Final Week Thoughts

By Caroline Meghen

As the last week comes to an end; the whole trip becomes surreal. The past four weeks have literally flown by. It seems like only yesterday we met in Dublin Airport brimming with excitement about our trip ahead. From the minute we arrived we were greeted with open arms by our group leaders Michael, Avril and Siobhán, the Tsholofelo community, Brother Joe, Sister Georgina, Bishop Kevin Dowling and all of the Step Up and Serve team.

We got stuck into our projects straight away and achieved great success as a result. Tapologo’s Freedom Park kitchen for the orphaned and vulnerable children’s centre was transformed. The “Rat Pack” cleaned out the kitchen, put in new appliances, provided seating area and added a splash of colour to the kitchen.

In Dichibidu the boys rolled up their sleeves and did some tremendous work by building a new crèche, kitchen and playground. Nkaneng’s crèche got a new classroom and the children enjoyed our animal balloons, tattoos and our fun games. Balloon chihuahuas, hats, swords and poodles went down a storm.

Fantastic skills training took place over the past few weeks. Fiona, Sarah, Aaron and John ran a First Aid course for the crèche workers and Siza clinic workers. The women were delighted and received a well-earned First Aid certificate. Bridie gave great strength and empowerment to the women. She organised crochet classes where the women created beautiful berets with bobbles on the top. Entrepreneurs of the future!

In Tapalogo, Tabang and Kuhn, the Operation and Maintenance support team kept us busy right to the end! The Hospice walls were resealed and the vegetable beds were weeded and tidied up.

I am so happy that I have made some great friends and will be sorry to leave them but I’m already looking forward to our reunion in Glendalough. I have met some inspiring people and will never forget them. I would like to thank SERVE for this wonderful opportunity. It has been a truly eye-opening and educational experience.