After 7 days here, several emails from Internet cafes, getting Denise to make phone calls from the UK to Vodafone. After several major power cuts, I finally have a 3G connection. I am writing this with a serenade from 40 cockerels telling the whole of Upper Congi that the sun is rising. Now at 7 o'clock it has been 'noisy' for 3 hours and I can no longer pretend that I am asleep. Today I am coming home. Whoopee. It has been a very different trip, useful and informative. Peter can't help but remark on the enormity of the task we have ahead.
Although it is an adventure every time we visit, I need to keep reminding myself that if we can make a difference for just 1 of these children then it will really have been worthwhile. We have to remind ourselves of our adopted Ugandan mantra 'mpola mpola' - slowly by slowly. We will not change a culture and may be completely anonymous to 28 million Ugandans but for one child in the middle of Africa who has been dealt a difficult past and an uncertain and hopeless future we have given an opportunity to make something of their life. Today we will not get to our land as Spau's transport needed a new clutch and using a taxi bus or boda boda will not be possible over such a distance. So today we will relax and prepare for our overnight flight to Heathrow. I am really looking forward to Sunday at home before picking up the usual daily routine on Monday. Thank you for your interest, and please continue to support our work if you possibly can. Rob and Peter
Friday, 17 February 2012
Friday day 6
As you now know the Internet and electricity is extremely suspect here in Uganda. In the last 3 days during waking hours we have only had electricity for some 4 hours. To connect a phone (where these reports have been stored)to the Internet has been nigh on impossible. Today after a 2 mile walk (because we burnt out the clutch on a Toyota Hilux) I eventually found the Joka Internet cafe. Whoopee. This morning we went to the local fishing village to buy some fresh Tilapia (now my favourite fish) for tea. And then we visited a project of SPAU's where the women in a slum at ggaba have been trained in making crafts. They are making some beautiful products. I wanted to buy the lot but of course I would never able to transport them and in the long run it will not help these women. What they need is some help with a stall / shop and some marketing expertise. We were truly humbled. The human spirit is amazing and an inspiration as we watched these women rising up to take hold of such a bleak existence and striving for a better life against all the odds. It was a treat to hand out sweets to the children and to see their faces light up from such a simple gesture. Some women came from other places to receive a starburst or 2 for their child. In this place where people have nothing, a starburst draws a crowd. A village is touched by a sweet that we might take for granted. As the car is unusable we are changing our plans again and preparing for our trip home tomorrow. Now that I have found this outlet I may be able to post tomorrow otherwise I shall sum up at home. I am hoping that we will be able to travel to possibilities land again tomorrow to plot the access road and take some final details before our flight overnight Saturday / Sunday night.
Thursday day 5
Well, what a day. I'm afraid still no electricity and therefore no Internet. This morning on our way to Bombo we stopped at the Sheraton 5*. It was our intention to use the WiFi that must be available in its foyer / lounge cafe. All international class hotels would offer such a service, right?
Not the Sheraton. Their wifi is only for residents.
I said "please? I want to pay you to use your wifi".
They said "no"
I then asked if I could use their business suite.
You got it. "only for residents".
After we speedily drank our expensive mango juice - which they were happy to take our money for and seemed quite pleased to serve to non-residents we left and began our day. Honestly Uganda sometimes leaves me speechless :-)
We left Kampala and set off for Bombo. A town some 25 km from the city. We were visiting a school that the team had been involved in setting foundations for last summer. It looks fabulous and will be completed next week after the glass goes in and a coat of paint is applied to the interior. We were given the customary school tour and Peter greeted every class and acted like an inspector asking the right questions and checking out the children's work. In seconds he had the children and their teachers eating from his hand; a true professional. Great to see him at work again. My children, all taught by Pete would describe him as 'a legend' and today he showed his years of addressing teachers and children is a skill not easily lost. It was a treat to watch - marvellous. We left the school and set off to see at first hand some of SPAU's projects. I have been here 6 or 7 times now and each time I come it never fails to stagger me and move me to a tear. Today we met some lovely genuine people who have fallen on hard times but have finally been given a chance. Uganda is full of people with no hope and no chance of getting themselves free of their poverty trap. SPAU works with single parents who have fallen into the deepest hole. It tries to give them a way out. It is a situation that most of us - european/westerners cannot comprehend.
