pilot house (volunteers and staff included) had a really fun afternoon putting together a customized jigsaw puzzle with Swahili words labelling a picture of Queen's sponsor's home, which Queen was thrilled to receive!  Anna wore a lovely warm sweater which she received from her sponsor at her first day at Dinka, and her sister Neema is looking fabulous in her new outfit!  These are just some of the ways that sponsors have been getting involved with their sponsored kid/s - which is something we really encourage!

Neema looking very cool in her new outfit

So overall, a massive thank you to our fantastic sponsors, but also to everyone else for your constant support and interest in these kids.  You are making a big difference are all of us at The Small Things really appreciate it!

Thank you, Mamas!

With all the sadness that has surrounded Nkoaranga Orphanage these past few weeks, I would like to take the opportunity to celebrate the Mamas. As the main carers for the children and having seen them grow from tiny little babies into happy, clever, wonderful children, the loss of two of our beautiful babies will have hit them hard. My heart is with them in Tanzania at this sad time.

Lunch time - and lots of hungry mouths to feed!

The Mamas are some of the most inspirational and hard-working women I have ever met. They work tirelessly day and night to ensure the children of Nkoaranga Orphanage are safe, healthy and happy. Not only do they spend their days washing, dressing, changing and feeding the children, but they also spend their days loving them. Seeing the bonds that have grown between the Mamas and the children is an honour and something really special to witness. There’s this unwavering, unconditional love that is shared between the children and Mamas and it is this love that keeps the orphanage thriving.

As a volunteer at Nkoaranga, I can honestly say that when I started at the orphanage, I was completely lost. There were suddenly all these children who wanted to play with me, and that was really lovely, but they also needed to follow a routine of care, of which I had no idea where to begin. I had no idea what I was doing. If it wasn’t for the Mamas, every volunteer that entered Nkoaranga Orphanage would be lost. They supported me, told me how I could help, advised me when I was unsure, and for that I am truly grateful. They welcomed my fellow volunteers and me into the orphanage and made us feel like part of this great family. They all have such warm, loving hearts, and when I left, it offered me a great comfort to know that these wonderful women would be there to look after the children.

Emily with some of the older kids!

Every time I have returned to the Orphanage, the Mamas have welcomed me like an old friend. It is always so wonderful to see their smiling faces and to be enveloped in their loving hugs. I didn’t just return to the orphanage for the kids, I returned for the Mamas, too. They will always hold a special place in my heart. 

So, whilst we mourn the loss of two beautiful children and try to find a way to get through this difficult time, I want to celebrate the women who make Nkoaranga Orphanage not just another Orphanage, protecting the safety of the children, but a home to grow up in. I know that in Hope and Lulu’s short lives, the Mamas will have shown them so much love and kindness, which is something that I am clinging onto at this sad time.

The Mamas who work at the pilot house also do a fantastic job!

Thank you to all of the Mamas who have loved and cared for the children as if they were their own. Thank you for working non-stop every single minute of every day to ensure the smooth running of what has become my second home. Thank you for welcoming every volunteer into the orphanage with open arms. Thank you for being you. We are all eternally grateful for everything you do.

Easter fun!

Whilst many of us (me included!) were busy eating chocolate eggs on Easter Sunday, the kids at Nkoaranga were having a different sort of treat!  A fieldtrip! Of course, there was the usual pre-field trip excitement (it wouldn't be a field trip without it!): everyone getting dressed nicely; the preparation of lots of sandwiches by our fantastic volunteers, and everyone singing loudly all the way down the hill!

Eman, Pray and Loveness together on their day out!

These field trips are important for the kids.  As well as being fun, field trips give them the chance to explore outside the zone of the orphanage, the pilot house and occasional trip to the market or local shops (and school, for the older ones).  It's great that they have the chance to see more of their local area, wave to people as they pass by, and generally widen their horizons.  And what better way to give them this experience than by taking them to a playground!?  It is lovely seeing their excitement at all the new and different things that they pass.  There is lots of pointing and shouting the names of everything - I once heard them yell 'puddle!'!

Stevie getting turned into some kind of animal!

After lots of playing, exploring, face-painting snacks and, of course, more playing (as you can see from the pictures!), it is time to head back home.  It's been an energetic and fun-filled day, with lots of new memories made.  The kids are quiet and sleepy but happy as they drop off the pilot house kids and troop off the bus and back up the little hill to the orphanage gate.  Then its time for dinner (much easier to handle than usual because everyone is tired!) and then into bed.

Everyone hurrying back up to have another turn on the slide - including Eman!

As I hope I have managed to convey to you, field trips are always special days for the kids.  I hope the pictures and descriptions have helped us to say thank you to you for helping us to make them happen!