Kavita & Ruby's final blog!

Today was the day we were dreading since we got here - the day we had to say goodbye to the NLP kids. We wanted it to be a special day fr them, so we started out with giving them some peanut butter on their morning chapati snack :) Can't even describe how cute it was to see Winnie beaming with peanut butter all over her face! Friday's curriculum had a bit of a twist in it because we wanted them to have a really fun time with both Group A & B combined. We started out with sharing songs and boy were they really giving everything they had!.. After about 5 rounds of music, storytime began. We did our best to entertain and then it was tie to review what we had taught the children since our arrival one month ago. We were so impressed as they reflected on the different themes - Simon the Elephant, The Life Stages of a Butterfly, Different ways to name and express emotions and Animals native to Uganda. Their knowledge and efforts made us so proud.
Later after the break we had a special edition of PE (just because it was so much fun the last time, we couldn't resist!). The kids danced and played games in a circle and then we introduced them to hopscotch relays. We drew out 6 boards on the concrete and had them race in teams of 5. It was group A vs B, girls vs boys, no holds barred! Before we knew it, it was time for a delicious meal of posho and split peas. Afterwards, tired and full, they a lay down for a nap. When the break ended, it was time to start our goodbyes. The children went first, thanking us for coming, for reading them stories, and for teaching them songs. Some also raised their hands and told us they loved us, asked us to come back again, and to greet Teachas Howard, Tania, Judy, and Bob for them. We promised we'd pass it along. We held back our tears as the teachers said a few words, and then it was left to us to tell the kids how much they meant to us. It's a wonder that the waterworks didn't begin right then and there! We told them how happy we were to have made 30 new friends in Uganda, and although we can't say when, we promised we will back. Hopefully, by then we will be visiting most of them at school!
We had 2 final surprises for the kids before the end of the day: each was given two items of clothing, and a bag of food (rice and beans) for them to take home and share with their families. Many of them wear the same ripped, stained, and over sized or too small clothes every single day so you can imagine how excited they were at the sight of their new threads. :) It was also really important to us to give them something that wasn't just for them, but for their families as well. They went totally silent as we distributed the bags of food, and then to proceeded to carry them on their heads. Very cute. After some closing prayers, lead by Annet Fiona and Winnie,we walked them down the road one last time and said our final goodbyes.
We miss the kids already, and are getting ready to leave Africa with the knowledge that they have taught us more than we could ever teach them in a month's time. We will never forget them, and we look forward to our return to Uganda!

Love from Uganda,
Kavita & Ruby

--- Judy, we forgot to mention that Headmaster Peter told us that Gadafi hasn't missed a day of school since your visit. Phew!

2 days left with the kids...

It's so hard to believe we are in our final days with the kids, where did the time go? Yesterday we visited Headmaster Peter at St. Henry's Primary School to bring himsomemedical supplies and ask some questions about sponsorship of the kids. We were really excited when he showed us around the construction site behind the school which is soon to become a boarding area for students. His goal is to get as many children as possible out of the slums - completely. We were inspired by his ambition and jolly disposition, (and we vowed to get him on video - he's quite the character!). After our meeting we made our way back to the In Need Home where Rona's class was working on irregular plurals and Joyce's class was making progress with addition.

We were happy to see that almost all of the kids had brought their new raincoats to school (funny because it was a beautiful sunny day!). They were excited,even more so when when IT STARTED TO RAIN!!! They went crazy, they all wanted to run outside and test out their new jackets! We were so happy to see their beautiful smiling faces :)

Today Rona's group worked on constructing sentences and learning about "Good Behavior". We had so much fun having the children act out different scenarios where they had to exercise good behavior and manners!

Ruby was with Joyce's class and they continued with addition,letter writing ad lots of songs. Before we knew it it was time for PE, we had relay races and games, but the highlight was when the children did demonstrations of their traditional Lugandan and Acholi tribal dances accompanied by Joyce who was singing and playing drums on an empty bucket! It was unforgettable.

The day came to an end, but not before we gave them all a special surprise. Beautiful, soft warm blankets! We felt that it was important to give them something that they could share with their families - especial after having seen where and how some of these children live. It will be nice to know they're sleeping cosy and warm under a special blanket given to them with so much love.

