This morning we went with Lee to one of her very remote village projects. She wanted to show it to me to see if I was interested in giving some money to the project. The village was so remote, it was an hour mutatu ride and a 30 minute bodo bodo ride. Great fun to find the place, but very far out. The people on the main road were excited to see so many white people passing on motorcycles.
Once we arrived the schools director took us for a tour. At present they are renting a small house and using it for 4 classrooms. The other classes are taught outside under trees in a temporary structure. There are 300 kids there and they have nothing. The project really needs to be built from the ground up.
When I asked the director what the biggest need was he told me that they need permanent structure and some more land. They have also started a latrine but need money to finish it. To buy the land is inexpensive but to build the school is very expensive. The cost of everything here in Uganda has doubled in the past year and a half. They told me to finish the latrine was 70 000 shillings so I gave them the money on the spot, but when I handed it over they guy looked at me funny. Apparently we had a miscommunication and the latrine would actually cost 700 000 shillings to finish. I didn’t have the money on me but am ok with giving it to them later. I don’t think I will invest in the project because there is far too much to do and they don’t seem to be the most organized people.
We also stopped at an orphanage school on the way back, which Lee also runs, but the director wasn’t there. When we arrived I was so excited to see that the kids were wearing bright yellow Tim Horton’s uniforms. On the back they had numbers and the name Timbits across. Apparently another Canadian volunteer brought them, but it was great to see them all wearing them. We did a quick tour, took some photos and went to find our way back to Mukono.
Because we were deep village we were at the mercy of passing by boda boda’s to pick us up. Luckily there was a truck passing by who offered us a ride. Two got in the front and Sarah and I stood in the back of the pick up. As we drove down the road people were coming out of their homes to wave at the passing white people in the back of the truck. We were definitely the superstars of the village that day.
This afternoon Coline and I went back to Nalusse to finish painting the masks. It took another 3 hours to finish them and we were sweating the whole time, but it was nice to see the kids happy with the outcome. As with last time, they really enjoyed the feathers and wanted to put a ton of them on. The class was a lot more crazy than my last students so they got a bit out of hand. One of the kids threw his shoes on the roof and they had to lift a small kid up there to walk across the iron sheets to get it. I thought he was going to fall in on us. In the end I got some great photos of the masks and a good group shot of all the kids.
Off to do chimp trekking tomorrow and can’t wait to get out of Mukono and see more of this beautiful country.
Jenn
Friday, February 19, 2010
Skipping With The Kids
This morning Leslie took me and Sarah out to the PACE project. I was able to see the updates since I gave them the money last week. The school now has proper doors and windows and they are working on finishing the latrines. I gave them the school supplies they requested and they were so thankful.
We spent a bit of time there and played with the kids. There is even some video and me, Betty (the 68 year old director of the school), Leslie and Sarah jumping rope with the kids. We were all a bit rusty but we managed to jump a few times without it getting caught. The school also has a small piggery project so we watched and video taped the kids trying to catch the piglets. There was so much squealing, I felt bad for the little pigs, but the kids had a great time showing us them.
There were also 2 small girls who were sisters, one was 3 and the other was 5. I was told that they have lived a rough life, many deaths in the family and are now unsure of people. One girl is extra clingy and her older sister is over protective. The young one hung on to one of us the whole time. She held so tight and didn’t want to let go. When it was time to start school her older sister came over and collected her. Sad but so cute to see them cope with what life gave them.
Once we left Seeta Sarah and I went into Kampala to buy our passes for chimp trekking this weekend. We spent the afternoon running around Kampala and taking boda boda’s (motorcycle taxi’s) everywhere. For lunch we went to a muzungu restaurant and had proper food, I had the steak sandwich with cheese. Mmmmmmm cheese. My stomach was a bit upset afterwards but it was so worth it.
The ride home from Kampala took forever. What normally is a 1 hour drive took us over 2 hours. We were stuck in traffic and ended up taking a back way home. We arrived late but stayed up having great conversation with the other volunteers. Note: must investigate the “She Wee”. (photos to come)
Jenn
We spent a bit of time there and played with the kids. There is even some video and me, Betty (the 68 year old director of the school), Leslie and Sarah jumping rope with the kids. We were all a bit rusty but we managed to jump a few times without it getting caught. The school also has a small piggery project so we watched and video taped the kids trying to catch the piglets. There was so much squealing, I felt bad for the little pigs, but the kids had a great time showing us them.