I met 1 lady today who was sat outside her house (a mud hut), deep in the forest. The house was of the most basic construction. Mud walls and a grass roof without windows. Basically just some protection for when they slept and from the rains when they arrive. She was sat with her neighbour (a very elderly woman probably 65 years old although it is difficult to tell) and her 3 children all under 4. It was 35 degrees. The children were undressed. It was too hot to be inside the house, in fact too hot to do anything. 5 months ago the young woman was given 30 chicks by Spau. The idea of the project is that she will rear the chicks and additionally she will be helped by being given 50% of the feed. Then she is required to give back to spau a tray of eggs that they can then hatch and pass on to another. Her chicks grew and only 7 were hens so she sold the others to feed her family and to pay for feed for the hens. We sat and talked with her for a brief while and she was so honoured by our presence (we were in awe of her) that she started to run away to bring something for us. I managed to get a translation for her actions and was told that she was going to get some eggs for Peter and myself as a gift. This young woman has literally nothing in the world and yet still is probably the most generous person I have ever met in my entire life.
The cost of 30 chicks in this culture is only £12 she would never in her lifetime be able to save or raise £12 Yet she wants to give from her poverty to a complete stranger who obviously had far more money than she could ever dream of.
Today we met some of Uganda's most poor, least educated people and were taught deeper lessons than any school or programme ever could.
Not the Sheraton. Their wifi is only for residents.
I said "please? I want to pay you to use your wifi".
They said "no"
I then asked if I could use their business suite.
You got it. "only for residents".
After we speedily drank our expensive mango juice - which they were happy to take our money for and seemed quite pleased to serve to non-residents we left and began our day. Honestly Uganda sometimes leaves me speechless :-)
We left Kampala and set off for Bombo. A town some 25 km from the city. We were visiting a school that the team had been involved in setting foundations for last summer. It looks fabulous and will be completed next week after the glass goes in and a coat of paint is applied to the interior. We were given the customary school tour and Peter greeted every class and acted like an inspector asking the right questions and checking out the children's work. In seconds he had the children and their teachers eating from his hand; a true professional. Great to see him at work again. My children, all taught by Pete would describe him as 'a legend' and today he showed his years of addressing teachers and children is a skill not easily lost. It was a treat to watch - marvellous. We left the school and set off to see at first hand some of SPAU's projects. I have been here 6 or 7 times now and each time I come it never fails to stagger me and move me to a tear. Today we met some lovely genuine people who have fallen on hard times but have finally been given a chance. Uganda is full of people with no hope and no chance of getting themselves free of their poverty trap. SPAU works with single parents who have fallen into the deepest hole. It tries to give them a way out. It is a situation that most of us - european/westerners cannot comprehend.
I met 1 lady today who was sat outside her house (a mud hut), deep in the forest. The house was of the most basic construction. Mud walls and a grass roof without windows. Basically just some protection for when they slept and from the rains when they arrive. She was sat with her neighbour (a very elderly woman probably 65 years old although it is difficult to tell) and her 3 children all under 4. It was 35 degrees. The children were undressed. It was too hot to be inside the house, in fact too hot to do anything. 5 months ago the young woman was given 30 chicks by Spau. The idea of the project is that she will rear the chicks and additionally she will be helped by being given 50% of the feed. Then she is required to give back to spau a tray of eggs that they can then hatch and pass on to another. Her chicks grew and only 7 were hens so she sold the others to feed her family and to pay for feed for the hens. We sat and talked with her for a brief while and she was so honoured by our presence (we were in awe of her) that she started to run away to bring something for us. I managed to get a translation for her actions and was told that she was going to get some eggs for Peter and myself as a gift. This young woman has literally nothing in the world and yet still is probably the most generous person I have ever met in my entire life.
The cost of 30 chicks in this culture is only £12 she would never in her lifetime be able to save or raise £12 Yet she wants to give from her poverty to a complete stranger who obviously had far more money than she could ever dream of.
Today we met some of Uganda's most poor, least educated people and were taught deeper lessons than any school or programme ever could.
Wednesday day 4
Wretched Vodafone still no UK phone and therefore still no connection. Still no internet. When you eventually read this it may be out of date but I hope at least still relevant. Tomorrow we plan to visit the Kampala Sheraton to buy Paul a drink and use their wifi - one place I am confident we will get a connection.
Today we awoke to the children cleaning the house from 5:30 (all floors and outside areas) before they set off for school at 6:30. Whilst Peter's snoring seemed to have subsided (I rather suspect that he actually didn't sleep too much himself last night) we were kept from sleeping by a new experience. We stayed with the Bula Children's Home and found ourselves serenaded by the home's 3 guard dogs all night. They seemed to be trying to outdo each other in an attempt to be tuneful and at times, I am convinced, they were trying to harmonise. It seemed at stages as if all the neighbourhood dogs had been enlisted also in an attempt to sing us to sleep.
