Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Back in the U.S.S.R
A slight reference to The Beatles for you. For me, it's back in the U.S.A. Not as catchy.
There isn't anything too exciting to post about as far as travel is concerned, however I did have a pretty fun layover in London. We were able to see all the things a tourist should see in London and I quite enjoyed a delicious meal of fish and chips. Also, I love London. I think that it deserves another trip and a lot more time. It's good to be back home, although I can't stop thinking about what all of my African friends are doing now.
Stay tuned for a couple of picture posts to come on this blog, but in the meantime, I will return to updating my other blog, The Chronicles of Provo, seeing that I return to my Alma Mater this upcoming Wednesday for the Fall Semester.
Thanks for everything and don't forget the people in Africa!
Monday, August 18, 2008
It's the end of Uganda as I know it
Sadly, this week is my final week in Uganda. Time has gone by very quickly. I remember thinking when I arrived in Uganda that this is just like a transfer of my mission, six weeks long. And just like a mission, it is over before you know it. But this post isn't about that. It's about all the things I have done here and how amazing this experience has been.
Uganda is truly unique. Since being here in Africa, I have had the opportunity to see two other African countries, Kenya and Rwanda. Uganda pales in comparison to development to both of these two countries. And the interesting thing about this fact, these two countries neighbor Uganda. What is it about Uganda that is so different, and why is it so far behind in development? I don't really have the answer to these questions, but I am glad these questions exist. If not for these two questions, I would not have had the opportunity to come to this great place and work along side the people here to improve the quality of their lives and eliminate poverty.
Two more members of our group left back for America today, which leaves us with only 9 volunteers left, and by next Sunday, we will have all left Uganda. When volunteers are close to leaving, I think that it is normal to reflect back on what exactly you have accomplished in the time that you have been working. I don't think that all of the things we have done this summer can be measured, or even should be measured, but I would like to reflect on a few things that I will always remember about my time in Uganda.
1) Orphanages - I love the kids here in Uganda. They are never not excited to see a white person. They will literally come running as fast as they can down the rod, yelling at the top of their lungs "Mzungu Byeeeeee!" or "Bonga" (Luganda for rock or "pound it"). They have so much love, it is hard to not love them back. And all of them have the most infectious laugh. I have spent a good portion of my time with the children at one of the Children's homes here in Lugazi called Capstone. The director, Mike, is a good friend of mine now. I will not forget him or his kindness to us, but mostly his kindness to the orphan children he looks after. At this children's home, we have painted, watched movies on a projector we brought with us, played soccer or football as they call it here, and just spending afternoons with the children. Whether that time was spent asking them questions, or them asking us questions, singing and dancing with them, I loved every second of my time there. One of the most memorable time with these children was taking a new orphan boy named Silvah shopping for his own clothes and his first pair of shoes ever. I wish I could take them home with me!
2) PWDs - People with Disabilities. In addition to our weekly meeting with the parents of these children with disabilities, I have assigned myself to visit 4 of the children on a weekly basis to help them overcome their disabilities. First is Sam. Sam suffers from hydrocephalus, water on the brain. He is also blind and has no ability to walk due to severe deformities in his legs. Sam is very poor and his family cannot afford a new wheelchair for him to use. Through our home visits, Sam has learned how to crawl. As a result of reaching this goal, HELP was able to provide same with a new wheelchair customized to his body and conditions to assist him in mobility. The goal was for Sam to be able to crawl to his new wheelchair, and be able to use the wheelchair all by himself, in order to give him the freedom of mobility. One thing I learned from Sam, In America, we see the wheelchair as a form of confinement, but in Africa, the wheelchair sets someone free. Next is Fiona. Fiona has a condition similar to down syndrome, but different. She is deaf and dumb. Through our weekly visits, Fiona has learned how to communicate through a communication mat. A place mat with different pictures of different items such as food, drink, bed/rest, latrine, and emotions to help her communicate with her mom better. She is the most active little girl I have ever seen and spend 5 minutes with her, she will wear you out. But once she sees how tired you are, she will come lay on your lap and give you the biggest hug and hang on until it's time for you to leave. Next is Sheila. Sheila has no use of her right hand, with some brain damage issues as well. She is able to communicate very well, but is quite a bit slower than the othre children. Through our weekly visits to Sheila, she has begun to be able to grip things with her right hand. While the grip is not strong, she is able to hang on to things if they have a strap or handle, making it much easier for her to help her mom around the house. Finally there is Diana. Diana has the exact same disability as Fiona, but more severe. With Diana, we have started to teach her how to write though, because she is able to hear, but she has no ability to speak. There is much work that needs to be done here, but at least she is learning how to write and that comes with many other hidden skills that might not be apparent yet. I love all of these kids and I wish that I was a qualified Doctor and could come back to Uganda to operate on them all for free. One of the great things about our PWD efforts here in Lugazi this summer has been a contact that we established for them. There is a hospital outside of Kampala called Katalemwa Cheshire Home (see previous posts for link). This hospital has agreed to come to Lugazi and hook up with our disability group here to properly diagnose these children and their disabilities, provide them with free medication where possible, and start all who need assistance with mobility on the right track to be able to walk or use certain limbs again.
