Not many people could be seen walking around the camp. The temperature was above 100 degrees, and it does not make sense to be out being pounded by a sun that is so much brighter than where I live, sunny Southern California. It was good to back at Camp Djabal, where we have so many frie
nds.
We talked education and politics with Abdulaziz and Sulieman, had a meeting with camp leaders from all the different blocks, visited the secondary school and spoke with the students as we distributed some of the Kindles, and we worked on the computers and system that make up Commkit.
Ali, Kung Fu Ali, found us at the end of our visit to the camp, and he was happy and polite, as usual. Ali is one of those kids that it just feels good to have around you. He has a good vibe, even in crushing heat.
Sometime after 3:00pm, activity and color exploded around a water station. Women, girls, and some boys came with their containers to collect water. Sulieman repeated what we had heard at the Governor’s place. Water starts to become a big issue these months. They have to dig deeper and deeper to find it, and the local population and the refugee population must make do with whatever is available, until the rainy season sometime in the Summer.
The leaders and teachers talked about the need for preschools. Our friends told us that Gration is bad for Darfur and should not be the Ambassador to Kenya. Many told us that the Sister Schools Program is making a positive impact in the camp. Ali told us, with his huge Ali smile, that he is in 7th grade, then goes to 8th, and then to secondary school! It was a good, albeit hot, day in Djabal, and I’m happy to be going back tomorrow. Many more friends to see and lots to do and talk about.
Peace,
Gabriel