Monday, September 29, 2014

JBFC Surprise!


At JBFC, there's no Mother's Day or Father's Day. But that doesn't mean our girls don't recognize the hard work, sacrifice and love of their many Moms and Dads. So, the JBFC girls made up their own holiday - Matron and Staff Appreciation Day.
 
The girls have done this for a couple of years. But this year's celebration was even bigger - because it was a total surprise to the staff.


 Instead of asking the adults for money to throw a staff appreciation party, the girls made some sacrifices of their own for the celebration. They gave up meat and fish for a month to save more than $200 (USD) to show all of the Mamas and the staff members just how much they are appreciated.



All of the women were given brand-new kangas as gifts. All of the guys got new shirts made from kanga cloth. And everyone got bags of sweets.




JBFC's Girls' Government planned and organized the whole thing - including making a huge feast serving pilau, beans, chicken, beef, soda, fruit, salad, and french fries. None of the matrons were allowed to help with the cooking or the cleaning! The kids did everything.





There was music, fun and games -- including this hilarious round of musical chairs. We'll let the pictures speak for themselves.







 Here's what the JBFC Staff & Mama's had to say about the celebration:

"I felt incredibly good all day and the feeling has continued several days later. The girls' thoughtfulness has given me inspiration for this work. I felt like the administration and the girls really love, value, and care about me. I can't believe the girls, with no resources, were able to do this."
- Mama Maria


"The party felt great. It showed us that the girls care, love and value us."
-Mama Maggie


"Seeing our girls put others before themselves shows that we are truly creating responsible citizens of tomorrow. If they continue to live their lives in this way, they will truly be the change that we are working for here at JBFC."
- Chris Gates, JBFC Founder & CEO


"The thoughtfulness and sacrifice the girls put into Parent Day made me very proud."
- Melinda Wulf, JBFC Administrative Director


"Watching the girls discover the rewards of recognizing others and showing their appreciation towards others was in and of itself amazing. Equally amazing was their efforts to save money over the course of a month to pay for it all. Proud we are."
- Seth Diemond, JBFC Campus Director

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

JBFC Swim Club


Growing up, I was in the pool every day of summer break from the time I started having a summer break. My family always valued the importance of knowing how to swim and water safety has always been a huge part of my life.


Here at JBFC, we live right on Lake Victoria. Literally, steps away from the shore. Living that close to water, I felt like it was so important that all of our girls at JBFC know how to swim. Several months back, good friends of JBFC’s in Mwanza gave us a small, blow up swimming pool. While the pool didn’t last long because of the heat and direct sunlight, it was the birth of our brain child…the JBFC Swimming Pool. We were able to reuse the pump from that pool and Chris and I donated the funds to build it into the side of the hill behind our houses.





 The idea was that once it was built, I would have a place to teach the girls how to swim. The pool was finished on the Fourth of July and the first group of girls to get to swim were award winners: they were all in the top three students in their classes at Joseph and Mary. We quickly realized that day, that the girls would all need swimsuits.

 










 Since I was heading back to America that month, I sent a quick email out to all of my friends and family to see if any of them had old swimming suits they would be willing to donate. The response was astounding as suits, goggles and water toys began rolling in from all over the country. Practically everyone I saw on my visit to the States gave me suits to bring back.







 I returned to JBFC in August and handed the suits out to the girls who were so excited to receive them! Currently, we are in the middle of a two-week break from school before we start the last term. So I thought, what better time for the girls to break in the swimming pool and their new swimsuits?



 Each afternoon during break, a different set of four girls has a lesson with me in the pool. We start with bobbing and floating and end with jumping in from the side of the pool and swimming back to the wall. The girls are absolutely fearless! Even our youngest and newest girls Esther and Lucy jumped right in and loved it.


 
 

I have been doing a short lesson with the girls just to see what level they are at, and then we just play around and enjoy the pool and water toys afterwards. They especially love finding rings, torpedoes and sharks on the bottom of the pool.