3) Adobe Stoves - I never thought I would be part of this project from the start. But it has turned into something I love. I have spent a significant amount of email time and posts on this blog to tell you about these stoves, but I love them because they are something that you can really see is making an immediate difference in the lives of everyone who cooks in Uganda. Firewood is so expensive here and the health risks associated with the smoke at huge! The stoves reduce the amount of wood needs to cook food, therefore eliminating cost, and they funnel the smoke away from the cooks and children at the primary schools we have built them at. Overall, I think we will have completed 24 stoves here in Lugazi, but more importantly the knowledge we brought with us for these stoves has been shared with the community and we have already seen others start to build them on their own.
4) Volunteering at the Hospitals and working with the AIDS role models - There isn't much to explain here, but let it be known that a volunteer at the hospitals in Uganda is allowed to do many things that only Medical Doctors are allowed to do in the States. For example, change the bandages of multiple women who had c-sections, and change catheters. Both of which I have done. Disgusting, but memorable to say the least.
I love Uganda. The people are amazing and so welcoming to help. One thing that I have been thinking a lot about lately is the thing I would like to close this post with:
Uganda is truly unique. Since being here in Africa, I have had the opportunity to see two other African countries, Kenya and Rwanda. Uganda pales in comparison to development to both of these two countries. And the interesting thing about this fact, these two countries neighbor Uganda. What is it about Uganda that is so different, and why is it so far behind in development? I don't really have the answer to these questions, but I am glad these questions exist. If not for these two questions, I would not have had the opportunity to come to this great place and work along side the people here to improve the quality of their lives and eliminate poverty.
Two more members of our group left back for America today, which leaves us with only 9 volunteers left, and by next Sunday, we will have all left Uganda. When volunteers are close to leaving, I think that it is normal to reflect back on what exactly you have accomplished in the time that you have been working. I don't think that all of the things we have done this summer can be measured, or even should be measured, but I would like to reflect on a few things that I will always remember about my time in Uganda.
1) Orphanages - I love the kids here in Uganda. They are never not excited to see a white person. They will literally come running as fast as they can down the rod, yelling at the top of their lungs "Mzungu Byeeeeee!" or "Bonga" (Luganda for rock or "pound it"). They have so much love, it is hard to not love them back. And all of them have the most infectious laugh. I have spent a good portion of my time with the children at one of the Children's homes here in Lugazi called Capstone. The director, Mike, is a good friend of mine now. I will not forget him or his kindness to us, but mostly his kindness to the orphan children he looks after. At this children's home, we have painted, watched movies on a projector we brought with us, played soccer or football as they call it here, and just spending afternoons with the children. Whether that time was spent asking them questions, or them asking us questions, singing and dancing with them, I loved every second of my time there. One of the most memorable time with these children was taking a new orphan boy named Silvah shopping for his own clothes and his first pair of shoes ever. I wish I could take them home with me!
2) PWDs - People with Disabilities. In addition to our weekly meeting with the parents of these children with disabilities, I have assigned myself to visit 4 of the children on a weekly basis to help them overcome their disabilities. First is Sam. Sam suffers from hydrocephalus, water on the brain. He is also blind and has no ability to walk due to severe deformities in his legs. Sam is very poor and his family cannot afford a new wheelchair for him to use. Through our home visits, Sam has learned how to crawl. As a result of reaching this goal, HELP was able to provide same with a new wheelchair customized to his body and conditions to assist him in mobility. The goal was for Sam to be able to crawl to his new wheelchair, and be able to use the wheelchair all by himself, in order to give him the freedom of mobility. One thing I learned from Sam, In America, we see the wheelchair as a form of confinement, but in Africa, the wheelchair sets someone free. Next is Fiona. Fiona has a condition similar to down syndrome, but different. She is deaf and dumb. Through our weekly visits, Fiona has learned how to communicate through a communication mat. A place mat with different pictures of different items such as food, drink, bed/rest, latrine, and emotions to help her communicate with her mom better. She is the most active little girl I have ever seen and spend 5 minutes with her, she will wear you out. But once she sees how tired you are, she will come lay on your lap and give you the biggest hug and hang on until it's time for you to leave. Next is Sheila. Sheila has no use of her right hand, with some brain damage issues as well. She is able to communicate very well, but is quite a bit slower than the othre children. Through our weekly visits to Sheila, she has begun to be able to grip things with her right hand. While the grip is not strong, she is able to hang on to things if they have a strap or handle, making it much easier for her to help her mom around the house. Finally there is Diana. Diana has the exact same disability as Fiona, but more severe. With Diana, we have started to teach her how to write though, because she is able to hear, but she has no ability to speak. There is much work that needs to be done here, but at least she is learning how to write and that comes with many other hidden skills that might not be apparent yet. I love all of these kids and I wish that I was a qualified Doctor and could come back to Uganda to operate on them all for free. One of the great things about our PWD efforts here in Lugazi this summer has been a contact that we established for them. There is a hospital outside of Kampala called Katalemwa Cheshire Home (see previous posts for link). This hospital has agreed to come to Lugazi and hook up with our disability group here to properly diagnose these children and their disabilities, provide them with free medication where possible, and start all who need assistance with mobility on the right track to be able to walk or use certain limbs again.
