Thursday 11 August 2011
Today we went to the market in Sangolqui which is in the province of Pichincha, part of the greater metropolitan area of Quito. It took about an hour to get there. Normally the morning session is held in the church grounds, but the person with the key wasn't there today so we set up in a wide pedestrian alley nearby. Again we headed into the market to collect the children from their parents. I spent most of the morning with a truly adorable two-year-old boy. He was as good as gold almost the entire time he was there. His older sister was taking part in the activities while I kept him entertained. As cute as he was, he was also really heavy! I'm not sure how mothers manage to carry them for so long.
We then had lunch at a nearby restaurant, followed by a chocolate banana, basically a banana dipped in chocolate and then frozen. I haven't eaten bananas for several years, but this was delicious! Chocolate and sprinkles make everything better!
After lunch, I went with Cristina and another volunteer to talk to some parents about a new campaign that UBECI is launching this month to teach children about the importance of personal hygiene. UBECI is asking the parents for helping in supporting them at home, making sure that the children wash their hands before they eat and after going to the toilet, brushing their teeth three times a day and washing themselves regularly. We also asked about health in general, vaccinations and the health services available to the families. A few parents mentioned how expensive the vaccinations were - $40 to $60 in some cases - and these families simply can't afford them as many earn just $1 a day. I know I complained about how much my booster vaccinations were in Germany (I paid $220 for four vaccinations - Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Hep A & B and Meningococcal Disease) but these are "luxuries" so to say, not vital vaccinations that all children need, particularly if they are spending time in open air markets. Most of the parents were very receptive to what we were saying, the problem will be putting it into practice.
In the afternoon we were in the covered food market. I recognised some of the children from other markets. Danny and one of the other volunteers did some theatre with the children, a play about the importance of brushing your teeth. The children really seemed to enjoy it.
No volunteering on Friday as it is a public holiday. I'm going to Cuenca by overnight bus on Friday with another volunteer. I really want to visit the Panama hat museum, although I've decided that I'm not going to buy myself one. I don't think I would wear it in Germany and it would be slightly difficult to transport home! Now if they have earring with mini Panama hats...
Lx
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