Udaitsi and Zamgli

Zamgli is the second of the specialist homes for handicapped children, this time for girls. Unlike Nizhin, there is much to be done here to improve the attitudes towards the girls and the level of care for them. Many of the girls appear quite aggressive and some of the staff seem to be frightened of them. Many of them are assumed to be boys on first aquaintance. It is an unsettling place to visit for many but fortunately Tony finds the children receptive to the generous love that he has to give. In all his, and Aratta’s, visits they try to show how to give love to the children and the rewards that this approach can bring to both sides. The buildings are well maintained but one feels that what facilities they do have are not well utilised. They regularly receive the usual range of aid from BHA and Aratta but we feel that this does not address the real needs.

Udaitsi is the most southerly of the Internats in the region. It is miles from anywhere and is hard to find.The children are here all year and in winter it is an exposed site and conditions must be harsh. The greatest needs are for improvements to the buildings but fortunately friends from Italy, America and Sweden give support. They have ample opportunity for horticulture and will make good use of the seeds that we are sending in 2004. Basic woodworking tools are needed as are craft materials and games equipment.