3) Adobe Stoves - I never thought I would be part of this project from the start. But it has turned into something I love. I have spent a significant amount of email time and posts on this blog to tell you about these stoves, but I love them because they are something that you can really see is making an immediate difference in the lives of everyone who cooks in Uganda. Firewood is so expensive here and the health risks associated with the smoke at huge! The stoves reduce the amount of wood needs to cook food, therefore eliminating cost, and they funnel the smoke away from the cooks and children at the primary schools we have built them at. Overall, I think we will have completed 24 stoves here in Lugazi, but more importantly the knowledge we brought with us for these stoves has been shared with the community and we have already seen others start to build them on their own.
4) Volunteering at the Hospitals and working with the AIDS role models - There isn't much to explain here, but let it be known that a volunteer at the hospitals in Uganda is allowed to do many things that only Medical Doctors are allowed to do in the States. For example, change the bandages of multiple women who had c-sections, and change catheters. Both of which I have done. Disgusting, but memorable to say the least.
I love Uganda. The people are amazing and so welcoming to help. One thing that I have been thinking a lot about lately is the thing I would like to close this post with:
People in
Saturday, August 9, 2008
I think that's crazy
Saturday morning. Lugazi, Uganda.
The phone rings, our former cook, Irene, frantically asks our Country Director for the Mayor's phone number, and asks if she can come over. I follow Jackie out the door as quickly as the call came. When we arrive at Irene's home, we find two police officers arguing with our friend Pastor Bill, over a photograph that was taken of these two particular police officers, by Pastor Bill's wife, Linda. Background information is as follows. A girl turned up missin in Lugazi this morning and the last man seen with her was a friend of this particular Pastor. The two police officers, out of uniform and not carrying ID, charged into Pastor Bill's home demanding the location of his friend last seen with the girl. After being refused any information by the police officers, Bill, skeptical of these two men who may or may not really be police officers, pushes them out of his house. In the process, his wife took a picture to capture the two men's identity, just in case. We arrived, in the middle of this chaos and also just as the mayor was arriving. Tha mayor sat down with the pastor and one of the police officers and tried to figure things out. After, getting realtively nowhere, they decided to go to the Police Department and speak to the director to see if this really was "official business." And I find myself, escorting Pastor Bill to the Police Department. At this point, I'm not actually sure how I got involved or who volunteered me to go with Pastor Bill, but what I do know, I don't feel comfortable. I might end up in Ugandan Prison, just because of my association with this man. I realize that I might be in a lot of trouble, but afterall, we are good friends with the Mayor. Still, a scary place to find yourself, when you are 100% not connected with any of the chaos of the morning except that you came along to help a friend, not knowing what kind of "help" they needed, or trouble they were in. Well, long story short, I am writing this all to you know, so I am not in Prison. Nor is Pastor Bill. The director determined that taking a photograph was not a crime, it was protection. And the best part of the whole story... while we were discussing this issue with the director (well, I didn't discuss anything. For the first time in my life, I kept quite the entire length of the meeting) a report came from a different officer that the girl had been found. She had run away. No one was to blame. So we all agreed that this was a big misundrestanding, the Pastor and the Police officer made up and are now friends, and most useful of all, I got the phone number of the Director of Police, who gave us his promise that he would do anything he could to keep us safe. Not that we are in any real danger here, but lets be honest, it's nice to know the police are on your side when you are thousands of miles from home.
Tonight we are going to Mbira Rainforest lodge for dinner and a campfire. I can't wait.
In other news, you really should check out this hospital. They are an incredible partner of our now in working with People of have Disabilities. One of the projects we are working on here in Lugazi. Leave a comment!
The phone rings, our former cook, Irene, frantically asks our Country Director for the Mayor's phone number, and asks if she can come over. I follow Jackie out the door as quickly as the call came. When we arrive at Irene's home, we find two police officers arguing with our friend Pastor Bill, over a photograph that was taken of these two particular police officers, by Pastor Bill's wife, Linda. Background information is as follows. A girl turned up missin in Lugazi this morning and the last man seen with her was a friend of this particular Pastor. The two police officers, out of uniform and not carrying ID, charged into Pastor Bill's home demanding the location of his friend last seen with the girl. After being refused any information by the police officers, Bill, skeptical of these two men who may or may not really be police officers, pushes them out of his house. In the process, his wife took a picture to capture the two men's identity, just in case. We arrived, in the middle of this chaos and also just as the mayor was arriving. Tha mayor sat down with the pastor and one of the police officers and tried to figure things out. After, getting realtively nowhere, they decided to go to the Police Department and speak to the director to see if this really was "official business." And I find myself, escorting Pastor Bill to the Police Department. At this point, I'm not actually sure how I got involved or who volunteered me to go with Pastor Bill, but what I do know, I don't feel comfortable. I might end up in Ugandan Prison, just because of my association with this man. I realize that I might be in a lot of trouble, but afterall, we are good friends with the Mayor. Still, a scary place to find yourself, when you are 100% not connected with any of the chaos of the morning except that you came along to help a friend, not knowing what kind of "help" they needed, or trouble they were in. Well, long story short, I am writing this all to you know, so I am not in Prison. Nor is Pastor Bill. The director determined that taking a photograph was not a crime, it was protection. And the best part of the whole story... while we were discussing this issue with the director (well, I didn't discuss anything. For the first time in my life, I kept quite the entire length of the meeting) a report came from a different officer that the girl had been found. She had run away. No one was to blame. So we all agreed that this was a big misundrestanding, the Pastor and the Police officer made up and are now friends, and most useful of all, I got the phone number of the Director of Police, who gave us his promise that he would do anything he could to keep us safe. Not that we are in any real danger here, but lets be honest, it's nice to know the police are on your side when you are thousands of miles from home.