Anyhow back to today. We began the day with black tea for breakfast and after an industrious meeting with the directors of the home set off to the goat village. This we did with some trepidation. The project has not been going too well and we had heard some worrying reports. After a 1 and 1/2 hour journey we arrived to find the place deserted except for two women who were tending to the goats. This seemed too perfect and we quickly discovered several areas where the goats were not being kept properly. Soon enough Mark - the goat herder -turned up in a drunken state. Oh the joy. I called a village meeting to discuss the project where I voiced my concerns and emphasised our commitment to the village this was met with relief from the village folk and a vitriol from Mark. Oh the joy. After lengthy African heated discussions it was decided that we had to move the project on in some way and therefore unfortunately that we had to let Mark go. Oh the joy. This feels very much like taking 2 tumbles backwards to take one tiny step forward. Isn't it true in life that any thing worth having is worth fighting for? Things that come cheaply aren't usually worth having and things that seem too good to be true usually are. This is frustrating but if we can make it work it will be a huge bonus and extremely worthwhile project in many aspects. I am committed to seeing this goat project through and am determined to make a success of it. On a positive note, the 'Facebook' Billy has fathered 2 kids and has 1 on the way. He also seems to have trained his adversary (or shown him what to do) and we now have 2 vibrant billies fighting over the lady goats. Look out girls. On our journey's return to Kampala we ate roasted bananas (gonja) and tiny sweet bananas (menvu) and drank bottled water for some lunch. We returned to Paul and Juliet's house where we will stay until we return to the UK on Saturday. We bathed with a 'cup of water bath' before a traditional meal of matooke, Irish potato, sweet potato, chicken broth and salad. Then to bed.
Today we awoke to the children cleaning the house from 5:30 (all floors and outside areas) before they set off for school at 6:30. Whilst Peter's snoring seemed to have subsided (I rather suspect that he actually didn't sleep too much himself last night) we were kept from sleeping by a new experience. We stayed with the Bula Children's Home and found ourselves serenaded by the home's 3 guard dogs all night. They seemed to be trying to outdo each other in an attempt to be tuneful and at times, I am convinced, they were trying to harmonise. It seemed at stages as if all the neighbourhood dogs had been enlisted also in an attempt to sing us to sleep.
Anyhow back to today. We began the day with black tea for breakfast and after an industrious meeting with the directors of the home set off to the goat village. This we did with some trepidation. The project has not been going too well and we had heard some worrying reports. After a 1 and 1/2 hour journey we arrived to find the place deserted except for two women who were tending to the goats. This seemed too perfect and we quickly discovered several areas where the goats were not being kept properly. Soon enough Mark - the goat herder -turned up in a drunken state. Oh the joy. I called a village meeting to discuss the project where I voiced my concerns and emphasised our commitment to the village this was met with relief from the village folk and a vitriol from Mark. Oh the joy. After lengthy African heated discussions it was decided that we had to move the project on in some way and therefore unfortunately that we had to let Mark go. Oh the joy. This feels very much like taking 2 tumbles backwards to take one tiny step forward. Isn't it true in life that any thing worth having is worth fighting for? Things that come cheaply aren't usually worth having and things that seem too good to be true usually are. This is frustrating but if we can make it work it will be a huge bonus and extremely worthwhile project in many aspects. I am committed to seeing this goat project through and am determined to make a success of it. On a positive note, the 'Facebook' Billy has fathered 2 kids and has 1 on the way. He also seems to have trained his adversary (or shown him what to do) and we now have 2 vibrant billies fighting over the lady goats. Look out girls. On our journey's return to Kampala we ate roasted bananas (gonja) and tiny sweet bananas (menvu) and drank bottled water for some lunch. We returned to Paul and Juliet's house where we will stay until we return to the UK on Saturday. We bathed with a 'cup of water bath' before a traditional meal of matooke, Irish potato, sweet potato, chicken broth and salad. Then to bed.
Tuesday day 3
Today was a mix of many emotions. We visited the land that possibilities bought towards the end of last year. Had a frank discussion about the goat project and spent time with the children from Bula children's home. As has always been our worry with trying to manage a project like this at distance, it seems that too many strong characters have clashed over the goat project and the goats have been neglected. The goats are not as healthy or as many as we had hoped or expected. Tomorrow we will visit the project for ourselves and hold some meetings with stakeholders and clearly restate the purpose and expectancy for this project.
The land is superb. It lies on a gentle slope and is rectangular. The upper part is quite stony and the lower very fertile as it falls away eventually through other plots to marshland in the valley. This is perfect for our needs as we want to build at the top and cultivate the lower portion of the plot. This evening we helped the children with their homework without any electricity to solar powered camping lamps. Such a joy to be able to spend so much quality time with them. They were all sitting wearing their woolly hats that had been donated before the trip. It is 28 degrees and the children want to wear their woolly hats. There is still no power in the house and I cannot possibly send this today so you may get a double portion tomorrow.
