Jambo jambo all,
I have recently returned from my third trip to The Good Life Orphanage & St Bernadette Mary School, this time with my daughter Maeve, 3 years exactly after a visit with my son Ronan.Each visit is equally (if not more)rewarding as we can clearly see the development of the lovely children in both SBM School and GLO in so many different ways.
The organisation of the complex is fantastic and the good nature ,kindness ,and happy faces on all adults and children alike ensures an unforgettable experience for all volunteers. Like many before me have said ;no matter what skills we bring to help we gain far more than we could ever offer.
We did try to get fully involved though , spending time in all houses with mamas aunties and children, chatting, singing, reading, helping with “preps” and homework. Maeve baked cakes for all houses which were well received and quickly decimated..I made a curry for all of our house and the 3 older lads with great help from Moses, Annie and Precious (who are brilliant helpers for Mama Tuta and auntie) making delicious chapatties and salad. Everyone ate it politely and survived the experience so I must be improving as a chef!
My main job though in day time was helping out in school and I watched and hopefully helped all the teachers in some little way and in making plans for the next year ahead. I would love to hear of some more teachers visiting SBM School, no matter where they come from, to share their knowledge and ideas; as the school is so eager to listen and improve the life chances of their amazing pupils.Teachers from the UK or elsewhere feeling a bit jaded may especially benefit from enjoying their job again and remember why they chose a career in education.
As previously the time went too quickly so my next trip, God willing ,will be much longer than than the 15 nights this time. It is impossible to pick highlights from such an experience, we had a great experience each and every day. I did enjoy the football matches, the singing of the choir made me more tearful than the onions for the curry! Carrying “bossman” Laurence to school and to the shop for lollipops was an order I couldn’t refuse !
Everyone deserves a mention though , as each has an enormous impact upon you…
Can’t wait to go back, so my advice is get planning and get there…
Asante, Brendan
The staff and children so appreciate the visits to the GLO and SBM especially the ones that return they never forget you.
It is also great to know that the standard of care and education offered to these children is so superior to other orphanages and schools well done GLO AND SBM
What a great uplifting blog. Can’t wait to get there myself. The GLO is a special place which will give you lasting happy memories. The children are so gorgeous and the staff a pleasure to be around. Merry Christmas to all my friends and friends to be at the GLO. May God bless you all with good health and happiness.
Its been awhile since I’ve read the blog, but I’m very pleased to hear everything is going so well. I’m still looking forward to when ill be able to go back