Ten days of volunteering in Ndaragwa, filled with encounters, games, creativity and moments of sharing.
Encounters that stay in our hearts
Some journeys are measured in kilometres, while others are measured by the emotions they leave behind. Our stay at Casa Maria – Baldo Children’s Home, in Ndaragwa, Kenya, certainly belongs to the second category.
There were nine of us: Sebastiano and Lisa, Roberto and Giuliana, Felice and Anna, Alberto, Giovanna and Ica. Each of us brought something of ourselves: practical skills, imagination, patience, enthusiasm and a willingness to help. Some organised activities, others came up with solutions on the spot, cooked, cut out shapes, drew, played with the children or simply gave them their time and attention. Above all, however, it was teamwork that made this experience so special.
Alongside the organised activities, we also had encounters that allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the often difficult circumstances faced by the families and children welcomed at Casa Maria.
One such encounter was with a little girl, just nine months old, who, we were told, had been found beside a stream, covered in ants. Holding her in our arms was an emotion that is difficult to put into words.
The sisters explained that, in some circumstances, families are unable to provide for their children, and abandonment becomes an act of desperation. These are stories that call first and foremost for listening, respect and understanding, without passing easy judgements.
Another moving episode involved a little girl of about five, who lives at the home and, during a visit, did not want to approach her young mother. Because of difficult family circumstances, the young woman cannot have her daughter living with her, although she visits her frequently.
All it took was a simple yet thoughtful idea: offering the little girl a game and gently accompanying her to her mother, creating an opportunity for them to play together. Before long, mother and daughter were happily sharing the same game.
A small gesture that gave everyone present a particularly tender moment to remember.
Creativity, sharing and games
Alongside these more emotional encounters, we also shared many joyful moments with the children.
With the youngest ones, we organised a bird-colouring workshop. The birds were then cut out and turned into a collective picture, as well as a second display incorporating real branches. The decorations, hung in the dining hall, delighted the sisters and, above all, the children, who were proud to recognise their own little birds.
There was also a pizza evening, with pizzas prepared together under the guidance of our master pizzaiolo and served to all the children in the dining hall.
Finally, Olympic Day transformed the dining hall, decorated with signs and colourful flags, into a lively team-games arena. When the sun came out, the activities moved outdoors onto the grass. The greatest success was the sponge relay, which had to be repeated twice because the children enjoyed it so much. The celebrations ended with the presentation of certificates and badges, which were received with great excitement and pride.
What we bring home
A picture of little birds hanging in the dining hall, a pizza made together, a badge proudly displayed, a mother and daughter rediscovering, if only for a moment, the joy of playing together: these are simple images, yet they capture the deepest meaning of our journey.
Rotary teaches us the value of service. At Casa Maria, we had the opportunity to put that value into practice through everyday gestures, working alongside the sisters and offering our time, skills and willingness to help.
We set off with suitcases full of materials and ideas. We returned with something that takes up far less space, yet carries infinitely greater weight: memories, smiles and the awareness that even the smallest gestures can create meaningful human connections.
