A cause to celebrate

PEOPLE who get the opportunity to serve the community and the society are very fortunate. Have you ever thought what life would be if everything that you could see turned into darkness? One must be thinking what life would be if we were disabled..... Disabilities are of different kinds, with some of us being blind, deaf or both. But do we really witness disability?

Uhuru Mchanganyiko is a school located in the Uhuru area in Kariakoo, which caters for disabled children. The school has approximately 80 students who are in one way or the other unable to live the life of a normal person gifted with fitness. However if one sees them closely, they are talented in their own way and if further support and time is provided they can prove to do something better than may be you or I could do.

The Aga Khan Ismail Volunteer Corp( IVC) amongst other supporters has been working to develop the kids at Uhuru Mchanganyiko. A few projects initiated are swimming classes, computer skills, and English language. The joy we get from serving these kids is inexpressible, says one of the volunteers who takes the kids for swimming.

The IVC partnership with Uhuru School goes back 4 years. It includes both leisure and learning. Blind children from Uhuru have been going for swimming lessons for the last 3 years. Thanks to Splash Town and D.I.S. Derrick, a grade 4 student is a role model. He was swimming after just 4 lessons.

Under the Computer Training Program, volunteer students from Agakhan Mzizima School and I.S.T. teach children oral English and basic computer skills, using voice software. (Screen reader.)

Eid-ul Adha was a day of celebration for all Muslims and the significance behind this celebration is the concept of sacrifice which has a history behind it. Ismailis believe that sacrifice can be of various kinds; one can sacrifice his/her time, money, love, knowledge, etc for others. The inner happiness felt within oneself while serving others is the rewarding part. The IVC thought of celebrating the second day of Eid with the kids and teachers of Uhuru Mchanganyiko School.

Approximately 70 children from the Uhuru Mchanganyiko School were treated to a day out picnic on Sunday 29th November in an event organized by the IVC, jointly sponsored by Jangwani Sea breeze Hotel and other well-wishers.

“We wanted to do something special and memorable,” said Aslam Kanji, head of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps. So our Committee decided to bring them here. At the Jangwani Sea Breeze Hotel, out and away from their daily routine and environment, the children had a wonderful time. Swimming, singing and dancing were some of the activities.

After this excitement, the children were served a delicious and mouth-watering pilau with dessert and fruit galore prepared by the hotel.

Eid is a day of giving and sharing. The volunteers left their families and programs and gave their time so that these children could have a fun-filled day, said one of IVC Committee members.

The children appreciated it a lot and said that this had been the most memorable EID celebration for them during their lifetime.

Splash town and D.I.S provided lifeguards for the event which was also attended by the Uhuru School teachers and helpers. A wellwisher from Toronto, Canada, Ms Kelly, donated a laptop to the Head of the special school, Mr Noah. Another donor presented games specially made for the blind. These included tennis, word games and chess.

The students spent their day from 10.00am to 4.00pm at the beach. On the way back they were given a good bye packet of snacks that had juice, cakes and crisps. It was really a special day for them and for us.

“These children are full of energy and enthusiasm,” Says Moez Kassam, who is visually, impaired himself, “In spite of physical challenges, they are able and willing to learn anything.” Moez and his sister Tazim are both visually impaired but have taken life positively and are living a normal life including using the computer and internet in their everyday life. They have been assisting in the swimming, computer and English teaching project with the school. They both are a source of motivation and encouragement to the kids by sharing their experiences and knowledge.

It’s up to us, the more fortunate members of The Society to give off our time, talent and resources so that our less fortunate brothers and sisters can live a full and fulfilling life.

We thank all the volunteers and well-wishers for their support at all times. We would also like to thank Jangwani Sea Breeze Resort for their sponsorship and support.