We came to Tete to strengthen our link with Igreja Anglicana Epifania and especially for the consecration of the church St Mary's has helped to build. We knew the congregation would be preparing for their special day and we were wondering whether they would also manage to organise us an interesting itinerary too. They have excelled themselves, providing us with a detailed programme of visits to enable us to see varied aspects of Mozambican life, hosting us for delicious meals as well as organising a wonderful church service.
On Wednesday, 2 days after we arrived, we were taken to visit an orphanage, Aldeia de Criancas Tete, on the outskirts of town, funded by SOS International and other donors. It had the most beautiful grounds we have seen with two enormous Baobab trees, where 105 children & young people from babies to the age of 23 lived. The home also runs an outreach programme providing schooling for children in the local neighbourhood. Materials in the nursery were very sparse; but the children's smiles said it all. Michael was in his element!
That afternoon we also visited an elderly people's home that seemed really impoverished. My mother is in a care home in England and I was shocked by the conditions these residents were living in. The manager told us they were under-funded and short staffed. They had no one to water their vegetable patch which looked in a sad state and no concrete surface between buildings within the compound, so the elderly residents had to negotiate rough stony ground. The grounds did include a traditional bread oven. Despite the lack of facilities their spirit was still strong. They seemed quite oblivious to the very loud music blasting out from the neighbouring pub.
Posted by Sarah |
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