Tonight we are going to Mbira Rainforest lodge for dinner and a campfire. I can't wait.
In other news, you really should check out this hospital. They are an incredible partner of our now in working with People of have Disabilities. One of the projects we are working on here in Lugazi. Leave a comment!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Pictures
To whom it may concern:
I would like to take a quick moment to explain exactly why I have not posted any pictures on this blog from Uganda or sent any home in my emails. I promise, this is the last post for today...maybe.
Reason: viruses. Viruses have free reign on computers in Africa. I do not think they know what anti-virus software is. So that being said, I do not dare upload pictures to my jump drive from the computers at home, because every virus would then transfer over to my jump drive and destroy the computers at home. In fact, it has already happened. Someone else figured this out for us. Also, we have unfortunately found out that these viruses also transfer over to cameras when you plug in your camera to a computer to download picture from the card, erasing all pictures and destroying your camera. I am not about to risk any of those things. I just want you to know that I have tons of pictures and can't wait to share them all with you when I return in a few weeks. Time goes by so fast...
Until that time, send me an email! james.uganda@gmail.com
I would like to take a quick moment to explain exactly why I have not posted any pictures on this blog from Uganda or sent any home in my emails. I promise, this is the last post for today...maybe.
Reason: viruses. Viruses have free reign on computers in Africa. I do not think they know what anti-virus software is. So that being said, I do not dare upload pictures to my jump drive from the computers at home, because every virus would then transfer over to my jump drive and destroy the computers at home. In fact, it has already happened. Someone else figured this out for us. Also, we have unfortunately found out that these viruses also transfer over to cameras when you plug in your camera to a computer to download picture from the card, erasing all pictures and destroying your camera. I am not about to risk any of those things. I just want you to know that I have tons of pictures and can't wait to share them all with you when I return in a few weeks. Time goes by so fast...
Until that time, send me an email! james.uganda@gmail.com
10 things you might not know about Uganda
1. the price of goods/souvenirs increases significantly if you are a mzungu.
2. every Ugandan loves a food called Matooke (unsweetened bananas - more starch-like)
3. they speak a beautiful language called Luganda and laugh every time I try to say the few words I thought I knew
4. water at your house can actually run out and you must wait for the whole tank to fill before you can use water again for any purpose (dishes, showering, etc.)
5. related to number 4, the water is never hot here, which is strange because most Africans think drinking water is too cold. Therefore they actually wait for the end of their meal to drink their water so the water has a chance to heat up.
6. pineapple and mangoes are delicious here and are cheaper than dirt
7. power/electricity is available, but only when it wants to be.
8. the cost of a taxi to Jinja depends on the driver - that goes for the cost of anything.
9. if you do not support Manchester United or any other UK soccer club, you are an outcast.
10. the people are the warmest, friendliest, most religious, loving people I have ever met. They are truly amazing. Especially their children.
2. every Ugandan loves a food called Matooke (unsweetened bananas - more starch-like)
3. they speak a beautiful language called Luganda and laugh every time I try to say the few words I thought I knew
4. water at your house can actually run out and you must wait for the whole tank to fill before you can use water again for any purpose (dishes, showering, etc.)
5. related to number 4, the water is never hot here, which is strange because most Africans think drinking water is too cold. Therefore they actually wait for the end of their meal to drink their water so the water has a chance to heat up.
6. pineapple and mangoes are delicious here and are cheaper than dirt
7. power/electricity is available, but only when it wants to be.
8. the cost of a taxi to Jinja depends on the driver - that goes for the cost of anything.
9. if you do not support Manchester United or any other UK soccer club, you are an outcast.
10. the people are the warmest, friendliest, most religious, loving people I have ever met. They are truly amazing. Especially their children.
How we get around
1. Foot - this would be our main mode of transportation in Africa. Probably because it is easiest and no one can try to rip you off by overcharging for walking.
2. Taxi - picture the most ghetto bus imaginable, subtract any comfortable qualities, and you have a Ugandan taxi. They are truly amazing. There are 5 rows available for 3 passengers, but I have never been on a taxi with less than 18 people. The most I have been with on a taxi is 24 + chickens. Speed limits? Ugandans have never heard of such a thing.