There were also 2 small girls who were sisters, one was 3 and the other was 5. I was told that they have lived a rough life, many deaths in the family and are now unsure of people. One girl is extra clingy and her older sister is over protective. The young one hung on to one of us the whole time. She held so tight and didn’t want to let go. When it was time to start school her older sister came over and collected her. Sad but so cute to see them cope with what life gave them.
Once we left Seeta Sarah and I went into Kampala to buy our passes for chimp trekking this weekend. We spent the afternoon running around Kampala and taking boda boda’s (motorcycle taxi’s) everywhere. For lunch we went to a muzungu restaurant and had proper food, I had the steak sandwich with cheese. Mmmmmmm cheese. My stomach was a bit upset afterwards but it was so worth it.
The ride home from Kampala took forever. What normally is a 1 hour drive took us over 2 hours. We were stuck in traffic and ended up taking a back way home. We arrived late but stayed up having great conversation with the other volunteers. Note: must investigate the “She Wee”. (photos to come)
Jenn
Masks Day 1
Today Jimmy and I went to the Jim Education Center (the boarding school of the man I met yesterday). It is a modest school on a large piece of land. They have electricity and water on site but the school is not fancy by any means. We had a nice meeting with the director about the school and what they stand for. We also spoke about Jimmy’s treatment and who would ensure he goes to Kampala to get his ARV’s. They assured me that there are other students who are HIV positive and that they take them all for treatment. After discussing all the fees involved they took us for a tour of the school. The classrooms are bigger than Nalusse but a bit more disheveled. The boys dormitory is 1 large open room with just a few beds in it, very plain and a little scary because it is so open with nothing in it. I wasn’t sure what Jimmy was thinking so I told the director that the final decision was up to Jimmy.
When we left I asked him which school he would prefer to go to, Nalusse or this new boarding school. He said he would like to go to the boarding school. We were given a large list of things to buy for him to attend school. Things like a trunk with a lock to put his things in, a mattress, sheets, towels, brooms, soaps, dishes, hygienic things, and a hoe. Yes a hoe, the school believes in education, agriculture and religion. Funny to me but common here. When we started buying all the things are the grocery store Jimmy was all smiles. He had such a great time picking out the items he wanted. Especially the soap, he chose an apple smelling soap. I think he feel very proud that he new has all of these things that belong just to him.
In the afternoon Coline and I went to Nalusse to do the plaster masks for the P4 students. There were 32 of them and it took us over 3 hours to do them all. Thank goodness I had her there. It’s funny how this P4 class is so different from my old class. They seem younger, smaller and are more troublesome. Regardless, they had a good time.
It was overcast today so for once we got a break from the sweating, should be able to sleep well tonight.
Jenn
When we left I asked him which school he would prefer to go to, Nalusse or this new boarding school. He said he would like to go to the boarding school. We were given a large list of things to buy for him to attend school. Things like a trunk with a lock to put his things in, a mattress, sheets, towels, brooms, soaps, dishes, hygienic things, and a hoe. Yes a hoe, the school believes in education, agriculture and religion. Funny to me but common here. When we started buying all the things are the grocery store Jimmy was all smiles. He had such a great time picking out the items he wanted. Especially the soap, he chose an apple smelling soap. I think he feel very proud that he new has all of these things that belong just to him.
In the afternoon Coline and I went to Nalusse to do the plaster masks for the P4 students. There were 32 of them and it took us over 3 hours to do them all. Thank goodness I had her there. It’s funny how this P4 class is so different from my old class. They seem younger, smaller and are more troublesome. Regardless, they had a good time.
It was overcast today so for once we got a break from the sweating, should be able to sleep well tonight.
Jenn
Today I Met An Angel
Today I met an angel, his name is Josephus. When I told Esther (our house girl) that I had a problem with one of my students being HIV positive and that he was being beaten badly at home, she then told me that she knew someone that could help. She called her uncle who is also HIV positive and who runs a school and centre for children with HIV. When he heard about Jimmy’s story he immediately said he was on his way over. This man drove in from the village with a proper counselor to meet with Jimmy. I took him over to Nalusse and they have a private meeting just the 3 of them. Afterwards we discuss Jimmy, his situation, and a little about AIDS in general. This man truly is a saint. He tested positive for HIV in 1992 and is living very opening with it in a country that it is still taboo to discuss it. He is the local spokesperson in this entire district for HIV and AIDS and has helped many people. I arranged to come to his school tomorrow to check it out and see if it will work for Jimmy.
