Tuesday, 31 January 2012

The Neighbour Ernest!

Prior to leaving I had a few people approach me and ask me to observe not only the orphanage but also the community to see where they could help from Canada. At that time I thought their donations toward the water project were more than enough, but after getting here I can see and understand much more.  All the children at Karim have a sponsor in order to go to school, It’s sad to see that there is a child coming up that doesn’t have a sponsor. In order for a child to go to school here it is approximately $900 a year. This educates, dresses and feeds one child for a year. You will see a little boy named Ibra (red shirt) here at Karim that is in many of my photos that will need a sponsor so he can go to school; he is cute as a button!
There is one family that has captured my heart, with a little boy that is should be in school right now. Ernest (Dad), Moma Ellie (Mom), and Ellie(little boy) are neighbours to Karim. Ernest is always smiling and despite only knowing a little English he is the most appreciative man always showing his thankfulness with hugs and smiles. Before Karim came along Ernest’s family lived only in a hut made of cow dung and sticks.  But through the kindness of Linda occasionally providing him with jobs to help maintain and improve Karim he is has been able to purchase one cinder block at a time to slowly build a small cement home.  At this time his house is only half done so he still lives in his old home as well. Ernest is THE HARDEST WORKING MAN I have ever met! 
 His son Ellie is very cute and comes to play with the kids here lots! He is the most content and loving little boy, always happy with a bottle cap or a shoe as a toy! This little boy has no chance at this time to go to school despite Ernest trying to save what he can. Besides working here at Karim from time to time Ernest doesn’t have any other source of income.  If there is anyone that may be interested in helping to sponsor a child I would love to help these little boys get an education!
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3 comments:

  1. Auntie D31 January 2012 at 06:12

    How much does a cinder block cost? We can start a campaign and help Ernest gwt his house built!

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  2. Auntie D31 January 2012 at 06:27

    Better idea! How can we make the bus for Karim drive come true so Ernest has a steady income? Details please!

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  3. adventuresahead1 February 2012 at 00:00

    One cinder block cost $1! So that seems like nothing to us but it adds up for Ernest.

    And yes if Karim can get a bus then Ernest will be able to drive it because he went to school and got his drivers. He was so proud of it too! Brought it out and showed us it! But the bus is very expensive and they are trying to save a little at a time. I beleive Linda said it was going to be around $25 000! And it is need badly as the kids get on the bus at 6 am and school starts at 8 am and they don't get home until 6 or 7 at night! For a four year old that is a very long day!

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