3. Boda-Boda - I learned that this term has been shortened from what it once was, "border-border." These are motorcycle taxis usually seating one comfortably, plus the driver, but I have been on/witnessed many boda-bodas with whole families hanging on for dear life. These are by far the funnest way to travel, but also the scariest in traffic. You would only ride one of these in Kampala if you were suicidal.
4. Private taxi - you hire a driver, they drive you around in whatever ghetto car they might have and you pay through the nose for it. However, they are effective if you are in a time crunch and you would like a little more leg room.
And that my friends, is how we do it in Africa.
2. Taxi - picture the most ghetto bus imaginable, subtract any comfortable qualities, and you have a Ugandan taxi. They are truly amazing. There are 5 rows available for 3 passengers, but I have never been on a taxi with less than 18 people. The most I have been with on a taxi is 24 + chickens. Speed limits? Ugandans have never heard of such a thing.
3. Boda-Boda - I learned that this term has been shortened from what it once was, "border-border." These are motorcycle taxis usually seating one comfortably, plus the driver, but I have been on/witnessed many boda-bodas with whole families hanging on for dear life. These are by far the funnest way to travel, but also the scariest in traffic. You would only ride one of these in Kampala if you were suicidal.
4. Private taxi - you hire a driver, they drive you around in whatever ghetto car they might have and you pay through the nose for it. However, they are effective if you are in a time crunch and you would like a little more leg room.
And that my friends, is how we do it in Africa.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Jendi Ssebo!
I promise, that post about transportaion in Africa is coming... but for now, here you go.
It is a challenge to find time to come to the internet cafe (p.s. -- not really a cafe, more like hole in the wall). I feel badly for that, because I would love to stay more in touch with you all, but afterall, I will be home faster than we all think. Time goes by very quickly here, mostly because we are busy with projects all day, but that is also a blessing.
Speaking of projects, let me update you a little bit on some of the work going on here in Lugazi. Last time, I wrote I don't think I had been made aware of this yet, but Every volunteer is made a lead over certain projects. This last week, assignments were made and I was made lead over Orphanages (perfect) and PWDs - or person's with dissabilties (also perfect). That is not to say that I spend all of my time on these projects, but I am in charge of making sure that work gets done in these two particular areas. The orphanges I love. We are currently working with one Orphange here in Lugazi and another a couple of kilometers away in a town called Mbiku. The one here in Lugazi is called Capstone. The kids here are so great and very loving. They will take all the attention they can get! This last Tuesday, we took our projector and laptop over to the orphanage and showed the kids the movie Cars. They LOVED it. They understand English surprisingly well and for all of them, it was the first time to see a movie. I took plenty of pictures, but I cannot post them until I am back in America. The next day, we were invited back to play soccer with all of the kids. They schooled us and once again reminded us Americans that soccer is not our sport. This week, we are going back to the orphanage tomorrow to paint and do other service oriented activities for the physical building itself with the kids help and later on this week, my program will get introduced at this orphan home. We have invited secondary (high school level) students to come with us to volunteer at the orphanage to help us with arts and crafts and to assign them each an orphan child to be a big sister or brother too. I am very excited to see it begin. The other orphanage is quite a bit smaller. It is also further away, so more difficult to work in, but we are trying to build a chicken coup and provide this orphanage with hens and roosters. Hopefully, this will provide them with some responsibility, food, and a source of income to provide some other things they need. PWDs is a different project. Every thursday, our team meets with the Mothers of these children with disabilities. In these meetings, some volunteers play with the children while others discuss ways to handle children with disabilities and ways to bring in income so that they mothers can provide the medical help their children need. On the other days of the week, a companionship of volunteers goes and makes home visits to each of these children and follows up on the things discussed in the meetings, goes through exercises and stretches with these children to make their disabilities stronger and discuss goals that can be reached. These children all work towards making their disability stronger through these exercises and if they reach the goals we set with them continually, we provide things to aid them such as crutches, wheel chairs, beds pans and mattresses as as reward for hard work...things they could never afford on their own. So that is always fun, plus the kids are amazingly funny, energetic, good spirited. I love them.
It is a challenge to find time to come to the internet cafe (p.s. -- not really a cafe, more like hole in the wall). I feel badly for that, because I would love to stay more in touch with you all, but afterall, I will be home faster than we all think. Time goes by very quickly here, mostly because we are busy with projects all day, but that is also a blessing.