We will continue lessons on the weekends once school resumes. It has brought so much happiness to me just to see the joy in their faces as they splash around and play in the water. And we have a few fishes on our hands, which make me even happier.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Blogger Melinda Wulf is JBFC's resident Swim Coach & Administrative Director.
 
 
 

Monday, September 22, 2014

Girls Rule!


“My favorite thing about Liku is that she always says the truth and she is always clean.”- Laurencia

 

“What I like about Eliza is that she always advises the other girls and loves church.” –Leticia

 

“What I like about Neema Mdogo is that she makes people laugh and is a good leader of the younger girls.” –Leka


Our JBFC Girls Government meetings always follow a similar format- we start with a group prayer, a Bible reading, and a discussion about what we have just read and what it means to each of us, what it means for our JBFC family, and how we can better implement those teachings in our own lives (usually focused on love, forgiveness, understanding, and other important values). We then take 15 minutes or so to play some sort of team building or leadership game. After the game, which is always a favorite part of the meeting, we tackle the day’s agenda and finish with a forum open to any ideas, suggestions, or concerns.
 
 

 
The Girls Government at JBFC is nothing new- it has technically been around for as long as I have been at JBFC and probably longer. However, it has been relatively inactive recently. Meetings were rarely held. New ideas never discussed or implemented. And, most importantly, the girls who were elected by their peers in an early lesson of self-governance were never really afforded the opportunity to be the leaders that they were born, and chosen, to be.


 
A couple of months ago, we decided to rededicate ourselves to creating responsible, dedicated, hard-working citizens. From this, the modern JBFC Girls Government was born with modest, yet impactful goals: to give all of the girls a way to more clearly articulate their views and opinions, to improve extra-curricular activities at JBFC, to give the girls a chance to influence their own lives and living conditions, and to provide leadership training to young women in a country in dire need of young, effective leaders.  
 
There are essentially two branches of the JBFC Girls Government- the executive branch and the representative branch- both of which were elected democratically. The executive branch- Nyamalwa (President - pictured on left), Leka (Vice President), Julie (Treasurer), and Leticia (Secretary), was elected by all of the JBFC girls. The representative branch was created by each dorm selecting one girl as their leader (Liku- Dorm A, Eliza- Dorm B, Lau- Dorm C, Teddy- Dorm D, and Neema Mdogo- Dorm E). Our wonderful matrons, likewise, have a representative leader in Mama Maggie who attends all of our meetings. At the end of the year, when these girls’ terms are up, we will hold new elections to form a new government (some incumbents may be re-elected!).

 
 
 
Since we started regular meetings three months ago, the amount of time, effort, dedication, and resilience shown by the girls have created some of my most inspiring and heart-warming memories to date (not just at JBFC, but in my life).


Being a leader isn’t easy and it can often lead to unforeseen backlash against those in leadership positions- something we discuss as a group on a regular basis dating back to our first meeting.  (Author’s note: Ashli Sims provided some great advice to our young leaders about using teamwork as a method of overcoming challenges during a meeting that she attended). Despite these challenges, and there certainly have been many, the results of our girls’ leadership are both overwhelmingly positive and equally inspiring. To name a few of the girls’ biggest accomplishments (in my eyes, at least):

-English. Creating, implementing, and following through with a new system to reward girls for their effort in speaking English. According to the girls, English usage has improved so much that not only is it the most commonly used language at the girls’ home, but that the matrons have started learning it and other students and employees are using it after school with more frequency.

 
-Permaculture. The girls have developed and implemented a new system to help produce their own food and diversify their food supply (rice, beans, and cabbage instead of just rice and beans!), to work together as a team, to reduce JBFC’s food budget (for savings and for use on other activities- hint, hint matron appreciation), and to learn about permaculture.