The land is superb. It lies on a gentle slope and is rectangular. The upper part is quite stony and the lower very fertile as it falls away eventually through other plots to marshland in the valley. This is perfect for our needs as we want to build at the top and cultivate the lower portion of the plot. This evening we helped the children with their homework without any electricity to solar powered camping lamps. Such a joy to be able to spend so much quality time with them. They were all sitting wearing their woolly hats that had been donated before the trip. It is 28 degrees and the children want to wear their woolly hats. There is still no power in the house and I cannot possibly send this today so you may get a double portion tomorrow.
Monday, 13 February 2012
Monday day 2
After last night's gentle supping of the world's best beer - Nile Special. We retired to our beds fully expecting to drop off immediately. Great plans don't always work out as expected. African drums in the distance, calypso rhythms from a local hostelry and crickets buzzing all had some say in the fact that I didn't sleep until probably 4 am. I don't know how Peter does it but he drops off almost immediately. Oh I did forget .... other contributory factors in my sleeplessness were the heat - It is so hot, and Peter's snore ;-) . We woke at 9:00. After a very welcome cup of English tea and toast we set off for Bula Children's Home on the other side of Kampala. A journey that will forever be etched in Pete's memory as we raced through the congested streets dodging every traffic hotspot on the back of the boda bodas (motorcycle taxis).
We talked at Bula, fixed a computer and gave advice where required. The children who were all at school today seem to be doing really well at school. I am so proud of what they accomplish given there situation and their lot in life. These are some of the most well rounded delightful children that I have ever met. After Peter gained us entry to Barclays bank (after the bank had closed for business) by flashing the muzungu's (whiteman's) Barclaycard to the security guard, we paid the rent money from Canada - thanks Heather - into the Bula bank account and are now ready to finalise the rent here for another year. This opens up many difficulties that we have to overcome. We need to start building relatively soon - with no money - so that we don't have to pay rent next year. Fundraising, fundraising, fundraising. The rent will be paid for this year this week, but we are still short of £150 can anyone help?
We went for a coffee at a local bar and were told we could have any coffee we wanted and it could be called whatever we liked. I suspect that they only have 1 coffee and if will be called what you want it to be called. We put the world to rights over an English coffee and set off back to red chilli on the bodas through the thickest traffic jam ever. Fortunately the drivers know how to dodge every obstruction in their way. Scary but such fun. We have had to try the Nile Special again to see if they are preserving the standards. Its still good. Today it rained in Kampala. The first time since December. We are convinced it is the Englishman's curse, but whatever? it means that it is a little cooler tonight. Night night. Here's hoping;-)
We talked at Bula, fixed a computer and gave advice where required. The children who were all at school today seem to be doing really well at school. I am so proud of what they accomplish given there situation and their lot in life. These are some of the most well rounded delightful children that I have ever met. After Peter gained us entry to Barclays bank (after the bank had closed for business) by flashing the muzungu's (whiteman's) Barclaycard to the security guard, we paid the rent money from Canada - thanks Heather - into the Bula bank account and are now ready to finalise the rent here for another year. This opens up many difficulties that we have to overcome. We need to start building relatively soon - with no money - so that we don't have to pay rent next year. Fundraising, fundraising, fundraising. The rent will be paid for this year this week, but we are still short of £150 can anyone help?
We went for a coffee at a local bar and were told we could have any coffee we wanted and it could be called whatever we liked. I suspect that they only have 1 coffee and if will be called what you want it to be called. We put the world to rights over an English coffee and set off back to red chilli on the bodas through the thickest traffic jam ever. Fortunately the drivers know how to dodge every obstruction in their way. Scary but such fun. We have had to try the Nile Special again to see if they are preserving the standards. Its still good. Today it rained in Kampala. The first time since December. We are convinced it is the Englishman's curse, but whatever? it means that it is a little cooler tonight. Night night. Here's hoping;-)
Sunday, 12 February 2012
Day 1 Sunday
The journey was long and I couldn't get to grips with the films so watched grand designs. I know 'what a saddo?' but even that is better than an empty screen for 8 hours. It was about a polish couple that sunk everything into their dream home in northumberland. When up against it they still pushed on. Inspirational. Today after a suspect?? sleep Pete and I ventured across the hill to benedicta's house. A 2 mile walk and a stop at a cupboard shop for some airtime got us there at about 11 o clock. The children as ever are delightful. To those that know this 'family' they all send their love. I had to deal with several issues and speak into child discipline, schooling etc. we sat outside for lunch. Peter was given a chicken which was then throated and then we ate chapatti and bbq chicken with greens and gravy with some of bennies new venture passion fruit cordial - excellent. John (my friend at red chilli) tells me that today hit 35 degrees. A bit different to the -5 that needham market has been the last week. I did remember the sun tan lotion and am just glowing warmly and not roasted. As with every trip here I have had to change the itinerary already. Tuesday is now Monday and Wednesday Is Tuesday etc. Apart from the untold delight on a child's beautiful face when they are given a new toothbrush there is not much to remark about today. Isn't it the simple things in life that count for so much?
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