Talking about African action

Oct 16 2008 by Michelle Coyle, North Wales Weekly News

A DIETICIAN who volunteered to help orphans and HIV/AIDS victims in Tanzania is hosting an illustrated talk to give thanks to all who donated to the cause.

Sian Caldwell, accompanied by African tea and coffee, will be speaking at the Institute on Park Road, in Llanfairfechan, on October 30 at 7.30pm.

Sian returned to Tanzania with her mother Dorothy Caldwell and friend Georgina Llewellyn.

“We had a wonderful surprise on our first morning in Arusha, Tanzania, when we saw the famous bus donated from Colwyn Bay in 2006,” she said.

“It was festooned with ribbons, balloons and, much to our delight, Welsh flags!

“Tumbling out of the bus were 50 excited four to seven-year-olds and their teachers. There were balloons and music and a lovely cake which was for everyone in North Wales who donated money, knitted garments and toys, and gave school equipment and clothes.”

Sian says people give to charity but do not often know how the money is spent.

“By donating to Women In Action, a charity committed to supporting orphans and families living with HIV/AIDS, we see that the money goes directly to those who need it,” she said.

“The money we took will go directly on maintaining the school bus and sponsoring orphans.

“Education in Tanzania is not free and for many the reality is that there is simply not enough money to feed the family, pay rent and send children to school.

“Education is one of the absolute basic rights of a child so we hope that readers can help seven children to have an opportunity of a brighter future.”

Sian, a community development dietician at Abergele Hospital, raised funds to buy an allotment when she first volunteered in Tanzania. Now providing food, it has been targeted by goats. Sian is now busy raising funds to provide a fence so that produce can be protected.

To learn more about Sian’s trip and donate to Women In Action, go along to her talk at the Institute on October 30, tickets £3, or contact Sian on siancaldwell@yahoo.co.uk