 

-Reading. The girls have created a reading schedule that brings them all together in the dining hall for half an hour four days per week, during their current school break for a quiet reading time (since we don’t have guests on campus for our famous “reading buddies” program). The Girls Government oversaw the requirement that every JBFC girl check out a book from our library and attend the reading sessions.

-Charity. The girls decided to have a special garden where vegetables would be grown and provided to the local churches for various events as a way of giving back to the Kitongo community.

 Currently under discussion: Matron Appreciation, a continuation of their reading program for once school opens next week, the creation of an official permaculture club to add to our current soccer and choir clubs, and ways to improve campus cleanliness.

As for the meeting-time favorite, we rotate through activities that include each team member saying something positive about every other team member in front of the whole group, to a game familiar to what guests call “high/low” or “rose, bud, thorn,” or each member simply stating something that they are thankful to JBFC for.
 
Maybe we will try the human knot next week?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Blogger Seth Diemond is JBFC's Campus Director and the Girls' Government Sponsor.
 

 

 

Friday, September 19, 2014

Midterms and Break Times


 After a couple of very long and intense weeks, the JBFC girls are ready for a two-week school break.

All the 7th graders at Joseph and Mary School took the National Exams last week, all Form 2 students took mock exams, grades 1-6 had regular school testing in 5 subjects and Forms 1 and 3 had regular testing in 9 subjects including biology, civics, math, Swahili, English and history!

One of our JBFC girls in Form 3, Pelu, said it was very hard to study for all the different exams and she is now so happy that it is all over.

No one at school has had an easy week lately!

To celebrate the conclusion of another school term and give a job well done to the students of J&M for working so hard on their exams, the entire student body was invited to participate in a talent show.




Volunteers from Form 1, 2, and 3 kicked it off with a drama entitled “2 Hours Left.” They acted out a scene in which the daughter of a wealthy man seeks revenge from the mob that murdered her father for his money and diamonds. She warns that they only have two hours left to live until they are taken in the same fashion that her father was taken away from her. Several of our JBFC girls participated in the drama. It was well thought out and performed even though the group had little time to practice due to their exam schedule.


Next up were two singing acts by yours truly, Zai and Salome. The Frozen soundtrack is still a big hit around here (Editor's Note: Bonus feature on JBFC's Facebook page ww.facebook.com/JBFCTanzania  of JBFC girls singing Frozen. Warning: Dangerously Cute), so they performed their rendition of “Let It Go” and a catchy song they learned from our Bronxville group volunteers called “A Great Big Moose.” The crowd loved them for their confidence to perform in front of the entire school! Every show performer received a soda after school as a thank you for showing off their great talent.

Teachers also recognized top 3 performers in each grade at the assembly. The awards were based on grades, participation and manners at school. Each student received a big congratulations from their teacher and school head master, Mr. Samo plus a new exercise book and writing utensil.

We are so proud of the many JBFC girls that were mentioned and must give a shout out to: Getu in 1st grade, Philipa in 2nd grade, Rachel and Zai in 4th grade, and to Lau and Abby in 6th grade!



The JBFC girls won’t be sleeping in too much or lounging around on their break. I spoke with Nyamlawa, the JBFC Girls Government President, and she said the committee has come up with many chores and projects for all the girls to keep busy during the break.

The first thing is mandatory reading four days a week for at least 30 minutes. The girls’ dorm area will go silent in the afternoon and all girls are expected to be reading a book of their choice. They were given “reading bracelets” to wear as a reminder. The older girls are expected to work on the farm for an hour everyday watering, digging, and planting new seeds. The younger girls were put in charge of cleaning up the dorm area by picking up trash and watering the lemongrass plants that surround the dining hall.


Lastly, all the girls are involved in planning an appreciation party for the wonderful matrons that take care of them every day but that is a surprise so don’t say anything!

Don’t worry though, the girls will have plenty of down time too- I foresee movie watching, plenty of soccer playing and lots of singing and dancing over the next two weeks as well. Hopefully they will all be refreshed and rejuvenated to head back to school for another great term.









