16/2/2024 - Ugandaid class 2026/7

Today, Friday, was all about our Ugandaid sponsored students.

This morning we put together gift bags for the new in take of 36 students. Each bag contained a variety of items including a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, notebook, pens, pencils, flannel, sewing kit, and a wooden heart with their name on.

Apart from the gift bags, each student would receive either a metal trunk, in which they could safely store their possessions, or if they already had a trunk, they would receive a thermos flask together with a plastic mug and a box of teabags.

In the afternoon we went over to NVI where the students gathered on the grass near the Mango tree. They watched as we set up tables to hold the gift bags, and the flasks, mugs and tea bags. The large metal trunks were stacked up on the grass.

Each student was called by name and had their photograph taken. Ably assisted by Isaac, they were then directed to either collect a metal trunk  or a flask, a mug and teabags.

They were then directed to another table containing a collection of stencils, paints and stickers, which the students had never seen before.  It was wonderful to watch the young people discover the joy of receiving a gift, and having the tools to personalise it. The metal boxes and flasks were carefully transformed into works of art.

Finally, each student received their gift bag. The smiles on their faces as they looked into the bags were a joy to see. These gifts were the first most of the young people had ever received.

After a welcome cup tea, soda and snacks organised by the catering students, we went into the large hall to have a singing practice in preparation for us leading the Sunday service.

It was heartwarming to see some of the second year students, including James and  Brian, teaching a dance routine to some of our team, and then dancing while we sang the songs along with some of the other students.

The friendships formed between our team and the students have definitely deepened over the time we have spent at NVI. A group of the students has written a song of appreciation for Ugandaid, and will sing it during the Sunday service.

All in all it was a day enjoyed by everyone, a day full of love, joy, wonderment, and lasting friendship.