Speaking of projects, let me update you a little bit on some of the work going on here in Lugazi. Last time, I wrote I don't think I had been made aware of this yet, but Every volunteer is made a lead over certain projects. This last week, assignments were made and I was made lead over Orphanages (perfect) and PWDs - or person's with dissabilties (also perfect). That is not to say that I spend all of my time on these projects, but I am in charge of making sure that work gets done in these two particular areas. The orphanges I love. We are currently working with one Orphange here in Lugazi and another a couple of kilometers away in a town called Mbiku. The one here in Lugazi is called Capstone. The kids here are so great and very loving. They will take all the attention they can get! This last Tuesday, we took our projector and laptop over to the orphanage and showed the kids the movie Cars. They LOVED it. They understand English surprisingly well and for all of them, it was the first time to see a movie. I took plenty of pictures, but I cannot post them until I am back in America. The next day, we were invited back to play soccer with all of the kids. They schooled us and once again reminded us Americans that soccer is not our sport. This week, we are going back to the orphanage tomorrow to paint and do other service oriented activities for the physical building itself with the kids help and later on this week, my program will get introduced at this orphan home. We have invited secondary (high school level) students to come with us to volunteer at the orphanage to help us with arts and crafts and to assign them each an orphan child to be a big sister or brother too. I am very excited to see it begin. The other orphanage is quite a bit smaller. It is also further away, so more difficult to work in, but we are trying to build a chicken coup and provide this orphanage with hens and roosters. Hopefully, this will provide them with some responsibility, food, and a source of income to provide some other things they need. PWDs is a different project. Every thursday, our team meets with the Mothers of these children with disabilities. In these meetings, some volunteers play with the children while others discuss ways to handle children with disabilities and ways to bring in income so that they mothers can provide the medical help their children need. On the other days of the week, a companionship of volunteers goes and makes home visits to each of these children and follows up on the things discussed in the meetings, goes through exercises and stretches with these children to make their disabilities stronger and discuss goals that can be reached. These children all work towards making their disability stronger through these exercises and if they reach the goals we set with them continually, we provide things to aid them such as crutches, wheel chairs, beds pans and mattresses as as reward for hard work...things they could never afford on their own. So that is always fun, plus the kids are amazingly funny, energetic, good spirited. I love them.
Other projects I worked on this week include but are not limited to more adobe stoves and the construction of a new school room for Ssanyu Primary school. Later on this week, I begin my first volunteer hours at the HIV/aids clinic in Lugazi. I'm not sure what to expect when that happens because the last volunteers who went ended up delivering two babies... crazy. And no, they are not doctors either.
As I have mentioned before, we work Monday through Friday, so that leaves weekends open to travel. This last weekend, we took a sweet trip to a resort called Sipi Falls, in the town of Sipi. This place was amazing. For two nights, 6 delicious american meals, guided hikes to the waterfalls and through the surrounding villages, plus an amazing view while staying in these awesome bamboo cabins, it only cost us about $100. Anywhere else but Africa, that would have easily been $1000. So we felt like it was an incredible deal. Plus, it was the best weekend so far. I have a tone of pictures that I can't wait to show you all, but sorry, it will have to wait.
Well, like I said, I hope you all are well. I am doing great. It is hard to write everything down and do it justice. We are working so hard and the people here love us. They treat us so well and always thank us. They truly are so loving and friendly and especially grateful for our work. I wish I could descirbe it to you better. The projects are a success and the work here is amazing. Have a good week!
Monday, July 21, 2008
What I now call home
Uganda is everything that I expected it to be and probably even more. After 40 hours of travel, with close to another 24 hours in layovers, I finally arrived/landed in Entebbe Thursday afternoon around 2 p.m. local time. From there, we took a taxi to my new home town of Lugazi, about a 2 hour drive because the traffic is like nothing you have ever experienced before. That will be a post for another time --- transportation in Africa. For now, this is just the catch you up facts. I don't think I have ever had a warmer welcome. The children from the entire village of Nakkazadde (the neighborhood if you will of Lugazi that we live in) chased our taxi bus down the road to our home, shouting Mzungu! Mzungu! (Losely interpretted -- light skin or white skin person) It is funny, we are all known as Mzungus around here. It is not offensive it is the best way for them to get our attnetion. Is it about the only word any of us know in Lugandan. Anyways, the remainder of this day included rest and dinner (beans and rice) and a little bit of orientations to some of the programs and people working within HELP. Friday was the first day of actions. After a delcious breakfast from some street vendors called chipotee (tortilla like pancakes that you can put just about anything on and are used for every meal) we went right to work in primary school building an adobe stove. At first I was kind of uninterested in this program because I thought time could be better spent elsewhere. But after seeing how much smoke and what horrible conditions the cooks of these schools work in, I am thouroughly convinced of just how important these stoves really are. At HELP, we are expected to work Monday - Friday, very much like a normal work week, but we are priveledged to have weekends off. This particular weekend, a group of had an incredible adventure. For $100, you can spend a full day white water rafting the Nile, the worlds best class 5 rapid river, three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner,) and an overnight stay at their hotel. It was incredible. And let me just say, I spent the first part of my summer doing white water almost every day... The snake has nothing on the Nile. The rapids are HUGE! So fun! Anyways, when sunday rolled around, we took a boda boda (scooter/dirtbikes) to church in Jinga. A town not more than 15 minutes away. They have a wonderful branch of the LDS Church there and the members were very friendly and warm. That is one thing about Uganda. Everyone is so dang nice and they always look after the Mzungus. Granted they try to charge you more sometimes, but they will always make sure you get home at night. The rest of Sunday was spent relaxing and recovering. And that brings us to today, Monday. I spent the better part of the day walking around to different primary schools, talking to headmasters about adobe stoves and checking on some other adobe stoves previously built here in Lugazi. And I also participated in a womens group, teaching English. Today's lesson was geography and explaining to people where you are from and where you live and the surrounding areas. It went very well and the women caught on quickly. Tomorrow, I get started on my project. For those of you who do not know, I am working with secondary schools and orphanges to implement a big brother/ big sister program. I will post more about that next time, until then... email me! - james.uganda@gmail.com
I hope you are all well!