In the afternoon I went and bought a bunch of school supplies for a few schools I am visiting this week. I will be returning to the PACE project out in Seeta to see the new doors, windows and other changes we paid for last week. They are also in need of school supplies so I am bringing them a bunch as well.
There was a small glitch in the passport process today. We got the 3 LC leaders to stamp the passports and next was the mayor. Before he would sign there is a man who is supposed to check everything out and give a recommendation. Jessie took the kids to go see him and he to them to come back with their parents. He wanted to make sure that I wasn’t trying to steal these kids and that the parents were ok with them getting a passport. Jessie asked me to come back with all of them thinking that if a muzungu came the guy might be quicker about signing off. Jessie warned me that this guy was very rough and that he was ex military so I should be prepared. When we got there the man immediately asked Jessie why he was there because this was a matter between him and the parents. He also asked who I was and what I was doing there. When I explained that I was the person who invited the children to Canada he just told me to leave the room. The man was definitely scary. He had a chat with the parents and then told us to come back next Wednesday. Not sure why we have to wait a week, but I think he was just trying to show his power. So, we’ll see what happens next week.
That’s it for now.
Jenn
In the afternoon I went and bought a bunch of school supplies for a few schools I am visiting this week. I will be returning to the PACE project out in Seeta to see the new doors, windows and other changes we paid for last week. They are also in need of school supplies so I am bringing them a bunch as well.
There was a small glitch in the passport process today. We got the 3 LC leaders to stamp the passports and next was the mayor. Before he would sign there is a man who is supposed to check everything out and give a recommendation. Jessie took the kids to go see him and he to them to come back with their parents. He wanted to make sure that I wasn’t trying to steal these kids and that the parents were ok with them getting a passport. Jessie asked me to come back with all of them thinking that if a muzungu came the guy might be quicker about signing off. Jessie warned me that this guy was very rough and that he was ex military so I should be prepared. When we got there the man immediately asked Jessie why he was there because this was a matter between him and the parents. He also asked who I was and what I was doing there. When I explained that I was the person who invited the children to Canada he just told me to leave the room. The man was definitely scary. He had a chat with the parents and then told us to come back next Wednesday. Not sure why we have to wait a week, but I think he was just trying to show his power. So, we’ll see what happens next week.
That’s it for now.
Jenn
Positive
Today I took Jimmy with me to Kampala and we had a great day, just the two of us. The day started by me taking him to get tested at the International Clinic. We could have went to a local cheap place but I wanted some questioned answered and to make sure he was getting good care. As expected the test came back positive. We spent some time talking to the doctor about the treatment and how he should be taking it. He seems ok with the whole thing and never really showed any signs that he was upset or sad.
After the doctor I took him to a local muzungu restaurant for a treat. I guess I didn’t think about what a shock it would be for him to go to such a place. When we arrived his eyes got really big and he was surprised at how big the place was. When I asked him what he would like to eat he just told me to order for him because he didn’t know what anything was. I tried explaining what a burger was and what a few other things were, like pizza. In the end, after consulting a local waiter, we decided he would have a chicken burger. When it arrived, again his eyes got really big because he was surprised at the size of it. I could tell that he didn’t know what to do with it because he was looking at me for guidance, so I told him to cut it in half to make it easier. These kids don’t use utensils they just use their hands, so he was unsure how to properly do it. He tried to use his fork and knife to cut it because it didn’t work so I just cut it for him. Again I assumed that he would just pick it up and bite into it like we would, but instead he took it apart piece by piece and ate one layer at a time, bun, meat, lettuce, tomato and finally bottom bun. It was just a great moment for both of us. At the end of the meal I told him that we could take the leftovers with us. He looked a bit shocked and asked “where will we put it”. I told him that they would wrap it up for us so that we can eat it later. That made him very happy.
After lunch I took him to a large grocery store in the area and again his eyes lit up. He was looking every direction and couldn’t decide on what to look at. We walked around for a bit and I explained what certain things were. They even had a few products from Canada and the US which he was really interested in.
We ran a few more errands (bought more books for 2 schools) then headed back to Mukono. Jimmy went to class and I had a meeting with Kakembo’s parents about the passport process. We finished all the paperwork for both kids and are now ready to take it to the next step. In order for a Ugandan to get a passport it must be signed off on by 3 local chair people and the mayor, all which require bribes or “tips” as they call them here. I have one of the teachers taking care of that tomorrow.
