Kawaza Village

[sheldonc]

Even on a trip of a life time you have to take a reality check so we decided to spend the day visiting a local traditional village. It was an incredible experience where we were treated like honoured guests and saw how these people truly live - I will never forget all the children whose only wish was for me to take their picture. I hope to share with you some of the images from that trip over the next few days

Needless to say this is Africa so we saw these cute guys playing on the way



First stop was the school where we met the Headmaster who told us all about the school and it's history - we then were given a tour of the facilities and met a class full of kids and joined there lesson where they sang to us and then we mingled among them and they asked us questions about England and we asked them about their own lives - some of these kids walk 2 hours each way just to be educated and they have no truancy

The students chatting with my kids



a little group photo - the girl in the red top (Margrety) and my daughter plan to be pen pals - she was extremely intelligent young lady & quite rare as she would like to leave the village and eventually become a pilot



I spent most the time chatting to these 3 boys - they were bright and very interested in hearing about the outside world - the one in the middle is planning on becoming an accountant



Thanks for looking

[lindyannajones]

I found this link last night and wrote down the title so I could spend time this morning and not be rushed. Boy were my instinct right. These images and story is one to be savored. I did not realize your children were with you on this trip. Wow. I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn that this day will prove life changing. My daughter had a similar experience in Mexico when she was 15 and I think because of it, went to college in Kenya for one semester and had many rich experiences like your daughter and sons. Your photos can only hint at the depth and breadth of this day but I am so glad I saw them.

[Ella1267]

these pics are wonderful....We had spent a month in South Africa, traveled down thru Durban and back thru Zulu Land....amazing....the people are all so happy and helpful no matter what their living situation tends to be. I love it there....Glad you had a wonderful time.

[leonaashlee]

Having lived in South Africa for two years, I also saw the value that the children there place on education. They walk for hours, sit on the floor and write in the dirt...amazing. They know this is their only way out of poverty. I hope your children learn some valuable lessons there...I certainly learned a lot I will never forget...and my only hope is to return there to live.

[Fred flyfisher]

This is really really cool. Love this series of your Sheldon. It's good for all of us to have a reality check once in awhile. The images are superb.

[Hayward Taylor]

Hi Sheldon - lessons we learned through our travels .. and the quality and strength of your images convey the message more poignant .. I can personally relate to your story - I grew up in a tiny dot on the map - Samoa .. we live off the land and sea and like these children - my hope was that someday I would leave the island .. outstanding photos

[sheldonc]

Originally Posted by lindyannajones

I found this link last night and wrote down the title so I could spend time this morning and not be rushed. Boy were my instinct right. These images and story is one to be savored. I did not realize your children were with you on this trip. Wow. I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn that this day will prove life changing. My daughter had a similar experience in Mexico when she was 15 and I think because of it, went to college in Kenya for one semester and had many rich experiences like your daughter and sons. Your photos can only hint at the depth and breadth of this day but I am so glad I saw them.

I sincerely hope that the day impacts on my kids lives - there are many poor people throughout the world but these people here are only poor in material terms - they enjoy their lives and their sense of community and find any reason to celebrate - even the visit of Westeners!

Originally Posted by Ella1267

these pics are wonderful....We had spent a week in South Africa, traveled down thru Durban and back thru Zulu Land....amazing....the people are all so happy and helpful no matter what their living situation tends to be. I love it there....Glad you had a wonderful time.

your experience mirrors ours

Originally Posted by leonaashlee

Having lived in South Africa for two years, I also saw the value that the children there place on education. They walk for hours, sit on the floor and write in the dirt...amazing. They know this is their only way out of poverty. I hope your children learn some valuable lessons there...I certainly learned a lot I will never forget...and my only hope is to return there to live.

I hope you get your wish - its amazing the hunger these kids have to learn

Originally Posted by Fred flyfisher

This is really really cool. Love this series of your Sheldon. It's good for all of us to have a reality check once in awhile. The images are superb.

Thank you Fred - this whole set were at times the easiest to take and at others the hardest - the kids have an insatiable appetite to be in your photo - I have so many images where the kids get closer and closer as they fight for pole position

Originally Posted by Hayward Taylor

Hi Sheldon - lessons we learned through our travels .. and the quality and strength of your images convey the message more poignant .. I can personally relate to your story - I grew up in a tiny dot on the map - Samoa .. we live off the land and sea and like these children - my hope was that someday I would leave the island .. outstanding photos

Clearly you did - we wonder what has changed if anything for those you left behind

once again thank you all for looking - next set from the village coming soon!

[jakethepig]

Wow, that must have been a great experience to visit the village Sheldon. Your picutures are excellent. Can't wait to see the next set. Thanks for sharing these.

Dave.