One last thing, I will not post pictures because apparently the computers here all have viruses and plugging my camera into the USB connections ruins it. I don't think so... Sorry, you will have to wait til next time.
I hope you are all well!
One last thing, I will not post pictures because apparently the computers here all have viruses and plugging my camera into the USB connections ruins it. I don't think so... Sorry, you will have to wait til next time.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
On the Move
I should have said something yesterday, since it was the first official day of travel and adventure to Africa, but time escaped me. So this update comes to you from London, where I have seen nothing but terminal 4 and the River Thames from the air. That being said, I am looking forward to discovering more of London during my layover here on the trip home. I just wanted you all to know, that everything is fine. No problems so far, just long waits for flights. From here, I will fly to Nairobi, wait there for 6 hours and fly 1 more hour to Uganda. Well, I would love to here from you all. So drop me a comment on here, or send me an email --- james.uganda@gmail.com
Thursday, June 19, 2008
A few things are official
Starting with my plane ticket. Bought and paid for. (Twenty dollars to anyone that can cite that movie reference.)
I'm almost as excited about my itinerary as I am the trip to Uganda itself.
On July 15, I fly from Houston to Chicago, were I meet up with another volunteer before catching an evening flight to London. From London, the journey continues to Nairobi and after landing in Nairobi, the final stretch is a short flight to Entebbe, Uganda. The trip home follows the same course, however I have a 20 hour layover in London. Should make for a really fun time, if I'm not too exhausted from so much travel and service beforehand.
The other official thing, I am vaccinated for the next 100 years probably. Today I had a travel consultation and in this meeting with Dr. Blue, I received a Rx for Larium - Malaria prevention, typhoid fever vaccination, yellow fever vaccination, polio boosters, tetanus booster, and diphtheria booster. Needless to say, my left arm is sore and my pocketbook is a little less full, but I feel good and safe now.
Everything is coming up so fast. I can't wait. Less than one month!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
A picture is worth one thousand words
Here are a few videos made by past HELP Volunteers that were posted. One is from 2007, the other is from 2006. Enjoy.
Hopefully this will give you a better idea of just SOME of the things I will be doing this Summer.
Only 2 months...
Hopefully this will give you a better idea of just SOME of the things I will be doing this Summer.
Only 2 months...
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Up and Running
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Many of you know, but in case you are stumbling across this for the first time, I am traveling to Uganda this summer with a poverty alleviation group called HELP International. I am starting this blog to keep everyone up-to-date on preparations and in-country activity.
Where is Uganda you ask? Well, thank you Wikipedia. Located on the African continent, Uganda is a small landlocked country bordered on the east by Kenya, the north by Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by Tanzania.
Up until this point, my preparations have included 5 trainings, 4 hours a piece on topics such as public health and safety, security and introduction to development, project planning and implementation, inter-cultural communication and understanding yourself as a tool, and finally orphanage activity and recreational therapy. These trainings have been very useful and have given me a introduction to what to expect in third world country development and alleviating poverty. Which brings me to my next point. What exactly will I be doing in Uganda?
HELP International specializes in working with NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) in country to help the people overcome the barriers of poverty. Whatever the country needs, HELP volunteers make it happen. I plan on working in a few different projects this summer including building adobe stoves in villages to reduce respiratory illnesses, health clinics - educating the people on HIV/AIDS awareness and how it can be treated, teaching English and basic mathematics to younger children and others interested, and my personal favorite -- working in HIV/AIDS orphanages. HELP International is a unique organization in the sense that they allow their volunteers to brainstorm, plan, and implement their own projects as needs arise. I am working on launching a new program in some of the smaller HIV/AIDS orphanages that will mimic a "Big Brother/Big Sister" program in order to provide some of these children with much needed attention. More to come on this later...
If you have any ideas, please feel free to comment and let me know. These can be your projects too. I know that many people would love to have opportunities like this. I am blessed to have the time this summer to do so. But there are many ways you can help out too. Your ideas for helping will be much appreciated or you may be in a position to donate financially to the program. (See information below)
I am excited for this opportunity and express my extreme appreciation and gratitude for any possible support you can offer.
Please do not feel obligated to donate. The bottom line reason for this blog is to keep my friends updated on my summer in Africa. If after reviewing this information, you are interested in supporting this cause, I would appreciate having your donation go toward my fundraising efforts. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at my email address: james.uganda@gmail.com. Please know that 100% of all donations will go directly to sponsoring the projects my group will be involved with in Uganda this summer.
