Sunday June 16th

Ruvubu National Park
For any sponsors, or anyone for that matter wanting combine a Burundi Action Aid visit and a bit of holiday, the Ruvubu National Park is a must. There are hotels up that end of the country, you are on the Border of Tanzania and the scenery and wildlife is truly stunning.

An early start, we jumped into the truck to head back over to the Park. The drive was spectacular enough but when we got there the scenery was just amazing. We started off with a walk through the forest and spotted a few gibbons, then headed to Ruvubu river  (The Nile) and were lucky enough to see some hippos. 

The guide took us cross country to a viewing point with the most amazing view of Tanzania off to the east and a watering hole to our south. We could only see some antelope but that was fine, it is an absolutely beautiful place. On the way back we came across a bush of cape gooseberries, those little orange fruits in beige octagonal cases that get put on your plate in fancy restaurants. Very nice too. 

Say goodbye to Donatien
It was about 9:00am now so it was time to head off to say goodbye to Donatien and his family. We had a dash back to Ruyigi to pick Bindu and Helen up (the goats) and headed off. 

Bindu (Left) and Helen off to the village to

be given to Donatien and his family

They're hardy creatures goats. They got put in the back of the pickup truck and we headed off down some really uneven tracks to Donatien's. I kept asking if the goats were ok but the guys assured me they were fine and get transported like this all the time. They just stood in the back of the truck, bouncing around and pooing a fair amount. Fair play to them. 

There had been some confusion and Donatien and his father had gone to the market. Claver arrange for one of the villagers to go by motorcycle to pick them up. They don't generally where helmets and manage to fit a pile of people on a small 125cc motorbike without batting an eyelid, so off he went to get them. 

In the mean time we handed over the goats to Donatien's mum and explained that they were a gift to help the development of the family. She was very pleased with them, I gave Bindu to her and told her that Helen was for Donatien. I think they were especially pleased as Helen the goat was going to have little a goatlet in 5 months' time.

It is traditional in Burundi that when you receive a gift you also give one, and Donatien's mother explained although they have very little means she wished to give some to me. Her and 4 or 5 of the villages then darted off into the banana plantation. There was a bit of a kafuffle then she returned with chicken, legs securely bound with strips of bark from the banana plant. Josias explained although they are extremely poor, I should not refuse the gift so I happily received it. I was very moved by the gesture and appreciated it a lot. 

We were running a bit late at this stage so we said our goodbye's and jumped in the truck. Methode (I haven't mentioned him yet) drove us over to Butagnza commune to watch the Competeitions for the African Child Day. 

African Child Day
Methode had been driving us about all week, in my opinion he is probably one of the best on and off road drivers I have ever come across but his job spanned more than the driving he did so well. He was key in organising a lot of my visit and his 20 years' experience in ActionAid was very apparent. Anywhere we went cars would flash him or people would come over to greet him. We had a running joke that he was so popular Methode should be the next president! 

We arrived at an open area sided with trees. Goals had been constructed with branches and trees and was a crowd of a good few hundred waiting for our arrival to get the competition underway. 

One of the community leaders gave a speech to introduce the day and then some children started the drumming, a tradition in Burundi normally done by 12 older people was changed for the day to let the children participate. 

The competitions today were the finals of a 29 school competition which I know I've mentioned before, had been the brainchild of Josias Ogden. The finals are being held today because it is June 16th International African Child Day.

The football was great, played with a lot of passion. The few fouls which took place were brief and didn't end in the dramatic rolling round on the floor that seems to have infiltrated the European game, but was just taken in their stride and the majority of the players were barefoot. 

Donatien and his father arrived by motor bike and joined us at the side of the pitch. Each time I see Donatien, he comes out of his shell a little more. It must be so overwhelming for him coming from a poor village and then being dragged about and sat beside this 'umuzungu' (white man). I was so chuffed today to start getting a thumbs up in response to mine and a fist bump. Made my day. 

After the football the girls did their dancing and singing competition. This must of taken a huge amount of rehearsals as the choreography and singing was outstanding. Josias translated some of the message they were singing which was about promoting the rights of the African child. Very enjoyable, very impressive.

 

The prize giving started off with prizes being presented to the drawing competition winner. The prizes, exercise books and pens, was a nice gesture. I know they have very limited resources, and, the games are in their first year in this area but it would have been nice to see better prizes be awarded to acknowledge such achievements. 

Liverpool FC had kindly donated some pictures and posters. We handed these out to all the winners and even the compliments slip that Liverpool sent me with the merchandise was used to write a congratulatory note one for the winning football team. Nothing gets wasted here. 

The winning football team were presented with the cup and I had brought a long a Liverpool FC football to give to the winning team. A great day. 

After the event we all went for a soft drink and I got chatting to Donatien's father, I had brought over some lego for Donatien and his brothers and sisters to play with. It turns out, they have no idea what to do with it, my fault, I didn't even think.

So - we have arranged to stay in Ruyigi for one more night and then visit the village first thing in the morning for an impromptu Lego lesson. We couldn't do this during the evening as there is hardly any light in Donatien's house.

Finally - I had to say goodbye to Pierre Claver or 'The Boss' as I like to call him. Pierre is responsible for the ActionAid activities in Ruyigi and with the help of his team does an incredible job. His pleasant and friendly nature has made the week even more enjoyable.

Me and Pierre 'The Boss' Claver

Off to get some food now, green banana, rice and 'sauce' is a regular and well received after a long day. Looking forward to tomorrow, bring on the Lego.


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