(This is also a helpful counterbalance when homesickness unexpectedly strikes. There has to be a time for tears, a retreat to a wash room, a sense of loneliness and a questioning of purpose- and then the time for moving on.)
It is a topic frequently discussed, but each volunteer makes a personal decision, reconciling conscience, compassion and sheer practicality. My own resolutions- which will probably change again- are currently: to buy an item of fruit and give if stopped by someone begging in the market; to buy additional stocks of dry foods and basic toiletries to drop off with specific people who are linked with families through the Food for the Poor charity; to support the activities in the special schools I visit by buying raffle tickets, craft products, donating consumerables, sponsoring places on school visits and treats; and to carry change for collections and cake sales outside shops.
The Christmas season is upon is Guyana, and Santa's bell can now be heard ringing outside many shops as the Salvation Army makes its Christmas Collection.
Supporting good causes also generates a social life. In recent weeks, along with other volunteers I have been to a Dance and BBQ (sadly with no dancing- just the food, drinking and chat) in aid of a Rest Home, a fashion show to support Help and Shelter and a March and BBQ organised by the Disabled Persons' Network, in a small town outside Georgetown, to raise funds and awareness of issues faced by people with disabilities.
Help and Shelter, set up in 1994, supports resolving problems caused by domestic violence. Their own research, supported by the University of Guyana, indicates that at least one in three women in Guyana have experienced actual violence in the home. Their client base runs to 8,000, 85% women and 80% of all clients spouses. (For more information visit www.hands.org.gy) The fashion event was a showcase for local designers and tailors from Georgetown, and the styles and trends represented the ethnic mix that is Guyana. Highly patterned and jewelled Indian sari-type fabrics draped from shoulders were followed by boldly printed African styled dresses and two pieces set off by elaborately tied head-wear. Fitted figure hugging bodices and flamenco frills from thigh to ankle suggested Brazilian carnival, while bright boldly clashing colours and modern shapes showed the Soca -Caribbean influences. Some models were trained professionals; other men, women and all the children were related to volunteers from the Shelter, and happy to represent the normal spectrum of heights and widths -from "T'in to T'ick to extra T'ick" as the MC announced, with a call for each person to be proud and happy with themselves as they are. (The spirit of Gok) Facts and figures about domestic violence, the numbers of people Help and Shelter have supported and a couple of brave personal stories were a sobering reminder of why we were all there.
Friday was the 11th day of the 11th month- and for a couple of weeks I had been seeing poppies pinned to shirts- mostly the shirts of school children. The Legion of Guyana, aided by government grants and funds from the Canadian Royal Legion, continues to actively support ageing veterans from this "Commonwealth" country, which was, until 1966, a part of the British empire and still under British governance. Sunday the 13th sees the annual parade to the cenotaph in the centre of Georgetown with the Legion, the Scouts, the Police and other groups in attendance. But as local newspapers acknowledge, there is dwindling interest in this day and what it represents for the modern independent Guyana.
Pupils at this school heard about Remembrance day, and about Guyana's links with armed forces in Canada, the USA and the UK- reflecting the three main destinations of the many Guyanese who continue to leave the country in search of work.
My goodness Janice-it makes me feel so humble! This really hit hard, I tried to imagine a poor country raising money for even poorer groups of people. Where does it end...or does it? I admire your courage and bravery Janice. So proud. xxxxxx
ReplyDelete