Yesterday was quite an extraordinary experience. I spent most of my time getting to know some of the social workers at the center, and I stayed with one in particular, Reginah. She is responsible for making sure the children are being watched and improving in their schoolwork. If they are having trouble, she makes a visit to the home of the student and yesterday she took me along with her.
I wish I could show you through a picture just what I encountered, but Reginah told me not to take pictures since most of the people do not appreciate it, which is understandable. First of all, the pathways are all narrow and uneven. Most of the time there is laundry hanging right in the middle so you have to duck in order to get through. When you first enter, you pass the sewage flow which is full of trash and reeks of animal and human excrement. People are yelling and children roam around in small groups, most without shoes. Each time I would pass a child they would shout to me, "How are you? How are you?" and then smile waiting for my reply. Some would jump on me and I even had a few rub my arms and reach to touch my braces.
I went to four homes that day, each a unique case. Most of the time I did not understand what Reginah was saying to the mothers, but I could tell when she would get serious and threaten the children with being sent back to nursery if they didn't shape up. Reginah would also remind the parents that their monthly fee is due. The center decided to charge a fee in order for the parents to take part in their child's education.
The slum is not very safe and Reginah was sure to always be behind me, but I came out alive and have been contemplating things ever since. I will definitely be going back into the slum and also in different areas of it. This was only my first time and I have heard that each visits brings with it new surprises.
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