We were a little disappointed to realise that with the huge gap between locals and vassers on the island, if you flashed around cash or gave anything away, the locals would pounce for more, as is the way with the 'haves' and 'have nots'. Even Serge says he has people always asking and expecting things from him because he has this wonderful property and a car, which is all actually his brothers who lives in France and Serge is the caretaker for it all!
Anyway - as our time was nearing an end, we identified some people who we knew would benefit in the right ways and who would graciously accept some support and help. Below are the stories.
Harris:
A chap we know, Henry, came to see us with his wife Rose and his 2 year old son Harris. Little Harris has an issue that is apparently quite common - he had a block in his urethra causing the fluids to drain into his scrotum instead of out his body. There is a simple procedure to fix this, but of course they did not have the funds and asked us if we could help.
So Harris has had the procedure and all is fixed. They were ever so grateful and there was no way Harris could have had this procedure without you guys. So from Henry, Rose, Harris and us, a super big THANK you for your generosity and kindness.
A big thank you to Jacqui and Darren Nightscales for their generous donation.
Dionnel:
Education is one of the only ways people can have a better shot at improving their life and being ahead of someone who hasn't had the privilege, especially in a place like Nosy Be.
We decided that some of the money donated would be really well spent by sponsoring two years of education for young Dionnel. He is the sweetest young kid, aged 7, and is Clementines son. Clementine is one of the most honest and reliable people we met in Mada - walking 8 km's everyday, no matter the heat and the weather, to come to work. She always has a smile and during the school holidays, young Dionnel would do the walk with her on some days.
The sponsorship covered his education for this year and next year, as well as covered for the provision of uniforms for the next two years and all books and stationery etc that he would need.
They were so absolutely thrilled and bowled over by the generosity.
So thank you to The Dubai Festival City Team from Emrill for giving this young guy a brighter future.
Pierrot:
Our young friend Pierrot, who we met early on and visited us occasionally in order to study English with David was a breath of fresh air. He never pushed his luck and asked for anything. All he wanted was to push himself and he was constantly striving to improve himself. He volunteered for any charities or youth programs, he was involved in local dance competitions, he got himself a job which provided him with a new lovely room to stay in, and if school closed for even a day - he was working to make sure he never took advantage of those who assisted him.
He even organised to do a Michael Jackson dance 'show' at Nosy Lodge for the tourists so he could earn some money - doing something that he loves at the same time!
He is one of the people we met who we thought would benefit from a sponsorship. We spoke with Eric from Nosy Lodge and asked if he would allow Pierrot to apprentice at his hotel - in the kitchens as a chef, as a barman and as a waiter, to give Pierrot work experience that could take him ahead of others when his school education finished at the end of 2014. His work experience would be on Saturdays for a few hours and we gave Eric the sponsorship money to pay for over 100 hours of training.
Pierrot was so excited, he went and spoke to Eric the same day we told him about it and set up to start that same Saturday. He is someone who will really go far with his determination to better himself and to do it with his dazzling smile, his ambition and excellent work ethic and of course with his and very personable nature.
We will be emailing Eric for regular updates on Pierrot's progress and can only wish the young man the best of luck in his endeavours.
Thank you to the Fendercare Middle East team for giving Pierrot this opportunity from your donations.
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