Today, one hears a great many sound bytes such as ‘Give back’ and  ‘Pay forward’; and, there is a lot of talk about ‘eco-tourism’.  We believe in all of that and are involved in this role in many ways. 

In England, we are members of various organizations and charities that we believe contribute to the well being of children, animals and the environment in order to ‘give back’ to the country we love to visit.

But, it is Africa where we put most of our efforts and resources. From our first Safari, when we fell in love with the Masai children who walked a mile from their menyatta, carrying their little stools to sit under a thorn tree and learn their lessons.  We handed out the supplies we brought — pencils, crayons and paper – all so basic, yet so loved by these little ones!

Usitawi Mahala Umepandwa —  Bloom where Planted in Kenya —
While on Safari in September 2003, we visited a Primary School with a delivery of books and pencils — there were over 300 children in the courtyard to greet us — we were treated like royalty!  The dancing, singing and smiles of the children won our hearts. 

It was decided that the first thing to be done with our contribution was to fill the potholes in the classrooms.  Our dear friend Tony Church, who lives near the school, kindly took on the job.   

Today, all classrooms have a fine cement floors; the rooms have been plastered and painted white; there is now a library with books about Africa, America, England (including Beatrix Potter books, of course!) and other parts of the world; the roof and exterior of the building have been painted; all rooms have new desks; they now have a playing field, complete with goal posts, uniforms and balls; there is a veranda around the school to keep the dirt out of the classrooms, especially in the rainy season; new loos, wash basins and shower rooms; metal doors and windows (where there were none), and, a garden to teach them about eco-farming.  

On Safari, we always visit the school — members of our groups have contributed books, pencils, posters and funds. The children love to entertain us during our visits and show us their progress — the physical changes in the school as well as their academics!  They now rank 5th out of 52 schools in the region!  The student’s pride in their school and themselves has increased proportionate to the attention we’ve paid to them and their surroundings, which is so rewarding for us.
 
There is much more to be done:  Electricity; computers; uniforms; scholarships, school lunches, etc., etc.  The need is great and our task goes on!

Through our visits, the children are learning that the wildlife of Africa is of great importance in a basic way... that the animals bring tourists and the tourists bring money, giving them a better life. 

This is a first step to the realization of their responsibility (and ours) to their environment and our planet.  They must learn how to protect the endangered and know the importance of observing the sociology of these fascinating creatures if they are to maintain their fragile co-existence.

It is our desire to improve the learning environment for these children as a 'thank you' for sharing the beauty and spirit of their country with us. 

 

Bloom where Planted in Rwanda

In 1997, H.M. King Kigeli of Rwanda visited Rose Tree Cottage on a mission to raise awareness and funds for the 250,000 orphans of the Rwandan Genocide.  Edmund then accompanied His Majesty to England for the same purpose.

Fast-forward to 2007: I fulfilled a desire I had as a child to visit this African country — although, not as a missionary as originally planned.  Even so, I was able to help in a small way! 

Following our days in the beautiful Rwandan mountains tracking the amazing Gorillas, we spent our last night in the city of Kigali.  There, I was able to connect with a remarkable orphan organisation, headed by two young men who themselves are ‘Orphan heads of household’.  As friends, they recognised the need for others in their situation (young people who are now adult or approaching adulthood, responsible for younger siblings and now, perhaps, their own children).  They have started a centre where they can teach others the life skills needed to carry on.  In addition to showing these young people working skills (market farming, crafts, etc.), household management, basic nutrition and health, etc., they have organised a dance troupe to continue their tribal customs as well.    

 Now, some of our fund raising efforts are being channeled to this worthy group of young adults and children.  These two inspirational young men are working so incredibly hard to provide for hundreds of others like themselves.  They feel it is the way they can give thanks to God for their survival.

To that, one can only say "Amen!"

Mary McNeill Fry

Our Board:                                                                                                                           

Mary McNeill Fry                                                                                                            

Edmund Fry                                                                                                                                   

Nora Avery Ottaviano                                                                                                             

Dr. Edmund Gibbs                                                                                                                   

Canon Denis O'Pray      

Mr. Tony Church, Project Administrator, Kenya 

BWPAnnual Report,2009.pdf

Contact us at:

BloomWherePlant@aol.com