Tonight we had a new volunteer arrive. She is an older lady from England who is very nice. We also sent Ann (the new volunteer from the other day) out to her village. She was terrified and needed to be consoled and hugged. I hope the shock where’s off and she is ok.
Jenn
After the doctor I took him to a local muzungu restaurant for a treat. I guess I didn’t think about what a shock it would be for him to go to such a place. When we arrived his eyes got really big and he was surprised at how big the place was. When I asked him what he would like to eat he just told me to order for him because he didn’t know what anything was. I tried explaining what a burger was and what a few other things were, like pizza. In the end, after consulting a local waiter, we decided he would have a chicken burger. When it arrived, again his eyes got really big because he was surprised at the size of it. I could tell that he didn’t know what to do with it because he was looking at me for guidance, so I told him to cut it in half to make it easier. These kids don’t use utensils they just use their hands, so he was unsure how to properly do it. He tried to use his fork and knife to cut it because it didn’t work so I just cut it for him. Again I assumed that he would just pick it up and bite into it like we would, but instead he took it apart piece by piece and ate one layer at a time, bun, meat, lettuce, tomato and finally bottom bun. It was just a great moment for both of us. At the end of the meal I told him that we could take the leftovers with us. He looked a bit shocked and asked “where will we put it”. I told him that they would wrap it up for us so that we can eat it later. That made him very happy.
After lunch I took him to a large grocery store in the area and again his eyes lit up. He was looking every direction and couldn’t decide on what to look at. We walked around for a bit and I explained what certain things were. They even had a few products from Canada and the US which he was really interested in.
We ran a few more errands (bought more books for 2 schools) then headed back to Mukono. Jimmy went to class and I had a meeting with Kakembo’s parents about the passport process. We finished all the paperwork for both kids and are now ready to take it to the next step. In order for a Ugandan to get a passport it must be signed off on by 3 local chair people and the mayor, all which require bribes or “tips” as they call them here. I have one of the teachers taking care of that tomorrow.
Tonight we had a new volunteer arrive. She is an older lady from England who is very nice. We also sent Ann (the new volunteer from the other day) out to her village. She was terrified and needed to be consoled and hugged. I hope the shock where’s off and she is ok.
Jenn
Monday, February 15, 2010
Ahhhh Villlage Life
This morning the Coline, Ann and myself decided to take a trip out to a village. We wanted to just walk around and see what village life is like. We decided to go to Katosi which is about a 1 hour mutatu ride from Mukono. As usually the mutatu ride was absolutely terrifying. They were driving as fast a possible on old dirt roads and we were swerving everywhere. Believe me if you are going to die in Uganda it won’t be from AIDS or war, but rather any form of transportation.
When we arrived in Katosi we just started walking around. It is a small fishing village on the lake so we took a few pictures of the boats and some crazy birds and then decided to walk further into the remote villages. We of course were swarmed by every child in site yelling “bye muzungu” This went on for the whole time we were there.
It was a great village and we were greeted by everyone on the path. They were all curious why we were walking away from the town and not to the town. When we spoke to them in Lugandian they were all very excited. Especially the older people.
This village wasn’t as remote as the one I went to last time I was in Uganda. In that village they still lived in grass and mud huts and had never seen white people before. I was hoping for more of that, but still enjoyed myself.
After some time we decided to head back to Mukono. The ride back wasn’t so bad but we had a full mutatu (22 people) I think Ann was a bit shocked, but Coline and I were both used to it because we had been here before.
Tonight I cooked dinner for all the volunteers. Spaghetti and tomato sauce from scratch. I don't really cook much at home so I was a bit worried how this would turn out. It was okay but the tomato paste they have here is brown so that color of the sauce was weird. The other volunteers thought it would good. I hope they weren't just saying that to make me feel better.
We have 2 small girls that live with us, Sarah(6 years old) and Katherine (3 years old). Sarah loved watching me good, especially because I had brought some silly gadgets we have in Canada. She never really smiles but we were able to catch a photo of her in the kitchen with me and she actually smiled. It was a nice moment.
Another cool thing was that the president drove by our house. He and his very long line of cars and guards. The people in our area were very excited.