While I would not impose on others to fund my education or other important goals, I hope the charitable nature of this project might appeal to those who for many reasons are unable to serve in such a way themselves.
It is my goal to raise $4000 by June 15th. I am sure you have found many unique ways to help others throughout your life. I feel that many people would do more to help people in poor nations of the world if they only knew where and how they could help in a meaningful and lasting way. I invite you to invest in our work at HELP International. Together we can create real and meaningful change in the lives of many people who are not as fortunate as we are. Thanks for checking this out. Feel free to post questions or comments. And for sure, stay tuned.
Donation Information:
All donations are tax-deductible. Checks should be made payable to “HELP International” with my name “James Brown” on the memo line, and sent to the HELP International office listed below.
HELP International
363 N.University Ave. #110
Provo, UT 84601
You may also choose to donate online at the HELP website. Be sure to specify whom the donation is for.
*An Important Word About Tax Deductible Donations
HELP International is a registered 501(c)3 public charity with the IRS. We are registered with the State of Utah’s Department of Consumer Protection. Likewise, we abide by local laws and regulations. Our 990 forms are public documents and available upon request.
The HELP International Tax ID Number: Some potential donors, especially businesses or other institutions, will need the HELP International Federal Tax Identification Number, or EIN. You may call the HELP International office at 801-374-0556 to obtain this documentation.
Be sure to contact HELP International if you have any questions about tax deductibility issues, as it is extremely important to represent the HELP International organization and tax-deductible donations accurately.
Many of you know, but in case you are stumbling across this for the first time, I am traveling to Uganda this summer with a poverty alleviation group called HELP International. I am starting this blog to keep everyone up-to-date on preparations and in-country activity.
Where is Uganda you ask? Well, thank you Wikipedia. Located on the African continent, Uganda is a small landlocked country bordered on the east by Kenya, the north by Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by Tanzania.
Up until this point, my preparations have included 5 trainings, 4 hours a piece on topics such as public health and safety, security and introduction to development, project planning and implementation, inter-cultural communication and understanding yourself as a tool, and finally orphanage activity and recreational therapy. These trainings have been very useful and have given me a introduction to what to expect in third world country development and alleviating poverty. Which brings me to my next point. What exactly will I be doing in Uganda?
HELP International specializes in working with NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) in country to help the people overcome the barriers of poverty. Whatever the country needs, HELP volunteers make it happen. I plan on working in a few different projects this summer including building adobe stoves in villages to reduce respiratory illnesses, health clinics - educating the people on HIV/AIDS awareness and how it can be treated, teaching English and basic mathematics to younger children and others interested, and my personal favorite -- working in HIV/AIDS orphanages. HELP International is a unique organization in the sense that they allow their volunteers to brainstorm, plan, and implement their own projects as needs arise. I am working on launching a new program in some of the smaller HIV/AIDS orphanages that will mimic a "Big Brother/Big Sister" program in order to provide some of these children with much needed attention. More to come on this later...
If you have any ideas, please feel free to comment and let me know. These can be your projects too. I know that many people would love to have opportunities like this. I am blessed to have the time this summer to do so. But there are many ways you can help out too. Your ideas for helping will be much appreciated or you may be in a position to donate financially to the program. (See information below)
I am excited for this opportunity and express my extreme appreciation and gratitude for any possible support you can offer.
Please do not feel obligated to donate. The bottom line reason for this blog is to keep my friends updated on my summer in Africa. If after reviewing this information, you are interested in supporting this cause, I would appreciate having your donation go toward my fundraising efforts. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at my email address: james.uganda@gmail.com. Please know that 100% of all donations will go directly to sponsoring the projects my group will be involved with in Uganda this summer.
While I would not impose on others to fund my education or other important goals, I hope the charitable nature of this project might appeal to those who for many reasons are unable to serve in such a way themselves.
It is my goal to raise $4000 by June 15th. I am sure you have found many unique ways to help others throughout your life. I feel that many people would do more to help people in poor nations of the world if they only knew where and how they could help in a meaningful and lasting way. I invite you to invest in our work at HELP International. Together we can create real and meaningful change in the lives of many people who are not as fortunate as we are. Thanks for checking this out. Feel free to post questions or comments. And for sure, stay tuned.
Donation Information:
All donations are tax-deductible. Checks should be made payable to “HELP International” with my name “James Brown” on the memo line, and sent to the HELP International office listed below.
HELP International
363 N.University Ave. #110
Provo, UT 84601
You may also choose to donate online at the HELP website. Be sure to specify whom the donation is for.
*An Important Word About Tax Deductible Donations
HELP International is a registered 501(c)3 public charity with the IRS. We are registered with the State of Utah’s Department of Consumer Protection. Likewise, we abide by local laws and regulations. Our 990 forms are public documents and available upon request.
The HELP International Tax ID Number: Some potential donors, especially businesses or other institutions, will need the HELP International Federal Tax Identification Number, or EIN. You may call the HELP International office at 801-374-0556 to obtain this documentation.
Be sure to contact HELP International if you have any questions about tax deductibility issues, as it is extremely important to represent the HELP International organization and tax-deductible donations accurately.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
