Report 6

16 July 2008 (6:01pm)

Hi all,
Today the team went to Namutamba children's hospital which was a hospital built to cater for children who are having operations, or have had operations/ plastic surgery or just receiving treatment. They treat patients with all kids of injuries, for example burns or bone problems.
We had a look around and then face painted all the kids so they were on a real high! Then we also blew bubbles and they went crazy for them!!
We then came back to the hotel and took Dodie to another school so she could talk to the headmaster. We then came back to the hotel and went into the market to buy some fresh fruit etc.
Twins’ birthday was a success!!
Love from all the team.

Report 5

15 July 2008 (4.50pm)

Firstly, today is the Dixon twins birthday!! So we are about to go back to Enro for a themed jungle animal supper! So we will all use the face paint to form ourselves into the Africa animals!
Today we went to two primary schools and at the first school was literally in the middle of no-where ( in the bush) and it was a very bumpy ride!! We were brick laying the foundations for a school and making cement. Also we taught some quick lessons outside as there were no school buildings, it was an extremely poor school and the students don't normally receive lunch but we paid for theirs today. After lunch we met the parents. We blew bubbles and the kids were so happy. Then we went to another school briefly for some tea and bread! We couldn't really refuse! But it was a lovely time and appreciated by all.
Most of the group are buying drums at the moment but Bryony, Dorothea,Laura, Dodie and Miranda and I went to a hospital to see the maternity section and give the clothes, hats and blankets from the village. We held a pair of twins and considering the day it was very appropriate and lovely!
Love to all in the village.
Miranda and Willi, and all the Ugandan team!

Report 4

15 July 2008 (4:46pm)

Monday in Uganda

To everyone,
We visited Butega primary school and took part in loads of activities.
After being sung to by the whole school and hearing poems and more songs from individual classes, we face painted, made bracelets and played bingo and ball games with all the children. We brought a suitcase full of toys such as footballs and pens which they loved and they also gave us a huge lunch. Luckily, the children were able to have lunch
(porridge) as well and we also gave them some money for food (most of them can't afford lunch at school).
Back at the hotel, after relaxing for a bit and having supper, we were given a drum lesson by Robert, a singer,dancer and drummer who is one of Uganda's best musicians. We sang together and all learnt to play about 4 different drums which was really fun.
Hope everyone is well.
Until tomorrow.
Bryony and Dorothea

Report 3

Dear Everyone,

Saturday took us out to Lulagala where the children were clapping and cheering us when we arrived. We had a wonderful welcome. The headmaster and all the staff and pupils came to greet us on Saturday - very impressive! They sang and danced for us and we gave them some games, footballs and money from North Waltham school for food and windows. Then we went up to the clinic which was very busy and a number of sick children with malaria. We then went on to Bukanaga where we saw the piglet project which was established in March. They have four pigs which they will fatten up and sell and then they will be able to extend the shelter. The October group left them the money. They gave us lunch and all the children had lunch too. It is very humbling and makes us very uncomfortable when we eat and they do not.

The children sang and we left money from Longparish school. It was a long day but we all found something good in it despite the occasional uncomfortable feelings.

Today - Martin would have been very proud of us. We made it to the 7.30 am - yes am service at Michael's church. We sat near the front and the choir were opposite. Michael got us to introduce ourselves - Dodie suggested thing we should say - like Hamish's dad is the organist, Eddie's dad is church warden and mows the church lawns and so on. It was a communion service but it was in Lugandan so it was a bit difficult to join in. Dodie preached and she promised us to make it short - not a Ugandan hour sermon! We gave then archdeaconry two strimmers and the whole church clapped and clapped - we also gave the school there some clothes. They invited us to lunch at a different hotel ad then we went back to recover from the early start.

Missing everyone...

See you soon

The 08 team.

Report 2

Dear Village,
Today we visited the local secondary school in Mityana. Once we had arrived, we were all paired off with a "buddy" in our year and who enjoyed the same subjects as us. We were given a question sheet to find out more about their background and what its like to go to school in Mityana. We did the same in return.
We were then taken into a history lesson about African tribe migration where we were very strongly encouraged to take part! Everyone was very friendly didn't hesistate to help us out with the tricky questions which were being hurled our way!! Next stop lunch, where we were served a local maize dish with beans. It suited some more than others but what was quite shocking was that more than half of the pupils could not afford to have lunch at all. We were incredibly grateful for what we had eaten when we'd been told that.
Next was a music lesson which all the boys embarassed themselves singing "Ba Ba Black Sheep" after which the girls sang "Old Macdonald had a Farm" to the amusement of everyone! We then got out the magnets for a science lesson and everyone loved picking up paperclips and experimenting with different objects. Most of them had not seen magnets before. A Lugandan lesson was next where we learnt the basics of the local language: oli otya?!! (how are you).
Next, we were told that we had to collect water from the nearest well.
There was much complaint as the girls water source was signicantly longer than the boys! Everyone agreed that it was very hard work and we had so much respect for the pupils who did it everyday. We will appreciate running water in the future.
Hope the weather has relented in St.Mary Bourne...

Eddie and Wilhelmina (+the Uganda crew)

Report 1

Dear SMB,

Here is the first update on how our team is getting on. The flight was uneventful apart from the young baby occuping the seat behind Hamish. After a long day and 11 hours of flying, we arrived at the first hotel. Which was comfortable, and we all slept soundly.

The next day we enjoyed a quick breakfast, before heading into Kampala where we visited a craft money to buy presents.

In Mityana we arrived at the hotel, and went to meet Bishop Dunstan who warmly welcomed us. The evening at the hotel consisted of cards, pool, and supper - followed by an early night.

Today we have traveled to the Affinet - African Friends in Need Network, where we met Bishop George and our old friend Michael Lubowa. We were shown around there classrooms and given a blow by blow account on all of their skills they aquired. We were welcomed with many songs and dancing, where we all had to take part!!

After Lunch we went to the local orphanage, where we taught in class, made bracelets, played games and blew bubbles. The faces were extactic and they loved our company and presents.

We now must return back to the hotel.

Love the Team