That's it for now. Tomorrow I am taking Jimmy to Kampala to get tested. I will also take him for some Muzungu food. Should be a good time.
Jenn
When we arrived in Katosi we just started walking around. It is a small fishing village on the lake so we took a few pictures of the boats and some crazy birds and then decided to walk further into the remote villages. We of course were swarmed by every child in site yelling “bye muzungu” This went on for the whole time we were there.
It was a great village and we were greeted by everyone on the path. They were all curious why we were walking away from the town and not to the town. When we spoke to them in Lugandian they were all very excited. Especially the older people.
This village wasn’t as remote as the one I went to last time I was in Uganda. In that village they still lived in grass and mud huts and had never seen white people before. I was hoping for more of that, but still enjoyed myself.
After some time we decided to head back to Mukono. The ride back wasn’t so bad but we had a full mutatu (22 people) I think Ann was a bit shocked, but Coline and I were both used to it because we had been here before.
Tonight I cooked dinner for all the volunteers. Spaghetti and tomato sauce from scratch. I don't really cook much at home so I was a bit worried how this would turn out. It was okay but the tomato paste they have here is brown so that color of the sauce was weird. The other volunteers thought it would good. I hope they weren't just saying that to make me feel better.
We have 2 small girls that live with us, Sarah(6 years old) and Katherine (3 years old). Sarah loved watching me good, especially because I had brought some silly gadgets we have in Canada. She never really smiles but we were able to catch a photo of her in the kitchen with me and she actually smiled. It was a nice moment.
Another cool thing was that the president drove by our house. He and his very long line of cars and guards. The people in our area were very excited.
That's it for now. Tomorrow I am taking Jimmy to Kampala to get tested. I will also take him for some Muzungu food. Should be a good time.
Jenn
First Cockroach Sighting
This morning I went to the school to meet the kids for a “play day” It’s Saturday and I thought we were all meeting to just have some fun. My roommate came with me and when we arrived the kids were in class. Apparently they have school on Saturday until 1 pm. I don’t think it is mandatory though.
After they finished their work I put on some music from my stereo that a brought and we blew up some balloons. The kids had a great time hitting them around until they all broke. We played several games and danced to music for a few hours. I took some great video of them dancing and playing.
The rest of the afternoon I spend lying around the guesthouse because it was too hot to do anything else. I think I have officially sweat out every toxin in my body. While I was lying around, Kakembo brought his father over to thank me for everything. He came in from a far village just to say thank you and to meet me. He also gave me a very sweet letter.
He had a new volunteer arrive today. She is also from Canada. We’ve had a good laugh at how many Canadian’s there are here right now. She is young and a bit nervous about being here, so Coline and I have been coaching here through her first days. So far she hasn’t left our side and is afraid to sleep in the bedroom by herself. A bit clingy and completely scared to do anything, so I’m not sure how she is going to manage in the village.
In the evening we watched a movie on my laptop. It was good to feel a little like we were back home. Life can get a bit tough here some times so it’s good to have a few luxuries.
My roommate had the first cockroach sighting this evening. She said it was only one but that’s the first we have seen. I am however making myself familiar with a very large spider in the latrine. Whenever I go in I make sure it is in the corner and not moving before I start my business.
Jenn
After they finished their work I put on some music from my stereo that a brought and we blew up some balloons. The kids had a great time hitting them around until they all broke. We played several games and danced to music for a few hours. I took some great video of them dancing and playing.
The rest of the afternoon I spend lying around the guesthouse because it was too hot to do anything else. I think I have officially sweat out every toxin in my body. While I was lying around, Kakembo brought his father over to thank me for everything. He came in from a far village just to say thank you and to meet me. He also gave me a very sweet letter.
He had a new volunteer arrive today. She is also from Canada. We’ve had a good laugh at how many Canadian’s there are here right now. She is young and a bit nervous about being here, so Coline and I have been coaching here through her first days. So far she hasn’t left our side and is afraid to sleep in the bedroom by herself. A bit clingy and completely scared to do anything, so I’m not sure how she is going to manage in the village.
In the evening we watched a movie on my laptop. It was good to feel a little like we were back home. Life can get a bit tough here some times so it’s good to have a few luxuries.
My roommate had the first cockroach sighting this evening. She said it was only one but that’s the first we have seen. I am however making myself familiar with a very large spider in the latrine. Whenever I go in I make sure it is in the corner and not moving before I start my business.
Jenn
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