Michael's March Review

March has been a very active month for Mediterranea.  We have made a lot of progress and have started a lot of programmes and activities that without doubt will mark the future of our young and active organisation.

One of the things that come to mind was the first meeting of volunteers and potential volunteers that was held in Mallorca and was a big success.  Some of our members on the peninsular have asked when we shall hold a meeting for them.  Mediterranea works in independent teams and this was the first time that people had the chance to put faces to names and mix with members of other teams.  It has been proposed to continue with these meetings in order to facilitate cooperation between members, the sharing of knowledge and to have open discussions.  Natalie’s group, who collect fresh food (fruit and veg) for the 4^th World Programme, meet regularly and set a good precedent for us to follow.

In this month we successfully launched Dignipack and we continue to develop this project.  It would be ideal if we could arrange for some schools to take on the responsibility of collecting items through their pupils.  In this way we could create the packs without having to dip into our funds.  The initiative was so well received that this programme could be set up in any area where there is a homeless population and where there are no rivers or public showers.  As you will see in the ‘What’s on in Mediterranea’ bulletin we are continuing with our commitment to the unemployed and to the people who are socially excluded, bringing them food, clothes, medication and education.

Ethiopia, sorry I mean the Independent Republic of Abugida and its teams are running at full steam.  Various groups are preparing to go to work and where possible to improve the operation of the school.  At the same time we are starting off an educational programme for blind children.  We have never done this before but are counting on caring volunteers with talent who undoubtedly will take an effective direction and hopefully create a model that other schools in Ethiopia can follow.  We are also continuing to help the aged of Akaki and with our very successful sponsorship programme that is supporting desperate children in need.

Meanwhile, our understanding of the world of the internet and its use for the sharing of information and recruitment of volunteers is growing daily.  It is fascinating and stimulating.  There’s no doubt that if it wouldn’t be for the internet, we would never be able to do the many things that we are doing in our free time so that Mediterranea can help so many people in so many places.

In March our fundraising teams have been very busy preparing a number of events for April and May.  We shall keep you informed on all of these events.  As you know our monthly income from our members is 7300 euros.  Our fundraising events give us injections of funds that allow us to take on specific and extraordinary projects and also provide us with the security we need to overcome the challenges we meet along the way.

Mikias, the 15 year old boy who we brought over from Ethiopia to operate on his arm is nearing the end of his treatment and if everything goes well he will have his final operation in two weeks time.  Providing there are no complications he will very soon be back with his family in Ethiopia.  In the year that he has spent in Mallorca he has learnt Spanish, English and a little German and French.  As a result of this he will be able to lead a good life back in his country as a guide or translator.  Working one day for foreigners in Ethiopia he will be able to earn more than his father in a whole month.  The Baleares International College has organised fund raising activities to collect money to support Mikias’ further education for when he returns to Ethiopia.

I am happy to say that we have seven new members in March, one from Ibiza, two from Mallorca, two from Elda and one each from Ferrol and Madrid.  Thank you for joining us and helping us to do what’s necessary to try and make this world a little better.

There are many things that I have not mentioned in this brief note, for example the many members all over who are making and collecting toys for the blind and disabled children.  I hope that you will write to us telling us what you are making for Mediterranea so as to serve as a stimulus and learning opportunity for other members and other NGO’s.

Every one of these projects is important.  We have much to learn and very much still to do.  Thank you for being with us.

A big hug.

Michael (President)  

Items Desperately Needed for the Next Dignipack Distribution

Our dedicated and hardworking team of Dignipackers (packs of essential supplies that Mediterranea supply to the roofless of Mallorca) have been collecting, collating and counting items in preparation for the next Dignipack distribution planned for 11 April.

 

We greatly appreciate donations of any of the following items:- soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary pads, deodorant, razors, toilet rolls, wet wipes, ladies' panties and socks and men's underpants and socks. 

 

It would be great if anyone travelling and staying in hotels could collect and donate the small bottles of shampoo, soaps etc.

 

Also, adding just a little extra to your weekly shopping basket can make a huge difference – toothbrushes at only €1 for 3 (Mercadona),deodorant at €0.85 (also Mercadona) or multiple packs of underpants (Carrefour) are just a few examples.

 

Please drop off any donations to the surgery in Portal Nous, or to Planet Space, C/Illes Baleares 48, Poligono Son Bugadelles, Santa Ponsa.

 

Anyone interested in joining the Dignipack team, or who has donations requiring collection, please contact Nicky Horner tel 666 271 872

email: nicky@e3s.com 

The Independent Republic of Abugida

Dear Followers of Mediterranea

After months of vicissitude, confrontation and dispute…that started last summer when we confronted the Edir Behibret, the neighbourhood organisation to whom the local government had given the DISadministration of Abugida school, which was subsequently terminated by the subcity as a result of our ultimatum; the mess continued with the committee that was then appointed by the subcity to take over the DISadministration of Abugida and eventually stopped by them after we again denounced their severe DISadministration.

