My first day...

It's finally here...my first day volunteering!! Yesterday (Sunday) a few volunteers and myself actually took a trip to Kawangware (the slum we'll be working in), saw the orphanage and HIV clinic we'd be at specifically, then met with a local doctor and a few other residents of Kawangware who have begun an HIV/AIDS support network for those residents infected with the virus. What an experience to meet those on the frontlines and see where this is actually happening in Africa! How humbling and sad to see the endless rows of corrugated tin-roof shacks, but reinforcing at the same time to see the citizens of that community coming together to help those most affected by this disease.
So about my specific project...another volunteer and I are working together at Shade Orphanage right smack dab in the middle of Kawangware. There are currently 53 total children at the orphanage, however, in the morning (starting at around 9), we're working in the preschool with 2 teachers and about 20 children and who are too young to attend primary school yet. Most of them are orphans from HIV/AIDS, although we have no idea who has the virus and who does not, but some are merely there for the preschool while their parents go to work during the day. Around lunch time, the children in class levels 1-3 return from school for lunch and then we help them with homework, reading, or crafts, while the little ones nap, or just play! The rest of the kids return from school around 3:30, our day ends just after that around 4ish. Within the preschool group are so many different developmental and ability levels, and I was impressed with how the teacher handled each one but as a group (all the teachers I know out there are probably going, well, duh!). I hope to have a role as aiding the teachers whenever possible, as well as working on different developmentally appropriate activities. Some volunteers previous to us were working on getting a specific structure to the daily routines of the orphanage and helping it to become a little more self-sufficient, so we'll most likely continue that work as well. This morning was little overwhelming, but after talking to the other volunteers, I just have to keep telling myself, "whatever I can do will be helpful," as there's just so much to be done. The kids are amazing though and already have found a special place in my heart.