Simon Paylor reports on a trip led by CRED in the Autumn
In October 2008 The Cred Foundation took a group of 46 young people and youth workers from the UK to Addis Ababa to provide an activity week for IHA-UDP’s special needs provision (in the CBISDO area [that is, the first Project area]), and for some of the mainstream schools and youth clubs (in the AHISDO area [that is, the second Project area]).
An amazing week was had by all! This was the third trip organised by Cred, and each time the team visits, the aim is not only to give the children a fun time, but also to work developmentally as advised by a UK special needs expert. Indeed, Ethiopian staff also received significant special needs training during the trip, which was enthusiastically received. To top it all off, in addition to various bits of equipment and clothing, the team were able to leave a cheque for £10,000 for IHA-UDP’s work.
As great as this is, the biggest impact of all seems to fall on the young people taking part. Here is an extract from one young person’s journal of the week:
“By going on this trip I have learnt that it’s the simple things in life that matter like family, friends and community and that it’s not all about material possessions. I have seen children that have absolutely nothing but still manage to have a smile on their face and children that get so excited about simple things like bubbles or a parachute. They had never seen things like this before and by being there for that week I may have changed their lives as well as mine. They will never forget me and I will never forget them because I built special relationships with them that are worth more than anything. They are the most kind and caring people in world and are willing to give up everything they have for us…can you imagine someone in England doing that?!
“One memory that I’m going to take away from my experiences in Ethiopia is when one little boy at the youth club offered me his meal when it was the only meal that he got in the day. He was prepared to give that up for me and that really made me think if they’re prepared to give up everything why are people over here so selfish when they have so much more!”
You can see more about this trip by watching the video below:
