Day 1

It's not really day 1, but it's our first blog since arriving in Kampala. The trip over was long and tiring as expected but uneventful. Three of the four of us had mishaps. Judy misplaced her wallet in the airport before we ever took off and Bob came to the rescue, or so he thought, by involving airport security, almost missing the plane. The wallet was sitting under Bob's bag the whole time. Judy lost her pink (yes, very PINK) knapsack on Friday night when she pushed her trolley from the airport in Entebbe to the parking lot. She had to go back for it later and she did find it. Carole arrived at the Hotel Kenrock on Saturday afternoon in Kampala and discovered she was missing her cell phone. It has not shown up yet. Luckily Gaby's special travel inflatable pillow went missing but was discovered at the guest house in Emtebbe and as a result Gaby will be able to face the long trip back to the West. The only traveller who has been blemish free is Teacher Bob but he has been falling asleep in his soup in the evenings.
Sunday, July 3rd, Gaby, Bob and Carole made a reconnnaissance walk to St Henry's school. To their delight a little boy was who had been hanging around the school grounds spptted Bpb and came over and said very quietly "Teacher Bob!". It was Assaba Michael. Later on that evening, the whole group shared a meal and wonderful talk with David Otoa, the school bursar (accountant).
Monday morning everybody woke up with the roosters and had breakfast as the sun was rising in order to be at the school on time (8 am). There were hugs and kisses all around as Maria and David and other familiar staff welcomed the group.
Each of us will contribute our own individual blogs with our personal impressions over the next few weeks. Stay tuned and weeraba (goodbye)!

Once Again, we are preparing to leave!

Bob, Judy, Carole Summers and Gaby Darling are readying themselves for a Ugandan adventure. We return to our literacy class,staying again at the Kenrock, filled with ideas and hopes. Read us daily , after July 4, our first day of "school" Weare always excited to read your comments. WISH US A PRODUCTIVE AND SAFE TRIP!

I'M Dancing!

After yesterday's tiring, but very fulfilling day, today was joyous and fun-filled! Today was to be my last day with the children and teacher's of the Namuwongo Project. This visit was a whirl-wind, filed with organizational work and some time teaching the children in the classroom. But it passed too quickly! I arranged for a good-bye party with our children and their neighboring, same-aged, primary class. It still amazes me how a little bit of popcorn cookies, the Ugandan version of the WAGON WHEEL cakes, and Mango juice can bring such expectation and joy to the faces of these young children. The classroom was bursting with children, but you "could have heard a pin drop" as these 5-7 year olds sat quietly, patiently waiting for their teachers' permission to begin enjoying these rare treats.
When all was consumed, they all sang and danced in appreciation, cheering for me and hugging whatever part of my body they could grab! To their great delight, I joined in and danced and clapped with them! Hopefully, the video I am trying to attach to this posting will work and you can see all my 'moves'!

I leave the Namuwongo children with my heart full! I have often mentioned that this experience has changed my life. I must thank my co-director Judy Labow and the many volunteers who have shared experiences here in Namuwongo, Uganda. Thank-you to all the individuals and schools who worked so had to raise $'s and provide materials and supplies. Without our supporters we would not be able to continue helping the children of Namuwongo. I look forward to my next visit!!

I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE EASIER!

I couldn't submit a BLOG entry yesterday as we experienced one of the many power failures that plagues this country. The power came back on this afternoon and hopefully will stay on until I finish this entry.

Maria, the headmaster of St Henry"s, and I went into the Soweto section of the Namuwongo Shanty Town. This area is even more impoverished than the section from which our existing students live.
(wow! just had another 1/2 hour power failure. Than goodness for the save feature on this BLOG service!)
Since I had visited Namuwongo several times on past visits I thought I might be somewhat 'hardened' to what I would see. Once again, I found myself trying to hold back the tears as I walked through such extreme poverty, watching the wide eyes of the countless numbers of children who jockeyed for the best position to hold this white-haired,balding, somewhat elderly, Muzungo's (white person) hand. Their hunger was apparent as was their curiosity! How could these little bodies that were so hungry still maintain shy smiles and laughter when I would point my camera at them? How would I able able to say "no" to all but the chosen seven?
Maria was terrific! She would literally capture in her arms a child who looked like a potential candidate and ask, usually in their local dialect, a few questions that would indicate whether a child met our simple criteria: an orphan between the ages of 5-7 years not currently attending school, with care-givers (if any) able to get the child to our program. Very quickly we were surrounded by adults who heard that we were looking for children. Many would 'shade' the truth by saying the child was the age we were looking for when they were clearly too young or too old. Maria would question the children directly because they have only known how to tell the truth in their short life experience. I must admit I made only 1 exception. We came upon Grace, a tallish, thin wisp of a girl hiding behind two older woman whom we later discovered were her grandmother and great aunt. Another woman lay on a bench next to them, her head covered by a thin, worn scarf. We asked who Grace's mother was, and one of the old woman pointed to the bench. Grace knelt next to her mother and whispered something to her. Her mother rose from the bench removing the scarf. It was immediately obvious that this was a very sick woman. She appeared very frail, open sores covering several areas of her face. We asked Grace's age and were informed she was 9. Both the mother and the grandmother got down on their knees and explained that the father had died, Grace's mom was seriously ill, and that they wanted Grace to be able to go to school. I had to turn my back so they they could not see the tears that I knew were coming. How could I say 'no' to a child and what was left of her family, who only wanted to go to school, be assured of a meal, and have a place for 8 hours where she could be assured of some joy in her life. Grace has joined the Namuwongo Project!

I'M BACK AGAIN!

It is always a pleasure to return to Uganda and the warm welcome I receive from the children in the Namuwongo Project, as well as the staff members in our program, and, those at St. Henry's Primary School.
The Namuwongo program continues to thrive! Teacher Joyce is an excellent educator for our little ones. Tomorrow I go into Namuwongo for the tremendously difficult task of choosing 7 new children for our program. Walking through the poverty and devastation that is the lives of the Namuwongo inhabitants, and then having to say "no" to some children, always takes away a chunk of my heart.
The rest of today's entry will be given over to a tribute to the late Peter Okoth. Peter was the headmaster of St Henry's Primary School and was a great supporter of the Namuwongo Project. Peter passed away suddenly after returning home to his village during the summer. We will miss him greatly, but are grateful for the continued support for the Namuwongo Project by his replacement, Maria. To best express the 'nature of the man' I have included a tribute to Peter Okoth, written by Laura, a staff member at St. Henry's Primary School.

Dear Friends of St Henry -

With a heavy heart I write to share with you that we have lost our beloved Peter Okoth, Head Master of St Henry's Primary School this last weekend. Cause of death remains uncertain, but believed to be food/water poisoning. He and the family had gone to Tororo for the school holiday, where he became sick. The funeral Mass was held on Monday in Tororo. More then 150 people from Kampala made the journey for the service a testament to who the man was. As I was in Kenya at the time, I was regrettably unable to attend.

Peter was a man who stood head and shoulders above most others literally and figuratively. He was a great Father to not only his own children, but all those who came within his wings. He was role model for being other centered in a place where leadership is defined by helping yourself first. While he and his family lived on modest means (2 Ugandan teacher salaries), there was always enough to share of his resources and time. He never seemed to get dismayed by the perpetual challenges of working and living in this environment. He knew how to be a reed, bending when the wind blows and returning upright when it eased. He was a model of Christian brotherhood for me, and a bright shining star. He had a beautiful relationship with his wife Ester, treating her with respect and dignity, even letting her finish her BA degree first. He was a leader in his faith communities both here in Kampala and his home parish of Tororo, in addition to all his work for the School. He was full of ideas for ways to help make life better for all those around him. He had developed a great vision for St Henry's and built up a good community around the school through the parents and partnerships. He was wanting to ever improve the quality of the education by expanding and broadening the school by bringing in technology, adding a library, trying to get more training for teachers, developing his own skills, making capital improvements, fundraising for the most needy families scholarship fund, and trying to figure out some alternative income generating activity for the school. He was a joy to work with and I will miss him greatly. While we can only rejoice for him that he has joined our Father King, we will carry the burden of his absence for years to come. They say a man never stands so tall as when he bends a knee to help a child. Peter was always standing tall.

He is survived by his lovely wife Ester and their three children Susan, Peter, and Cynthia, as well as a large extended family, 300 plus students and teachers, along with two faith communities--St Charles Lwanga and his home Parish in Tororo.

Laura

final final day

I forgot to mention a mystery which I will first give you,drawing it out as long as I can then when you can't stand it anymore and are fearful you will have horrible dreams about it as well as cursing me and threatening to kill me I will give you the answer. So this is the way it begins: the first day I have breakfast--no mystery yet we all have breakfasts or at least we should--when suddenly the roof begins to echo and re-echo with a loud noise. It is as if someone is bowling on the roof. Several times the loud booming is repeated. On the second day-notice how I am prolonging the mystery-the bowling continues. Now Judy is caught up in the mystery as no doubt you are as well. Could large coconuts be falling on the roof and if they are could they someday fall on our heads? But there are no coconut trees near by. Now,like you, we are becoming desperate. What is the source of the loud noise? Could there really be somebody bowling up there? Then Judy comes up with a bright idea. let us ask someone. Can you now guess the answer? Can you? Can you? No you can't. Tiny beans dropping down on our metal. andc you thought it was somone bowling. Bob

Sadness and Joy

Our last day. It was less strenuous this year because we worked 8-12:30 only and did notn come back 4 times a week for the Peace and Justice club. So, less tired. I will miss these kids dreadfully. I feel Iv gotten to know then very well in this little time. We had a small party for the kids,who sit in rapt silence, as goodies are distributed.Almost painful to watch, as we know why.They are hungry. We also brought in small treats for the teacher recess. So ,make what you will of this: I did NOT attend a meeting of the Young Socialist Club, headed by Nyka G., because I represent the literacy project, and in a sense L.O.V.E.I wanted badly to go. They meet Sundays at 6:30. We were there, nodded, and left as G and friends came in.. Then, today, there were many prayers, thanking the 2 teachas from Canada , when , on an impiulse I taught the 45 assemled children and 2 teachers " ,Baruch atta Adonai, Elohainu Malech Ha Olam, ha Motzi lechem min ha arets" Joyce says she will review this prayer with them... We have seen big changes in the children. Mutebe Julius is now very controllable and learning! Charles is speedy. Asaba learns. Shamim is smart. Teddy is stolid and curious. I hope the videos that James took come out! Goodbye wond a ful St. Hentry's and TNP! Tomorrow we will pack and then go to enjoy the pool at La Forest,nearby. Sunday, off to Zanzibar , a film festival, and beaches. TNP is a WONDERFUL project.!! Support us! J

The final day

After we met the children for the last time both of us felt very sad. Such nice kids. So very cute. We had two parties: one for the teachers,one for the students Our students,and the other students from the kindergarden Our students got cereal,popcorn,dried dates so did the other students. Images of Uganda: hardworking people(passing by restaurant door before seven A.M bound for work,the woman at the hotel hard at work on the restaurant floor at 6:30 A.M.).; People of Kampala not standing for any wrong. They will beat-up those they feel have done wrong from thievery to murder(Hannah who lives here has seen mobs attack thieves,has been told of drivers of motorcycles,cars fleeing accidents because they are fearful of the vengeance of mobs.) Nice people,friendly,polite. Now its off to Zanzibar. See you people soon.

Bob

Almost Over!!!

If you stood motionless, even on a quiet road, within 3 hours your clothes and body would be covered with red dust.If you are careful, you are never truly clean, as after a shower you put on deet, to add a step against Malaria. Molly, at school, got Malaria. So did a doctor friend of Roz Labow's.... We are careful: bottled water,only cooked vegetables, and fruit one can peel.So far, so good. Tomorrow is our last day! Bob was upset today when the teacher left the children to their own devices while she and i tried to figure out words to a lovely Raffi song. The kids are taking exams! Imagine! We can use samples in our JGH nursery and kdg. I did 90% of the teaching today. It went well, and altogether Im very pleased at how our time has gone. I learned from the experience of the 2 previous volunteers, Ellen and Doreen. By the way, some In Need home kids, now sponsored, were CHEERING when they heard HOW AHD is coming next. TO ALL TEACHERS and OT s etc: for the experience of your life, work with us in Namuwongo! J

tid and bits

Whew, ya gotta live with it.ya gotta ....Its been one half hour and Ive gotten this far. Here are some tids and bits: is someone sponsoring Pamela? wHO? Next: Gaby , we used your lovely Bingo cards. We had to cover the number combinations past ten, and the new concept was very hard, but i do believe Joyce will continue with this!Later. I introduced the balance with concepts of heavier, lighter, equal....moved on to equalities with bottle caps. This is for Linda shecter...they were using YOUR parquetry designs, pegboards, blocks, saved from the garbage by our present kdg teacher who knew I could use ALL. And the children were loving every minute.It gives me the shivers. At supper( yoghurt, an apple, and 3 cookies) spoke with a young Belgian girl staying with an African family, disturbed by their display of wealth. For lunch, lest you consider us deprived, we shlep on the beautiful path, as described by Bob, but then eat at an Indian restaurant, giving us a break before the rest of the hill. Hearing of your weather, i am happy to be inIUganda,where it is a balmy 30 degrees.Bob is nervous. Dark approaching.Bonsoir tout le monde! J

Tests

After taking our walk to the school(one of the most beautiful walks I have ever taken:away from traffic and congesti0n. Red buildings,red roadway,relatively flat,few people,how peaceful,no fear of motorcyclists steering into you thinking you are a rock) we arrived at the school. We were then told that the students were to be given a test(Judy found the test as good as any she's seen in Canada). The result: I did not teach the students subtraction. I then wrote a memo to the teacher where I pointed out how one could use the counters for subtraction,multiplication,division. At the school I took videos of the children,their teacher,and Judy dancing(pretty graceful for her age which I will not mention only pointing out that she's no longer a spring chicken). Then we returned by the same path taking some more videos. And now here I am in a very talkative internet place trying to get out of here as fast as possible

our Adventure Continues

one high light was Gadafi' visit. He writes a not, thanking me , mummy, for helping him continue his education. Says he wants to be an engineer. Sister Milka also slips us a note. They want to be remembered to Jessica and Melanie.. The day in our classroom went smoothly. While teacha Bob cultivates advanced maths, Im counting bottle caps with the middles and bebbies.My lessons wnt well,.... because Joyce was in the room. Without her...? It is hot Power going out daily.The children continue continue to amaze me. Met with headmaster and found a way to cut our budget thus enabling us to add 5 more children. a primary school teacher earns about 1100$US yearly... Ti aad... a good ,but fairly intense day. I love the new path to school, and look forward to tomorrow.

Miracles

Well,after another power failure which left computers malfunctioning here I am again. We went to the school a new flatter quieter more beautiful route,a faster route as well Most of my students can really add now. Tomorrow we play counting Bingo and the day after I teach subtraction

Bob

Sunday

We were supposed to go to a pool, but its overcast, so we are moving slowly. We went to the Italian Supermarket. Bob got ice cream, and I, tea, with masala. Before continuing: the vicious rumour that Howard corrects my blogs IS A LIE!!! He corrects my SPELLING< only!!!Anyway, we met 2 people who had finished a stint in CONGO. He was there for 3 months, a logicien, from France, and she, a nurse from the midwest.They had been with Medecins Sans Frontier......wow.They are having de briefing in Geneva. Thats all for today. Bob will work on Moishe's math problem....

The Rest

Today we rested like God.i.e, if He is Jewish. After an exhausting Friday where my students,tired of doing addition began to trade the counters or simply take ones from others, we today took it easy,spending our time at an African art gallery where we bought a couple of paintings. How I love African art. In the morning we bought necklaces for Canadians, Well,Moish, I can only say that my students can probably add better than you. Lets see you add 5 million,seven hundred and fifty thousand,l nine hundred and sixty-seven, five trillion sixty-five billion,nine million seven hundred thousand twenty nine in five seconds. You still haven't gotten it? And I did not even give you one of the additions my students were able to work out. Suppose you now were asked to add five and one,what would be your answer? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh?

Bob

Kisugu

Saturday: no work. Bob went out, the intrepid explorer, to find a more direct, shorter route to the school. He did!!!Just after he returned, triumphant, Sophia came with about 100 necklaces. I picked 60. Unfortunately, there were only smaller ones in red. Not really small, but not huge!!!After transacting business, we went to an art gallery in town, where I helped the artistic community by buying two pieces... one ,a gift, the other for me. We came back via Kisugu. You want to close your eyes, and pretend not to see ,because if you see, you weep. Judy

We had an easy day! Friday is "fre activity", and wow, when the 2 classes got together,did they ever sing and dance!!! We also met Godfrey, who we have sponsored since 2005. H is doing very He remembers Jessica and Melanie. According to his teacha he is a strong student

Doreen , another child we sponsor,is having trouble with Math. The power went out for a couple of hours,but we were back at the Kenrock, and didnt mind. Doreen and Ellen, the 2 kids that "graduated" are Yasin and Christine. There s a new baby , Teddy. We thought she was a boy. But she is a squat,chubby girl,3 years old, who watches bob and me with a discerning eye. Bob will write tomorroe. love, Judy

A Wonderful Day

I find it almost electrifying to watch and think of this tiny literacy program. As Bob mentioned, 2 kids left today, filled with pride. Susanna and Linda have sponsored, each one child. The ones who left are the brightest of the lot. It will not be an easy jump,but Joyce had equipped them well. Bob and I each did good work today. It was brilliant (if I say so myself) to arrive prepared with lessons, ready with the equipment, work sheets etc.We met with Peter to discuss finances, and were pleased We also met with James and Molly, who were last years mentors of the Peace Club. Molly has malaria,but was working nonetheless. James is special, and I like talking to him...Last evening we had dinner with George, the son of Sophia, who runs a coop, and provides us with beads. George is articulate,bright, incisive,and the head of a small Socialist club. We turned down the invitation to meet the group. as we are here representing LOVE and our Literacy project...After work we took a "hire" downtown, to Uganda Air to get our tickets to Zanzibar. Though this is not easy work, it is overwhelmingly exciting and gratifying. Small as it is,it is a powerful tool. Thank you to family, friends and our supporters...

Second Day The New Day

I found the old path and I feel renewed. It was further up the hill. I taught these kids how to add and most of them learned very fast. I feel very good. Then after teaching them(the older students) this we all danced and sang. We all felt good, Judy felt more than just good,she felt fantastic. Two students are going to regular school because they are sponsored. And two new ones are coming. What more do we need to make our day? Huh. Watching these students. Seeing the joy on their faces,the intensity of their interest,their hands rising, as their emotions rise,their hands like the flickering of a fire.... Can you not almost feel the heat? And where once there was only an icy coldness, now a fire,a real fire, And now two new students are coming...

Bob

The First Real Day

Well after flying 24 hours and trying to recover we had our first real day in Africa(somehow things seem to have altered ever so slightly. I got lost my first day. Why? ) But Africa still seems to draw me. The red roadways with the even more red "sidewalks", the houses hiding behind the walls. The slow walkers on the roadways, on all roadways oblivious to those North American rabbits racing or trying to race. Why do I so love this place? But above all those wonderful children and their wonderful teacher Joyce who are waiting for me as I finally find my way now on a relatively flat roadway(where is the Mt. Everest I used to climb) toward the school. Those kids so thrilled with the desire to learn,ready it seems to pounce on all information that comes their way. Now they sit caught up in working out their puzzles,e.g. what letter comes after c. Now they are trying to do Miss Mary Mack. I don't know what to smile more about: watching the the children laughing,smiling or seeing Judy,Joyce trying to remember --sometimes they forget--which hand to hit Tomorrow. I teach the older children how to add. I will be in further touch

first day!

It was a homecoming! With the addition of 2 tables....heaven. There were 2 groups :upper and middle, with little Teddy, a girl in lower. She is tiny. We enjoyed Joyce, the new teacher. When we went to the P1 class for porridge,the teacher wondered if Doreen and I were sisters. All the teachers were thrilled at the photos, as were the children.The kids and Joyce were eager to show off the song Ellen had taught them. It was a great first day. We basically observed. I began teaching Miss Mary Mack,and introduced the clapping that goes along. That was a hit, and will be continued. Tomorrow we will work on maths. It was far less stressful this year. We knew where we were going, the layout etc. (It will be easier for Doreen and Ellen next time!)Some of the kids we knew from last year.But seeing the In Need Home kids from 2006,now growing, and in regular class because of sponsorship... that brings tears to my eyes. The climb up the hill back, after classes, was interminable... More tomorrow J

Please dont consider this a blog. Bob will blog tomorrow... We arrived safely. Andrew was there to meet us at Entebbe, as planned.It is all very familiar....today we walked briefly down Tank Hill Rd., and saw a sign for the Diplomat....and then, Le Foret. Any comment, D or E. ?Went to the Chinese restaurant we love for eggplant yui sing.We start at school tomorrow, and are all set with lesson plans! Will I be able to handle a small group of 5? Dont be sure.I feel good to be back here. Howard,the PHONE DID NOT UNLOCK!. Had to buy new phone

Almost 1 p m. Our plane leaves around 9:30. The next time I sit at a computer, I will be in a very different world.The internet cafe will be buzzing, and I will be upset because I cant get to where I want to be,and Bob will tell me to slow down and breathe. I find it hard to do that...there is
so much I want to accomplish while there. My main goal is to review and discuss the budget so that the coming year will go smoothly. We have material for our classroom, and are armed with lesson plans.I have been lucky enough to find 3 new sponsors,and hope Peter Okoth will help match the sponsor with the child. Of course Im anxious to meet the children Ellen and Doreen have been raving about!!When I consider all this, I continue to be amazed that the project is doing such good work. Yes, its a drop in the bucket, but so many people have added drops,we may need another bucket. Wish us a safe trip. Keep us in your thoughts. Judy

Butterflies

Bob and I are leaving Montreal next week, arriving in Entebbe and then travelling by "hire" to Kampala. We're hoping that Andrew, who was a wonderful help to Ellen and Doreen, will pick us up at the airport. We'll be staying at the Kenrock. It's our fourth time in Uganda. I should be blase(this computer has no accents, so please add your own!), but Im not! I have the proverbial butterflies in my belly....Please read our blogs and add your comments! Believe me, it brings us great pleasure when we're in the crowded,hot ,internet cafes, when the computer suddenly breaks down, after a long day, to hear from you all!Despite the butterflies I look forward to meeting Joyce and the children, most of whom are new to me. Judy