Day 5

Emotional Roller Coaster: Karen

Today [Friday] I woke feeling very home sick, missing family and Hubby and feeling very fragile. I knew it was going to be a wobbly day for me.

 We arrived at NVI with 2 classrooms well under way and nearing completion, and today we welcomed a team from RSK, an international Engineering and Environmental Consultancy company from Kampala wanting to join in our venture [some of our team work for RSK].

This was a tadge challenging as we added another 14 helpers into the class rooms  covered in wet paint, but it all went amazingly well. They all mucked in, moods aided by them singing their lovely gospel songs as they worked - we all had a great time working together, releasing some of the team to spend time with their students and have a good catch up, including the student sponsored by RSK.

One student, Ronald, came to chat to the team, and said “ Thank you so much Ugandaid for all the support I have received. Without you I would not have a chance in life. You have given me an education and a career path I could only dream of. I am forever grateful to you all, as is my family “

Well I was welling up before he had even finished and was tearful all day. 

If you have ever considered joining this wonderful team, I would encourage you to take the opportunity.

Musician George Adams said “We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make up of our character and our thoughts, as well as our success.

Uganda is beautiful  and the people so friendly, caring and happy. I have certainly received more than I have given and will leave here more blessed than I could ever imagine.

The team have welcomed me in and I feel part of this amazing group since day 1.

Schools Recce: David, Dylan, Geoff and Phil

Four if us had the privilege of undertaking flying visits to some primary schools today. The purpose was to scope out fuller sessions which will involve more members of the 2020 team next week.  These were unannounced drop-ins but at each school we were made to feel incredibly welcome, even when we arrived a sweaty mess having walked up a steep dirt track after abandoning the vehicle! The children and staff greeted us with big smiles, handshakes, hugs, and even an impromptu whole school rendition of the National Anthem. The Headteachers willingly gave their time to talk about their schools and the possible format for the visits . 

It is humbling how little these schools have in terms of facilities and resources compared to schools in the UK. However the children are incredibly motivated and respectful learners who value their education and educators. It was an honor to spend just a little bit of time with them today and we are looking forward to extended sessions at each school next week.