Day 5 – Gamodubu Child Care Trust – Outer Gaborone and The Match.

Todays Blog is brough to you by Mengxi Hu and Tom Smith:

While others were dodging the threatening attacks of rhino dung, Carl and MX were taken by Bronwyn (community service director for the Gabarone) and her son James to Gamodubu Child Care Trust. Their formidable coordinator Shirley hosts 235 kids from the area; street kids, orphans, kids whose parents can’t afford to feed them, the majority of which were born HIV positive.

It’s hard not to be moved when you hear Shirley speak. Her passion is apparent and infectious – her never ending efforts to improve the lot of these kids as inspiring as it is heart-breaking.  Cradling 5-month-old orphan Wendy in one arm, Shirley points out a little 3 year old boy, no taller than what we would expect a healthy18-month-old to be back home, who cannot receive anti-viral drugs because both his parents passed before they were able to register him with the authorities. An expat doctor had previously been paying for his medication out of his own pocket, but now that said doctor had been sent to another country, Shirley is struggling to find medical attention for the little boy.

Bronwyn and her school has been involved with Gamodubu Child Care Trust for some time – the orchard her students helped plant is now bearing fruit. Speaking with Bronwyn makes you realise how significant it was for us – for anyone – to take the time to visit and spend time with these kids.  Their enthusiasm and enjoyment was obvious – even before any balls had been picked up, the very act of splitting them into teams drew smiles and giggles from the initially timid crew.

We were struck by the sense of community displayed among the children, with the older kids (although barely reaching puberty) caring and watching out for those just learning to speak. This really came out in the activities, when the older kids would help explain, and encourage and even assist the younger ones in what they had to do.

After a few activities and a game of Continuous Cricket, we wrapped up our session with a chorus of ABCs followed by a world record shattering rendition of Hokey Cokey (or Hokey Pokey, as we call it down under).  In response to a gift of some basic equipment, Shelley proudly proclaimed that the kids will now play cricket every Saturday, hopefully culminating in a game against James’ school.

Gamodubu Child Care Trust currently relies solely on charitable donations.  A number of institutions have generously donated to erect new buildings for the Centre, but unfortunately on-going maintenance costs are not as forthcoming. They’ve turned the tap off due to overdue water bills – it’s now the second week they’ve gone without water.  Shelley tries to do what she can with tank water, donated funds and trekking down to the local dam with the help of a donkey cart. But she needs whatever help she can get.  Now we’ve had the chance to get to know Shelley, CWB hopes to be able to foster this relationship to bring the CWB program more frequently to this deserving institution.

The Match:

As a cricketing force the CWB Botswana team never turn down a challange! (unless it's finding a ball in Black mamba territory) A local side were 'The Pioneers' let down on their game on Friday, so the CWB Crew stepped up including a couple of ringers in Elvis, Blessing and Ian. Skipper Mark Campbell won the toss and had a bowl. After a tokenistic warm up of chucking a ball in to the floodlights the game began.

Elvis started the game by rattling the keepers hands, batsmens helmets and the stumps! We swiftly took him off after 2 overs removing batsmen 1 and 3. Elvis was abley assisted in the bowling department by Simon Hunt, Blessing and dead eye David Kulhwilm who with the help of keeper Mark Campbells stumping removed yet another Pioneer. At this this point we mixed up our bowling attack with all the team getting an over (apart from Mengxi who was more than happy to be making her cricketing debut in the field) and the Pioneers pushed on to a total of 126 loosing a few more wickets along the way to an excellent catch in the deep by Carl who was back with us after being released by the Botswana Police. Other high or low lights included a dolly dropped by Tom ('I didn't pick it up out of the lights' #thatoldchesnut) and Tim Ward holding up an end with some 'right arm nude' (nothing on it)

You may read this and think we are missing a team member in Ken, well Ken went neutral (a bit too neutral for our liking) and Umpired the match with a stern hand and cold heart, that we now expect form accountant Ken.

So chasing 127 to win we set about the task, on a huge outfield that acted like velcro as soon as the ball beat the infield boundaries were few and far between, but we had Fergie (not Sarah) but Carl. Carl was compused at the crease from ball 1 and held the innings together despite being handed a piece of teak to bat with from the oppo. Carl made an excellent 46 and was the main stay of the CWB batting with plucky contributions form Simon, Blessing, Adam and David whilst Tim 'magic' Ward tried his best to bring us home with some lusty hitting at the end of the match we fell short by 12 runs. I missed a straight one for 1, enough said. (Clearly my batting session with coach Adam pre game hadn't helped)

Despite our loss the team had a wonderful evening in the company of all at the BCA and we finished with a wonderful meal and drinks toasting the fantastic week we have had in Gaborone. Thanks to Faz, Ravi, Ian, Bronwyn, Shameelah and all at the BCA for taking such good care of us during our stay here.

One final peice of business was for head tutor Mr Adam Park Elliot to  present Shameelah with her ECB level one coaching award Congrats Shemeelah a well deserved award and worth the wait.

The team move on to Francitown on Saturday leaving behind Tom and Meng who have to return to the UK… and then there were 7. Good luck all.