At last we are moving into what we hope is a new era for the school: one that permits us to take direct control over the money that we send out.

We are still in the process of becoming a registered NGO in Ethiopia, a process that we believe will take a couple more months, but the fact that they are permitting this step is an indication:

-         of the persistence of our ideas and ideals

-         of our clear and consistent rejection of corruption

-         that Mediterranea’s projects in Akaki are important for the Ethiopian administration and of course the people of Akaki.

So today we are content, because we have taken giant steps since our beginnings in Ethiopia, a country that is certainly very complex in its own way but one that hooks you and captures you as only it can.

Yes I Can. The Story of E.

  

My name is E and I’m a little girl 22 months old.  I have been going to the Abugida kindergarten since it started in June of last year.  My life until then was sad, as is the case with many of the children who live here.

I was born with the evil illness of Africa, we can only whisper the name of this illness, an illness that stigmatises and marginalises all who have it.  In fact I even had to overcome the prejudice of some of my carers because we all know that babies are little pigs and that there is a lot of physical contact in a kindergarten.  Some carers were immediately shown the door because they were insisting that children like me must use different cups and plates to the others.

In April of last year, all the children who were going to start at the new kindergarten were given a medical examination.  The foreigner who examined me thought that I wouldn’t be able to attend the start of the kindergarten; such was the distressing state of my health.  Without food my body couldn’t take the medication necessary to treat my illness and rejected it.  The foreigner bought my mother a lot of baby food and milk.  She told my mother to stop breast feeding me so as to avoid re-infecting me (there wasn’t much breast milk coming anyway) and to fatten me up as much as possible.  My mother did as instructed and my health started to improve.  Today I am big and strong as you can see from the video.

I am not a miracle.  I am not a work of charity.  I am not a poor sick little girl.  I am a happy and healthy girl, yes, healthy because I am leading a normal life.  The same as the other children in my school who have the same as me.  We are all well and all happy.  We are like all the children of the world should be: loved, properly fed and stimulated.  It is no fault of ours that we have been born in one of the poorest parts of the world.

They told me that in July my favourite foreigner will be returning to the kindergarten.  She will see how much I have changed, my foreigner member of Mediterranea.

First Mediterranea Meeting

Last Saturday morning we held an informal meeting at Amadipesment Café in Palmanova.  The meeting was well attended and attracted long serving members/volunteers, new members recently arrived to the island and people interested in discovering more.

The object of the meeting was to:

-       allow members/volunteers to get to know one another

-       receive an overview of projects on the go and plans for the future

-       have the opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions

The meeting was conducted in English and Spanish.  After a brief welcome everyone introduced themselves to the group, with members responsible for specific areas giving a brief overview of their area.

A number of issues and suggestions we raised:

Dignipacks – there was concern to bring the cost of the packs down.  It was suggested that any members or their friends connected to hotels could assist Mediterranea by taking advantage of their bulk purchasing.  It was suggested to get schools to involve their pupils in donating items.  Also members who travel and stay in hotels could collect and donate the small soaps, shampoos… provided in the rooms.

Facebook – members and those interested were reminded that Mediterranea now has a UK Facebook site where, once you have clicked the ‘like’ box, you can receive news, updates and give feedback, encouragement…

Home Alone – it was suggested to support elderly people living alone who are lonely by visiting them to chat and help out a little in their homes.  Warning was given as to the delicacy needed in taking on such a project and that linking with an organisation already involved, at least initially, would be advisable.

Fruit Picking for 4th World – various ideas were put forward for additional orchards and even a vegetable plot, all of which will be followed up.  A regularly occurring issue was transport.  Any member with access to a big car or jeep and a little time on their hands would be very welcome.

Fundraising – a number of events will take place in the coming weeks, which will be published in Facebook and the Blog.  High value items were requested for an up coming raffle.  It was suggested to hold a fundraising brainstorming for anyone interested.

What’s Going On? – a number of members expressed surprise at how much was going on in Mediterranea.

The meeting ended with an excellent resume by Dr Michael Stoma.

Feedback received since the meeting has indicated that it had been worthwhile, that it had stimulated some new ideas and had motivated potential and existing members to become involved or more involved.  A number of members expressed their hope that there would be more meetings, which could even include a social element.

If you would like to give feedback on the meeting either post directly to this Blog or write to Natalie Elfers natalie.elfers@gmail.com or Robin Griffith rgrif367@gmail.com

'Race Night' Fundraising at Papi's Bar

Come and enjoy a night at the races 

“RACE NIGHT”

Place your bet on the horses!

Saturday, 2^nd April

Papi´s Bar, Palma Nova

Time: 19.30 hours

First race starts at 20.00hrs

Prize raffles

Contact for details Pat 616 781190

Raising money for Mediterranea's projects