The scene was set by our Chairman, Bill Quine when he
opened the meeting by reminding us of the important work done by so many Manx
people, worldwide, for the needy. He pointed out that one of the co-founders of
Oxfam was Manx as was a co-founder of War on Want. As a much-travelled people,
this compassion is understandable. Pam had recently returned from V.S.O. in
Tajikstan.
Pam opened by pointing out the fabrics from the region.
She was wearing a sample dress and had her own male model to show what a young
man would be wearing. There were more than hints of Cossack about this.
Pam showed us a teapot explaining that the brew was
drunk by sucking it through a large sugar crystal. This is part of the travel
experience. The tea ceremony is an
important social event, as it can be, here.
Just in case you’re not too certain where Tajikistan is,
look at the N.E. border of Afghanistan and there it sits, a mountainous region
with China on its eastern boundary. This probably sets the scene in your
mind
Pam had long been interested in VSO and was accepted and
sent to this remote region to work in an institution for children with mental
and emotional problems. She found that staff was warm and welcoming outside but
cold to children inside. They were obsessed by cleanliness and orderliness. So
much so that there were no toys, children just sat on the floor or, in the case
of some handicapped ones, roped to their beds so that there were red wheals cut
into their skin. Blind children were kept in bed and no one talked to
them.
Food was spooned into children so that they would not
make a mess feeding themselves. Apparently, this was not some deliberate act but
an inherited culture. Needless to say, she worked to change this but it had to
be done with care, as there is always a risk of VSO being asked to
leave.
Pam was assisted by a young translator. He went far
beyond this role, helping with the children. Between them, they got children
untied and started to improve stimulation and human contact. Another guardian
angel was Eddie Lowey, administrator of the Cockfield Trust. This paid for
mobiles over beds and pushchairs so that the children could be taken outside.
The photographs she took of smiling faces experiencing fresh air and sunshine
for the first time were so moving.
Before too long, Pam had them playing with toys and even
organised sports that all could delight in, even if being pushed in a wheel
chair. Eddie’s money also paid for a playground and, additionally, a university
place in England for her translator. Do arrange to hear Pam and give thanks for
warm hearts as hers and Eddie’s. Naturally, we made a collection for the
children. Donations may be sent to her – address in phonebook.
Next meeting - 7.30pm Wednesday 2nd November
in Centenary Centre. Phil Gawne MHK is
to be unleashed.
