Wow! The TOW party in Atiak was so moving. It was amazing how many children there were, and how far they had come. There are 107 TOW children in Atiak currently.
These children have been meeting together every Sunday with our coordinator Robert Komakech since the inception of the program. Last summer we began the feeding program and the children dubbed it “Happy Sunday”. Since then they began more activities on Sunday. They have a TOW choir, and are practicing and performing cultural dance. They are such a cohesive group and obviously care so much for one another.
When we arrived, we were greeted with singing and dancing of the guardians wielding small axes (not sure of the significance of that). The children of the TOW choir then sang a few songs. One was is their native Acholi language. They acted out the horror of the rebels and the abductions. Some of the children were crying as they did it. I became acutely aware that the trauma that they witnessed as recently as 2008 remains seared in their memories forever. The next song they sang was titled “Save the children today for a better world”. It was beautiful. We struggled to hold back the tears. Later a teenage girl who had recently had a baby, gave a dramatic recitation of a beautiful poem she had written about how hard it is to be a child mother. Her gratitude for the ongoing support of her education was heartfelt.
Next came the cultural dances of the children—I was exhausted just watching it. Two young boys were the drummers and many others played the calabash. The girls had traditional skirts and danced beautifully. This incredibly energetic music and dance went on for no less than 45 minutes.
Time after time, the children and guardians were sending their thanks and prayers for the help they are receiving from all of you in America. They are all so appreciative to have the opportunity to have an education. It’s amazing when enough people get together and work towards a common goal, the change that can take place. That day we fed 172 children and the same number of adults. Much fun was had by all!
Many thanks and blessings to all of you who are making this possible through your support of Tree of Wisdom.
Looks like you guys are making such a difference in these peoples lives. Looking at the pictures and reading the stories, makes me drop to my knees and thank God for the blessing I have. I am very proud to be a member. Have a safe trip back. I hope you go your mangos:)
Take Care…God Bless