Been in Africa for 4 days and am absolutely loving it so far. Hardly know where to start...
As I think I wrote a little while ago I am working for a charity called CALM Africa. They have a number of projects in Uganda and so far I have been helping out at one of their Schools called The Jolly Mercy Learning Centre, they educate children from about 2.5 to teens. The children are adorable and love us muzungu's they love to touch your skin, hair, earrings, watch and are fascinated with the freckles I have on my arms - they just don't get it. They love to talk to you and the little ones love to sit on your lap and stroke your skin, in church (yes they have a service every lunch time in a ramshackle - but newly built building) today a little chap of about 3 fell asleep on my lap - so cute.
Its a private school - which is quite normal in Uganda - the public school system is very over subscribed with apparently an average of 80 - 100 students per class - with only 1 teacher - can't believe they actually learn anything. Anyway this school has 3 levels of students those from well off families who pay 50 pounds (UK) per term - average families pay 25 pounds per term and vulnerable kids pay nothing - these kids are identified through the charities outreach programme, for example a 15 year old girl started today, she has been working as a prostitute in Kampala for the last 2 years (shocking) she was identified through the programme and will have her fees paid for by the charity / sponsors, I felt pretty choked up I have to say, such a young sweet girl. I am going out on the outreach programme next week where you visit vulnerable children and their families - lots of Aids victims etc, Am going to sponsor a child but need to pick just one, when really I will want to sponsor the whole lot. Its pretty mind blowing stuff I can tell you!!
Anyway accommodation wise, its pretty basic - am sure some of you would think it pretty dire - no running water and electricity that only works for about 30 mins at a time, but it is alot better than I thought it may be!
 |
| The Volunteer House |
 |
| My room |
 |
| The Kitchen |
 |
| Hey Muzungu! |
 |
| Lunch anyone? |
 |
| Health & Safety Unganda Style! |
Suffice to say, I am just delighted that I have chosen to volunteer here, the staff and children are probably some of the most welcoming and hospitable people I have ever met.
Anyway, better dash now, not particularly safe when it gets dark round here which it will do shortly so better get off.
Bye for now.
No comments:
Post a Comment