Blogger Lauren Lesch is Assistant to JBFC's Executive Director, Chris Gates.

Monday, September 15, 2014

JBFC Transformations: From Guest to Leader



Editor’s Note: This week’s blogger is Travis Purser, Tulsa, OK, who first came to JBFC as a volunteer and now is the organization’s latest full-time employee.


When I made the decision to come to JBFC, I was unsure what I would be doing; how long I would stay; and if volunteering in Tanzania was really what I was looking for. I left my hometown in Oklahoma and boarded an international flight last December with only the hope that maybe I could find some clue as to where I wanted my life to go.

When I arrived, the Joseph and Mary Schools had just one class remaining before the end of the year break started. So for my first task as a new volunteer at JBFC, the staff asked if I would help find activities for the girls to do over their break, to keep them both physically active, as well as, actively practicing their English, reading and math skills. For the first month, every day fellow volunteer Elisa Masso and I would take all the JBFC girls out to participate in various activities such as math lessons, reading sessions, pen pals or playing fun games like capture the flag and soccer.
To be honest, the first week was a little stressful – not knowing the girls’ names; trying to figure out how to teach long division with remainders to kids whose first language isn’t English; learning the routines of campus; and trying to adjust to Tanzanian lifestyle. 

But it didn’t take long for that stress to fade away. By week two, I was hooked.
I was taken in by everything about JBFC and Tanzania. The people, the simple lifestyle, weather, wildlife, the incredible view of Lake Victoria. But most of all, it was the 44 girls that in only one week’s time made me realize that this place is exactly the one place I want to be. 

These new relationships and connections formed gave me such a sense of peace and happiness that I started to get the feeling that I might end up sticking around for quite a while.


After about two months, Chris and the JBFC staff asked if I would like to join the team as the guest coordinator. I was extremely excited to get to be a part of the JBFC team. The job would require me to work from March through August, having a completely different role with different responsibilities. Instead of focusing my day on the JBFC girls, I focused on making sure school groups and other volunteers had a schedule of activities that would help them get the most out of their time here. I got to spend a lot of time with our guests, and so I was there to watch each guest react to the impressive development of the campus and farm, our methods for self- sustainability via solar power electricity and a solar water pump, the girls’ home and, of course, the interactions with the JBFC girls.



 The most amazing part of my job, was getting to watch first time volunteers truly understand what an amazing place this really is. Seeing guests leave transformed – knowing they have the ability to change a life for the better; that they can make a difference in someone else’s life – is one of the most gratifying experiences I have ever felt. 

That’s when I knew I wanted to find a career in non-profit organizations, whether it be JBFC or somewhere else. Well, fortunately for me JBFC is trying to replicate its model in another community in Tanzania and recently posted an opening for another campus director (Editor’s Note: Seth Diemond is JBFC’s current campus director and will be helping to develop and eventually moving to JBFC’s second site). After some thought, I decided to give it a chance and apply for the job.

After several interviews and discussions, I am humbled and honored to say that I was offered, and have chosen to take the position. Just as my roles and responsibilities changed from volunteer to Guest Coordinator, my roles and responsibilities will change again as I move to Director-in-training. I have much to learn, but am excited and motivated to do everything in my power to help JBFC continue its mission. 


JBFC has done more for me in the last 9 ½ months than I begin to explain. It has made a difference in my life. It has changed my life.



 Now with the support of the JBFC team and my friends and family, I get the chance to give back, and do everything I can, to make a difference in as many people’s lives as I can.

Thank You, JBFC!













Travis Purser is a University of Tulsa graduate. He first came to JBFC in December of 2013 as a long-term volunteer, before being hired as the Guest Coordinator for JBFC’s Summer Volunteer Program. He will now serve as Director-in-Training, preparing to fill current Seth Diemond’s (JBFC’s Current Campus Director) shoes. Purser will become the Kitongo Campus Director, when Diemond moves to Northern Tanzania to start JBFC’s second campus.