Today’s post will be a bit shorter – as it’s already technically Day 2 and time to get some shut eye.
Several of our team got up early this morning for a run in the street of Kampala – what a great way to kick the jet lag and get to know the city. After a yummy brekkie complete with samosas and spring rolls, we set off to Bulesa, a primary school on the outskirts of Kampala, and one that Kain Foundation has been visiting and providing some financial support since 2013. Though it is a public school (no fees for the kids to attend), most of the 500 or so families in this region cannot afford to pay for school uniforms, meals, or school books for their kids. So, we helped out by purchasing a term’s worth of maize porridge for all 350 kids ($1.2M shillings, or $450) and exercise books.
Once we arrived at the school, we had an amazing welcome of songs and dances from the kids – check out our Facebook page for some of the videos. Principal Paul welcomed us, and then we gave a short speech and did our best to sing “You Are My Sunshine” to the kids – thankfully no video of that performance!
Principal Paul and the village leaders took us on a tour of the water well – about a 15 min walk from the school. It was shocking to most of us to learn that the pump which had only been installed 2 years ago has broken down, so now all the families and children must draw water from the natural well which is full of algae. The principal shared how many of the families cannot afford the fuel to boil the water, so are getting sick from drinking it. At least during the rainy season, the gutters and water storage tank provide a better source of water for a few months.
We then split into two groups – Evan, Scott and Sharon sat in a class and even did some teaching (look for their chalkboard drawings on future posts). Michael, Nick, Madelaine and I toured the community, met many families and farm animals, and ate some delicious jack fruit. The farmers gave us massive sweet potatoes and avocados as a gift which we’re looking forward to eating in a few days at the Adonai.
Then, it was back to play ball and bubbles with the kids, hand out the exercise books, and have a traditional lunch with the teachers – plenty of matoke for all!
We’re off to Masaka region to visit the Jr. Landcare project for next two days, can’t wait to hear about all the agricultural skills the kids are learning.
Cheers,
Lisa
