Wish List

DISCLAIMER: This is NOT an “I need all these things, immediately, in one huge, absurd, muzungu package” but more of a “If you were thinking of putting a package together but not entirely sure what might be useful, here are some ideas for how to support us at school, me in the village, and just plain me.”

Thanks!

For the School:

Books (especially early reader books or non-fiction picture books)
Magazines / Newspapers (to use with the older pupils)
Chalk (especially fun, colored chalk)
Pencils, Erasers
Lined Paper
Handwriting Paper
Maps / Posters (anything from alphabets to 100 charts to put up in the classrooms and make them more welcoming and interactive)

For the Village:

Gummy Vitamins (to give the children)
Books
Paper / Pens (to use when pupils come over for extra help)
Coloring Books, Coloring Pencils, Blank Paper
Dry Erase Markers (to use on the page protectors we use as small white boards)
Magazines / Newspapers (especially ones that I can use with the mayos and tatas (mothers and fathers) who come to our adult class to learn English and Math)
Frisbees / Balls / Games (to play with the kids)
First Aid Stuff (soap, bandages, gloves)
Condoms (for the HIV/AIDS club we are starting)

For Me:

Candles
Photos
Incense
Books / Magazines
Music
Buttons (big, cool ones for bags, or any other sewing accessories for my new tedious, time-consuming, and relaxing hobby)
Beef Jerky
Mac and Cheese
Boxed Noodle / Rice Dinner Things
Instant Coffee (like Starbucks flavored instant coffee)
Instant Chi Tea, Tea Bags
Granola

ESSENTIALLY (1) food that comes all-inclusive in a bag or box, quick and easy to cook; (2) food requiring no cooking at all, so I don’t have to get the coals, blackening my hands and usually my shirt, start a fire, wait, swing the brazier over my head …; (3) or delicious drink mixes that only need water, hot or cold.