"Gape Aloyi pt 3..."

After dancing, dancing, and more dancing...it was time for speeches.  The speeches were given by the chief, in the local language...translated into French and then English.  The chief told us of his plans for his village and how important education is to him.  Now there are about 240 children in the village.  The chief has 5 wives and we never did find out how many children...at least 20-30.  His desire is for every child in the village to be educated.  He believes education is the key to success.  He is a very wise man with great plans.

Then our friend Eric, the French Naval Officer, gave his speech.  He told the chief and the village how he is hoping to help build a school in the village emphasizing in agreement with the chief about how important education is for the children.

Then it was Captain Tim's turn to give a speach.  His emphasis was on what Mercy Ships ministry is and how we do everything because we love and follow Jesus and how we bring hope and healing to the forgotten poor of West Africa.  Then it was time for a tour of the village.

The first stop was the Dispensary/Hospital.

Another NGO (non governmental organization) had previously help the village by starting to build the dispensary.  Unfortunately the NGO ran out of money and was unable to finish the job.  The people of the villiage decided they would complete the much needed clinic building themselves.  The only electricity in the villiage is a small generator attached to the clinic, when they run it they have to decide which room needs light.  One room is dedicated to the operating room, another recovery area, and another for what limited medical supplies they have.

This pictures shows the extent of the medical supplies.  While we were visiting the hospital area, we were told a woman was in labor with twins.  A very tense and exciting time for the village. 

Then we continued onto the school.  Right now the school consists of four hut type shelters. 

With a black board at the far end of the shelter.  We wondered what happens when the rainy season comes.

Then the school children treated us to a treat and sang us several French songs.

We walked around the village a bit, noticing how primative it was.  This was one of the "nicer" huts.

With what little they have, they take great pride in their surroundings.  There was very little garbage like we see in the city area. Like the picture above, attempts were made at landscaping with trees and cactus.

Then it was time for lunch...