Transparency

The kindness shown by so many individuals creates a sense of accountability, people have given so generously and I've constantly detailed where the money I was receiving was being spent, and I've adhered rigidly to the budget set at the start.

Even with the money donated for LifeStraws, I ensured donors knew the amount they were giving, for this amazing personal water filter was no more, no less than what I was being charged by the New Zealand distributor.  So bearing that in mind, I feel obligated to give an explination to the small deviation off the path of the Kenya fundraising budget.  

As you may know by now the motto I try to live my life by is

"It's always the right time to do the right thing" 

And this week the "right thing" was to give just a small token back to the community that has shown me unwavering support since I started this journey.

Nestled in the heart of Pomaria Primary School's, warm, vibrant, and multi cultural society is a small African contingent.  Approximately two years ago we were blessed to welcome a family of Congolese refugees through our gates. Upon arrival they were more than a little bewildered, nervous and came with very little English. They faced the shock of arriving in a school made up of many cultures vastly different to their own.  Pomaria has a predominantly Maori and Pacific Island community, though it soon became apparent our new arrivals had a natural affinity with their adopted family. They too shared a love of family, food, dance and had immense pride in their culture.

It wasn't long before our Congolese community started to grow, so settled were the original family that other Congolese families began to make Pomaria their school of choice.  We are now proudly "home" to a growing number of children from the Congo.

Bi-annually Pomaria Primary School takes it's Year 5&6 students away on camp.  2012 is Camp Year. As you can imagine, camp is always a hugely anticipated event, and this year proves to be no exception.  For the first time our children are headed to Camp Adair in the Hunua Ranges, 90 minutes south of Auckland.  As a school we actively fundraise to reduce the expense to our families.  We acknowledge with many of our students come from large families, camp is an additional cost many struggle to afford, none more so than our refugee families.

As a school we do our best to ensure all children attend camp, we encourage families to pay as much as they can, though the school will assist those in genuine need.  The benefits of an experience such as camp are phenomenal, and for many it may be the first and only time they will experience many of the amazing activities on offer; abseiling, kayaking, rock climbing, mud slide, archery to name but a few.  We are also incredibly fortunate to have the support of a local church that generously contributes towards making this a possibility for more families.

Over the past few weeks it has come to my attention that one of the Congolese boys has been making a lot of excuses as to why he isn't going to camp, one day it's because Dad said he isn't allowed, another time it's because Mum said he's been naughty, but I could see the disappointment in his face, when the other children talk of camp, he walks away.  This young man and I have become real 'mates' since he discovered I was attempting to learn Swahili (very poorly I must add) he frequently comes to check on my progress and to give me pointers.  How could I stand by and see this young man left behind when everybody else heads off in a couple of weeks time........

So my confession to you... To all the kind people who over the past few months contributed to the
"Get Jacqui to Kenya" campaign... Yesterday you just gave a little to the
"Get a boy to Camp" campaign.

Asante.