Music Day at COSC Centers

The day started off with us visiting our first COSC centre in Maryport. It was a huge learning experience, as we had to quickly learn both the lyrics and dance moves to the Tanzanian songs, which we were to perform. Luckily we had 4 members from past years, with previous experience of Tanzanian song and dance, who took the lead and showed us what to do. The dances were met with great enthusiasm, as members of the audience joined in with the singing and drumming. We then enjoyed lunch with the COSC Maryport members, and left at 1 o’clock.

On the bus journey to our second COSC center, we practiced our act, with Becca as our leader. Becca, as we quickly learned is a naturally talented leader with a loud and commanding voice! When we arrived at our second location we were encouraged to dance more enthusiastically than we had done previously. We stepped up to the challenge and produced another good performance, with a stunning guest appearance from the enthusiastic Mary Miller.

Although the Tanzanians were not here, we were able to represent their culture, through song and dance, to the members of COSC. Despite the disappointment, we still learned lots and were able to provide valuable experience and an enjoyable time to the people of the community.

(COSC is a centre for adults with physical disabilities)

By Ben

Georges BBQ Fundraiser

Georgina Billson had the idea to have a fund raising barbeque at her residence in the picturesque village of St. Bees. Everyone who attended brought £5 to which was given to the Tanzania link and some food and drink for the BBQ.

Music was played and conversation flowed freely around the garden. A number of fundraising games ensued including: a piggy-back race and a coin toss. Daniel was happy to win his keg of beer, although being a kind and generous soul he shared his prize around. All-in-all the evening was a great success, with over £300 being raised, despite the midges bringing the evening to a painful conclusion.

By Daniel

Team Building Day on Drigg Beach

On Tuesday we spent the day at Drigg beach, with help from the Deb and the Harbour Project we had a great day getting to know other people involved with the link. There was a vibrant mix of us, from current youth exchange, past youth exchange, leaders to the dogs…..

We spent the day crossing minefields, cooking sausages on the BBQ, retrieving car keys from a log followed by a treasure hunt, not forgetting the wooden contraptions that we used as shoes “1,2,3…LEFT!”.

A few of the group even ended up in the sea thanks to the beautiful sunshine. After lunch the past youth exchange and leaders began to teach the newbie’s Maria, Timote Sose and Toombogeley songs/dances….. Click here to listen

It was a great day; I met some cool new people who I’m sure I will bump into again soon: D

By Georgina xoxo

A Very Sad Time For The Link

You may have already heard the news, but we would just like to confirm that the 2009 Visit is cancelled!

Political red tape has lead to the refusal of the Tanzanian student’s visa applications and subsequent appeals. This is all a result of the new immigration regulations and UK visa application process, which put people from rural and poorer areas at an extreme disadvantage.

Most of our activities planned for the next few weeks will now have to cancelled, however ones we can do without the Tanzanians will be going ahead. Watch this space for more news and updates...

Our first website hits from Tanzania

At 10:43am on the 18th June we got our website hits from Tanzania. Now everyone has access to the photos, videos and stories we collect on our exchanges!

Muncaster Castle's Festival of Fools

We're at Muncaster Castle's Festival of Fools this week, face painting and selling Tanzanian items on our last major fundraising event before the Tanzanian group arrives in June. Today is the third day, and third team of volunteers, and the sun is still shining. People volunteering this week include current youth exchange members, students and leaders who have visited Rungwe in the past, and new volunteers including friends, families, and new leaders.

 

I was lucky enough to be there yesterday, when we made £158, didn't scare too many small children, and saw some wonderful creativity on happy smiling faces. The team was Emily and Lucy (current youth exchange), Jenny, Amy and Hazel (past youth exchange and now volunteers/ leaders), Becky (Amy's friend - hopefully we'll see more of you) and me. A grand day out.

 

Mary

CRCL in the News

The Whitehaven News reports on out 'touch the truck' event Click here to read