More to come tomorrow!

Take good care,

Kavita and Ruby :)

xo

Raincoats and shoes for everyone!

Today was a beautiful day weather-wise and at the NLP. We were so relieved (and grateful) when our friend Daniel agreed to give us a lift to school this morning because we would have seriously struggled if we’d walked with those heavy bags of jackets and shoes. It was also great that Daniel finally got to see where we work and meet the kids. The children welcomed him by screaming with excitement and hugging him- it was as if he was a returning volunteer. Think he was a little overwhelmed but nonetheless said he’s be back for another visit tomorrow.
When the teachers and Annie saw what we’d bought for the kids, they were shocked and excited. They seemed even more impressed by the fact that we’d ventured out into Owino market on our own and bargained like local Ugandans. We are hard core!
After lunch, we had a meeting with Annie and Lilianne to elucidate the process of sponsorship that allows the children to go to primary school. We really hope that these children get sponsored and are doing all that we can while we are here to ensure that the process is a simple one so that people at home can donate easily. We also questioned Annie and Lilianne about the fact that there are only 28 kids at present at the NLP. As of tomorrow, the Namuwongo Literacy Project will be at capacity and we will have a jacket, shoes, and a blanket for each new student! YES!
After lunch we pulled the kids out of class one-by-one and fitted them with jackets and shoes. Hard to say who was more excited- us or them! We were pretty overwhelmed seeing them in their shiny coats down to their knees (they will grow into them!) and knowing that the next time it rains, they will stay dry, and they will be able to come to school. No excuses!  Among the jackets was a vintage navy Montreal Expos raincoat, now proudly worn by little Devino. If only he knew how much he could get for that jacket back home!
We have lots more to do this week and time is running out… We are determined to do as much as we can for the kids and the community over the next few days. Keep you posted!

Looking forward to tomorrow!

Lots of love,
Ruby & Kavita

The excitement never ends :)

What a great weekend! Yesterday we took the drive to Jinga to see the river Nile, what an adventure. We were happily on our way when all of a sudden the traffic started to slow and eventually came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. Our driver , looking ahead told us that there had been an accident and he went to check out exactly what had happened. After a few minutes he came back with the report : no one had died (this was the good news!), but a huge beer truck had flipped over and crashed in an attempt to avoid a head-on collision. There was broken glass everywhere. What a mess! We asked if we could help and ran to the scene of the accident with the medical supplies we had. We spent the next hour or so taking car of the driver and his partner who were still in shock. They had a few gashes, and with the help of Miss Ruby (Super Assistant #1), I did my best to clean and patch them up. After that ordeal, we hopped back in the car and continued on to the Nile. When we got there we couldn't believe that we were actually looking at the Nile! It exceeded our expectations and it was so exciting to dip out fingers into the water :). Then it was off to the Bujugali Falls - they were stunning! Tired from a long day we made our way back to "Chez Johnson", or should I say, home sweet home.

We spent the day today shopping for the children. After the first rainfall we knew we had to get them all raincoats, it was terrible to see them coming to school soaking wet and cold. We jumped on a Mutatu and went to Owino Market (which sells just abut anything and everything you can imagine - chickens, shoes, whatever!). The sun was hot, and the market was rocking! We ended up getting raincoats and shoes for all the kids for a great deal. The man we bought the coats from (Fred) was so nice, he even explained to us how we were supposed to be bargaining, and then accepted our offer. It felt nice to be able to give him the money and support his earnings. We told him what they were for and he was so happy that we had come all the way from Canada to help the children of Uganda. Then he took us to another stall and got us a great price on the shoes! I can;t wait to give the children their raincoats tomorrow, the only question is - How are we going to get them all there!?!?

All in all it was a great week-end. Every day, Ruby and I are asking ourselves how did the time fly by so quickly, how are we ever going to say goodbye - and then we pretend like we're staying forever because it feels like home. (Don't worry, we're still coming back next Monday!)

Lots of Love,
Kavita
xxoxx

1 week left!

