Day 9 – the first of the schools visits

We thought we were getting accustomed to the heat in Uganda, but the humidity and intense heat really hit a number of us today – perhaps something to do with the day off yesterday – but doubtful!  After morning devotions and breakfast, we met in the garden to sort gift bags out for distribution to the new UGANDAID students on Friday, while 6 of us prepared to visit St Moses Day and Boarding School opposite NVI, which is twinning with Chudleigh CofE Primary School in Devon.  This is the start of 3 days teaching in schools that I have been most looking forward to…

Upon arrival, we were ushered towards the three nursery classes, who treated us to songs and dancing, before we gave out some teddies to the children and resources for the classes.  Leaving temporarily, ten of us returned in the afternoon for a school assembly, afterwards dispersing into classrooms to teach and observe lessons.  We taught letter writing to the eldest classes, and while we were prepared for a very low level of interaction, we were delighted with their participation, enthusiasm and overall comprehension and engagement, despite the initial reluctance amongst the older boys to get stuck into writing – some things are no different to the UK!  Some of us were spoilt (and in some classes the children were spoilt!) with some singing and dancing too.  We have some really interesting letters to bring back to Chudleigh, which will hopefully be the start of a fantastic reciprocal friendship between the two schools. 

Before we returned to the hotel, David had a meeting with Principle Edison from NVI to set up a link with Teign School in Devon. He was very enthusiastic about the possibilities that could come from the partnership and we look forward to hearing about how it develops in the future.   

As I sit here writing on the hotel balcony before dinner, the sweet sound of the first choir practice is rising from the garden below – NVI are in for a treat at next Sunday’s Service!