Ronah had an appointment this morning so Kavita and I were alone with her class until about 10:30. We reviewed the life stages of a butterfly and were so impressed with how much they remembered! Then we had them sing some songs to wake them up (they are still getting used to the 8am start time), while we laughed hysterically at the sight of them dancing “calypso” with so much rhythm and attitude! So adorable! This was followed by Math, and we continue to teach multiplication as Ronah had started earlier. Barbara, Bosco, and Julius K were among some of the children who finished their work correctly and quickly and asked for more work once theirs was done! We couldn’t say no, of course, so we gave them more work (and more difficult, too!) which they completed effortlessly!

Just before the morning break it started to rain so we ushered all the kids into Joyce’s small classroom. Ronah arrived and organized a “battle” between group A and B. It was a riot! The two groups stood facing each other in a back and forth song and dance competition that had us in stitches. One group sang “shake, shake, the mango tree”, and the other would respond with “Baby beluga”, etc.. This went on for about 15 minutes.
Then it was story time, but for a change the kids were the ones to tell the tales. Immaculate Julius K. sat in front of their classmates and quietly took turns telling Ugandan legends in their native Lugandan. Ronah had the kids translate the stories into English afterwards.
Today’s lunch was delicious split peas and posho. The children sit in circle and eat their lunch so quietly. For those who are used to getting just one meal a day, and are now receiving 3, it is a real treat! We decided today that they need some time rest after lunch instead of running wildly around the compound on full stomachs as they have been doing. Winnie threw up all over the floor after just 5 minutes of play time. Little Sharon, who looks like she is 4 years old but is about 6, gave her friend hand and cleaned it up with a mop and bucket like she was looking after her own child.

the afternoon, Ronah asked the kids what kinds of things they do in their homes to which many replied, “wash the clothes” “take care of baby for mommy” “fetch water” etc. The responsibilities they have at such a young age are unbelievable. Winnie replied, “make poopoo in the toilet”. The class was hysterical. I can’t believe we are leaving in a week. I miss these kids already.

Off to Jinga tomorrow to see the source of the Nile!

Xo
Ruby

Thursday's post.

We didn’t post yesterday because the power went out before we could post online. Luckily, we were working in a word doc that saved. Here is yesterday’s blog:

Today was our first day without Judy and Bob… Despite the fact that we missed them terribly, was a really great day at the NLP. Ronah and Joyce let us take over quite a bit more than usual and we loved it! In the morning, we taught a lesson on insects (Ronah's class), and did some reading and writing from the blackboard. We were so impressed with how well the older group can read, and how hard they try to sound out the words they don't recognize. Some, however, don't even have to try that hard! Bosco, a charming boy in the older group, has been moved to the back of the class to give his classmates a chance because he knows the answer to everything. Today blew us away by reading "termites" and "caterpillar" off the board. At times he appears bored and understimulated, emphasizing the fact that it is “criminal” (in Judy’s words) that he is not in school.
In the afternoon, we combined classes and taught a lesson on the life stages of the butterfly, while introducing some new vocabulary. Then the kids coloured and decorated paper butterflies that we cut out from construction paper. They had a blast! We told them that since butterflies fly away, they had to give theirs to a friend. Most gave theirs to us and the teachers... We are going to plan more group science and art activities to do next week since today was such a success. :)

Love,
R & K

JUDY & BOB'S LAST NIGHT

I can't believe this is my last night in Kampala. The second experience was as exciting as the first! Those kids are truly wonderful. I 'know' 29 of the 35 quite well already, each with interesting features: Winnie, so tiny, so smart...... yesterday her ripped dress was falling off; Bosco, who cries at the drop of a hat, but is probably the top pupil; Annet, who grumps when she doesn't get the longest pencil; Julius who always looks sick; and Stella, who shoots the teachers dirty looks.
When they have any food, a usually rambunctious group is suddenly silent. It breaks ones heart. We have loved working at N.L.P.
Bob got a bit sick but is stalwart. The 2 volunteers are AMAZING. clap, clap, clap etc. for YOU!, Ruby and Kavita.....I am sad to leave these kids.
Please support them in what ever way you are able. I have some nice necklaces. Love to all. I am too immersed to really miss anyone, but once in Holland.........
Love to all. Farewell Namuwongo,...... disrupted, difficult lives,....... children with no future.... Judy

July 21st 2008 (the halfway point!)

So today marks the halfway point of our journey, the time is flying as Ruby and I only have two more weeks here in Uganda. This past weekend we made the long journey to Queen Elizabeth Park for an amazing Safari. Luck was on our side as we had the opportunity to see baboons, elephants, Ugandan Kob, waterbuck, buffalo, Nile crocodiles, warthogs, hippos and a whole bunch of beautiful birds we can't remember the names of! The 8 hour drive (that's right, 8 hours) was unforgettable. This country is stunning. We saw lush fields of tea, thousands of banana trees, misty mountains and beautiful people dressed in vibrant colours. It was nice to head out of the city and experience another side of life in Uganda. We arrived at the Chez Johnson yesterday evening, excited to see Judy and Bob, and even more excited to see the children!

Today was a big day for everyone - our first full day of school! We arrived at the In Need Home at 7:45am and were surprised to see that almost all of the children were already there! It was a very special day in that today was the first time the children were served a full meal! As you can imagine, they were ecstatic! It was a very full day, not to mention hectic - looks like the new schedule will take some getting used to (by all of us!), but we're happy and looking forward to spending as much time as we can with the kids!

Lots of Love,
Kavita and Ruby :)

We woke up and the sun was high in the sky... Another scorcher, we thought. But we were wrong. Withing an hour of getting to the In Need Home, and luckily just after the children arrived, the heavens thundered, and the rain and hail storm began! Yes, hail! The children began chanting "ICE! ICE! ICE!" and it took us a little while to get them settled down.
We both had really wonderful days with the kids and feel that they have made tremendous progress in the past few weeks (and days!). It's amazing to witness. Joyce's group was only recently introduced to addition of concrete objects and pictures, and today they were comfortably adding numbers in their workbooks. Amazing! Some are so quick and so eager to show us that they can do it. Arafat, for example, a sharp 7 year old boy, kept saying "Teacha, me! Teacha, me!" to get us to look at his work. He got every problem right except for one. Some of the newer children (Erick, Stella) still have trouble identifying numbers and letters.... so that will require more practice.
Rona's group had a blast this afternoon as they learned the names of different emotions - to expand their repertoire of "happy" and "sad"- and acted out dramatic scenarios to demonstrate what each one meant. They were in hysterics!! Some of them are quite the little actors and actresses! The teachers and the kids loved it.

Tomorrow we leave for a safari in Queen Elizabeth Park (woohoo!). We are super excited but sad to miss a day of school.
We will take many pictures of animals to show the children that elephants don't only live in the zoo.
Before we left this afternoon, Jairus cried out "Lions are my friend!" - We hope the lions will be our friend as well.

Cheers,
Ruby & Kavita

Thursday July something

Today I played hookey while the others went to work. I went to SOS Children's Homes in Entebbe. Amazing. It was a good break from the horrible poverty we saw yesterday. When the children come to the project they wear their best. Before school, they are in rags. The pollution, garbage,mud, odours, traffic...it breaks your heart, as Bob wrote yesterday. Sometimes I wonder why the poor DONT revolt more. Well, they are embittered and exhausted, ....is that why? Enjoy your lives. We are the lucky of the earth

July l6,2008

We had a busy day helping our teachers (Rona,Joyce). Kavita, I (Bob) helped Rona. Kavita made an experience chart which I found very beautiful. I, a college teacher, with very little experience working with very young children find working with very young children extremely interesting. Now I see how this very beautiful chart with all these beautiful pictures helps the children learn how to read (the pictures correspond to the sentences that refer to them). I find it amazing how these children, whose native language isn't English, are not only able to learn how to speak it but to also write it. Later in the day we--the volunteers--met and while eating Indian food saw oxen passing near the restaurant. Kavita and I vowed we would take pictures of the "cows" for next time (people here have never heard the word 'oxen'). Early in the day we all visited 'Soweto', an extremely poor area of Namuwongo located near the railroad tracks. We,while trying to find a family there,found ourselves jumping over cesspools and ditches. The people we finally found(the family of one of our students) were extremely nice and friendly. Later we visited a school to where many of the students we are personally supporting go. The teachers were extremely friendly and allowed us to visit the classrooms. It was so good to visit our students. We visited a student, an orphan adopted by his mother's sister. The student misses many classes because he must first bring his aunt's daughter to school before going to his own school. This means that he often arrives late to school. And, because they will not allow him into class if he arrives late, he must then go home. This disturbed all of us. Bob

TODAY WE MEET THE CARE-GIVERS!

Today was easier with Group 1. Ruby and I are each working with 3 kids; but Joyce does an exhaustive intro.....to make it easier!!! Imagine, after 40 years of teaching, I'd be lost without Joyce's help....I sneaked in some smiling face rewards that I didn't tell Joyce about. So did Ruby. Much of the children's' learning is by rote, and difficult to explain to children just learning English... But it was easier than yesterday. Today's highlight was a care-givers meeting to explain that in 2 weeks the children will be served a full, nutritious breakfast, as well as the snack they already receive later in the day. Dollars for this complete meal service has been offered to the children of the Namuwongo Literacy Project through the efforts of Sue Brotherwood, an anonymous donor and the Red Hippo Project. We are, indeed, fortunate to have the support and partnership of The Red Hippo Project. In August, Sue will be bringing a team of talented instructors/educators offering a full, half-day program of 'the arts', including music, drama plastic arts, photography, etc. During the month of August, the academic program will be offered in the morning, the arts program in the afternoon.
The women, mothers and grandmothers, sat on the floor without shoes. It was just like being in Quebec, as everything had to be translated. Most do not speak Lugandi, Uganda's language of the majority, but Acholi or Madi or other native, village languages. It took LONG.......felt familiar. After, and as our treat, we served chapati and a cup of tea to each guest. It was quite something to see this group of women. Not to get biblical, but the travails are etched into the faces....Its better to do SOMETHING than to weep. Of course Bob cried, especially when Joyce told of her being shot by the L.R.A ., and Bob's paying for her to go back to school. I am honestly grateful to have the opportunity to do this.
Bye, and love to all from Judy

Monday July 14

After an eventful weekend, I think we were all really looking forward to getting back to the NLP and seeing the children. Our morning was spent planning our lessons for the day. Judy and myself were working with Teacha Joyce and the younger children this week, while Kavita and Bob are working with Teacha Rona and the older group. One thing is certain ....... I have a new-found respect for kindergarten teachers!! Teaching the little ones is hard work, especially when they have a less-than-perfect grasp of English. I attempted to teach Rogers, Immaculate, and Stella how to do simple addition using wooden counters. What a mess! I couldn't keep their attention for more than 2 minutes. They were enthralled, however, when Judy read them "Sam I am".

We are looking forward to doing it all again tomorrow!

On another note, the weather has been mild and rainy. This morning, it was pouring buckets for over 2 hours so many of the children arrived late. Most do not have rain coats, and some do not have proper shoes or sandals. We discussed purchasing ponchos for everyone while we are here so that the children don't have to arrive soaking wet (as many did today) and so that they don't have to miss any class time.

Love from the Pearl of Africa,
Teacha Ruby

Hello Friends!

Bob and I had a wonderful day with the older children :) Together we wrote a story about an Elephant named Simon. The best part for me was when I asked them if elephants are our friends, Monica quickly put up her hand to explain that we couldn't be friends with them because they eat people!!!! When we were finished writing, they all read the story out loud while Teacha Bob, Teacha Rona and myself beamed with pride.

It was nice to see that the spirits of the children had picked up after the rain, I can't even imagine the conditions their homes were left in after a massive downpour like we had this morning. Especially since the slum is located at the bottom of a big hill, you can only wonder. We're really looking forward to seeing them tomorrow, it's so hard to say goodbye to them at the end of the day...

Take good care,

Teacha Kavita!

sunday,july13.

I wrote a whole long thing with much difficulty, so now a synopsis: cafe 1000 Cups(wonderful), the markets accross the street ( a dress, 4 placemats). Dinner - Indian (what else?) Theatre-dance great but too much western music for me. Thats all for now. To the children tomorrow!Judy

Fourth Day

So why not take a short walk down a hill and see where we'll wind up? What could possibly go wrong? We'll walk down and then we'll walk up. And when we walk up, we'll stop at the most wonderful Italian ice cream place (the ice cream is comparable, I feel to the best in the world). The only problem is I take the wrong path and wind-up in an area near, I take it, Lake Victoria (I feel I have, probably like Livingston who preceded me, walked across Africa. Unlike Stanley, however, who also preceded me...... my first words are "Where is my hotel, Chez Johnston?"). The man in the church I ask for help not only walks with me to the taxi stand but bargains with the taxi driver to get me the best price back to my hotel. Later we visit Joyce, a teacher at our school in Namuwongo who was seriously maimed by the Lords Resistance Army, her husband killed by the same army and her son maimed by the same forces. She lives in Namuwongo with her 4 children and cares for 4 other children, in one room. Ah the poverty found amongst the people of Namuwongo. Tea, nuts,and coffee were served.

day 3

The night was quite awful for all of us. Dogs barking, people shouting, and what was scary was someone yelling CANADA in an angry voice. Ruby says he was saying hallelujah!! Anyway, no one slept well. I was to meet with the 2 teachers at 9, but they showed up 9:45, and Anny scolded them. I was uncomfortable. I helped Rona a bit, then slogged back up the hill to meet Awel at 11. He showed up at 11:30, maybe 11:20. We had a good meeting.....not all of which was music to my ears. We shall see.

The children were wonderful. They are divided into 2 groups. Even watching the younger group was exhausting. After work at 5, we met to plan for next week, when we will begin to teach in earnest..... I should mention that Howard was the one to collect all of the materials being used at the In Need Home.

Tomorrow we are visiting Joyce at her home.

ATTENTION HOWARD!!!> Please forward our nice brochure to AWEL, a.s.a.p.

Judy...

Day 2 - more introductions...

So, our day began with an introduction to the biggest cockroaches that Uganda has to offer. Where did we meet this fine fellow? Inside Kavita's mosquito net of course! (That's right, inside - not outside!)
In stark contrast, the rest of the day was followed by many pleasant surprises :)
After breakfast of eggs and toast at the hotel we made our way down the hill to the In Need Home which houses the NLP. Thanks to the supplies that Judy and Bob have sent over the last 2 years, the In Need Home looked more like a real school than any of us could have ever imagined. Our excitment was building as we met with the teachers for a few hours to discuss curriculum. Before we knew it, the children came running full speed into the cmpound, and right into our arms! Some so quickly they almost knocked us over!!!! As more and more of the children arrived, the In Need Home became filled with the excited voivces of t\chilren shouting "Welcome teachas, howayuu?" We were introduced to Bosco, Annette-Fiona, Monika, Stella and many other children too adorable for words, all so happy to be there.
Seeing their faces so eager to learn, made us feel that all of our hard work in getting here to Uganda, was more than worth it.
We're already realizing just how difficult it is going to be to leave.

More updates on the NLP tomorrow from Judy and Bob.

much love,
Kavita & Ruby

First night in Uganda

We stayed at the Entebbe guest house Terry had recommended so we could meet Kavita and Ruby when their plane landed in the morning. Spent a pleasant night with welcome rest.
In the morning, searching the faces at Arrivals I suddenly heard Judy's name being called. There was Lilliane come to greet us all! We met Lilliane in the summer of 2006 and are pleased that she is one of the 2 teachers at the NLP. When they arrived, Kavita and Ruby were exhausted but excited. The 5 of us took a "private hire" (sounds fancy - wasn't) to our hotel (sounds fancy - isn't) in Muyenga (just outside Kampala). Anny Nygoga was waiting to greet us. We met briefly and after a much needed rest Judy and I walked to Italian supermarket and found that the gelato there was as fantastic as Terry and Howard had described it.

- Bob

Day 1 - The Journey

After travelling six and a half hours from Montreal, we had a four hour lay-over in Amsterdam before the eight hour flight to Entebbe. Fortunately, we met a gentleman who introduced himself as a Roman Catholic priest. He didn't flinch when I declared myself a Jewish atheist. As we talked, at length, we were again impressed by the integrity of an examined life. Father Santario was returning to Mbare after 2 weeks in the U.S., part of the UN representing Uganda at an HIV AIDS conference. We discussed many issues, listened attentively, and incorporated new facts. Father Santario has been deeply involved in the running of an orphanage, primary school, and vocational training. He said if we ever wanted a second branch of the NLP he might be able to help! It wasn't a promise, but I will "pretend" it was!! His website is www.ugandamartyrsorphansproject.org

- Judy.....

WE'RE OFF!

On Monday, Bob and I, and a little later on,Ruby and Kavita begin our adventure in Namuwongo,for the summer of 2008.We are staying at the Chez Johnson Hotel,which is a relief to us as it is within walking distance of the In Need Home. Keep reading this blog for daily postings from all of us.........Judy

A THANK YOU TO SOME OF NEWEST SUPPORTERS - THE PICTURES SAY IT ALL

The first 2 pictures below show our students opening School Kits sent by children from Hillcrest Academy, of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board in Laval, Quebec, Canada. Thanks HILLCREST!!

TERRY McEACHERAN ADDS TO THE BLOG

March 23, 2008

Last week I returned from Uganda after an unforgettable experience. I learned a great deal about an African country I had not visited before and about myself. Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, Howard was there to meet me and take me to Kampala where we were staying, and where the Namuwongo Literacy Project is located. After a tour around the neighbourhood where the children live, I was ready to get to work.

Since my professional background had been in language and literacy, Judy asked me to assess the literacy level of each of the children at the school. For the next few weeks, I did just that working with two children per day. In addition, I decided to take the top group of achievers aside and work with them for about an hour a day. I grew to love these bright and ambitious children. I think that even in a few weeks their comfort level in using English improved. It was indeed a privilege to spend time with these children.

OUR NEW STUDENTS

The Namuwongo Literacy Project has achieved tremendous success in the short time we have been in operation. Our students are thriving in their educational enviornment. In fact, some of our students (6) have been sponsored for 'real' school. Reports from their new schools have indicated that our former students entered their new school close to the top of their grade level and continue to earn top results. Congratulations to our Ugandan teachers and dedicated volunteers! 4 of our children have moved, with their care-givers, to new homes and a better enviornment.

This has meant that upon my arrival in Uganda, we had openings for 10 new students.

Sophia, one of the women who takes part in the life-skills program at the In-Need Home and a resident of Namuwongo took me into the shantytown to the shelters/homes where she knew children lived who were not attending school. Moreover, these orphans were all in great need!

PEN PAL LETTER

Before leaving for Uganda, Connie Dorfman, a teacher at Crestview Elementary School (part of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board in Laval, Quebec), requested that her students become Pen Pals with our children at the Namuwongo Literacy Project. I eagerly accepted her offer! Her students sent personal letters, along with their personal photos. Lillian and Rona, our Ugandan teachers paired the Crestview students with a Ugandan student. All the pen Pal letter were read, after which the Namuwongo Literacy Project students wrote a reply. I photographed each of our students so that there Pen Pals in Laval, Quebec could see what they looked like. The program was a great 'hit'.

WHAT A WELCOME BACK!

After 7 months, I returned to Namuwongo, receiving a welcome that would rival any 'rock star'. As soon as my taxi arrived at the gate to the entrance of the In-Need Home, it was immediately surrounded by a throng of smiling, laughing, cheering and clapping children. "Teacher Howard!....Teacher Howard!...they chanted as they surrounded my taxi, all wanting to hold my hand or just touch me. I was truly over-whelmed and tremendously 'touched' by their apparent joy that I actually returned. I was seated in the chair of honor in our out-door classroom. I was serenaded by some of the songs that I had taught the group during my last visit.

It was then my pleasure to hand out Valentine treats sent for all the children by Tania Ovens, a volunteer teacher who spent last summer with the children in Namuwongo.